BINDING DEVICE FOR GLIDING BOARD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of European patent application No. FR2308471 filed Aug. 4, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a binding device for holding a boot on a gliding board. The invention notably relates to a binding device comprising an adjusting device suitable for adjusting a longitudinal position of the boot on a gliding board. The invention also relates to gliding equipment, notably cross-country skiing equipment, comprising such a binding device.

BACKGROUND ART

To engage in gliding sports, notably to engage in cross-country skiing, each of a user's boots is held on a gliding board by a binding device. The binding device transmits the forces exerted by the user's feet to the gliding board. In particular, the binding device holds the tip of the foot on the gliding board in a connection allowing rotation about an axis transverse to the ski. The user is thus able to lift their heel off the gliding board while keeping the front of their boot attached to the ski. In this way, the user is able to exert impulses in order to advance over a snowy surface.

The position of a user's feet on a gliding board is of key importance. Depending on the conditions of use or the abilities of a user, it may be beneficial to modify the longitudinal position of the user's feet on the gliding board. In particular, for engaging in cross-country skiing, shifting the foot towards the front of the ski improves the biting of the ski into the snow and makes for easier progress. Conversely, shifting the foot towards the rear makes it possible to obtain a better feeling of gliding.

In order to offer the possibility of adjusting the position of the user's foot on a gliding board, binding devices equipped with a position-adjusting device are known. Manipulating the adjusting device makes it possible to modify the position of a boot retaining means with respect to the gliding board, particularly in the longitudinal direction of the gliding board. However, the position-adjusting devices known from the prior art are somewhat impractical to use. They are not suited to making quick and precise adjustments of the position of the foot, notably while engaged in the gliding sport. The known adjusting devices are complex to manipulate and somewhat unintuitive or else offer overly limited adjustability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a binding device that overcomes the above disadvantages and that improves the binding devices known from the prior art.

More specifically, a first subject of the invention is a binding device comprising an adjusting device that is simple and intuitive to manipulate.

A second subject of the invention is a binding device that allows precise adjustment of the position of a foot on the gliding board.

The invention relates to a front binding device for holding a boot on a gliding board, the binding device comprising:

- a retaining means able to collaborate with a front part of a boot, and
- an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the retaining means relative to a gliding board,
- the adjusting device comprising:
- a structured element comprising a series of reliefs, the structured element being intended to be mounted securely on the gliding board,
- a locking element mobile between a locked position in which it is engaged with the structured element in order to lock the position of the retaining means, and an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the structured element in order to adjust the position of the retaining means, and
- an operating element supported by the retaining means and intended to be actuated by a user, the operating element being mobile in rotation about a first axis parallel to a vertical axis, the operating element being mobile between at least a first position and a second position, the operating element bearing against a bearing surface of the locking element so that the locking element moves from its locked position to its unlocked position when the operating element is actuated from its first position to its second position.

According to one embodiment, the binding device comprises a chassis mobile in translation relative to the structured element, the retaining means and the operating element being supported by the chassis.

According to one embodiment, the locking element is mobile in rotation about a second axis parallel to a transverse axis, the second axis being secured to and immovable in relation to said chassis.

According to one embodiment, the locking element comprises a locking finger able to collaborate with the structured element, the locking finger and the bearing surface of the locking element being arranged one on each side of the second axis.

According to one embodiment, the binding device comprises a return means tending to move the locking element towards its locked position.

According to one embodiment, the retaining means comprises an elastic blade, said return means being formed by part of the elastic blade.

According to one embodiment, the operating element comprises at least one cam, rotation of the operating element about the first axis causing the cam to bear against the bearing surface of the locking element to tend to move the locking element towards its unlocked position.

According to one embodiment, the operating element comprises a plurality of cams intended to bear against the bearing surface of the locking element, the locking element being in its unlocked position when the bearing surface is bearing against one from among the plurality of cams, the locking element being in its locked position when the bearing surface is bearing against the operating element between two adjacent cams.

According to one embodiment, the binding device comprises a mechanical transmission means between the operating element and a support intended to be mounted securely on the gliding board or between the operating element and a securing element able to be held securely on the structured element, the transmission means being configured so that:

- turning the operating element in a first direction of rotation causes the retaining means to move in a first direction, and/or
- turning the operating element in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, causes the retaining means to move in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

According to one embodiment, the transmission means comprises a cable, the cable being intended to be at least partially wound around the operating element when the operating element pivots about the first axis. The operating element may comprise at least one groove, preferably two grooves, in which the cable is intended to be wound.

