U.S. patent application number 11/142319 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for device for retaining a foot or a boot.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.. Invention is credited to Jean, Nicolas Petit.
Application Number | 20050280248 11/142319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34814583 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050280248 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jean, Nicolas Petit |
December 22, 2005 |
Device for retaining a foot or a boot
Abstract
A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus,
the device having at least one part for contact with the foot or
the boot. At least one of the parts of the device is covered with a
cover.
Inventors: |
Jean, Nicolas Petit; (Notre
Dame de Bellecombe, 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: |
34814583 |
Appl. No.: |
11/142319 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/623 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 10/285 20130101;
A63C 10/24 20130101; A63C 10/04 20130101; A63C 10/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/623 |
International
Class: |
A63C 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 3, 2004 |
FR |
04.06021 |
Claims
1. A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus,
said device comprising: at least one part for contact with the foot
or the boot; at least one of the parts of said at least one part
being covered with a cover.
2. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: one of the
parts covered with a cover is a rear support element.
3. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cover has
an appearance of a bag.
4. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: one of the
parts is a base, or a lateral flange, or a medial flange, or a
front linkage, or a rear linkage.
5. A retaining device according to claim 1, further comprising:
means for a permanent closure of the cover.
6. A retaining device according to claim 5, wherein: the permanent
closure means comprises a stitched seam.
7. A retaining device according to claim 1, further comprising:
means for non-permanent closure of the cover.
8. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cover
substantially covers the part completely.
9. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cover
comprises a material having a high coefficient of friction.
10. A retaining device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
base, a lateral flange, a medial flange, a rear support element,
and first and second linkages.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon French Patent Application No.
04.06021, filed Jun. 3, 2004, 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. 119.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device for retaining a
foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, such as a device for which
the retention is carried out by means of at least one linkage or
strap, for example.
[0004] More particularly, the invention is related to such
retaining devices, or bindings, for snowboarding, snow skiing,
waterskiing, snowshoeing, roller-skating, and the like.
[0005] 2. Description of Background and Relevant Information
[0006] A device with linkages according to the prior art generally
includes a lateral portion and a medial portion that demarcate
therebetween a zone for receiving the foot or the boot, as well as
a rear support element, such as a highback, associated with at
least one of the lateral or medial portions. Such device further
has at least one linkage that extends between the lateral and
medial portions, each linkage being used to retain the foot or the
boot in the receiving zone.
[0007] The parts, which include the lateral and medial portions,
the rear support element, and the linkages, form a retaining frame
around the foot or the boot.
[0008] Each part must satisfy technical specifications, on the one
hand, and aesthetic specifications, on the other hand. Indeed, the
parts are visible on the device. This is why, in addition to its
contribution to the proper functioning of the device, a part must
be aesthetically attractive. This is an important condition from
the point of view of a purchaser or a user of such devices.
[0009] To renew the attractiveness of such devices, it is necessary
to modify the appearance of the parts frequently. However, this
step requires technical modifications that are generally complex
and costly.
[0010] For example, for a rear support element made from a molded
plastic material, a modification of its shape requires the creation
of a different mold. Due to the fact that the manufacture of a mold
is expensive, it is seldom renewed, i.e., the shape is seldom
changed.
[0011] Therefore, for such reasons, an aesthetic modification of a
retaining device can be complex and expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] One of the objects of the invention is to facilitate an
aesthetic modification of a retaining device.
[0013] To this end, the invention provides a device for retaining a
foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, the device having at least
one part for contact with the foot or the boot.
[0014] At least one of the parts of the device according to the
invention is enclosed in a cover.
[0015] The cover in particular fulfills aesthetic functions for the
device.
[0016] Indeed, the cover can have colors, surface finishes,
reliefs, or other specific features, which contribute to the
aesthetic appearance of the device, or one or more parts of the
device, even if the general shape of the cover adapts to that of
the part that it covers.
[0017] The choice of a given cover consequently determines the
aesthetics of the device.
