U.S. patent application number 13/295786 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-24 for retaining device including a mechanism for reversibly locking a boot anchoring element.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Eddy YELOVINA.
Application Number | 20120126510 13/295786 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44168988 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120126510 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YELOVINA; Eddy |
May 24, 2012 |
RETAINING DEVICE INCLUDING A MECHANISM FOR REVERSIBLY LOCKING A
BOOT ANCHORING ELEMENT
Abstract
A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus, including a
mechanism for reversibly locking the boot thereto. The mechanism
includes: a housing carrying a fixed jaw; a baseplate; a slide
carrying a movable jaw, slidable in the housing in a direction
moving the jaws toward or away from one another; a lever having a
cam surface, the lever articulated to one of the housing and the
slide, the other of the housing and the slide having a support
surface, the cam and support surfaces cooperating so that, when in
contact with one another, the jaws are closer together when the
lever is in a locked position, and the jaws are farther apart when
the lever is in an unlocked position. The mechanism includes an
elastic mechanism for biasing the slide to cause the relative
displacement between movable and fixed jaws.
Inventors: |
YELOVINA; Eddy; (Epagny,
FR) |
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.S.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
44168988 |
Appl. No.: |
13/295786 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/613 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/18 20130101; A63C
9/086 20130101; A63C 9/08571 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/613 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/00 20060101
A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 19, 2010 |
FR |
10/04499 |
Claims
1. A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus, the device
comprising: a mechanism for reversibly locking an anchoring element
of the boot, the mechanism comprising: a housing carrying a fixed
jaw; a baseplate; a slide carrying a movable jaw, the slide being
slidable in the housing in a direction moving the jaws toward or
away from each another; a lever having a cam surface; the lever
being affixed by an articulation to a first of the following: the
housing and the slide; a second of the housing and the slide having
a support surface; the lever being movable selectively between an
unlocked position and a locked position; in the locked position of
the lever, the cam surface and support surface are in mutual
engagement and the jaws are relatively close to each other; in the
unlocked position of the lever, the jaws are relatively farther
from each other; an elastic mechanism structured and arranged to
bias the slide to cause a relative displacement of the movable jaw
relative to the fixed jaw.
2. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the elastic
mechanism is structured and arranged to bias the slide in a
direction to move the fixed jaw and the movable jaw away from each
another.
3. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the elastic
mechanism is a spring.
4. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the slide is
structured and arranged for movement parallel to the baseplate.
5. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the
articulation of the lever comprises an axis parallel to the
baseplate.
6. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the
articulation of the lever comprises an axis perpendicular to the
direction of movement of the slide in the housing.
7. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the cam
surface has a convex portion.
8. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the movable
jaw has a concave shape.
9. A retaining device according to claim 8, wherein: the fixed jaw
has a flat shape.
10. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the slide
carries a reversibly elastically deformable stop, the stop being
structured and arranged to contact a front portion of the boot when
the boot is retained by the device.
11. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: a stop is
affixed to the housing, the stop having the support surface adapted
to cooperate with the cam surface of the lever.
12. A retaining device according to claim 11, wherein: the support
surface of the stop has a flat shape and, with the baseplate, forms
an angle between 60.degree. and 90.degree..
13. A retaining device according to claim 11, wherein: the support
surface of the stop has a concave portion.
14. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: in the locked
position of the lever, a contact point between the cam surface and
the supporting surface is closer to the baseplate than an axis of
the articulation of the lever when the contact point is forward of
the articulation axis.
15. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: in the locked
position of the lever, a contact point between the cam surface and
the supporting surface is farther from the baseplate than an axis
of articulation of the lever when the contact point is rearward of
the articulation axis.
