U.S. patent application number 11/124357 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for board of a gliding apparatus and gliding apparatus including such a board.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.. Invention is credited to Damiani, Laurent, Merino, Jean-Francois.
Application Number | 20050206131 11/124357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8853623 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050206131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merino, Jean-Francois ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Board of a gliding apparatus and gliding apparatus including such a
board
Abstract
A gliding board in the form of a longitudinal beam having a
laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer, possibly
borders by lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating
layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data
exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance
greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of
the stack.
Inventors: |
Merino, Jean-Francois;
(Epagny, FR) ; Damiani, Laurent; (Annecy,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
8853623 |
Appl. No.: |
11/124357 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11124357 |
May 9, 2005 |
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|
10736689 |
Dec 17, 2003 |
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10736689 |
Dec 17, 2003 |
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09915454 |
Jul 27, 2001 |
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6688632 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/611 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 2203/24 20130101;
G06K 19/07749 20130101; A63C 9/003 20130101; A63C 2203/22 20130101;
G06K 19/07771 20130101; A63C 5/06 20130101; A63C 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/611 |
International
Class: |
A63C 009/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 28, 2000 |
FR |
00 10774 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A boot retaining assembly for a gliding apparatus, said assembly
comprising: front and rear elements for retaining the boot on the
gliding apparatus; a connecting piece connecting said front and
rear retaining elements, said connecting piece being made of a
non-metallic material; a data exchange label carried by said
connecting piece.
2. A boot retaining assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said
data exchange label is attached to said connecting piece.
3. A boot retaining assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said
data exchange label is integrated into said connecting piece.
4. A boot retaining assembly according to claim 3, wherein: said
connecting piece is made of a molded plastic material.
5. A boot retaining assembly according to claim 1, wherein: each of
said front and rear retaining elements comprises a plurality of
metallic elements; said data exchange label is positioned a
distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any of said
metallic elements.
6. A gliding apparatus comprising: a gliding board including a
front end having a turned up shovel, a central zone, and a rear end
comprising a tail; and a boot retaining assembly mounted on said
gliding board in said central zone, said boot retaining assembly
comprising: front and rear elements for retaining the boot on the
gliding board; a connecting piece connecting said front and rear
retaining elements, said connecting piece being made of a
non-metallic material; a data exchange label carried by said
connecting piece.
7. A gliding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said data
exchange label is attached to said connecting piece.
8. A gliding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: said data
exchange label is integrated into said connecting piece.
9. A gliding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: said
connecting piece is made of a molded plastic material.
10. A gliding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: each of said
front and rear retaining elements comprises a plurality of metallic
elements; said data exchange label is positioned a distance greater
than or equal to 2 millimeters from any of said metallic
elements.
11. A gliding board comprising: a longitudinal beam comprising a
plurality of layers, said plurality of layers including at least a
core and a plurality of reinforcing layers; said longitudinal beam
including a metallic material; a data exchange label positioned
above said metallic material a distance greater than or equal to 2
millimeters.
12. A gliding board according to claim 11, wherein: at least one of
said plurality of reinforcing layers comprises said metallic
material, said data exchange label being positioned above said one
of said plurality of reinforcing layers.
13. A gliding board according to claim 11, further comprising: a
mass of material projecting above a surrounding upper surface of
said longitudinal beam; said data exchange label being supported by
said mass of material.
14. A gliding board according to claim 11, further comprising: a
mass of material projecting above a surrounding upper surface of
said longitudinal beam; said data exchange label being positioned
within said mass of material.
15. A gliding board according to claim 11, wherein: the gliding
board is a ski having a front end comprising a turned up shovel, a
rear end comprising a tail, and a central zone comprising a binding
zone for mounting a skier's boots to the ski.
16. A gliding board comprising: a longitudinal beam comprising a
plurality of layers, said plurality of layers including at least a
core and a plurality of reinforcing layers; at least one of said
reinforcing layers comprising a metallic material, said one of said
reinforcing layers having a front end longitudinally spaced from a
front end of the longitudinal beam or rear end longitudinally
spaced from a rear end of the longitudinal beam; a data exchange
label positioned longitudinally beyond said one of said reinforcing
layers a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters.