[0018] Various covers, having differences mentioned above, can
cover the same part or parts having the same shape. Because a cover
is relatively easy to manufacture, particularly with sewing
techniques, its use facilitates a selection or a modification of
the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
better understood by means of the following description, with
reference to the attached drawings showing, according to a
non-limiting embodiment, how the invention can be embodied, and in
which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a retaining device
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of a rear
support element and of the cover adapted to cover it.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Although the embodiment of the invention described more
fully below relates more particularly to the field of snowboarding,
it is to be understood that the invention also encompasses other
fields of endeavor as mentioned above.
[0024] As seen in FIG. 1, a retaining device 1 enables the
temporary retention of a rider's boot (not shown) on a board 2.
[0025] In a known fashion, the retaining device 1 has a base 3 that
extends longitudinally between a rear end 4 and a front end 5 of
the device.
[0026] The base 3 has an upper surface 6 adapted to face the boot,
and a bottom surface 7 adapted to face the board 2.
[0027] A pad 8 covers the base 3 in order to absorb forces, such as
steering forces, from the board. The pad 8 is shown in the form of
a unitary element that extends from one end 4 to the other end 5 of
the base 3. However, the pad 8 can be made of a plurality of
distinct pieces.
[0028] One can also use the board without a pad, the boot being
supported in this case directly on the base 3.
[0029] The base 3 can be secured to the board 2 by any means known
to one with ordinary skill in the art, such as a disk, which itself
can be affixed to the board by screws. These elements, not shown,
are located beneath the pad 8.
[0030] Alternatively, other means for retaining the base 3, such as
direct linking by screws, can be provided.
[0031] The base 3 is transversely bordered with a lateral flange 9
and a medial flange 10. Each of the flanges 9, 10 forms a lateral
portion or a medial portion, respectively, of the device 1 in order
to demarcate a zone 11 for receiving the boot. When the boot is
positioned on the device 11 the flanges 9, 10 extend laterally
along the sole. It is also possible that something other than the
flanges 9, 10 could be provided to form the lateral and medial
portions. For example, mere lateral and medial abutments of the
base could be used.
[0032] In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the
base 3 and the flanges 9, 10 form a unitary element made of a
synthetic material, for example. However, one can provide that the
flanges be elements that are affixed to the base by any means, such
as gluing, welding, screwing, nesting, or the like.
[0033] In the embodiment shown, the device 1 also has a rear
support element 20, commonly referred to as a highback, so that the
user can be supported with the lower leg. Depending upon the type
of retaining device, the presence of such a rear support element
may not be necessary.
[0034] The rear support element 20 has an forward facing concave
plate 21 that extends longitudinally thereof between a fastening
end 22 and a free end 23, transversely between a lateral edge 24
and a medial edge 25, and in thickness between a support surface 26
and a free surface 27. Alternatively, the plate 21 could be planar
or substantially planar.
[0035] The support surface 26 is provided to receive the rear of
the user's lower leg, the rear support element 20 and the base 3
being therefore associated with one another. According to the
embodiment illustrated and described, the rear support element 20
is associated with the flanges 9, 10, for example, by means of an
articulation. The articulation is oriented substantially along a
transverse axis 28 of the device 1. The articulation can have any
component, such as a screw, a rivet, a washer, a nut, a swivel pin,
or the like.
[0036] The articulation allows for a movement that brings the rear
support element 20 closer to the base 3. A resulting advantage is
to facilitate the storage.
[0037] The rear support element 20 could also be associated
directly with the base 3. One could also provided that the rear
support element 20 be directly affixed to the apparatus, i.e., to
the board 2 in this case. It only needs to be positioned on the
apparatus to enable the lower leg to be supported rearwardly.
[0038] According to the embodiment illustrated and described, an
abutment 35 limits the rearward rotation of the rear support
element 20.
[0039] In a non-limiting fashion, the abutment 35 has a cable 36
that runs around the rear support element 20. The path of the cable
36 can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the cable can have a
lateral end and a medial end. Each of the ends is affixed to the
lateral or medial flange, respectively, by any means known to one
with ordinary skill in the art. The use of a crimped end piece is
suitable. Between the ends, the cable 36 follows each flange 9, 10
while moving away therefrom, so as to extend around the rear
support element 20 in a position that is farther from the flanges.