16. A retaining device according to claim 1, wherein: the device is
a binding for retaining a front of the boot relative to the sports
apparatus, a rear of the boot allowed to move away from the sports
apparatus when the boot is retained in the device, the anchoring
element of the boot extending transversely relative to a sole of
the boot, at least one of the fixed and movable jaws having a
transversely extending surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon French patent application
Ser. No. 10/04499, filed Nov. 19, 2010, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the
priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a device for retaining a boot on a
sports apparatus, more particularly a device that includes a
mechanism for reversibly locking an anchoring element of the
boot.
[0004] The device of the invention can be used in fields such as
skiing, particularly cross-country skiing, ski touring, telemark
skiing, but also in snowshoeing, snowboarding, roller skating, and
the like.
[0005] 2. Background Information
[0006] A retaining device is known to use a reversible locking
mechanism that includes a housing carrying a fixed jaw, a
baseplate, and a slide carrying a movable jaw. The slide can be
caused to slide in the housing in a direction moving the jaws
relatively toward or away from one another at least partially by
the actuation of a lever of the mechanism.
[0007] Such an arrangement is disclosed, for example, in French
Patent Publication No. 2 638 974 and in related U.S. Pat. No.
5,052,710, in the field of cross-country skiing. According to these
patent documents, the implementation of the mechanism, that is to
say, the action that makes it possible to lock or unlock by moving
the slide, is carried out by a knuckle-joint mechanism, i.e., an
over-center or bi-stable mechanism. Conventionally, such a system
includes two arms and three articulations, one of which connects
the arms to one another. It is the relative position of the arms
and of the articulation axes that holds the slide in a stable
locked position or, conversely, in the unlocked position. Such
system has the advantage of being reliable, in the sense that it is
strong, wear-resistant, and operational in harsh conditions, such
as those related to cold weather or in the presence of snow. It
thereby provides satisfaction to the user. However, such a system
has several disadvantages. In particular, it is relatively complex
in that it comprises a significant number of parts, such as the
arms and the articulations. This results in other drawbacks, such
as the time required for assembly and the manufacturing costs.
These factors increase in proportion to the complexity.
[0008] Given that the knuckle-joint system is part of the
reversible locking mechanism, the disadvantages of the retaining
device according to aforementioned patent documents can be said to
include complexity, excessive production time, and relatively high
production costs.
SUMMARY
[0009] The invention provides an improved retaining device that
includes a mechanism for reversibly locking an anchoring element of
a boot. More specifically, the invention simplifies the structure
of the locking mechanism. In addition the needed to assembly the
constituent elements of the mechanism is reduced. Further, the
manufacturing costs of the mechanism are reduced.
[0010] To these ends, the invention provides a device for retaining
a boot on a sports apparatus, such as a ski, the device including a
mechanism for reversibly locking an anchoring element of the boot,
the mechanism including a housing that carries a fixed jaw, a
baseplate, and a slide that carries a movable jaw, the slide being
capable of sliding in the housing in a direction moving the jaws
relatively toward or away from one another, the mechanism further
including a lever. The lever has a cam surface, the lever being
affixed by an articulation to one of the elements referred to as
the housing and the slide, the other of the elements having a
support surface, the cam and support surfaces cooperating so that,
when in contact with one another, the jaws are moved closer to one
another if the lever is in a locked position, and the jaws are
spaced apart if the lever is in an unlocked position.
[0011] The retaining device of the invention includes an elastic
mechanism capable of biasing the slide so as to cause the
displacement of the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw.
[0012] In fact, the arrangement of the locking mechanism organizes
cooperation between the position of the lever and the position of
the slide. This cooperation is achieved by contact between the cam
surface of the lever and the support surface connected either to
the housing or to the slide. The contact is direct, which means
that it occurs without using other movable elements.
[0013] One particular advantage of the invention is simplicity, not
only with respect to the structure of the locking mechanism, but
also with respect to its use. Indeed, the relative friction of the
cam and support surfaces provides accurate information to the user
regarding the status of the mechanism, that is to say, regarding
the position of the movable jaw, as the forces related to the
locking are transmitted directly between the lever and the slide by
the interaction of the cam and support surfaces.