17. A gliding board according to claim 16, further comprising: the
gliding board is a ski having a front end comprising a turned up
shovel, a rear end comprising a tail, and a central zone comprising
a binding zone for mounting a skier's boots to the ski; an end
piece extending forwardly of said shovel; said data exchange label
is positioned within said end piece.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/736,689, filed on Dec. 17, 2003, the latter application
being a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/915,454, filed on Jul. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,632,
issued on Feb. 10, 2004, the disclosures of both of said prior
applications being hereby incorporated by reference thereto in
their entireties, and the priorities of which being hereby claimed
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120.
[0002] This application is based upon French Patent Application No.
00 10774, filed Jul. 28, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority
of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to the board of a gliding
apparatus, in particular an alpine ski, as well as a gliding
apparatus including such a board.
[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to such articles
which incorporate an electronic data exchange label with an
external reading and writing device.
[0006] 2. Description of Background and Relevant Information
[0007] In the case of an alpine ski, an electronic data exchange
label is disclosed in the patent documents EP 441 318 and WO
99/54005, in which the label is integrated into the structure of a
ski during manufacture. According to these documents, the label,
which is a relatively thin element, is merely inserted between two
layers in the laminated structure that forms the ski. In the first
case, the label is passive, it can only be read. In the second
case, the label has a rewritable memory, i.e., it can receive and
store data transmitted thereto, and which data can be read
subsequently. The data exchange with the label is done remotely,
without any physical contact, by means of an appropriate reading or
writing device.
[0008] Among the commercially available labels, two reading/writing
techniques are generally known, which depend mainly on the format
of the label, and also on the frequency used to perform the data
exchange. According to a first reading/writing method, these
operations are performed over a short distance by means of a
portable device which is presented in the vicinity of the label.
According to another method, the operations are performed over a
longer distance by means of a stationary installation, for example,
when the article and its user pass between the side panels of a
detection gate.
[0009] In both cases, it has been found that the data exchanges
could be interfered with by the metallic masses of the board or of
the boot retaining elements. For example, the skis of the
fibro-metal type have two metallic reinforcing layers on the top
and bottom which are capable of hiding the label from the detection
apparatus. The retaining elements also have various metallic parts
that can hinder the reading and writing operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the invention is to improve the existing
gliding boards and retaining assemblies so that the reading and
writing operations of the data exchange label with which they are
equipped become easier and more reliable.
[0011] This object is achieved for the gliding board according to
the invention, which includes a longitudinal beam whose structure
is formed by a stack, or laminated structure, which includes a
bottom surface layer possibly edged with lateral running edges,
reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the
board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange
label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to about 2
millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.
[0012] In a particular embodiment of the invention, when the
structure of the board includes upper and lower metallic
reinforcing layers, at a discontinuity in at least one of the
metallic reinforcing layers, the data exchange label can be
positioned at least 2 millimeters from the discontinuity. The
discontinuity can be an interruption in such layer, such as an edge
of such layer, or the discontinuity can be a cutout in such layer.
In the latter example, the data exchange label can be positioned
either within the cutout, such as centered therewithin, or at least
aligned with the cutout so that the data exchange label can be at
least read without interference with any metallic mass.
[0013] Also, according to the invention, the gliding apparatus can
be provided with a boot interface in the form of front and rear
retaining elements connected to one another with a connecting piece
made of non-conducting material. The connecting piece can then be
equipped with a data exchange label.
[0014] In this way, the data exchange label is positioned at an
adequate distance from any metallic mass of either one of the
retaining elements, or of the board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention will be better understood from the description
that follows, with reference to the annexed drawings which are an
integral part thereof:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an alpine ski;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the alpine ski of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a data exchange label;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the label of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows another data exchange label;
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a ski portion, partially broken-away in the
area of the label;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ski in the area of
the label;
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the label borne by a pellet;
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the label and its pellet;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a ski according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 10a is a variation of FIG. 10;
[0027] FIGS. 11 and 12 relate to other alternative embodiments;
[0028] FIG. 13 shows an alternate positioning of the label;
[0029] FIG. 14 relates to another embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the ski of FIG. 14 in
the area of its label;
[0031] FIGS. 16-19 show other embodiments of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 20 shows the invention as applied to a boot retaining
assembly;
[0033] FIG. 21 shows the connecting piece of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a ski 1 having a conventional
structure. In a known fashion, the ski 1 has the form of an
elongated beam with a central zone 2 where the elements for
retaining the boot will be assembled, a turned up shovel 3 at the
front, and a tail 4 at the rear.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the same ski. A data exchange
label is schematically designated by the reference numeral 5.