According to one embodiment, the binding device comprises a pulley, the support being positioned between the operating element and the pulley, the transmission means comprising a first strand and a second strand, the first strand directly connecting the support to the operating element, the second strand connecting the support to the operating element via the pulley.

The binding device may comprise a tension-adjusting means for adjusting the tension in the cable.

According to one embodiment, the operating element is also mobile in translation parallel to the first axis between its first position and its second position.

The operating element may be locked against rotation when it is in its first position.

The invention also relates to gliding equipment comprising a gliding board, notably a cross-country ski, and a binding device as defined hereinabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These subjects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set out in detail in the following description of various nonlimiting embodiments, described in connection with the attached drawings among which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view from above of gliding equipment according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a binding device of the gliding equipment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the binding device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view of an underside face of an operating element of the binding device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view in cross section of the binding device of FIG. 2, a locking element of the binding device being in an unlocked position.

FIG. 6 is a view in cross section of the binding device of FIG. 2, the locking element of the binding device being in a locked position.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a binding device according to a first variant of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an operating element of the binding device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from beneath of a chassis of the binding device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from beneath of the binding device of FIG. 7, a chassis of the binding device being in a first position relative to a gliding board.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from beneath of the binding device of FIG. 7, the chassis of the binding device being in a second position relative to the gliding board.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from beneath of the binding device of FIG. 7, the chassis of the binding device being in a third position relative to the gliding board.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a binding device according to a second variant of the invention.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the binding device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the binding device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a binding device according to a third variant of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a variant of a device for adjusting the tension in a cable arranged between an operating element and a support secured to a gliding board in a binding device of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another variant of a device for adjusting the tension in a cable arranged between an operating element and a support secured to a gliding board in a binding device of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another variant of an operating element, having two circular grooves arranged one above the other.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a variant of a locking element having two lateral prongs with inclined ramp adapted to collaborate with the operating element of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a variant of a chassis and various operating elements, where a cylindrical portion of the chassis has a flange with a set of reliefs.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional partial view of a variant of a binding device according to the invention, in a blocking position.

FIG. 23 is another cross-sectional partial view of the binding device of FIG. 22, in an unblocking position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates gliding equipment 1 comprising a gliding board 2 and a binding device 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. The binding device 3 enables a boot to be connected to a gliding board 2 such that impulses can be transmitted from the user's foot to the gliding board 2. According to the embodiment depicted, the gliding board 2 is a cross-country ski. Cross-country skiing is a sport in which a user progresses over a snowy surface by means of impulses transmitted to the skis. In order to engage in cross-country skiing, each of a user's boots is connected to a ski only via a front end of the boot, so as to allow the heel of the boot to be lifted up relative to the ski.

The longitudinal axis X is defined as being the axis along which the gliding board extends. The longitudinal axis X corresponds to the direction in which a user of the gliding equipment progresses in a straight line. The longitudinal axis X is directed from the rear towards the front. The transverse axis Y is an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The transverse axis Y is oriented from right to left from the point of view of a user of the gliding board 2. It is assumed that the gliding board 2 is resting on a horizontal surface. The axes X and Y are then horizontal axes. The vertical axis Z denotes an axis perpendicular to the axes X and Y. The axes X, Y and Z thus form an orthogonal frame of reference. The terms “lower” and “upper” refer to an arrangement along the vertical axis Z.

The binding device 3 according to the invention could also be fitted to any gliding board in relation to which a user needs to have their feet connected or attached, not only via the front of the boot but possibly also via the back of the boot. In particular, the gliding board 2 could be an Alpine ski, a touring ski, a snowboard or else a monoski.

The binding device 3 is a front binding device, namely one that collaborates with the front of a boot. The binding device 3 comprises a retaining means 4 able to collaborate with a boot in order to hold the boot on the gliding board 2. As a preference, the retaining means 4 is configured to connect the boot to the gliding board about a connection permitting rotation about an axis of rotation Y1 parallel to the transverse axis Y.