[0014] Other advantages achieved by the invention include a
reduction in the assembly time of the constituent elements of the
mechanism, and a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the
mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
better understood from the following description, with reference to
the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting
embodiments, how the invention can be implemented, and in
which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for retaining a
boot on a sports apparatus, according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross section, along the line of FIG. 2, of a
housing in which the locking mechanism of the retaining device is
in an unlocked state, and in which the boot shown partially and
stylized, approaches the mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3, showing a housing in which the
locking mechanism is in an intermediate state, between unlocking
and locking, the boot being in position on the device;
[0020] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 3, showing a housing in which the
locking mechanism is in a locked state, the boot being retained on
the device;
[0021] FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, showing a second embodiment of
the invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 3, showing a third embodiment of
the invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 5, showing the third embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The first embodiment described hereinafter relates more
specifically to a device for retaining a boot on a cross-country or
telemark ski. However, the invention applies to other devices and
fields, such as those mentioned above.
[0025] The first embodiment is described below with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0026] As can be understood with reference to all of the figures, a
retaining device 1 is provided to reversibly retain a boot 2 on the
ski 3. For reasons of convenience, the boot 2 is shown only
partially, in dot-and-dash lines. The boot 2 includes an anchoring
element 4 in the exemplary form of a rigid pin or rod having a
circular cross section, oriented transversely and parallel with
respect to the sole assembly 5 of the boot.
[0027] Still for convenience, the ski 3, shown partially and
stylized, is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the retaining device 1 includes a
first mechanism 6 for reversibly locking the anchoring element 4 of
the boot 2. The operation of the mechanism 6 is described below.
The retaining device 1, as shown in the drawing figures, only
includes a first reversible locking mechanism 6. However, the
device 1 can also include a second mechanism, not shown, which can
also be a reversible locking mechanism, an elastic return
mechanism, or a mechanism that ensures both locking and return
functions. Such second mechanism cooperates in the housing with
another anchoring element of the boot, which is located farther
rearward than the anchoring element 4 used to cooperate with the
first reversible locking mechanism 6. The device 1 can further
include one or more ribs for guiding the sole assembly 5
longitudinally. U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,050, U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,947,
and U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,695, the disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference thereto in their entireties, each
provides an example of a boot retaining device which includes first
and second mechanisms for front and rear anchoring elements, a boot
guiding rib, and an elastic return mechanism. U.S. Pat. No.
6,289,610, the disclosure of which is also hereby incorporated by
reference thereto in its entirety, discloses embodiments of
anchoring element(s) embedded in a ski boot, such elements bridging
the longitudinal guiding groove, the groove cooperating with a
longitudinal rib extending upwardly from the ski.
[0029] Regardless of the number of subassemblies provided to
constitute the retaining device 1, the first locking mechanism 6,
here referred to simply as the locking mechanism 6, or the
reversible locking mechanism, includes a housing 11 carrying a
fixed jaw 12, a baseplate 13, and a slide 14 carrying a movable jaw
15. The construction and operation of the elements 11, 12, 13, 14
and 15 are further described below.
[0030] The retaining device 1, i.e., the locking mechanism 6,
further includes a lever 16. The lever 16 is used to lock or unlock
the mechanism, for example via an external action, such as a manual
actuation or manipulation by the user. The structure and operation
of the lever 16 is described in greater detail below.
[0031] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown
in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lever 16 has a cam surface 21, the lever 16
being affixed by an articulation 22 to one of the elements
comprised of the housing 11 and the slide 14, the other of the
elements 11, 14 having a support surface 23, the cam 21 and support
23 surfaces cooperating so that, when in contact with one another,
the fixed 12 and movable 15 jaws are positioned closer to one
another when the lever 16 is in a locked position, and the fixed 12
and movable 15 jaws are positioned farther from one another when
the lever 16 is in an unlocked position.
