U.S. patent application number 10/203022 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-16 for angle adjustment device, particularly for a snowboard binding.
Invention is credited to Battistella, Mirco.
Application Number | 20030011171 10/203022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11459951 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030011171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Battistella, Mirco |
January 16, 2003 |
Angle adjustment device, particularly for a snowboard binding
Abstract
An angle adjustment device, particularly for a snowboard
binding, which comprises a supporting base for a shoe. The base has
a first seat for a complementarily shaped first disk, which is
provided with teeth in an upper region and is associable with the
snowboard in a lower region. The first disk is also temporarily
associable with a complementarily toothed second upper disk, which
has means for axial guiding with the supporting base. An upper
plate is rotatably associated with the second disk and interacts
selectively with connection means for the temporary mutual locking
of the first and second disks.
Inventors: |
Battistella, Mirco;
(Spresiano, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Modiano & Associati
Via Meravigli 16
Milano
20123
IT
|
Family ID: |
11459951 |
Appl. No.: |
10/203022 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
November 5, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP01/12791 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/618 ;
280/14.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 10/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/618 ;
280/14.24 |
International
Class: |
A63C 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2000 |
IT |
TV2000 A 000162 |
Claims
1. An angle adjustment device, particularly for a snowboard
binding, comprising a supporting base for a shoe having a first
seat for a complementarily shaped first disk which is associable
with said snowboard in a lower region, characterized in that said
first disk, which is provided with teeth in an upper region, is
temporarily associable with a complementarily toothed second upper
disk which has means for axially guiding with said supporting base,
an upper plate being rotatably associated with said second disk and
interacting selectively with connection means for temporary mutual
locking of said first and second disks.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first disk is
rigidly associated with said snowboard, characterized in that a
first annular set of teeth is formed on the upper surface of said
first disk, proximate to the perimetric edge, and interacts with a
complementarily shaped second set of teeth formed on the lower
surface of said second disk.
3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that said
first and second sets of teeth are constituted by a plurality of
teeth arranged in succession along radial directions.
4. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that said axial guiding means protrude from the
lower surface of said second disk, externally with respect to said
second set of teeth and proximate to the perimetric edge of said
second disk, so as to interact with said supporting base.
5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said
axial guiding means are constituted by a plurality of pins which
are cylindrical and are suitable for sliding connection in
complementarily shaped second seats formed in said supporting
base.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said first seat is
constituted by a circular opening which is formed approximately
centrally in said supporting base, characterized in that said
second seats are formed along an annular recess which is obtained,
in said supporting base, perimetrically to said first seat or
opening.
7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the
height of said annular recess contains and accommodates said second
disk.
8. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that said plate, which is approximately
triangular, is rotatably associated with said second disk by virtue
of a pivoting element arranged in a region which is off-center with
respect to the central axis of said second disk.
9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that said
pivoting element is constituted by a pivot that passes through
first and second holes formed respectively in said second disk and
said plate.
10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that said
pivoting element is constituted by a rivet that passes through
first and second holes formed respectively in said second disk and
said plate.
11. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a lever, suitable to activate the rotation of
said plate, protrudes laterally to said plate on a side which is
adjacent to the pivoting side of said pivoting element.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein said supporting base
has two containment side walls for said sports shoe, characterized
in that said wing is approximately L-shaped and has dimensions
which allow it to be arranged, when said adjustment device is in
the locked position, proximate to one of said two side walls, so as
to allow to position the sole of said sports shoe on said
supporting base.
13. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that said connection means comprises a second
central screw which is constituted by a head which protrudes from a
stem which passes through a second slot, formed in said plate, and
through a third hole and a fourth hole that are formed centrally
respectively in said second disk and in said first disk.
14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that said
stem of said second screw is associated, at its free end, with a
locking nut arranged below said first disk.
15. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that said
second slot, which has a slightly arc-like shape, is constituted by
a first region, formed by a fifth hole, and an adjacent second
region, constituted by a slit.
16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that said
fifth hole has a diameter which is not smaller than the width of
said head of said second screw.
17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that said
slit, which is shaped like a circular arc centered on said pivoting
element, has a width which is between the diameter of said stem and
the width of said head of said second screw.