One embodiment of the retaining means 4 is partially depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The retaining means 4 comprises a housing intended to accept a connecting pin incorporated into a front part of the sole of the boot. To complement this, the retaining means 4 may comprise a holding means (not depicted) to hold the connecting pin in the housing. As is clearly visible in the figures, the housing may be formed for example by two notches 5A, 5B. Each notch 5A, 5B may be formed in a longitudinal rib 6A, 6B of the binding device. When a user wishes to put on a ski, this user positions the connecting pin integrated into the sole of their boot in the two notches 5A and 5B and then actuates the retaining means in order to secure their boot to the ski. Thus, the forward tip of the boot can pivot with respect to the ski about the connecting pin, which corresponds to the axis of rotation Y1. As a variant, the retaining means 4 could be designed differently.

The binding device 3 also comprises an adjusting device 7 for adjusting a position of the retaining means 4 relative to the gliding board 2. The adjusting device 7 is configured for adjusting the longitudinal position of the boot on the gliding board, along the longitudinal axis X. More specifically, the adjusting device 7 is configured for adjusting the position of the axis of rotation Y1 along the longitudinal axis X. The range of adjustment of the position of the retaining means 4 may be of the order of a few millimetres to a few centimetres, for example five centimetres.

The binding device 3 comprises a chassis 8 mounted free to slide with respect to the gliding board 2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. More specifically, on the one hand, the binding device 3 comprises guide rails 9A, 9B secured to the gliding board. On the other hand, the chassis 8 comprises guide slots 10A, 10B collaborating with the guide rails 9A, 9B respectively. The guide slots 10A, 10B are arranged on a lower underside face of the chassis 8. The chassis 8 is thus connected to the gliding board in a slideway connection parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The chassis 8 supports the retaining means 4. In particular, the longitudinal ribs 6A, 6B comprising the notches 5A and 5B are formed on an upper face of the chassis 8. The chassis 8 is a one-piece element, for example injection-moulded in plastic. The chassis 8 has the overall shape of a plate that is elongate along the longitudinal axis X. The chassis 8 comprises a rear part intended to extend beneath the front of a boot, and a front part intended to extend in front of the boot.

The chassis 8 also supports an operating element 11 for operating the adjusting device 7. The operating element 11 is an element intended to be manipulated by a user in order to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4. The operating element 11 is arranged on an upper face of the front part of the chassis 8. The operating element 11 is thus positioned in front of the front tip of the boot and is easily accessible. The operating element 11 is mobile in rotation about a first axis Z1 with respect to the chassis 8, the first axis Z1 being parallel to the vertical axis Z.

The adjusting device 7 also comprises a structured element 12 secured to the gliding board 2. The structured element 12 comprises a series of reliefs 13. As will be seen in greater detail later, the reliefs 13 are intended to collaborate with a locking element of the adjusting device in order to lock the position of the chassis 8 relative to the gliding board 2.

As a preference, the reliefs 13 are arranged evenly along the longitudinal axis X. The structured element 12 is fixed (for example screwed or bonded) to an upper face of the gliding board 2 or possibly to a plate which is itself fixed to the upper surface of the gliding board.

The structured element 12 may for example be in the form of a notched bracket. The structured element 12 may extend between the two guide rails 9A and 9B. Advantageously, the guide rails 9A, 9B and the structured element 12 form the one same single component.

According to the embodiment depicted, the structured element 12 is a rack. The rack has teeth extending transversely and arranged at regular intervals. The teeth are separated from one another by recesses intended to accept a locking finger, as will be detailed later on. As a variant, the structured element 12 could take some other form on which a force comprising a non-zero longitudinal component can be exerted. The structured element could take the form of a surface provided with holes arranged at regular intervals, or the form of a rack, the teeth of which are not parallel to the transverse axis Y but inclined with respect to the transverse axis Y or V-shaped. The structured element could yet again be a simple surface that is rough or adherent enough to allow the transmission of a longitudinal force. According to another variant, the structured surface could be formed or sculpted directly in an upper face of the gliding board.

FIG. 3 illustrates the adjusting device 7 in greater detail in an exploded perspective view. Aside from the chassis 8 and the operating element 11 which were mentioned previously, the adjusting device 7 comprises a locking element 14, a return means 15 and a lower plate 16.

