EP2687275B1 - Front retaining devices of a glideboard - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gliding device adapted for the practice of ski touring.

During the practice of ski touring, the climbing phases require a fixation of the ski boot functionally very different from the downhill phases. This results in requirements in terms of safety and holding of the binding and kinematics of the shoe variable from one phase to another. Thus, during the descent, the binding must ensure a very good support of the boot on the ski with, preferably, triggering the binding in case of a fall so as not to hurt the skier. When climbing, it is necessary to allow a rotation of the boot around a transverse axis substantially at the front of the sole of the shoe. The shoe is therefore not immobilized with respect to the ski and there is no need to trigger the attachment uphill.

For this practice of ski touring, manufacturers offer different fastening solutions comprising a front retaining device of the boot, or stop, and a rear retaining device of the boot, or heel, specific.

A first solution is to adapt a binding designed for descent. This attachment is assembled on a rotary plate which is released, during the phases of rise, and blocked, during the phases of descent. As a result, it is the same retainers of the shoe that are used uphill and downhill. A disadvantage of this design is that, generally, these restraints are relatively heavy to move, during climbing phases. Such fastenings are described in the documents EP-A-1438993 , DE-10 2007 038506 or EP-A-2 399 654 .

A second solution is to adapt a fastener designed for climbing. In this case, the abutment is lightened and incorporates a hooking mechanism of the shoe defining a hinge axis around which pivots the boot when climbing. During the descent, the shoe is held at the front by the same stop and, at the rear, by a complementary heel. Lateral release is usually performed by the heel. The design of the stop must meet the requirements for holding during the descent phases which makes it complex and weighs down the device. These bindings are illustrated in the documents EP-A-0 199 098 or EP-A-2,300,111 .

A third alternative solution proposes fasteners having two separate stops, one being dedicated to climbing, the other being dedicated to the descent.

The document EP-A-0 620 029 describes a thrust piece ensuring the climbing stop and a clamp-sole forming the abutment stop. The sole clamp consists of a clamping bracket that folds between the stopper and the rear retainer. This solution involves, during the climbing phases, to accommodate the abutment of descent under the shoe. Thus, this configuration imposes a positioning of the upper shoe, by compared to the sole of the ski, when climbing. This positioning height of the shoe is unfavorable for the stability and support of the skier.

The document FR-A-2,567,409 discloses another variant incorporating a configurable front retainer comprising a lever mechanism for alternately activating a mounting stop or a stopper. The downstop incorporates a lateral release mechanism which weighs down the front restraint. To make active one of the two stops, the mechanism causes the displacement of the stops which makes it relatively complex. The activation of a stop acts on the withdrawal of the other and vice versa. The kinematics of the climbing abutment is complex because the arms, including points cooperating with the sole to form the axis of articulation of the shoe, move, both longitudinally and transversely (bringing points together). The abutment of descent rotates about an axis transverse to the ski. By design, the stop, in the inactive position, extends vertically (rotation of 90 °). This constraint is disadvantageous because it hinders the rotation of the boot during the climbing phases, it can hardly rotate more than 45 ° because the retracted stop limit this rotation. This fixation is therefore not optimum for the climbing phases where the skier needs to rotate his shoe with respect to skiing more than 65 °. In the mounted configuration, the front retainer is unsightly, cumbersome. In addition, it can be offensive or accumulate snow which can disrupt the operation of the lever mechanism.

The object of the invention is to provide a gliding machine with fasteners solving the previous problems.

One goal is to offer an improved gliding gear that optimizes both the ascent and descent.

Another goal to make reliable a gliding device and, in particular, avoid the risk of losing fasteners.

Another goal is to facilitate the configuration of the gliding device for climbing or descent.

Another goal is to provide a compact and easy to use switchable attachment.

The invention provides a gliding apparatus comprising a gliding board, a first front retainer for a shoe provided for climbing the slope and a second front retainer of said shoe intended for the descent. The first front retainer comprises a first attachment mechanism of the shoe defining a hinge axis about which pivots the shoe during the climb. The second front retainer comprises a second attachment mechanism of the shoe comprising a movable part incorporating an interface surface adapted to come into contact with a front part of the boot, the movable part being distinct from the first attachment mechanism. The second front retainer is configurable in a first configuration, said inactive, for which the interface surface is remote from the front part of the shoe and a second configuration, said active, for which the interface surface is in contact with the front part of the shoe.

The gliding apparatus is characterized in that the first attachment mechanism of the boot is able to cooperate with the moving part of the second front retainer so as to maintain the second front retainer in its active configuration.

This construction makes it possible to have a gliding machine comprising two compact interchangeable front retainers. The use of the attachment mechanism of the first retainer is optimized since it allows, on the one hand, to actuate the first front retainer and secondly, to hold in position the second front retainer in active configuration. Ergonomics for locking the second retainer in its active configuration is then simple and intuitive. Indeed, the user needs to use only one simple mechanism: the attachment mechanism of the first retainer.