18. The device according to claims 14 and 17, characterized in that
the length of said stem, between said head and said nut, is equal
to the overall thickness of said plate, said first disk, and said
second disk.
19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the
temporary mutual locking of said first and second disks is
performed by arranging said slit at said second screw.
20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that the
arrangement of said fifth hole at said second screw entails the
mutual uncoupling of said first and second sets of teeth of said
first and second disks.
21. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it has an elastically compressible member,
between said first and second disks; said elastically compressible
member being arranged coaxially to said second screw.
22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that said
elastically compressible member is a helical spring and allows the
automatic mutual uncoupling of said first and second disks.
23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that said
elastically compressible member is preloaded during the closure of
said adjustment device, and acts on said second disk so as to
produce its lifting with respect to said first disk when said fifth
hole is arranged at said second screw.
24. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the thickness of said plate is at least equal
to the height of the teeth of said first and second sets of
teeth.
25. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that said head of said second screw is
approximately frustum-shaped and said fifth hole has a diameter
which is slightly smaller than the maximum width of said head.
26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that it
provides a partial coupling between said second screw and the edges
of said fifth hole even in locking conditions, so as to facilitate
restoring a coupling between said head and said slit when said
adjustment device is locked.
27. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that said first disk is approximately
frustum-shaped or otherwise shaped so as to taper downward, so that
once it is arranged within said opening and coupled to said
snowboard, its rim interacting with the complementarily shaped edge
of said opening, preventing the lifting of said supporting base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an angle adjustment device
particularly for a snowboard binding.
[0002] Nowadays, snowboarding includes various different
specialties, such as jumping, freestyle, slalom and speed.
[0003] In order to perform correctly each of these techniques, the
user must assume a body posture having a specific angle with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the board.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,068 discloses a device, for selectively
and pivotally positioning a ski binding on a snowboard, comprising
a first plate, which supports the boot and is arranged above a
second circular plate, which is perimetrically provided with a
groove. The second circular plate is rotatably connected to a third
plate, which is in turn rigidly connected to the board. The second
circular plate has, at the groove, a string or wire which is wound
thereat and can be tensioned by means of a lever.
[0005] The actuation of the lever allows the engagement and
disengagement of the wire with respect to the second circular
plate, allowing the user to vary the angular position of the
binding with respect to the longitudinal axis of the board.
[0006] Such device has however drawbacks. During snowboarding, the
binding and therefore the board, can be subjected to a very large
number of torsional stresses, which might not be contrasted
effectively by the tension of the wire on the second circular
plate. Particularly upon impact with the snow after a jump, the
binding is subjected to a sudden and very intense torsional stress
which is unlikely to be contrasted by the friction occurring
between the two smooth surfaces of the first plate and the second
plate.
[0007] Moreover, the wire tensioning lever is spaced and separate
from the binding: the lever can therefore disengage easily during
sports practice owing to accidental impacts thereof with stones or
other objects or due to snow.
[0008] Moreover, part of the wire is exposed to possible accidental
impacts and can be torn or weakened, thus compromising the use of
the binding.
[0009] In such cases, the user would lose control of the board,
which would be difficult to handle. Finally, snow or water can
deposit between the wire and the second circular plate, further
reducing the friction between the two smooth surfaces of the first
plate and the second plate and accordingly reducing the overall
locking force of the lever.
[0010] All this is detrimental to the safety of the user, who owing
to the possible lack of rigid engagement of the binding with the
board may be affected by severe problems involving the lower limbs
in case of a fall.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,654 discloses a binding for performing
winter sports that can be subjected to a rotation about its own
vertical axis. Accordingly, six spaced holes are provided thereon
in order to accommodate a corresponding number of screws for
fastening it to the board in a given angular position selected by
the user. The angular position can be modified by unscrewing the
screws and repositioning them so that the binding is rotated by the
selected angle.
[0012] The binding has a safety device, for rapid release of the
boot from the board, essentially composed of a hub on which shaped
seats are formed perimetrically in order to accommodate a ball so
that it is forced by a spring.
[0013] However, also the above described binding has drawbacks: in
order to vary the angular position of the binding with respect to
the snowboard, the user must remove his foot from the binding and,
by means of an appropriate tool, unscrew the screws, reposition the
binding in the intended position, and reconnect it to the
board.