The locking element 14 is mobile in rotation relative to the chassis 8 about a second axis Y2 between a locked position (illustrated in FIG. 6) and an unlocked position (illustrated in FIG. 5). The second axis Y2 is parallel to the transverse axis Y. The second axis Y2 is secured to and immovable in relation to the chassis 8, which is to say fixed in the frame of reference of the chassis 8. Therefore the locking element 14 is rotatably mounted on the chassis 8, which supports the retaining means 4. In the locked position, the locking element 14 is engaged with the structured element 12 to block the chassis 8 relative to the gliding board. The longitudinal position of the retaining means 4 is thus locked. In the unlocked position, the locking element 14 is disengaged from the structured element. This allows the chassis 8 to be moved relative to the gliding board and therefore allows the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4 to be adjusted.

The locking element 14 is mobile in rotation by virtue of the shaft 17, supported by the lower plate 16, and passing right through the locking element 14. The lower plate 16 comprises a bearing 18 supporting the shaft 17.

The lower plate 16 is fixed rigidly to a lower underside face of the chassis 8, notably by a fixing screw 19. The fixing screw 19 collaborates with a first screw socket 20 provided on the chassis 8 and a second screw socket 21 provided on the lower plate 16. The shaft 17 is thus secured to the chassis 8. As a variant, other rearrangements could be proposed for assembling the locking element 14 with the chassis 8 in a connection permitting rotation about the second axis Y2.

The return means 15 comprises a first end bearing against the lower plate 16 and a second end bearing against the locking element 14. The return means 15 tends to move the locking element 14 towards its locked position. The locked position of the locking element 14 is therefore a position of least tension of the return means 15, and is therefore a stable position. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the return means may be a coil spring intended to be stressed in compression. The coil spring is advantageously held by a holding post 22 formed on the lower plate 16. As will be seen further later, the return means 15 could be constituted differently. It could for example be a torsion spring or an elastic blade.

In order to guide the operating element 11 in rotation about the first axis Z1, the chassis 8 comprises a cylindrical portion 23 the axis of revolution of which coincides with the first axis Z1. The cylindrical portion 23 comprises a central opening 24, likewise cylindrical, the axis of revolution of which likewise coincides with the first axis Z1. The central opening 24 is bordered by a flange 25 visible notably in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The operating element 11 is advantageously formed of a lower part 11A and of an upper part 11B rigidly fixed to the lower part 11A. In particular, the lower part 11A is fixed to the upper part 11B by a fixing screw 26. The fact that the operating element 11 is manufactured in two parts 11A and 11B allows the operating element 11 to be assembled with the chassis 8 more simply.

As is clearly visible in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper part 11B comprises a blind cylindrical opening the diameter of which is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 23. The upper part 11B covers the cylindrical portion 23 and closes the central opening 24. The lower part 11A is housed inside the central opening 24. The lower part 11A has a circular periphery the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the central opening 24. The operating element 11 is thus guided in rotation about the first axis Z1 by collaboration with the cylindrical portion 23. The flange 25 is sandwiched between the lower part 11A and the upper part 11B. The operating element 11 is thus retained on the chassis 8 and therefore cannot become lost.

The locking element 14 comprises at least one locking finger 27, or hook 27, intended to collaborate with the structured element 12. In particular, when the locking element 14 is in its locked position, the locking finger 27 is positioned between two adjacent reliefs 13, notably in a recess arranged between two adjacent teeth, so as to block any movement of the locking element 14 along the longitudinal axis X. Because the locking element 14 is connected via the shaft 17 and the lower plate 16 to the chassis 8, the longitudinal locking of the locking element 14 results in longitudinal locking of the chassis 8 and, therefore, of the retaining means 4, since the latter is supported by the chassis. Conversely, when the locking element 14 is in its unlocked position, the locking finger 27 is disengaged from the structured element 12. The chassis 8 can then slide freely along the guide rails 9A, 9B, thereby allowing the user to manually adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4.

The shapes of the locking finger 27 and of the reliefs are defined so that the retaining means 4 exhibits no longitudinal lash when the locking finger 7 is in its locked position, and so that the locking element 14 is easy to turn between its locked position and its unlocked position. In particular, the recesses formed between the adjacent teeth may advantageously have a shape that narrows towards the bottom, so as to ensure that the chassis 8 is positioned without longitudinal lash relative to the gliding board when the locking finger 27 is in its locked position. The bottom of each recess may have a dimension along the longitudinal axis X that is substantially equal to the width of the locking finger 27 along this same axis. The recesses may thus have a shape that widens towards the top, so as to guide the locking finger 27 more easily towards its locked position and/or so as to facilitate the disengagement of the locking finger from the structured element 12. The cross section of each recess may thus have a trapezoidal shape with the large base directed towards the top and the small base directed towards the bottom.