According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the
label 5 is positioned in the central zone 2 of the ski, in the
vicinity of the reference mark 6 which is the ski center reference
mark. This reference mark is present on most of the current skis,
and makes it possible to position the retaining elements during the
assembly thereof.
[0036] The data exchange label 5 is of a known type and is
commercially available. A first example is shown in an enlarged
view in FIG. 3. The label includes a thin track of conducting
material, such as copper, wound along turns 8 at the surface of an
insulating plate 7 made of epoxy, for example. These turns form a
coil, or antenna, that is connected to an electronic circuit
located on the back of the label where it forms a bulge 9. The
electronic circuit contains a read-only memory (ROM) zone with an
identification code of the label, and a random access memory (RAM)
zone where temporary data can be stored. When the coil is subject
to the electromagnetic field of the reading/writing apparatus, it
generates an electric current for feeding the electronic circuit.
Furthermore, it functions as a duplexer through which the reading,
writing, or deleting instructions, and the read or written data are
transmitted.
[0037] A second example of label 10 is shown in FIG. 5, also in an
enlarged view. Instead of being wound along a rectangle, the turns
11 are wound along circumferences on the insulating support 12.
[0038] Other types of labels are also suitable, with other rigid or
flexible supports.
[0039] FIG. 6 schematically shows a first method of incorporating
the label 5 into the ski structure. The ski 1 is shown therein in a
top view which is partially broken-away until the upper metallic
reinforcing layer 13 and the label 5 are visible. As is described
in more detail below, the ski 1 is of the fibro-metal type, i.e.,
its structure includes two upper and lower metallic reinforcing
layers made, in particular, of aluminum alloy.
[0040] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the label 5 is
positioned within a cutout 14 of the upper reinforcing layer. The
cutout is of any appropriate shape, round as in the figure, or
square, provided that its contour is sufficiently cleared of the
turns of the label. The distance between the turns of the label and
the metallic reinforcement has been estimated to be greater than or
equal to 2 millimeters, or about 2 millimeters, and preferably at
least equal to 5 millimeters, or about 5 millimeters.
[0041] The position of the label in the vicinity of the reference
mark 6 of the middle of the ski has been selected so that the
cutout 14 is in fact made in the central zone of the ski where the
reinforcement 13 is not very biased, i.e., not subjected to
relatively significant forces. As a result, the behavior of the ski
in bending is not significantly affected by this cutout.
[0042] With respect to the lower metallic reinforcement, the
predetermined minimum distance indicated hereinabove is also
respected. Indeed, in the central zone of the ski, the two metallic
layers are at a distance of about 8 millimeters. The label is
therefore located more than 2 millimeters, or even more than 5
millimeters from this reinforcement.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the ski 1 in the area of the
label. The ski structure shown in this figure is formed by a stack
of layers located above and beneath a central core 16. The core can
be made of wood or foam, for example. Beneath the core, a bottom
surface layer 17 is overlaid by a lower reinforcing layer 18 made
of resin-impregnated fibers, which is itself overlaid by a lower
metallic reinforcing layer 19, the assembly being edged with two
metallic running edges 20 and 21.
[0044] On the top, the core is covered by an upper metallic
reinforcing layer 13, an upper reinforcing layer 25 made of fibers
which descends down to the running edges, and a decorating layer
26.
[0045] This figure shows the cutout 14 made in the upper metallic
reinforcing layer 13 and the label 5 positioned in the center of
the cutout.
[0046] With respect to the thicknesses, a metallic reinforcement
measures about 0.5 millimeters in thickness, and a label measures
0.5 to 1.0 millimeters, or about 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters, depending
on the models, in its thickest zone, i.e., the zone 9 of the
electronic circuit. The remainder of the label measures about 0.2
millimeter.
[0047] Thus, according to the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 6, the label is integrated into the thickness of the metallic
reinforcement without any problem, the thickness of the bulge 9
being easily absorbed in the thickness of the other adjacent
layers.
[0048] So as to facilitate the centering of the label in the center
of the cutout, the label can be positioned in the center of a
non-metallic member 28, hereinafter referred to as a pellet, whose
dimensions are substantially equal to the dimensions of the cutout
horizontally and in thickness.
[0049] The pellet 28 can be a molded element on which the label is
attached, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Another solution consists of
molding a pellet around the label. Still other possibilities exist
and are not beyond the scope of the invention.