• La pièce mobile comprend des moyens de maintien agencés de manière à pouvoir coopérer avec des organes de maintien du premier dispositif de retenue avant lorsque le deuxième dispositif de retenue avant est dans sa configuration active.
• Le premier mécanisme d'accroche de la chaussure comprend deux organes d'accroche mobiles transversalement à l'engin de glisse aptes à coopérer avec deux logements latéraux disposés de part et d'autre de la partie avant de la semelle de la chaussure. Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque organe d'accroche est monté sur un bras rotatif ou fléchissant autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de l'engin de glisse. Alternativement, les organes d'accroche sont uniquement mobiles dans un même plan transversal à l'engin de glisse.
• Les organes de maintien sont les organes d'accroche aptes à coopérer avec des logements ménagés sur la pièce mobile.
• Les moyens de maintien et les organes de maintien sont dimensionnés de sorte que le premier mécanisme d'accroche libère la pièce mobile lorsqu'on désactive le premier mécanisme d'accroche de manière à libérer la chaussure.
• Les premier et second dispositifs de retenue avant sont continuellement solidaires de la planche de glisse.
• La pièce mobile du deuxième dispositif de retenue avant est mobile en rotation et/ou en translation.
• Lorsque le deuxième dispositif de retenue avant est dans sa configuration inactive, celui-ci est agencé de manière que la surface interface soit positionnée longitudinalement vers l'avant de l'engin de glisse par rapport à l'axe d'articulation et qu'aucun élément du deuxième dispositif de retenue avant ne gêne la rotation de la chaussure, autour de l'axe d'articulation, d'un angle d'au moins 70°, depuis une position de la chaussure en appui sur la planche, quand la chaussure est retenue par le premier dispositif de retenue avant.
• Lorsque le deuxième dispositif de retenue avant est dans sa configuration inactive, celui-ci est agencé à l'arrière de la planche de glisse par rapport au premier dispositif de retenue avant.
• Lorsque le deuxième dispositif de retenue avant est dans sa configuration active, la surface interface est positionnée longitudinalement par rapport au premier dispositif de retenue avant de sorte qu'aucun élément du premier dispositif de retenue avant interfère avec un déclenchement latéral de la partie avant de la chaussure.
• Le premier dispositif de retenue avant est apte à loger partiellement la pièce mobile du deuxième dispositif de retenue avant.
• La pièce mobile du deuxième dispositif de retenue avant n'intègre pas de mécanisme de déclenchement latéral de la partie avant de la chaussure.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a fastener may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:

• The movable part comprises holding means arranged so as to cooperate with holding members of the first front retainer when the second front retainer is in its active configuration.
• The first attachment mechanism of the shoe comprises two attachment members movable transversely to the gliding device adapted to cooperate with two lateral housings disposed on either side of the front portion of the sole of the shoe. According to one embodiment, each attachment member is mounted on a rotating or bending arm about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gliding machine. Alternatively, the attachment members are only movable in the same plane transverse to the gliding device.
• The holding members are the attachment members adapted to cooperate with housings provided on the moving part.
• The holding means and the holding members are dimensioned so that the first attachment mechanism releases the moving part when the first attachment mechanism is deactivated so as to release the boot.
• The first and second front retainers are continuously secured to the gliding board.
• The movable part of the second front retainer is movable in rotation and / or in translation.
• When the second front restraint is in its inactive configuration, it is arranged so that the interface surface is positioned longitudinally towards the front of the gliding machine with respect to the hinge axis and that no element of the second front restraint does not interfere with the rotation of the shoe, around the axis articulation, at an angle of at least 70 °, from a position of the boot resting on the board, when the shoe is retained by the first front retainer.
• When the second front retainer is in its inactive configuration, it is arranged at the rear of the gliding board relative to the first front retainer.
• When the second front restraint is in its active configuration, the interface surface is positioned longitudinally with respect to the first front restraint so that no element of the first front restraint interferes with a lateral release of the front portion of the front restraint. shoe.
• The first front retainer is adapted to partially house the moving part of the second front retainer.
• The moving part of the second front retainer does not incorporate a lateral release mechanism of the front part of the boot.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective des dispositifs de retenue avant d'un engin de glisse illustrant des spécificités de construction de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de coté de l'engin de glisse de la figure 1 équipé d'une chaussure en prise avec le premier dispositif de retenue avant prévu pour la montée ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon le plan longitudinal médian de l'engin de glisse équipé de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de coté de l'engin de glisse de la figure 1 équipé d'une chaussure en prise avec le deuxième dispositif de retenue avant prévu pour la descente ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon le plan longitudinal médian de l'engin de glisse équipé de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus de l'engin de glisse équipé de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 7 est une vue de dessus de l'engin de glisse équipé de la figure 3, la chaussure étant représentée dans une position de déclenchement latéral ;
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique d'un engin de glisse selon un autre mode d'agencement des dispositifs de retenues avant configuré en position montée ;
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique de l'engin de glisse de la figure 6 configuré en position descente ;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective des dispositifs de retenue avant d'un engin de glisse selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues en perspective des dispositifs de retenue avant d'un engin de glisse selon un deuxième mode de réalisation.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a fastener may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of the forward restraints of a gliding apparatus illustrating constructional features of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a side view of the gliding machine of the figure 1 equipped with a shoe engaged with the first front restraint provided for climbing;
• the figure 3 is a sectional view along the median longitudinal plane of the gliding machine equipped with the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a side view of the gliding machine of the figure 1 equipped with a shoe engaged with the second forward restraint provided for the descent;
• the figure 5 is a sectional view along the median longitudinal plane of the gliding machine equipped with the figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 is a top view of the gliding machine equipped with the figure 3 ;
• the figure 7 is a top view of the gliding machine equipped with the figure 3 the shoe being shown in a lateral release position;
• the figure 8 is a schematic view of a gliding apparatus according to another mode of arrangement of the front holding devices configured in mounted position;
• the figure 9 is a schematic view of the gliding machine of the figure 6 configured in descent position;
• the figure 10 is a perspective view of the forward retainers of a gliding apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the forward restraints of a gliding apparatus according to a second embodiment.