An adjustable block/spacer 37, affixed to the rear support element
20 toward the free surface 27, makes it possible to adjust the
angular position of the rear support element in relation to the
base 3.
[0040] Alternatively, any other structure for obtaining the
abutment could be used. For example, a connecting arch could be
provided between the flanges 9, 10, on which the block/spacer 37
would be supported. In such a case, it is not necessary to use a
cable.
[0041] It is also provided to use two linkages in order to
removably retain the boot on the base 3, between the flanges 9, 10,
in the receiving zone 11.
[0042] A first linkage 50, or strap, is located toward the front,
in the area of the metatarsophalangeal articulation, when the foot
is retained. A second linkage 51, or strap, is located toward the
rear, in the area of the instep, when the foot is retained.
[0043] Each of the linkages 50, 51 extends transversely between the
flanges 9, 10.
[0044] Alternatively, according to the invention, a different
number of linkages could be provided.
[0045] The first linkage 50 has a lateral portion 52 and a medial
portion 53, which are attached to the lateral 9 and medial 10
flanges, respectively. A connecting device 54 makes it possible to
reversibly connect the lateral 52 and medial 53 portions to one
another. The connecting device 54 makes it possible to tighten the
boot to the desired level.
[0046] The second linkage 51 has a front segment 55 and a rear
segment 56. The front segment 55 is located toward the support
surface 26 of the rear support element 20, and the rear segment 56
is located toward the free surface 27 of the rear support element.
This enables the second linkage to tighten the rear support element
20 at the same time as it retains the foot or the boot. As a
result, the rear of the lower leg is always pressed against the
support surface 26 of the rear support element 20. A resulting
advantage is a direct transmission of the steering forces while the
leg is rearwardly supported.
[0047] The rear segment 56 of the linkage 51 has a lateral lug 57
and a medial lug 58 connected to one another by an arch 59. Each of
the lateral 57 and medial 58 lugs is associated with the lateral 9
and medial 10 flanges, respectively, by means of articulations
having a transverse axis, for example. A resulting advantage is to
provide the rear segment 56 with a degree of rotational freedom.
This facilitates the positioning of the rear segment 56. The arch
59 is more easily pressed on the free surface 27 of the rear
support element 20.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the lugs 57,
58 and the arch 59 form a unitary, i.e., one-piece, element made,
for example, from a synthetic material. The rear segment 56 can
comprise polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, or the like.
[0049] The rear segment can also be constructed from a plurality of
elements assembled by any means known to one with ordinary skill in
the art.
[0050] The front segment 55 is associated with the rear segment 56.
For example, the front segment 55 has a lateral portion 65 and a
medial portion 66. The lateral 65 and medial 66 portions are
attached to the lateral 57 and medial 58 lugs, respectively.
However, the portions 65, 66 can be attached to the arch 59.
[0051] A connecting device 67 makes it possible to reversibly
connect the lateral 65 and medial 66 portions to one another. The
connecting device 67 makes it possible to tighten the boot to the
desired level.
[0052] Generally speaking, the first 50 and second 51 linkages are
made out of relatively flexible and inextensible materials. For
example, they can have synthetic materials, such as polyamide or
polyurethane, whether reinforced or non-reinforced with fibers or
otherwise.
[0053] According to the invention, at least one of the parts,
namely, the base 3, the lateral 9 and medial 10 flanges, the rear
support element 20, or the first 50 and second 51 linkages, is
covered with a cover. The cover provides the part with aesthetic
and/or technical properties. Such properties, for example, can be
color, decorative patterns, or characteristics such as coefficient
of friction, resistance to wear, flexibility, thickness, or the
like. The cover customizes the part that it covers.
[0054] The cover also facilitates the selection of the constituent
material of the rear support element 20, since it is only selected
for its technical properties, the decorative aspect being provided
by the cover.
[0055] The covering of a part is shown in particular in FIG. 3, in
the case of the rear support element 20.