[0050] In addition to the centering of the label, the pellet
ensures the filling up of the recess within the cutout, which
avoids a depression in which the resin and the fibers of the
reinforcing layers 25 could flow during the manufacture of the
ski.
[0051] Instead of a pellet, the insulating support of the antenna
and of the electronic circuit could be provided to overlap
laterally from the contour of the antenna by a distance of at least
2 millimeters.
[0052] FIG. 10 relates to an alternative embodiment. According to
this variation, the core 30 of the ski is machined with a recess 31
in which the label 32 is housed. The core is a wooden core or a
machined core. Above the label, the metallic reinforcement 33 has a
cutout 34 which is preferably filled up by a non-metallic pellet
35. In the case of a core made of a relatively soft material, in
view of the thinness of the label and the softness of the material,
it is not necessary to machine the recess 31 in advance; it
suffices to place the label in the correct position in the mold; it
creates its own recess under the effect of the pressure applied by
the walls of the mold.
[0053] In a variation, FIG. 10a shows the label 36 embedded in the
core, below the level of the metallic reinforcement, at a distance
on the order of 2 millimeters. In this case, as shown in the
figure, the dimensions of the cutout 37 of the reinforcement can be
reduced. Possibly, they can be less than the horizontal dimensions
of the label.
[0054] FIG. 11 relates to a ski whose core 38 is injected in situ,
i.e., within the ski manufacturing mold. In this case, the label 39
is attached to the lower surface of the reinforcement 40 made of
fibers; for example, it is glued to this surface, and it is housed
within the cutout 41 of the metallic reinforcement 42.
[0055] In this case, in principle, it is the injected foam of the
core that fills up the empty space in the vicinity of the label;
there is no need for a pellet.
[0056] According to FIG. 12, the label 43 is positioned on the
outer surface of the reinforcing layer 44 made of fibers, right
beneath the outer decorating layer 48. As a result, the label is
visible from the outside. As in the preceding cases, the metallic
reinforcing layer 45 is bored with a cutout 46 in the center of
which the label 43 is positioned, and the cutout 46 is preferably
filled up by a non-conducting pellet 47.
[0057] With respect to the decorating layer, a thin metallic layer,
for example an aluminum film, is used sometimes to create a
background effect in the decoration of the ski.
[0058] In this case, a cutout must be provided in this decorating
film, in the center of which the label will be positioned. The same
applies if the decoration uses metallic powder as a pigment.
[0059] FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention
according to which the label 49 is offset toward a lateral edge of
the ski. The cutouts of the metallic layers or films are offset in
the same manner. The elements for retaining the boot are sometimes
connected by a metallic connecting bar. By laterally offsetting the
label, the label is cleared and an interference with such a bar is
avoided.
[0060] The various embodiments which have been described show the
label in the upper portion of the ski. This is not limiting, and
the label could be placed close to the running surface of the ski,
in the area of the lower metallic reinforcement.
[0061] Also, the central zone of the ski is a preferred zone in
that the maximum thickness of the ski is in this area, that a
cutout can be made in a reinforcement without deteriorating the ski
structure, that it is the zone that is in front of a technician
when he is assembling or adjusting the elements for retaining the
boot, and that this zone is completely protected by the boot during
the glide. However, this is not limiting, and the label could be
placed in other locations where the metallic reinforcement is not
very biased, in particular toward the shovel or the tail.
[0062] To illustrate this, FIG. 14 shows the shovel 50 of a ski
into which a label 51 is integrated.
[0063] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the ski in the area of
the shovel. Once again, the ski is of the fibro-metal type. The
difference with the central zone of the ski is that the two
metallic layers 53 and 54 are brought closer together in view of
the thickness of the ski. In this case, the invention provides two
cutouts 55 and 56 in each of the reinforcements. The cutout zones
are superposed, and the label 52 is centered with respect to both
zones.
[0064] In the various embodiments of the invention in which a
cutout is provided, it can be seen in the aforementioned exemplary
drawings that at least a portion of the data exchange label is in
vertical alignment with the cutout while the bottom surface layer
is in a horizontal position. Further, at least a portion of the
data exchange label is in alignment with the cutout,
perpendicularly with respect to at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the ski, to expose the data exchange label
through the cutout to a device for reading the data exchange
label.