The Figures 1 to 9 illustrate some specific features of construction of the invention and in particular the arrangement and kinematics envisaged for the two restraint devices prior to the invention, a device being designed for the ascent of slope and the other for the descent of slope.

The figure 10 represents a construction similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 but incorporating the specificity for maintaining the second retainer in its active configuration.

The figures 11 and 12 represent a second embodiment of the invention.

The invention is illustrated through a gliding apparatus 1 comprising a gliding board 2 supporting a front retainer 4 of a shoe 3, designed for the climb, a front retainer 5 designed for the descent and a device rear retainer, not shown.

In the rest of the description, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "transversal", "superior", "lower", "up", "down", "before" will be used. , " back ". These terms must in fact be interpreted in a relative manner in relation to the normal position that the retainer occupies on a ski, and the normal direction of advancement of the ski. The front restraint is also called a "stop". The rear restraint is also called "heel".

The ski touring boot 3, adapted for the gliding apparatus 1, comprises a sole 32, disposed under the foot, and an upper portion 33, called rod, covering the rest of the foot. The sole 32 has a lower face 323 intended to be in contact with the ground or an element of the upper face of the ski board. In its front portion, the sole extends slightly forwardly relative to the rod 33, thus forming a front edge. This front rim comprises an anterior face 321 and an upper face 322. The anterior face 321 covers the edge of the rim and extends partially on the front part of the lateral vertical faces of the sole 32. The rod 33 also comprises an anterior face 331 It covers the front of the rod and extends partially on the front part of the lateral vertical faces of the rod. This anterior face 331 is disposed just above the upper face 322 of the front flange of the sole 32. The illustrated hiking shoe further comprises two lateral housings 31a, 31b disposed on either side of the front portion of the sole 32 shoe 3 and aligned along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sole. These housings are cylindrical and intended to receive fastening members 41a, 41b of the stopper.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 , the first front retaining device 4, intended for mounting, comprises two attachment members 41a, 41b, with axes A41a, A41b, able to cooperate with two lateral housings 31a, 31b, with axes A31a, A31b, arranged on either side the front portion of the sole 32 of the boot 3. This cooperation corresponds to the engagement of the upstop 4. The axes A31a, A31b, A41a, A41b are substantially aligned along a hinge axis A transverse to the longitudinal axis of the gliding machine, when the stopper 4 is engaged. The shoe 3 can then rotate around this axis of articulation A. When the rising stop 4 is triggered, the axes A41a, A41b are not necessarily aligned.

To ensure cooperation between the attachment members 41a, 41b and the lateral housings 31a, 31b, the attachment members are movable transversely to the ski so as to bring them closer or apart. When they are close to each other, the attachment members can cooperate with the lateral housing. The stopper is then engaged. When they separate from each other, the attachment members do not cooperate with the lateral housing. The shoe is released. The climb stop is then triggered. To keep the fasteners close together or apart, the mounting stopper 4 comprises an elastic means 45 exerting a spreading force or approximation on the fastening members 41a, 41b.

In this example, the attachment members 41a, 41b are cylindrical pins of axis A41a, A41b. Other fasteners may be considered as cones, points, domes ... Each alternative hook member takes a form of revolution. Each pin 41a, 41b is mounted respectively on a bracket 42a, 42b. Each bracket 42a, 42b is disposed at a side edge of the gliding board. An arm 421a, 421b of the "L" of the bracket extends substantially towards the median part of the board while the other arm 422a, 422b of the "L" of the bracket extends substantially upwards, away from the board. Thus, the two brackets 42a, 42b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P of the board. They are vis-à-vis. Each pin 41a, 41b is fixed on the inner face of the arm 422a, 422b, that is to say the face oriented towards the middle part of the board. Each pin is also close to the free end of the arm 422a, 422b. Each pin 41a, 41b extends towards the middle part of the board. Each bracket 42a, 42b also comprises a bore passing through the width of the bracket at the junction between its arms 421a / 422a, 421a / 422b. Each bore 423a, 423b is intended to receive a shaft 43a, 43b, axis A43a, A43b, mounted on a yoke 44a, 44b. The yoke 44a, 44b is arranged so that the axes A43a, A43b are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski. Accordingly, each bracket 42a, 42b can pivot about the longitudinal axis A43a, A43b. These rotations make it possible to move the pins 41a, 41b towards each other or to move them away from one another.

Because the fasteners 41a, 41b are only movable in the same plane transverse to the board, this construction makes it possible to make the mounting stop more compact longitudinally.