[0032] The lever 16 acts directly on the housing 11 or the slide 14
by contact of the cam 21 and support 23 surfaces. This direct
action enables the user to perceive the position of the slide
accurately and, therefore, the position of the movable jaw 15 when
the user manipulates the lever 16. Moreover, due to the simplicity
of its structure, the locking mechanism 6 accurately transmits the
steering impulses, or the sensory information, between the boot 2
and the ski 3.
[0033] in a non-limiting manner, according to the first embodiment
of the invention, as can be understood with reference to FIGS. 1 to
5, the housing 11 includes a longitudinal cavity 24. To this end,
the housing 11 includes a first lateral wall 25 opposite a second
lateral wall 26, the lateral walls 25, 26 being connected to one
another by a top portion 27 and a rear wall 28. In this embodiment
the walls 25, 26, 28 and the top 27 form a unitary element, i.e., a
single piece element. In addition, a cover 29 demarcates the cavity
24 opposite the top portion 27. The top portion 27 is structured
and arranged to face the boot 2, and the cover 29 is structured and
arranged to face the ski 3.
[0034] The housing 11 is affixed to the baseplate 13 by the lateral
walls 25, 26 and the rear wall 28. In fact, the baseplate 13 and
the housing 11 here form a unitary, single piece element.
Consequently, the cover 29 is parallel to the baseplate 13 and is
located, for example, in the same plane as the baseplate 13. The
baseplate 13 is made in the form of a plate which extends at the
base of the housing 11, in a forward direction, that is to say,
away from the rear wall 28, but also on the sides.
[0035] The slide 14, positioned in the housing 11, is
translationally movable parallel to the baseplate 13. Given that
the baseplate 13 is adapted to be supported on the ski 3, directly
or indirectly, the slider 14 itself is translationally movable
along the length of the ski 3. As a result, the jaw 15 is
translationally movable parallel to the baseplate 13, along the
length of the ski 3, when the mechanism 6 is mounted on the ski 3.
This promotes cooperation with the transverse anchoring element 4
of the boot 2.
[0036] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the
lever 16 is affixed to the slide 14. Consequently, the lever 16
follows the movements of the slide 14, both in a locking direction
and in an unlocking direction.
[0037] The lever 16 extends lengthwise between an articulation end
33 and a free end 34. The articulation 22 affixes the articulation
end 33 of the lever 16 to the slide 14. The articulation 22, in the
form of a pivot, includes a pin which extends along an axis 35. The
free end 34 of the lever is adapted to be manipulated by the user,
as described in greater detail below.
[0038] The axis 35 of the articulation 22 of the lever 16, in this
exemplary embodiment, is parallel to the baseplate 13. This makes
it possible to manipulate the free end 34 in a direction moving
away from or toward the baseplate 13, therefore, by a
cause-and-effect relationship, also away from or toward the ski 3.
This manipulation has the advantage of being simple to perform.
[0039] In a non-limiting manner, the axis 35 of the articulation 22
of the lever 16 is perpendicular to the direction of movement of
the slide 14 in the housing 11. As a result, the lever 16 pivots in
a plane perpendicular to the baseplate 13 or to the ski 3. The
lever 16 therefore remains above the baseplate 13 and the ski,
which guarantees that there is no interference from contact with
another retaining device used for the second foot, or with any
other obstacle. Therefore, the use of the device 1 is
simplified.
[0040] The cam surface 21 of the lever 16 has a convex portion 41
formed by a series of lines juxtaposed and parallel to the axis 35
of the articulation 22. As is evident from the following
description, the orientation of the surface 21 enables the lever 16
to bias the slide 14 using forces oriented along the direction of
movement of the slide 14. This optimizes the performance of the
locking mechanism 6, by reducing as much as possible the forces
required to obtain the locking position.
[0041] To cooperate with the lever 16, a stop 42 is affixed to the
housing 11, the stop 42 having the support surface 23 adapted to
cooperate with the cam surface 21 of the lever 16. More
specifically, the stop 42 here is affixed to the baseplate 13,
which is affixed to the housing 11. In other words, the stop 42 is
affixed to the housing 11 via the baseplate 13. The stop 42 is
indirectly affixed to the housing 11. The use of a stop 42 makes it
possible to select the best fulcrum for the lever 16, as will be
understood from the following description.
