Snowboard binding

<u>Technical area</u>

p0001The invention relates to the field of gliding sports, and more particularly to snowboarding. It is more particularly special arrangements for a snowboard binding. These arrangements allow an easily modifiable by the user adjusting the position of the hoop and / or the highback with respect to the base.

<u>pRIOR ART</u>

p0002Generally, a snowboard binding comprises a base which is intended to be secured to the top face of the gliding board. This base frequently receives a rear hoop, which supports a trough configured to receive the rear thrust exerted by the user. Sometimes the gutter is hinged directly on the base itself.

p0003It has already been proposed, and in particular in the documents <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US6364323B"><text>US 6364323</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US6283482B"><text>US 6283482</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="EP1142615A"><text>EP 1142615</text></patcit> to make certain parts of the binding, in particular the hoop, adjustable relative to the base. Indeed, this setting allows adapting the attachment to different boot sizes, which is particularly appreciated for the rental of equipment, or when the user changes boots. Similarly, the position of the gutter can be adjusted to accommodate the practice of the user. Thus, the angle of inclination of the spoiler can be adjusted more or less forward by moving a stop cooperating with the arch. Similarly the position of the spoiler relative to the hoop can be changed by rotation around the leg, so as to permit proper support instead of the inner side of the leg.

p0004Thus, the need arises to allow adjustment of the longitudinal position of the rack, or the position or inclination or rotation of the highback with respect to the arch, or even of the longitudinal position of the highback with respect to the base.

p0005In the documents mentioned above, this adjustment is by means of a manually operated mechanism that includes an operating lever associated with a cam system or eccentric. Thus, depending on the position of the manipulation lever, a force is exerted to press or not a zone of the movable part, on the box next to the fixed part, and typically of the arch on the base, or the stop relative to the gutter.

p0006It is appreciated that this type of mechanism operating with eccentric systems is limited, since the holding in position of the fixed part with respect to the movable part is only due to the force exerted at the forming area of ​​the cam lever. The mechanical stresses are essentially concentrated at this level, with inevitably a limitation of the holding force, to avoid breakage of the mechanism at the rotational axis.

p0007A problem to be solved by the invention is that of increasing the security of the binding of moving parts compared to fixed parts, and while allowing manual operation, without the need for tools.

<u>Disclosure of Invention</u>

p0008The invention therefore relates to a snowboard binding that includes two parts movable relative with respect to each other, and typically the arch relative to the base, or the spoiler relative to the hoop or even the abutment of inclination with respect to the gutter.

p0009This attachment comprises in known manner, a manually operated mechanism allowing the positional adjustment and locking of the two parts relative to each other.

p0010According to the invention, this mechanism includes a manipulation lever, hinged to a fork, and a link member relative to the lever, which is capable of moving under the effect of movement of the locking lever. This element can therefore move to allow or block the movement of the parts relative to each other.

p0011In other words, the invention consists in providing a locking mechanism including a locking member forms a part which penetrates inside one of the parts of the binding, for example the arch, so that it is impossible for the movable portion to move relative to the other fixed part, namely the base, even with a very high degree of stress.

p0012This locking part can then be extracted from the movable part, with a so perpendicular to the displacement movement subsequently cleared movement between the parts movable relative to each other. This locking member can then be moved again, so as to cooperate with a housing, or more generally an area ensuring its engagement with respect to the mobile part.

p0013In practice, the articulated member relative to the lever is guided in its translational movement in the fork by means of a first guide slot formed in the yoke. This first light is thus parallel to the displacement movement of the locking piece, and therefore perpendicular to the surface of the movable part into which the locking piece.

p0014Additionally, the cap has a second light guide, guiding the rotation of the operating lever.

p0015In practice, several embodiments may be implemented, as the part for locking is either pivotably articulated element relative to the lever or the yoke.

p0016Thus, in the first embodiment, the locking piece is capable of moving between and a position in which it is retracted, and a position in which it is engaged in a housing chosen from a plurality of housings. These housings are formed in the fixing portion that is movable relative to that in which the yoke is secured.

p0017This manipulation lever comprises a region receiving a guide follower in translation which is extended by the locking piece. The relative geometry of the two guiding lights of the screed therefore causes movement of the locking piece during the rotation of the manipulation lever.

p0018In practice, the locking element can adopt different geometries. Thus, in a first embodiment, the locking piece may be formed by a lug, preferably having a generally cylindrical section.

p0019Thus, in this case, the housings formed in the movable part can advantageously partially overlap and communicate. In this case, the lug may then advantageously comprise two separate sections, namely a first section of complementary shape to the housing, and a second section of smaller dimensions allowing transverse passage toward an adjacent housing.