To maintain the brackets 42a, 42b in determined stable angular positions, the arms 421a, 421b are connected by the elastic means 45. Two stable angular positions are sought: a setting position for which the pins 41a, 41b are able to cooperate with the lateral housings 31a, 31b and a rest position for which the pieces are sufficiently distant from each other to release the shoe 3. In this mode embodiment, the resilient means is a flexible metal blade, each end of which is respectively inserted into the arm 421a, 421b of the bracket 42a, 42b.

These bistable positions are obtained thanks to the metal blade whose resting length is greater than the distance separating the two arms 421a, 421b vis-à-vis when the brackets 42a, 42b are assembled respectively in their yoke 44a, 44b. Thus, the metal blade will systematically seek a stable position where the length of the blade is its length of rest. Due to the approximation of the brackets, the stopper offers two stable positions corresponding to two flexions of the metal blade. In the first stable position, the blade is curved upwardly or outwardly of the board relative to a plane passing through the two axes A43a, A43b pivot brackets. In this configuration, the climb stop is triggered. The shoe is released. This configuration is represented in figures 1 , 4 and 5 . In the second stable position, the blade is curved downwards or towards the board with respect to a plane passing through the two axes A43a, A43b pivot brackets. In this configuration, the rise stop is engaged. The shoe is engaged with the fasteners. This configuration is represented in Figures 2 and 3 .

The stiffness and the rest length of the blade sizing the holding force of the attachment members on the shoe as well as the handling effort to actuate or trigger the climb stop.

Alternatively, other resilient means 45 may be used. For example, the blade connecting the brackets may be carbon fiberglass. The elastic means may be a helical spring. Alternatively, the two brackets 42a, and 42b can be interconnected to form a single piece. The junction between the two brackets is then dimensioned so as to allow bending and sufficient energy to obtain the two stable positions described above.

The first attachment mechanism 40 of the shoe 3 therefore comprises the pins 41a, 41b, the brackets 42a, 42b, the shafts 43a, 43b, the clevises 44a, 44b and the metal blade 45.

Alternatively, a lock could complete the first mechanism to secure the maintenance in a stable configuration, for example, the climb configuration or the pawns must not deviate.

To manipulate this first mechanism 40, a circular plate-shaped lever 424 is attached to the "free" end of the arm 422b of one of the two brackets 42b. This plate 424 extends the "free" end of the bracket and extending transversely outwardly of the board. The plate is oriented to be parallel to the surface of the ski sole. The plate 424 is slightly curved downwards and thus forms a hollow on its upper face, in order to receive the tip of a ski pole. Consequently, the skier, by pressing the plate with his stick, causes the rotation of a bracket 42b, in one direction, but also the rotation of the other bracket 42a, in the opposite direction, thanks to the metal blade 45 connecting the two squares. This action causes the spacing of the pins 41a, 41b and therefore the release of the shoe 3. One can imagine other forms of lever 424 providing the same effects.

To engage the stopper, simply place the front of the shoe on the brackets. By lowering the front of the sole, is pressed directly on the arms 421a, 421b and the elastic blade 45 which causes the rotation of the brackets 42a, 42b, in opposite directions, so as to bring the pins 41a, 41b which then engage in the lateral housing 31a, 31b of the sole. The shoe is then engaged with the climbing stop.

Of course, the invention also applies to other embodiments of this mounting stop. The front retainer must include a first attachment mechanism of the boot defining a hinge axis about which pivots the shoe during the climb. Examples of applicable climb stop are illustrated in the documents EP-A-0 199 098 or FR-A-2 945 185 . Alternatively, the attachment members may be on the shoe and the complementary housing at the stop of rise.

Regarding the descent, the attachment of the boot will be composed of a second front retainer 5 provided for the descent and a rear retainer, not shown. Only the stopper 5 will be detailed, the heel is not the subject of the invention.

To have a good support of the shoe during the descent, it is usually sandwiched longitudinally between the stop and the heel. In the vertical direction, the sole is also immobilized at the front and at the rear. At the front, the sole is generally sandwiched between a support plate disposed on the board and a lower face of the jaws of the stop. At the rear, the sole is generally sandwiched between the brake support plate and a lower face of the jaws of the heel.

For longitudinal and transverse immobilization, there are mainly two variants to hold the boot at the stop: either the grip on the stem or the grip on the sole. The stem grip means that the jaw of the downstop comes into contact with the anterior face 331 of the upper 33 of the boot. The jaw generally forms a "V" with each wing pressing on part of the anterior face 331. The shoe is thus locked longitudinally and transversely at the level of the stop. The sole grip is similar to the shank grip except that the jaw wings of the descent abutment press on the anterior face 321 of the sole 32 of the shoe. The contact between the downstop and the shoe is lower.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 , the downstop 5 resumes the operating principle of the rod grip. The invention could also be applied to a downstop operating with sole grip.

The downstop 5 comprises a movable part 51 comprising a body 511 on which is reported a clamp 512 in the form of a "V" whose wings 512a, 512b extend symmetrically with respect to the median plane P of the gliding board . When the moving part is positioned to be in contact with the shoe, the wings 512a, 512b extend towards the rear of the board. In this configuration, the free end of a wing 512a, 512b comprises a vertical face 5121a, 5121b facing the rear of the board and a lower face 5122a, 5122b facing the gliding board. The vertical face 5121a, 5121b is then in contact with the anterior face 331 of the rod 33. The lower face 5122a, 5122b is then in contact with the upper face 322 of the front edge of the sole 32. The vertical faces 5121a, 5121b and the lower faces 5122a, 5122b and form an interface surface adapted to come into contact with a front portion of the shoe.