[0042] The stop 42 is arranged on the baseplate 13 so that the
articulation 22 of the lever 16 is located between the stop 42 and
the slide 14. The support surface 23 of the stop 42, adapted to
cooperate with the cam surface 21 of the lever 16, is in the path
of the slide 14. This surface 23 therefore lies within the
extension of the longitudinal cavity 24. This makes it possible to
bias the slide 14 in its direction of movement in the housing
11.
[0043] Although not essential to various possible embodiments of
the invention, the support surface 23 of the stop 42 of the
illustrated embodiment is flat. The support surface 23, together
with the baseplate 13, forms an angle .alpha. whose value can be
between 60.degree. and 90.degree. or, in more limited embodiments,
between 75.degree. and 85.degree., which yields good results. The
support surface 23 is inclined with respect to the baseplate 13, so
that its top 43 is closer to the housing 11 than its base 44. This
inclination, as is apparent from the further description below,
provides stability to the locking position of the mechanism 6.
[0044] According to the non-limiting first embodiment, the stop 42
forms a unitary, single piece element with the baseplate 13. The
housing 11, the baseplate 13, and the stop 42 can be formed as a
unitary, single piece element. This saves time in manufacturing.
Nevertheless, the stop 42 can be provided, in an alternative
embodiment, as an element attached to the baseplate, such as by
means of adhesive, glue, weld, or other expedient.
[0045] The operation of the device 1 is described in detail below
with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, which correspond
chronologically to bringing the boot 2 initially toward the device
and, thereafter, the locking of the anchoring element 4 of the
boot.
[0046] First, in FIG. 3, the boot 2 is brought toward the retaining
device 1 so that the anchoring element 4 of the boot is above the
space between the fixed jaw 12 and movable jaw 15. The space has
its maximum volume in the FIG. 3 position because the jaws 12, 15
are spaced apart to the maximum, which is possible because the
lever 16 is in an unlocked position. This position is obtained when
the free end 34 is moved sufficiently far from the baseplate 13,
such as, e.g., as far away from the baseplate 13 as possible (by
movement rearwardly and clockwise, in the drawing).
[0047] Upon bringing the boot closer, the user can press it down on
the device 1, as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the anchoring
element 4 is brought between the jaws 12, 15. The locking maneuver
involves pivoting the lever 16, about the articulation 22, to bring
the free end 34 of the lever toward the baseplate 13. When the
lever 16 rotates (forwardly and counter-clockwise in the drawing),
the cam surface 21 bears against the support surface 23 of the stop
42 in order to push the slide 14 away from the stop 42, or also
toward the rear wall 28 of the housing 11. The rotation of the
lever 16 in a locking direction causes the movable jaw 15 and fixed
jaw 12 to be brought toward one another.
[0048] When locking is achieved, according to FIG. 5, the free end
34 of the lever 16 is in its position closest to the baseplate 13.
When the lever 16 is in the locked position, the contact point 45
or area between the cam surface 21 and the support surface 23 is
closer to the baseplate 13 than the axis 35 of the articulation 22
of the lever 16. In this configuration, the contact point 45 or
area is forward of the articulation axis 22. Therefore, a bias on
the slide 14 by the boot in an unlocking direction, i.e., towards
the stop 42, increases the contact pressure between the cam 21 and
support 23 surfaces. The inclination along the angle .alpha. of the
support surface 23 creates an additional thrust force in a locking
direction. The retaining device 1 and, more precisely, the locking
mechanism 6, is structured to oppose the unlocking in the case in
which forces related to steering, such as during skiing, would tend
to move the jaws 12, 15 away from each other. The locking mechanism
6 opposes the opening of the jaws in proportion to the forces
applied to them. The locking mechanism 6 according to the invention
functions here according to the knuckle-joint, or over-center,
principle. Indeed, the arrangement of the contact point 45 relative
to the articulation axis 22 makes it possible to generate a torque
that tends to press the lever 16 flat against the baseplate 13,
that is to say, to keep the lever in the locked position, when
moving the slide 14, and therefore the axis 22, towards the
front.