p0020In other words, the movement of the lug retracts the widest portion of the pin, leaving engaged the smaller section of the pin, which can move from one apartment to another by simple translation.

p0021In another embodiment, the locking piece may be provided with teeth for engaging with complementary housings located on the moveable part. In this way, the number of teeth on the moving part is greater, the locking piece can occupy several distinct positions each corresponding to a setting position of the movable part.

p0022The locking mechanism may be designed such that the pin is screwed into a part which is on the one hand, guided in translation in the first lumen of the yoke, and on the other hand, mounted to rotate relative to the lever manipulation. In this way, it is possible to ensure the mounting of the pin after assembly of the yoke and of the manipulation lever, the face opposite that of the lever. This screwing capacity will also adjust the game taken by the ergot As manipulations.

p0023In this case, the end of the lug may comprise an indentation for screwing this pin with a tool during assembly or maintenance.

p0024In the second embodiment, where the locking piece is formed by all or part of the cap, the latter may have a face that comes opposite one of the part of the attachment, with which it cooperates to ensure the locking of the two parts of the binding. In a particular embodiment, this surface of the yoke is provided with teeth for engaging with complementary housings located on the moveable part of the binding.

p0025In practice, this control system may be arranged to allow adjustment of the rear bow or the spoiler relative to the base through one or more levers of handling, arranged on one side or both sides of the the base. Similarly, the gutter, and more particularly its points of articulation with respect to the headband can also be made adjustable by the invention.

p0026This same mechanism can also be used to allow adjustment of the stop ensuring the tipping limiting of the highback. In this case, the stop is integral or formed by a part of the yoke. This screed is then movable relative to the gutter, considered as the fixed part.

<u>Brief description of figures</u>

p0027The manner of implementing the invention, and the advantages thereof will appear from the description of embodiments below, in support of the appended figures in which: <ul><li>The <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> is an exploded summary perspective view of a binding whose arch has a longitudinal adjustment of capacity relative to the base.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref> is a perspective schematic perspective of the arch of the attachment of the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>, Shown in isolation from the base, which only remain locking mechanisms.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref> is a top view of the attachment of the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> showing the two locking mechanisms in different states.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0002">4</figref> is an exploded view of the locking mechanism shown assembled and disassembled.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0003">Figures 5 and 6</figref> are sectional views of the locking mechanism shown in a locking position and retracted respectively.</li><li>The <figref idrefs="f0003">Figures 7 and 8</figref> are sectional views of an alternative embodiment, for adjusting the tilt stop mounted to the rear of a gutter of the binding.</li></ul>

<u>Embodiment of the invention</u>

p0028The fastener (1) illustrated in <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> generally comprises a base (2) which is intended to be secured to the surfboard, for example by means of a not shown central disc cooperating with an opening (3) formed in the central portion of the base (2).

p0029This base (2) comprises two lateral flanks (4, 5) upstanding from each side of the base, and each equipped with a slot (6, 7) inside which can slide one end before (11, 12) of the rear bow (10).

p0030To ensure the adjustment in position of this hoop (10), the ends (11, 12) thereof are equipped with an elongate slot (13) longitudinally, which comprises a plurality of housings (15) of generally circular shape.

p0031In the form illustrated in the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>These housings (15) are generally circular and are separated by a distance less than their diameter, so that they partially overlap and communicate.

p0032Of course, these recesses (15) can also be made directly inside the lumen (13) formed in the arch (10).

p0033The mechanism (20) for locking as shown in an exploded view to the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>Substantially comprises a yoke (21) which is integral with the base, and which comprises two guide openings (22, 23). Said yoke (21) is a locking lug (25) which is integral with an intermediate part (26) of cylindrical general shape, comprising two tabs (27) for guiding at its flat faces (28). These guide pins (27) are able to slide in a first guide slot (23) formed in the yoke (21).

p0034This intermediate part (26) is disposed within a cylindrical housing (31) of complementary shape formed in the operating lever (30). This lever (30) partially penetrates into the yoke (21) and is articulated with respect to the latter through an axis of rotation (33) itself engaging a second guide lumen (22) substantially perpendicular to the first light guide (23).

p0035The entire bracket (10) and two locking mechanisms is illustrated in <figref idrefs="f0001">2</figref>. The mechanism (20 ') shown forward is in the retracted position, the opposite mechanism (20 ") being in an unlocked position.

p0036As illustrated more in detail in <figref idrefs="f0002">4</figref>, The spigot is screwed into an internal thread (29) formed in the intermediate part (26). This screwing can be performed through the mold cavity (35) formed in the end of the lug (25), and which is visible through the aperture (36) formed in the side face (4) of the base and illustrated in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref>.