As mentioned above, the vertical faces 5121a, 5121b ensure the longitudinal and lateral stop of the front of the shoe. To vertically fasten the front of the shoe 3 with the board 2, the sole is sandwiched. On the one hand, the lower face 323 of the sole 32 is in contact with the upper face 62 of a support plate 6 fixed on the board 2. On the other hand, the upper face 322 of the front edge of the sole 32 is in contact with the lower faces 5122a, 5122b of the wings of the sole clamp 512. A height of sole H is defined as being the distance separating the plane comprising the upper face 322 and a parallel plane passing through the lower face 323, at the area of contact with the support plate 6.

The second attachment mechanism 50 of the boot 3 thus comprises the movable part 51 incorporating the sole clamp 512, the support plate 6 and the heel.

According to one embodiment, the downstop includes a device for adjusting the position of the sole clamp to be compatible with different heights of sole H. As illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , the clamp 512 is connected to the body 511 by means of a screw 513, screwed vertically on the body and through the sole clamp. A spring 514 makes it possible to push the sole clamp 512 against the head of the screw 513. Thus, by modifying the height in engagement with the screw, the vertical position of the lower faces 5122a, 5122b is modified.

The second front retainer 5 has the specificity that it can be configured in a first configuration, said inactive and a second configuration, called active. Thus, depending on the configuration of this downstop 5, the gliding device 1 will either be configured for the descent or configured for climbing. If the downstop is in its inactive configuration, the front of the boot will be retained by the climbing stop 4. If the downstop is in its active configuration, the front of the boot will be retained by the downstop 5. The downstop 5 is activated when the interface surface 5121a, 5121b, 5122a, 5122b is in contact with the front part of the shoe as previously described. To change the configuration and deactivate the stop of downhill 5, simply move the interface surface away from the front of the shoe. For this, the part 51 integrating the interface surface is movable.

According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 , a shaft 515, of axis A515, is mounted clamping on the body 511 of the movable part 51. The shaft 515 is assembled in a yoke 52 comprising oblong holes 52a, 52b intended to receive each end 515a, 515b of the 515. The yoke 52 is positioned at the front of the board with respect to the rising abutment 4. The yoke 52 is arranged so that the oblong holes 52a, 52b are aligned in a direction transverse to the board and are oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board. A spring 53 is compressed between a portion of the body 511 located near the shaft 515 and a vertical face 541 of a plate 54 fixed to the board on which the yoke 52 is secured. The spring 53 extends longitudinally along the median axis of the board. The spring 53 acts on the body so as to continually press the shaft 515 of the body 511 against the front ends of the oblong holes 52a, 52b. This construction allows rotation of the movable part 51 about the axis A515 when it is pressed against the front ends of the oblong holes 52a, 52b, that is to say around an axis transverse to the board.

The yoke 52 and the movable part 51 are dimensioned and arranged so that the moving part can take several positions, namely:

A first position, corresponding to the active configuration of the second retaining device 5, for which the interface surface is in contact with the front part of the boot. The movable piece is tilted backwards, so that the interface surface is placed at the rear of the board with respect to the pivot axis. In this arrangement, the interface surface is slightly recessed rearwardly with respect to the axis of rotation A. This facilitates the eventual lateral release of the front of the boot. In this configuration, a part of the body 511 is housed between the arms 422a, 422b of the brackets 42a, 42b. For this, this part of the body 511 has a width less than the distance between the ends of the pins 41a, 41b, in the inactive position of the stopper. Thus, this makes the front restraints more compact. There is less risk of catching the first front restraint. The attachment members 41a, 41b are less accessible, therefore less offensive. This first position is illustrated through the Figures 4 to 7 .

The moving part can take a second position, corresponding to the inactive configuration of the second retainer. In this case, the moving part is tilted completely forward, so that the interface surface is placed at the front of the board with respect to the pivot axis. Thus, the surface is remote from the front portion of the boot and is positioned longitudinally towards the front of the gliding apparatus with respect to the hinge axis A. The first retainer is then operational. In this configuration, the moving part is dimensioned so that no part constituting the moving part comes to hinder the rotation of the boot, about the hinge axis A, an angle α of at least 70 ° from a position of the shoe resting on the board, when the shoe is retained by the first front retainer. In other words, the front of the upper of the shoe does not abut any element of the moving part when the boot rotates towards the front of the board, at an angle α of at least 70 ° around the axis of the shoe. This second position is illustrated through the Figures 2 and 3 .

To switch from the first position to the second position, the movable part comprises an outer surface 5110, partially cylindrical, axis A515, against which the spring 53 rests. This surface 5110 comprises two plates 5111, 5112 defining two stable positions respectively corresponding in the first and second positions of the moving part. Indeed, in these two specific positions, the support of one end of the spring 53 on one of the plates 5111, 5112 is more marked than for the other intermediate positions, which allows the indexing of the movable part 51.