[0014] Those operations require considerable time and also force
the user to always be equipped with at least one tool.
[0015] Moreover, in order to be able to perform the adjustment, the
user must remove his or her foot from the binding and therefore
cannot detect immediately the degree of adjustment that he or she
has set.
[0016] Moreover, due to the limited attention that the user pays to
these operations in his haste to reach the ski-slopes, inaccurate
fastening of the screws to the board may occur, with consequent
dangers of separation or poor control of the board during sports
practice.
[0017] It is also known to use a snowboard binding that is fastened
to the board by means of a disk rigidly connected to the board by
means of screws.
[0018] Inclined planes, protruding downward with respect to the
disk, towards the board, are arranged perimetrically and interact
with complementarily shaped planes formed at a seat for containing
the disk which is provided on the binding.
[0019] By appropriately tensioning the screws, the disk moves
closer to the board until its inclined planes interact on the
complementarily shaped planes formed on the binding, thus locking
the disk and the binding to the board in a chosen position.
[0020] It is known to replace the inclined planes with pairs of
sets of teeth which are also inclined and are arranged on the disk
and on the binding.
[0021] In this manner, the engagement and disengagement of the
screws allows the disk to rise until the pairs of sets of teeth are
mutually disengaged although the disk remains connected to the
board.
[0022] By rising, the disk allows to turn the binding, which can be
arranged in the intended angular position.
[0023] It is thus possible to obtain a range of mutually different
positions whose number, however, is limited by the size of the
teeth that constitute the pairs of sets of teeth.
[0024] The use of such prior art binding, however, has other
drawbacks: the user has to take off his or her gloves, remove his
or her foot from the binding, use a screwdriver or other
appropriate tool such as a wrench in order to disengage the screws,
turn the binding with his or her hands into the position that lies
proximate to the intended one, and tighten the entire assembly.
[0025] This operation is too long and troublesome to be performed
directly on the ski-slope in order to modify the angular position
according to the specific requirements.
[0026] Another prior art system is known as "baseless" and has a
binding constituted by two separate half-shells mutually connected
by a rear band, each half-shell being fixed to the board by means
of screws accommodated in slots formed in the flat part of said
half-shells.
[0027] Such prior art binding has the drawback that its angular
adjustment is limited by the dimensions of the slots.
[0028] This same Applicant owns U.S. Ser. No. 08/681,828 and
EPA-96112203.3, which disclose an angle adjustment device,
particularly for a snowboard binding, to which a disk and a
supporting base for a shoe are rigidly connected. The device is
constituted by engagement means which are associated with the base
and selectively interact with grip means formed on the disk.
[0029] The disk has a set of teeth which interacts with another set
of teeth provided in the engagement means, so that the two elements
are mutually locked by means of the interaction between the two
sets of teeth. Although such device is valid regarding the problem
of achieving angular adjustment of the binding with respect to the
board, there may be drawbacks linked to any deformations caused by
continuous use of the device or by accidental impacts or any
temperature variations to which the binding is subjected, and all
this may alter the operation of the device.
[0030] Moreover, the above device requires, for its activation, a
precise arrangement of the various elements that interact with each
other, and this forces the user to make multiple attempts to
achieve the exact position for locking the binding. This may lead,
owing to distraction on the part of the user, to possible "false"
locking of the binding, with a consequent possible danger for user
safety during sports practice.
[0031] This same Applicant owns U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,488 and
EPA-97110497.1, which relate to an angle adjustment device,
particularly for a snowboard binding, which comprises a disk
rigidly connected to the snowboard and a supporting base for a
shoe.
[0032] The device is constituted by first engagement means,
associated with the base, which interact selectively, by virtue of
second release means which can be operated by the user, with third
grip means rigidly coupled to the disk.
[0033] Although the above device is valid regarding the problem of
achieving angle adjustment of the binding with respect to the
board, it too is constituted by a set of complicated mechanisms
composed of a considerable number of mechanical elements that make
the device expensive and complicated to manufacture and
assemble.
[0034] All this also leads to a natural predisposition to possible
breakages or malfunctions, especially in view of the difficult
climate conditions of use.