[0056] The part is detached from the device 1 in order to be
covered. In this case, the rear support element 20 is considered to
be such a part. A cover 80, adapted to cover it, has the general
aspect of a bag. Thus, the cover 80 has an opening 81, so that it
can be slipped on the rear support element 20 in the direction of
the arrow. The cover 80 extends longitudinally from the opening 81
up to an end 82, transversely from a lateral edge 83 to a medial
edge 84, and in thickness between a support surface 85 and a free
surface 86.
[0057] After being slipped on the rear support element 20, the
support surface 85 of the cover is opposite the support surface 26
of the rear support element 20. Thus, the lower leg presses
indirectly on the rear support element.
[0058] Similarly, the free surface 86 of the cover is opposite the
free surface 27 of the rear support element 20.
[0059] The end 82 and the lateral 83 and medial 84 edges of the
cover 80 extend along the free end 23 and the lateral 24 and medial
25 edges, respectively, of the rear support element 20.
[0060] The opening 81 is located in the area of the fastening end
22 of the rear support element.
[0061] According to the illustrated embodiment, the opening 81 of
the cover 80 is closed. In this case, a permanent closure means, in
the form of a stitched seam 90, is used, as seen in FIG. 2. After
it has been sewn, the cover 80 substantially envelops the rear
support element 20 completely. Therefore, the rear support element
20 forms, together with the cover 80, a component of the device 1
that is easy to modify.
[0062] Alternatively, other embodiments of the permanent closure
means can be provided, such as gluing, welding, or the like, for
example.
[0063] A non-permanent closure means can also be provided. For
example, snap fasteners, pairs of flexible strips, one having loops
and the other having hooks, such as VELCRO.RTM., can be used. Thus,
the cover 80 can be separated from the part that it covers, in this
case the rear support element 20, in order to be serviced or
replaced.
[0064] In certain cases, the absence of a closure means toward the
bottom is possible. The cover can be retained by the articulation
about the axis 28.
[0065] The cover 80 can be comprised of materials such as fabric,
any synthetic material based on plastic, rubber, or the like, any
natural material such as leather, fibers, cork, or the like.
[0066] The outer surface of the cover 80 can have any color or
arrangement of colors, in order to have an attractive
appearance.
[0067] The constituent materials of the cover 80 can have good
sliding properties, with a coefficient of friction less than 0.2.
In this case, it is easier to fit and remove the boot, since the
boot slides on the rear support element 20.
[0068] Conversely, the materials can have a relatively high
coefficient of friction, greater than 0.2. In this case, the
retention of the foot or of the boot in the device 1 is better.
[0069] According to the illustrated and described embodiment of the
invention, the thickness of the cover 80 is substantially constant.
Thus, it restores the shape of the rear support element 20.
Therefore, there is a combination of the contributions of the rear
support element 20 and of the cover 80. In particular, the first
serves to transmit steering forces that are transmitted through the
lower leg. The second, for example, can provide the assembly formed
by the support element and the cover with its appearance.
[0070] Also, one can provide that the cover 80 have varying
thicknesses, or various zones having different technical
characteristics. For example, certain zones can be smooth or
rougher, thick or thin, relatively hard or more flexible.
[0071] In the embodiment illustrated and described, the cover 80
substantially covers the part completely, in this case the rear
support element 20. However, a cover that is smaller in size can be
provided to cover the part only partially. A perforated cover
enabling one to see only portions of the covered part can also be
provided.
[0072] Generally speaking, it can be provided that each part of the
device be covered with a cover. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, a lateral cover 91 covers the lateral flange 9, a front
cover 92 covers the front linkage 50, and a rear cover 93 covers
the rear linkage 51. A medial cover can also be provided to cover
the medial flange 10, or a cover for the base 3.
[0073] Generally, the invention is made from materials and
according to implementation techniques that are known to one with
ordinary skill in the art.
[0074] The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment
shown and described, and encompasses all equivalent techniques that
fall within the scope of the claims that follow.
[0075] In particular, the form or size of a cover can be different
from that of the part covered.
[0076] Moreover, the device can be structured to retain the boot
otherwise than with linkages. For example, the linkages can be
replaced by a latching means provided to clamp the boot sole.
* * * * *