According to one embodiment, to secure the maintenance of the movable part 51 in its first position, a latch 516 is attached to the body 511. This latch comprises a housing 5161 intended to cooperate with a projection 542 of the plate 54 when the piece is mobile in its first position. In this example, the projection and the housing are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the board. This cooperation prevents the rotation of the moving part 51 and allows the forward longitudinal forces transmitted by the boot to the board to be taken up again, via the abutment stop. To lock / unlock the moving part, it is necessary, at the end of rotation backwards, slightly move the movable piece backwards so that the protrusion 542 can come to settle in the housing 5161. That's why the ends 515a, 515b of the shaft 515 are housed in the oblong holes 52a, 52b oriented in a longitudinal direction. As a result, the user can move the movable piece backwards, by compressing the spring 53, to activate the latch as previously described.

According to one embodiment, the latch 516 is made of a material and is designed to facilitate the activation of the lock and / or to compensate for variations in the height of the sole H inherent to the manufacturing tolerance of the shoes 3.

This mechanism for securing the retention of the moving part 51 in its first position incorporating the latch 516 is optional in the case where it is provided that the first attachment mechanism 40 is able to cooperate with the moving part 51 so as to maintain the second retainer 5 in its active configuration. It could nevertheless be retained to improve the robustness of the attachment in the case where the first attachment mechanism would be defective. The latch would then maintain the second retainer 5 in its active configuration.

It should be noted that the first and second front retainers are continuously secured to the gliding apparatus. This construction eliminates the risk of losing an element of the binding. The skier is sure to always have the appropriate fixation for each phase of the ski touring practiced, ascent or descent.

During the descent phase, the binding must allow the vertical and lateral release of the boot in case of fall so as not to hurt the skier. In conventional downhill bindings, the vertical release is provided by the heel while the lateral release is provided by the stop.

According to one embodiment, the stop of descent of the gliding apparatus according to the invention does not incorporate lateral release mechanism of the front part of the shoe. This makes it possible to have a stop of descent much simpler and thus lightened. To provide lateral triggering, the gliding apparatus may include a double trigger heel, a side trigger, and a vertical trigger.

A form of lateral release, among others, may consist of a simple retreat of the heel, thus causing the relative distance between the stop and the heel. This movement releases the shoe that is no longer engaged with the two restraints, front and rear. The back of the shoe can pivot about a vertical axis substantially at the front of the shoe or the front of the shoe can rotate about a vertical axis substantially at the rear of the shoe. In the latter case, do not interfere with the rotation of the shoe. Thus, when the second device is in its active configuration, the interface surface is positioned longitudinally relative to the first retainer before so that no element of the first front restraint interferes with a lateral release of the front part of the shoe . In our example, the arms 422a, 422b of the brackets 42a, 42b are arranged retracted forwards with respect to the front of the boot during the lateral release. The front of the shoe can freely pivot about a vertical axis substantially at the rear of the shoe as shown in FIG. figure 7 . Thus, when triggering, the front of the shoe remains away from the yoke 44a by a distance "d". The first front restraint does not interfere with the lateral release movement.

Alternatively, the descent stop comprises a lateral release mechanism.

The embodiment of the Figures 1 to 7 illustrates a second front retainer 5 configurable by rotation of the movable part 51 about a transverse axis. Alternatively, the invention extends to other type of movement of the moving part. For example, the part 51 can be mobile in translation, in rotation along another axis or a combination of translational movement and rotation.

The Figures 8 and 9 schematically represent a gliding apparatus 100 according to the invention, the downstop 105 is mounted on a longitudinal rail 106 fixed on the board 102. Thus, the downstop 105 can slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board to switch from an active configuration to an inactive configuration or vice versa. The gliding apparatus 100 also comprises a mounting stop 104 similar to that described above.

All the constructions described above allow a sufficient rotation of the shoe, during the climbing phases, to improve the ease of movement and, more especially, for inclined slopes. This freedom of movement is all the more necessary as the foot (back) is moved back during a walking movement.

In the previous examples, the kinematics of the moving part makes it possible to remove part of the second attachment mechanism towards the front of the ski with respect to the first mechanism. Thus, the first front retainer can be designed to position the shoe closer to the sole of the ski. This configuration is sought to increase stability by improving the support of the skier.

To further secure the attachment, the moving part is distinct from the first attachment mechanism. Thus, if the first attachment mechanism is damaged, then the second attachment mechanism remains operational, and vice versa. In addition, the gliding device is more easily repairable if an element is damaged due to the relative independence of one mechanism relative to the other or, at least, parts interfaces with the shoe. The machine is therefore more reliable.

The figure 10 illustrates a first embodiment of a gliding machine whose first attachment mechanism 40 of the shoe is adapted to cooperate with the movable part 51 of the second front retainer 5 so as to maintain the second retainer before 5 in its active configuration.

This construction simplifies the gliding machine, lighten and compact. In this example, the body 511 comprises two lateral housings 517a, 517b, axes A517a, A517b, disposed on either side of the body 511, similarly to the lateral housings 31a, 31b of the shoe 3. These lateral housings of the body are arranged so as to cooperate with the two attachment members 41a, 41b of the first front retainer 4 when the second front retainer 5 is in its active configuration. During this cooperation, the axes A517a, A517b, A41a, A41b are substantially aligned along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the gliding machine. Consequently, the two attachment members 41a, 41b provide and / or secure the maintenance of the second front retainer 5 in its active configuration when they cooperate with the lateral housings of the body. In this case, the movable body 51 can no longer rotate around the axis A515.