[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,689 discloses a device for locking a
shoe to a snowboard constituted by a supporting base which is
associable with the snowboard in a lower region.
[0036] The supporting base is centrally provided with a circular
opening, which is suitable to interact with a complementarily
shaped disk for connection to the upper surface of the
snowboard.
[0037] The connection can occur in several different positions,
allowing the supporting base to assume any position with respect to
the disk.
[0038] There is also a rear support, which protrudes upward from
the supporting base and can be rotated with respect to an axis that
is perpendicular to the base so that it can be adjusted according
to use.
[0039] The main problem of the above prior art adjustable binding
is that removing the mutual connection between the disk and the
board is particularly troublesome, because it usually occurs by
acting on conventional fastening means such as, for example,
screws.
[0040] Moreover, during this removal, snow or ice may accidentally
infiltrate in the gap formed by lifting said disk, causing problems
in subsequent mutual connection.
[0041] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,045 and 5,984,325 disclose adjustable
bindings for locking a shoe to a snowboard, comprising a main body
provided with a first lower seat for a complementarily shaped first
disk which is associated with the snowboard.
[0042] The main body has, in an upper region, a second seat,
arranged at the first seat, for connection to a separate upper
second disk.
[0043] The main body is comprised between the lower disk and the
upper disk and is temporarily associable with them by virtue of
connection means constituted for example by pins which act in
complementarily shaped third seats or by teeth which protrude
radially to the disk and are associable with a complementarily
shaped set of teeth formed around the respective seat.
[0044] Connection means are provided between the first and second
disks and selectively produce the connection of the main body to
the two disks and therefore its temporary coupling to the
snowboard.
[0045] The connection means comprises, in a first embodiment, a
cam-like lever accommodated in a fourth seat formed in the upper
surface of the second disk.
[0046] The lever interacts with a pivot that passes through the two
disks and the main body and acts in contrast with a spring arranged
between the second disk and the main body, so that a raised
position of the spring is linked to a mutual uncoupling of the
second disk and the main body.
[0047] Like the adjustable binding described earlier, also in this
case there is the problem that during angle adjustment snow or ice
can accidentally infiltrate into the interspace provided between
the second disk and the main body, with consequent difficulties in
operating the lever again.
[0048] In a second embodiment, the connection between the first
disk and the main body is performed by virtue of connection means
constituted by lateral levers that axially actuate respective pins
arranged approximately horizontally within the main body.
[0049] Although such embodiment does not have the problem of snow
infiltration, it is highly disadvantageous because of the space
occupation entailed by the one or more levers and because of the
problem of the possible jamming that they can undergo during
use.
[0050] The levers are in fact arranged outside the main body and
therefore in a position that is both aesthetically disadvantage and
easily damageable owing to impacts with foreign objects.
[0051] Another embodiment of the means for mutually connecting the
first disk, which is provided with teeth, and the main body is
constituted by one or more lateral levers that can be actuated
radially and by respective complementarily toothed plates suitable
to temporarily interact with the teeth of the first disk.
[0052] Those connection means, too, have drawbacks which are
similar to the ones described above: moreover, it has been found
that the forces generated during sports practice are far greater
than those that can be controlled by means of two or three plates
perimetrically associable with a toothed disk.
[0053] Accordingly, one obtains a connection that is not perfectly
rigid but, on the contrary, increases its play as the number of
plates used decreases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The aim of the present invention is therefore to solve the
above noted technical problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the
cited known art by providing a device which is structurally simple
and cheap to manufacture and allows to rapidly achieve an intended
easy adjustment of the angle of the binding with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the board, said adjustment being stable during
sports practice, so as to increase the degree of safety for the
user.
[0055] An object is to provide a device in which the angular
position assumed by the binding can be locked in an optimum manner
and safely without false lockings.
[0056] Another object is to provide a device in which the preset
adjustment of the angle cannot be altered by the possible presence
of snow or ice or any temperature changes.
[0057] Another object is to provide a device in which the force
that can be applied by the user to activate the invention is low
with respect to the perfect locking that can be achieved for the
binding.
[0058] Another object is to provide a device that allows to achieve
said intended adjustment very easily and rapidly on the part of the
user without the user having to have particular tools
available.