[0049] According to the first embodiment of the invention, an
elastic mechanism 51 is also provided to bias the slide 14 in a
direction that tends to cause relative movement between the fixed
jaw 12 and the movable jaw 15 away from one another. The bias is
directed toward the stop 42. The elastic mechanism 51 facilitates
the spacing apart of the jaws 12, 15 and, thereby, allowing the
anchoring element 4 to be released, when the user returns the lever
16 to the unlocked position, shown in FIG. 3.
[0050] The elastic mechanism 51 maintains the contact between the
cam surface 21 and the support surface 23, which provides stability
and enables proper functioning of the locking mechanism 6. The
elastic mechanism 51 biases the slide 14 so as to oppose its
initial movement that is generated during the transition from the
locked position to the unlocked position and vice versa.
[0051] If the elastic mechanism were not used, it would still be
possible to move the lever 16 to the unlocked position shown in
FIG. 3. This would require the user to raise the free end 34 of the
lever into the unlocked position, and to push the boot forward. In
this case, the slide 14, with its jaw 15, releases the anchoring
element 4.
[0052] In a non-limiting manner, the elastic mechanism 51 is a
spring. For example, it is a helical spring housed in the housing
11, between the slide 14 and the rear wall 28. The spring is
compressed when the mechanism 6 is in the locked position, with the
jaws 12, 15 being close to one another. This arrangement is simple
and easy to implement. Any other structure can be provided for the
elastic mechanism, such as a block of elastomeric material, or the
like.
[0053] It has just been shown that the movement of the slide 14, in
a direction opening the jaws 12, 15, occurs due to an action of the
elastic mechanism 51 or to a thrust from the boot. This means,
therefore, that it is not the contact of the cam 21 and support 23
surfaces that causes the opening. The support surface 23 of this
illustrated embodiment of the invention is a single surface, in the
sense that it is the only surface provided to cooperate with the
cam surface 21 in a direction closing the jaws. In other words, the
support surface 23 is provided, exclusive of any other surface that
could have been used in order for the lever to bias the opening.
This simplifies the structure of the locking mechanism 6 and,
therefore, of the retaining device 1.
[0054] Still in the context of optimizing the use of the retaining
device 1, the slide 14 carries a reversibly elastically deformable
stop 52, the stop being shaped to contact a front portion 53 of the
boot 2. The purpose is to eliminate the mechanical play between the
front 53 and the locking mechanism 6. Therefore, the stop 52 is
sized to be slightly compressed between the front 53 and the
mechanism 6 when the boot 2 is retained.
[0055] The movable jaw 15 has a concave shape in order to cooperate
with the anchoring element 4 which has a complementary surface.
Thus, the jaw 15 can house the anchoring element 4, so that the
latter is retained using a connection by obstacle or blocking, as
opposed to a connection by friction. This ensures a reliable
retention. Moreover, the concave shape here is semicircular in
order to more closely fit the anchoring element 4, whose transverse
cross section, in this non-limiting embodiment, is circular.
[0056] In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the fixed jaw 12 is
flat, which enables it to cooperate easily with the movable jaw 15
for retaining the anchoring element 4. This also serves as a guide
for positioning the anchoring element 4 between the jaws 12,
15.
[0057] Other embodiments of the invention are described below with
reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. For reasons of convenience, the elements
that are shared with the first embodiment are designated by the
same reference numerals.
[0058] The second embodiment is described with reference to FIG.
6.
[0059] This embodiment also features a retaining device 1 with a
locking mechanism 6. As with the description above, the retaining
device 1 includes a housing 11, a baseplate 13, a slide 14, and a
lever 16.