To change the configuration of the second front restraint, the first front restraint must be deactivated.

According to one embodiment, the holding forces of the boot, and more particularly the longitudinal holding forces, are not transmitted at the level of the attachment members but by the cooperation of other members of the front stop and a mount fixed on the ski. This may be in a similar manner to the cooperation between the latch 516 and the projection 542 of the plate 54. Thus, the attachment members are little stressed during the descent phases.

The figures 11 and 12 represent a second embodiment of a gliding machine according to the invention. The figure 11 illustrates the gliding machine at rest, the first mechanism gripping being in a configuration to release the shoe. The figure 12 illustrates the gliding apparatus in a downhill configuration, the second front retainer being held by the first attachment mechanism.

To describe this second embodiment, parts similar to those of the first embodiment will bear the same references.

In this example, the first front retainer 4 is of similar design to that described in the document EP-A-0 199 098 . It comprises a base 46 supporting a first attachment mechanism 40 comprising two pins 41a, 41b, axes A41a, A41b. Each pin 41a, 41b is mounted on a bracket 42a, 42b. Each bracket 42a, 42b pivots around a shaft 43a, 43b supported by a yoke 44a, 44b. The median arm of one bracket is connected to the median arm of the other bracket by an elastic means 45, here springs. This elastic connection makes it possible to obtain two stable positions for the first attachment mechanism 40: a setting position for which the pins 41a, 41b are able to cooperate with the lateral housings 31a, 31b and a rest position for which the pieces are moved sufficiently far apart to release the boot 3. To actuate the first attachment mechanism 40, the user acts on one end of a lever 47 so as to cause movement of the other end forming a fork engaged with the middle of the elastic connection. The vertical displacement induced by the middle of the elastic connection ensures the tilting of a stable configuration towards the other stable configuration.

For this embodiment, the first attachment mechanism 40 of the shoe 3 therefore comprises the pins 41a, 41b, the brackets 42a, 42b, the shafts 43a, 43b, the yokes 44a, 44b, the elastic means 45 and the lever 47.

As for the first embodiment, the gliding apparatus 1 also comprises a support plate 6 disposed at the rear of the ski with respect to the first front retainer 4. In this example, the support plate 6 is supported by the base 46.

The specificity of this second embodiment is the design of the second front retainer 5, the latter being housed under the front of the boot, between the first front retainer 4 and the support plate 6, when it is in the first configuration, called inactive.

Like the second front retainer 5 of the first embodiment, it comprises a moving part 51 comprising a V-shaped clamp 512 whose wings 512a, 512b extend symmetrically with respect to the median plane P of the gliding board. When the moving part is positioned to be in contact with the shoe, the wings 512a, 512b extend towards the rear of the gliding board. In this configuration, the free end of a wing 512a, 512b comprises a vertical face 5121a, 5121b oriented towards the rear of the board and a lower face 5122a, 5122b oriented towards the gliding board. The vertical face 5121a, 5121b is then in contact with the anterior face 331 of the rod 33. The lower face 5122a, 5122b is then in contact with the upper face 322 of the front edge of the sole 32. The vertical faces 5121a, 5121b and the lower faces 5122a, 5122b and form an interface surface adapted to come into contact with a front portion of the shoe.

The peculiarity of this construction comes from the fact that the sole clamp 512 is connected to the base 46 by two lateral arms 518a, 518b. Each lateral arm 518a, 518b comprises a first end rotatably mounted at the base 46 around a first transverse axis A1 to the longitudinal axis of the gliding apparatus and a second end rotatably mounted at the sole clamp. 512 about a second transverse axis A2 to the longitudinal axis of the gliding apparatus. Thus, the first transverse axis A1 makes it possible to fold the soleplate 512 towards the rear of the gliding board in order to retract the second front retainer 5. The second transverse axis A2 makes it possible to pivot the soleplate 512 so that its upper face 512s is substantially parallel to the upper face of the gliding board which makes it possible to make the binding more compact when it is configured for climbing.

The second attachment mechanism 50 of the boot 3 thus comprises the movable part 51 incorporating the sole clamp 512, the support plate 6 and the heel.

In this example, the base 46 comprises a housing for the sole clamp 512, formed between the first front retainer 4 and the support plate 6 and dimensioned so that the upper face 512s of the sole clamp 512 is substantially at the same height or set back from the upper face of the support plate 6 when the second front retainer 5 is folded into its first configuration, said inactive.

In this embodiment, the holding of the second front retainer 5 in its active configuration is performed in a similar manner to the first embodiment. The sole clamp 512 comprises two lateral housings 517a, 517b, axes A517a, A517b, arranged on either side of the sole clamp 512. As previously, these lateral housings of the body are arranged so as to cooperate with the two fasteners 41a, 41b of the first front retainer 4 when the second front retainer 5 is in its active configuration. During this cooperation, the axes A517a, A517b, A41a, A41b are substantially aligned along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the gliding machine. Consequently, the two attachment members 41a, 41b provide and / or secure the maintenance of the second front retainer 5 in its active configuration when they cooperate with the lateral housings of the body. To change the configuration of the second front restraint, the first front restraint must be deactivated.