p0037To allow the movement of the intermediate piece (26), and therefore the lug (25) relative to the lever (30), the latter has an opening (37) for passing the portion (38) of the lug (25) opposite its zone (36) cooperating with the housing of the hoop.

p0038More specifically, and as illustrated in <figref idrefs="f0003">Figures 5 and 6</figref>, The lug (25) has in its portion (36) cooperating with two different sections housing. The first section (40) located closest to the lever (30) has a larger diameter and which corresponds to the diameter of the housing (15) made in the bar (10). The end portion (41) of the pin for its part has a slightly smaller diameter, corresponding to the space between the walls delimiting the housing (15) of the hoop. Thus, the extremal portion (41) of the lug (25) can move from one housing to another, when as shown in<figref idrefs="f0003">6</figref>, The lug (25) is in the retracted position.

p0039This arrangement permits in particular to prevent the arch (10) to disengage from the base (2) unexpectedly, without using a stop mechanism integral to the shape of the arch.

p0040The <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref> illustrates a configuration of the fastener during a setting operation. Thus, the mechanism (20 ") shown in the upper part is in the locked position, such that the lug (25") is as illustrated in<figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> in its most protruding position, thus penetrating inside the housing of the bar (10) by its larger diameter section.

p0041When unlocking, shown in mechanism (20 ') located in the lower part of the attachment of the <figref idrefs="f0002">3</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">6</figref>, The movement of the lever (30) results in a displacement of its axis of rotation (33) within the second lumen (22) for guiding. Concomitantly, the axis (27) of the intermediate piece (26) is therefore shifted within the first guide slot (23) such that the lug (25) is driven outwardly of the arch. Only the section (41) of smaller diameter of the pin (25) remains within the series of housings (15), thus allowing the displacement of the bar (10) relative to the base (2 ).

p0042Of course, other geometries can be adapted as regards on one hand the housing, and secondly the pin, since they allow an effective blocking. Thus, the cylindrical shape is of course easier to make but other polygonal shapes or can be adapted.

p0043The locking piece can also adopt other geometries, including those illustrated in <figref idrefs="f0003">Figures 7 and 8</figref>, Corresponding to a backgauge adjustment system (50) of a gutter (51). Thus, the maximum inclination of the spoiler (or "spoiler") is limited rearwardly by the stop (50) which comes into contact with the rear end portion of the hoop (10).

p0044The height position of this stop (50) relative to the gutter (51) thus makes it possible to vary this inclination limit.

p0045As already mentioned, the abutment (50) is considered as the mobile part of the adjustment mechanism of the invention, since its position varies along the rear face of the highback (51), considered to be fixed.

p0046Thus, as shown in <figref idrefs="f0003">7</figref>, The gutter (51) has a lumen (52) vertically elongated, whereby the channel (51) is movable vertically relative to the fixed point constituted by the abutment (50). More specifically, the gutter (51) moves about a horizontal axis (53) terminating with a nut (54) housed in a peripheral recess (55) of the lumen (52). This axis (53) is associated with an intermediate piece (66) similar to the intermediate part (26) of the<figref idrefs="f0002">4</figref>, Also capable of sliding within a housing (67) provided inside of the lever (68).

p0047The yoke (69) inside which can move in rotation the lever (68) is equipped on its side facing the groove toothing (70) complementary to the toothing (71) formed on the outer side of the gutter. In this way, when the control lever (68) is in the position illustrated in<figref idrefs="f0003">7</figref>, The nut (54) is in its closest position to the toothed face (70) of the yoke (69), and therefore the plate complementary toothing of the gutter (71) on the stop (50).

p0048The position of the stop is then fixed and can not in any case vary.

p0049Conversely, when the control lever (68) is moved as shown in <figref idrefs="f0003">8</figref>, The axis (53) and thus the nut (54) are pushed with respect to the yoke (69) carrying the toothing. The rear face of the channel, supporting the complementary toothing (71) occurs so spaced from the yoke forming the stop (69). The gutter (51) is capable of moving vertically about the axis (53) to adopt the desired maximum inclination. In practice, it is possible to combine the lock by the use of pins and housing, as well as complementary teeth.

p0050Of course, the invention is not limited to examples described in detail but covers the locking mechanisms may be fitted to all parts of the binding having an adjustable position with respect to another part of the fastener.

p0051It follows from the foregoing that the binding according to the invention has many advantages, including:<ul><li>that of ensuring a firm and effective blocking because of the substantial interpenetration portion integral with the fixed part inside of housing of the mobile part;</li><li>allow easy handling without the need for tools, thus allowing a particularly quick adjustment.</li></ul>