[0060] Specific to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is
the structure of the stop 62 arranged on the baseplate 13. In this
case, the stop 62 is comprised of a bent lug, such as a bent band
of metal, for example, or a molded or otherwise shaped piece of
plastic.
[0061] According to the second embodiment, the stop 62 is an
element attached on the baseplate 13 and affixed thereto by any
means. This may be something permanent, such as an adhesive bond, a
rivet, or the like, or something removable, such as a screw, or a
shape that allows nesting, or the like.
[0062] The support surface 23, adapted to cooperate with the cam
surface 21 of the lever 16, is formed in the embodiment of FIG. 6
by a concave portion 63 of the stop 62. This concave portion
facilitates maintaining the lever 16 in a stable locked
position.
[0063] The third embodiment is next described with reference to
FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0064] This embodiment features a retaining device 1 with a locking
mechanism 6. The retaining device includes a housing 11, a
baseplate 13, a slide 74, and a lever 76.
[0065] The third embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 is specific in that
the lever 16 is affixed to the housing 11. More specifically, the
lever 16 is connected to a support 77 by an articulation 78. The
support 77 itself is affixed to the baseplate 13, which itself is
affixed to the housing 11, as is the case for the first embodiment
of FIGS. 3-5. Finally, according to the third embodiment, the lever
16 is connected indirectly to the housing 11 by the articulation
78. The arrangement in this case is opposite those of the first and
second embodiments, but operates in a similar manner.
[0066] For the third embodiment, when the lever 76 is in the locked
position, the contact point 79, or area, between the cam surface 81
of the lever 76 and the support surface 83 of the slide 74 is
farther away from the baseplate 13 than the axis 84 of the
articulation 78 of the lever 76. In this configuration, the contact
point 79 is behind the articulation axis 84. This provides greater
stability for the locked position of the locking mechanism 6.
Indeed, the arrangement of the contact point 79 relative to the
articulation axis 84 makes it possible to generate a torque that
tends to press the lever 76 flat against the baseplate 13, that is
to say, to keep the lever in the locked position when moving the
slide 74, and therefore the contact point 79, towards the
front.
[0067] In any case, the invention can be made from materials and
using techniques of implementation known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0068] The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
described above, but includes all equivalents that fall within the
scope of the claims that follow.
[0069] In particular, a number of alternative structures may be
provided for the slide or the lever.
[0070] The invention also includes an inverted locking mechanism 6,
that is to say, a mechanism favoring a locked position. In this
fourth embodiment, not shown, the elastic arrangement 51 biases the
slide in a direction bringing the fixed jaw 12 and the movable jaw
5 relatively closer together. The first stable position is the
locked position. The lever, when actuated, causes the slide to move
so as to space the jaws apart. This displacement is obtained by a
solution similar to the previous solutions, due to the cooperation
of a cam surface with a support surface. In this unlocking
configuration, the slide is more biased by the elastic arrangement
51 than in the previous embodiments. Due to this alternative, the
mechanism is not biased as much. Indeed, the retaining device is
more often in the locked position. However, because the elastic
mechanism is less constrained in this configuration, it does not
bias the other elements of the device as much.
[0071] The elastic arrangement 51 can therefore bias the slide in a
direction spacing apart the fixed jaw 12 and the movable jaw 15, as
is the case in the first three embodiments. However, it can also
bias the slide in a direction bringing the fixed and movable jaws
12, 15 relatively closer together, as is the case in the fourth
embodiment. The elastic mechanism 51 is thus capable of biasing the
slider so as to cause the relative displacement of the movable jaw
15 with respect to the fixed jaw 12. The elastic mechanism acts on
the slide when it is biased, for example when compressing a
compression spring.
[0072] In addition to the foregoing, the invention disclosed herein
by way of exemplary embodiments suitably may be practiced in the
absence of any element or structure which is not specifically
disclosed herein.
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