This second embodiment makes it possible to use a first front retainer 4 similar in design to the devices currently on the market. These known devices have an ergonomics of operation well understood by the public. In addition, this construction is compact and well integrated, reinforcing the robustness of the binding. This construction extends slightly forward of the gliding board which limits the risk to hang an external element. However, compared to the first embodiment, this construction slightly raises the position of the boot during the climbing phases, which penalizes a little the performance of the skier.

In these previous embodiments, the holding means 517a, 517b and the holding members 41a, 41b are dimensioned so that the first attachment mechanism 40 releases the moving part 51 when the first attachment mechanism 40 is deactivated. in order to release the shoe. This simplifies the ergonomics of use.

As we have seen through the two embodiments described in Figures 10 to 12 , maintaining the second front retainer 5 in its active configuration is achieved by the cooperation between two lateral housings 517a, 517b and the two attachment members 41a, 41b of the first retainer before 4. Alternatively, it is possible to envisage use other holding members in place of the two attachment members 41a, 41b of the first front retainer 4. For example, it may be other points, respectively fixed on one of the arms of the brackets 42a , 42b of the first front retainer 4. These tips then cooperate with lateral housings 517a, 517b properly arranged on the movable part 51 to ensure the immobilization of the moving part when the second front retainer 5 is in an active configuration . In this case, the movement of these holding members is related to the movement of the brackets 42a, 42b, as for the first embodiment. This variant allows to provide a different anchoring, which can be, for example, more robust or easier to operate (less actuation force).

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and covers all possible combinations.

Claims (14)

1. Snowsports contraption (1) comprising:

   - a snowsports board (2),

   - a first front retaining device (4) for a boot (3) intended for ascending a slope, the first front retaining device comprising a first latching mechanism (40) for the boot, which defines an articulation axis (A) about which the boot pivots during the ascent,

   - a second front retaining device (5) for said boot, intended for descent, the second front retaining device comprising a second latching mechanism (50) for the boot, which comprises a moving part (51) having an interface surface (5121a, 5121b, 5122a, 5122b) able to come into contact with a front portion (322, 331) of the boot, the moving part (51) being distinct from the first latching mechanism (40), the second front retaining device (5) having the following possible configurations:

   ∘ a first, 'inactive' configuration in which the interface surface (5121a, 5121b, 5122a, 5122b) is remote from the front portion (322, 331) of the boot, and

   ∘ a second, 'active' configuration in which the interface surface (5121a, 5121b, 5122a, 5122b) is in contact with the front portion (322, 331) of the boot,

   characterized in that
   the first latching mechanism (40) for the boot is able to engage with the moving part (51) of the second front retaining device (5) so as to hold the second front retaining device (5) in its active configuration.
2. Snowsports contraption (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the moving part (51) comprises holding means (517a, 517b) which are arranged so as to be able to engage with holding members (41a, 41b) of the first front retaining device (4) when the second front retaining device (5) is in its active configuration.
3. Snowsports contraption (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first latching mechanism (40) for the boot comprises two latching members (41a, 41b) which are able to move transversely with respect to the snowsports contraption and are able to engage with two lateral recesses (31a, 31b) arranged on either side of the front portion of the sole (32) of the boot (3).
4. Snowsports contraption (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each latching member (41a, 41b) is mounted on an arm (422a, 422b) which rotates or yields about an axis (A43a, A43b) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowsports contraption (1),
5. Snowsports contraption (1) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the latching members (41a, 41b) are able to move only in one and the same plane which is transverse to the snowsports contraption (1).
6. Snowsports contraption (1) according to Claims 2 and 3 to 5, characterized in that the holding members (517a, 517b) are the latching members (41a, 41b) able to engage with recesses (517a, 517b) created on the moving part (51).
7. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the holding means (517a, 517b) and the holding members (41a, 41b) are dimensioned such that the first latching mechanism (40) frees the moving part (51) when the first latching mechanism (40) is deactivated so as to free the boot.
8. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (4) and second (5) front retaining devices are constantly secured to the snowsports board (2).
9. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving part (51) of the second front retaining device (5) is able to move in rotation and/or in translation.
10. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the second front retaining device (5) is in its inactive configuration, it is arranged such that the interface surface (5121a, 5121b, 5122a, 5122b) is positioned longitudinally towards the front of the snowsports contraption with respect to the articulation axis (A) and such that no element of the second front retaining device (5) impedes the rotation of the boot (3), about the articulation axis (A), by an angle (α) of at least 70°, from a position of the boot resting on the board, when the boot is retained by the first front retaining device (4).
11. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, when the second front retaining device (5) is in its inactive configuration, it is arranged at the rear of the snowsports board (2) with respect to the first front retaining device (4).
12. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the second front retaining device (5) is in its active configuration, the interface surface (5121a, 5121b, 5122a, 5122b) is positioned longitudinally with respect to the first front retaining device (4) such that no element of the first front retaining device (4) interferes with a lateral release of the front portion of the boot (3).
13. Snowsports contraption (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first front retaining device (4) is able to receive part of the moving part (51) of the second front retaining device (5).
14. Snowsports contraption (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving part (51) of the second front retaining device (5) has no mechanism for the lateral release of the front portion of the boot (3).

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