[0059] Another object is to provide a device that is structurally
compact and immune to accidental opening during sports
practice.
[0060] Another object is to provide a device that ensures that the
locking of the binding to the board is maintained during angle
adjustment, increasing user safety.
[0061] Another object is to provide a device that allows to perform
angle adjustment without allowing snow or ice to infiltrate the
adjustment device and compromise its correct operation.
[0062] Another object is to provide a device whose volume and
weight are negligible for the user during said sports
practices.
[0063] Another object is to provide a device that is structurally
simple and has low manufacturing costs.
[0064] This aim, these objects and others which will become
apparent hereinafter are achieved by an angle adjustment device,
particularly for a snowboard binding, comprising a supporting base
for a shoe having a first seat for a complementarily shaped first
disk which is associable with said snowboard in a lower region,
characterized in that said first disk, which is provided with teeth
in an upper region, is temporarily associable with a
complementarily toothed second upper disk which has means for
axially guiding with said supporting base, an upper plate being
rotatably associated with said second disk and interacting
selectively with connection means for temporary mutual locking of
said first and second disks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the detailed description of a particular
embodiment, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0066] FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively an exploded perspective view
and a top view of the angle adjustment device according to the
invention;
[0067] FIGS. 3 and 4 are lateral sectional views, taken along the
central plane III-III, of the invention respectively in the
adjustment position and in the position for use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0068] With reference to the above cited figures, the numeral 1
designates an angle adjustment device particularly suitable for
providing a binding for snowboards.
[0069] The angle adjustment device 1 comprises a supporting base 2,
which has at least one pair of side walls 3a and 3b for the
containment of a sports shoe for snowboarding.
[0070] The supporting base 2 has, in an approximately central
position, an opening 4, which is circular and constitutes a first
seat for a complementarily shaped first disk 5.
[0071] The first disk 5 has a plurality of first slots 6, four in
this particular embodiment, which are suitable for the passage of
respective mechanical means of a known type, constituted for
example by first screws 7, for connection to the snowboard.
[0072] The first disk 5 is approximately frustum-shaped, or
otherwise shaped, in order to taper downward, so that, once it is
arranged within the opening 4 and rigidly coupled to the snowboard,
its rim interacts with the complementarily shaped rim of the
opening 4, preventing the lifting of the supporting base 2.
[0073] A first annular set of teeth 8 is formed proximate to the
perimetric edge on the upper surface of the first disk 5.
[0074] The first set of teeth 8 is thus constituted by a plurality
of teeth arranged in radial directions and is suitable for
connection to a complementarily shaped second set of teeth 9 which
is formed on the lower surface of a second disk 10, which is
arranged in an upper region.
[0075] A guiding means for axial guiding with respect to the
supporting base 2 protrudes from the lower surface of the second
disk 10, externally to said second set of teeth 9 and therefore
proximate to the perimetric rim of the disk.
[0076] The guiding means comprises a plurality of pins 11
preferably cylindrical and suitable for a sliding connection to
respective second seats 12 formed along an annular recess 13
provided, in the supporting base 2, perimetrically to the opening
4.
[0077] The height of the recess 13 is such that it contains and
accommodates the second disk. A plate 14 is rotatably associated in
an upper region of the is second disk and is preferably
approximately triangular.
[0078] The rotary connection of the plate 14 to the second disk 10
is achieved by virtue of a pivoting element, preferably constituted
by a pivot 15, which is composed for example of a pair of elements
15a and 15b which can be mutually coupled.
[0079] The pivot 15 can be arranged within first and second holes
16a and 16b, obtained respectively in the second disk 10 and in the
plate 14, in a region which is off-center with respect to the
central axis of the second disk 10.
[0080] The rotation of the plate 14 can be produced by acting on a
lever 17 which is approximately L-shaped and protrudes laterally to
the plate 14 on a side which is adjacent to the pivoting side for
the pivot 15.
[0081] The lever 17 has dimensions by virtue of which, when the
adjustment device 1 is locked, it arranges itself proximate to one
of the two side walls 3a and 3b, allowing to position the sole of
the sports shoe on the supporting base 2.
[0082] In its rotation about the pivot 15, the plate 14 selectively
interacts with means for connection to the first disk 5.