[0065] FIG. 16 shows an alternative construction of the ski which
advantageously makes it possible to place the label 58 toward the
shovel without any particular arrangement.
[0066] The two metallic reinforcements 59 and 60 and the core 61
are interrupted behind the shovel, toward the front contact line of
the ski, and an auxiliary core 62 made, for example, of
polyurethane foam, extends this assembly to form the shovel. The
label 58 is placed in the area of this auxiliary core, and is
therefore at a sufficient distance from the metallic layers. One
could proceed in the same manner by placing the label in the area
of the tail of the ski.
[0067] FIG. 17 relates to another alternative embodiment. The label
63 is here attached above the ski structure. It is borne by a mass
of material 64 projecting above the ski structure and assembled to
the ski by any appropriate means, in particular gluing, welding, or
the like. The thickness of the mass 64 is determined to maintain
the label at an adequate distance from the metallic mass of the
reinforcements.
[0068] FIGS. 18 and 19 relate to alternative embodiments of the
invention where the data exchange label is integrated into the end
piece attached to the shovel of the ski.
[0069] According to FIG. 18, the label 65 is molded in the front
end zone of the end piece 66 which is located in the extension of
the ski structure. In this way, the label 65 is offset at a
sufficient distance from a possible metallic element of the
ski.
[0070] According to FIG. 19, the label 67 is housed in a bulging of
the end piece 68 in the manner of the preceding raising wedge
64.
[0071] In this latter case, one can also provide an arrangement of
the metallic reinforcements of the ski, for example a cutout, to
keep the label further away from any metallic mass.
[0072] For the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 17-19, instead of
being molded in the raising wedge or the end piece of the shovel,
one could provide, in these elements, a housing having the
dimensions of the label, with a cap or a pellet which would then be
force fitted to seal the opening of the housing and mask the
label.
[0073] The various embodiments that have been described relate to
skis having fibro-metal layers. Indeed, it is the presence of the
metallic reinforcements which risks causing reading/writing
problems in the label. In the case of a ski having a fiber
structure, the label can be placed a priori in any location, except
in the vicinity of the running edges, the mounting zones of the
retaining elements, a metallic decorating piece or film. However,
for such skis, the same label location as that which has been
defined for a fibro-metal ski is preferably used in order to
perform the reading/writing operations according to the same
operating mode, regardless of the type of ski. In particular, the
embodiments of the ski that have been described relative to FIGS.
10, 11, 12, 14, 16-19 apply to all types of skis, regardless of
their construction mode. In this case, it suffices to disregard the
metallic layers.
[0074] FIG. 20 shows the invention as applied to an assembly 70 for
retaining the boot on the ski. Conventionally, this assembly
includes front and rear retaining elements 71 and 72. Due to their
construction, these elements include a large number of metallic
elements which risk disturbing the reading/writing operations of a
label.
[0075] In these conditions, the most favorable location for the
label is the connecting piece 73 that connects the two retaining
elements. Such a connecting piece is commonly used, in particular
for the retaining element adapted to the location. In general, this
is a piece made of a molded plastic material, therefore free from
metal. Moreover, the location is remote from the front and rear
retaining elements, and it is sufficiently raised with respect to a
possible metallic reinforcement of the ski.
[0076] FIGS. 20 and 21 show the label 75 integrated into the
connecting piece, this operation being capable of being performed
during the molding. This is not limiting, and the connecting piece
could also be attached to the surface of the piece 73 by gluing,
welding, or any other appropriate technique, or can be placed in an
appropriate housing.
[0077] In the case where the ski is also equipped in its central
zone with a data exchange label, the two labels of the ski and of
the retaining assembly are advantageously located in the same zone.
In these conditions, it is possible to read or write them both
during the same operation, provided that the processing unit that
is behind the reading/writing sensor is capable of processing a
plurality of labels at the same time.
[0078] The present description is provided for guidance only, and
other embodiments of the invention could be adopted without leaving
the scope thereof.
[0079] In particular, the invention also applies to the boards used
for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. It could
also apply to other gliding boards or apparatuses, the general idea
of the invention being that if the board or apparatus is adapted to
have a metallic layer or mass for any of its models, one selects
for this model a location that is at a distance of at least 2
millimeters from any metallic mass. If necessary, a cutout is made
in the metallic layer, and in this case, one selects a location
where the layer is not very biased, and the labels are placed in
the same location for the other models of the line.
* * * * *