[0083] The connection means comprises a second central screw 18,
whose stem 18a passes through a second slot 19 formed in the plate
14 and third and fourth holes 20 and 21 formed centrally
respectively in the second disk 10 and in the first disk 5. The
stem is associated, at its free end, with a locking nut 22.
[0084] The second slot 19 has a slightly arc-like shape, with a
first region, constituted by a fifth hole 19a, and an adjacent
slit-like second region 19b, which is preferably shaped like a
circular arc centered on the pivot 15.
[0085] In particular, the diameter of the fifth hole 19a is not
smaller than the width of the head 18b, of the second screw 18.
Vice versa, the width of the slit 19b is between the diameter of
the stem 18a and the width of the head 18b.
[0086] FIGS. 3 and 4 show that, depending on the position of the
plate 14 and is therefore depending on which of the first and
second regions 19a and 19b interacts with the second screw 18, it
is possible or not possible to adjust the angular position of the
binding with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard.
[0087] This is due to the fact that the length of the stem 18a
between the head 18b and the nut 22 is preferably equal to the
overall thickness of the first and second disks 5 and 10 and of the
plate 14. In such manner, the mutual temporary locking of the first
and second disks 5 and 10 is ensured by the arrangement of the slit
19b at the second screw 18.
[0088] Vice versa, by arranging the fifth hole 19a at the second
screw 18, the first and second sets of teeth 8 and 9, of the
respective first and second disks, disengage.
[0089] Said disengagement is preferably achieved automatically by
using an elastically compressible member, such as a helical spring
23, which is arranged between the first and second disks 5 and 10,
coaxially to said second screw 18.
[0090] Accordingly, the helical spring 23, which is preloaded upon
closure of the adjustment device 1, acts on the second disk 10 so
as to make it rise with respect to the first disk 5 when the fifth
hole 19a is arranged at the second screw 18, thus producing the
mutual uncoupling of their sets of teeth.
[0091] The thickness of the plate 14 must therefore be at least
equal to the height of the teeth of the first and second sets of
teeth 8 and 9.
[0092] The operation of the device is as follows: with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4, in order to perform an angle adjustment, the user
must turn the plate 14 so that the fifth hole 19a of the second
slot 19 lines up with the head 18b of the second screw 18.
[0093] Once the helical spring 23 has uncoupled the first and
second sets of teeth 8 and 9, it is possible to turn the binding,
including the plate 14 and the second disk 10, with respect to the
snowboard and the first disk 5.
[0094] Once the intended adjustment has been performed, the plate
14 is returned to its initial position, arranging the lever 17
adjacent to one of the two side walls 3a and 3b, thus restoring the
mutual connection of the two disks.
[0095] A slightly different embodiment has a head 18b of the second
screw 18 which is frustum-shaped and a fifth hole 19 whose diameter
is slightly smaller than the maximum width of the head 18b.
[0096] This provides a more effective operation, because the second
screw 18 and the edges of the fifth hole 19a never mutually
disengage and it is therefore not necessary to press on the second
disk 10, in opposition to the helical spring 23, in order to
restore the coupling, because such operation is performed by the
presence of the inclined planes constituted by the rim of said head
18b.
[0097] It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the
intended aim and objects, an angle adjustment device having been
devised which is structurally simple and cheap to manufacture and
allows to rapidly achieve a chosen easy angular adjustment of the
binding with respect to the longitudinal axis of the board.
[0098] Moreover, the locking of the angular position assumed by the
binding is stable and safe, without false lockings, and its
effectiveness cannot be modified by the presence of snow or
ice.
[0099] The gap between the first and second disks is in fact
obtained internally and is therefore never accessible to
infiltration of snow or ice.
[0100] The device according to the invention is also easy and
straightforward to use, because no tools of any kind are required.
Moreover, the device is immune to accidental opening during sports
practice, because the positioning of the sports shoe inside the
binding entails the automatic locking of the actuation lever of the
device.
[0101] The device according to the invention is susceptible of
numerous modifications and variations, within the scope of the
appended claims.
[0102] The materials used, as well as the dimensions of the
individual components of the invention, may of course be more
pertinent according to specific requirements.
[0103] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No.
TV2000A000162 from which this application claims priority are
incorporated herein by reference.
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