Moreover, the locking element 14 comprises a bearing surface 28 by means of which the locking element 14 is in contact with the operating element 11. More specifically, the bearing surface 28 is in contact with a lower underside face 29 of the operating element 11, which face is illustrated in FIG. 4. The lower underside face 29 comprises a cam 30. The cam 30 is configured to create greater or lesser pressure on the bearing surface 28 as the operating element 11 is pivoted about the first axis Z1. The bearing surface 28 is positioned substantially above the return means 15. Thus, the cam 30 is able to apply pressure to the bearing surface 28. The pressure of the cam 30 against the bearing surface 28 tends to place the return means 15 under tension. The cam 30 thus allows the locking element 14 to be positioned in its unlocked position. When the locking element 14 is in the locked position, the cam 30 can be moved away from the bearing surface and can apply no pressure to the locking element 14.

According to the embodiment illustrated, the cam 30 may take the form of a ramp extending over approximately a quarter of a turn of the operating element 11. The operating element therefore needs to be turned by one quarter of a turn in order to cause the locking element to move from its locked position to its unlocked position, or vice versa.

Advantageously, this ramp is flanked by two end-stop means 31A, 31B which are configured to limit the turning of the operating element 11 relative to the chassis 8. When the operating element 11 is in a first position, the end-stop means 31A is in lateral contact with the locking element 14, and the locking element 14 is in a locked position. The bearing surface 28 may then not yet be in contact with the cam 30. When the operating element 11 is in a second position, the second position being pivoted by approximately a quarter of a turn with respect to the first position, the end-stop means 31B is in lateral contact with the locking element 14, and the locking element is in an unlocked position. The bearing surface 28 may then be in contact with the thickest part of the cam 30.

The locking finger 27 and the bearing surface 28 of the locking element 14 are arranged one on each side of the second axis Y2. The locking element 14 therefore behaves like a rocker: as the bearing surface 28 descends following pressure from the cam 30, the locking finger 27 ascends and disengages from the structured element 12. Conversely, as the bearing surface 28 ascends under the action of the return means 15, the locking finger 27 descends and collaborates with the reliefs 13 of the structured element. In particular, the locking finger 27 takes up position in a recess formed between two adjacent teeth of the structured element 12. This makes it possible to obtain an adjusting device that is compact.

According to a variant, the locking finger 27 and the bearing surface 28 could be positioned both on the same side of the second axis Y2. Thus, the pressure of the cam on the bearing surface would cause the locking element to be moved into its locked position. Conversely, the absence of pressure from the cam would cause the locking element to move into its unlocked position under the action of the elastic return means.

The operating element 11 is therefore a knob that is intended to be turned by a user about the first axis Z1 in order to adjust the position of the retaining means 4. Advantageously, the operating element 11 and, in particular the upper part 11B thereof, has an exterior shape that makes it easier to manipulate, even for a user wearing gloves. To this end, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the operating element 11 may have one or more radial protrusions 32. Furthermore, the operating element 11 may also bear markings, notably moulded in, indicating the direction in which to turn the operating element 11 in order to lock or to unlock the adjusting device 7. In addition, the chassis advantageously comprises at least one window 33 through which it is possible to observe a marking on the gliding board, for example a numeral, indicating the longitudinal position of the retaining element 4. By looking at the marking that can be seen through the window 33, the user can make a precise and repeatable adjustment of the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4.

In order to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4, a user pivots the operating element 11 into its second position, and this has the effect of moving the locking element 14 into its unlocked position. The user then slides the chassis 8 relative to the gliding board by pushing or pulling it until the retaining means 4 reaches the desired longitudinal position. The user is thus able to move the retaining means 4 freely by one single tooth spacing or by a number of tooth spacings, towards the front or towards the rear of the gliding board. The user then pivots the operating element 11 back into its first position, and this has the effect of moving the locking element into its locked position. If the situation in which the locking finger 27 is not perfectly positioned between two adjacent reliefs 13 should arise, the user can make a small manual adjustment. When the locking finger 27 is correctly positioned, the user may feel a slight jolt caused by the pivoting of the locking element 14 under the effect of the return means 15. This adjustment operation may advantageously be performed while the user has their boot engaged with the retaining means 4. There is therefore no need to remove the boots beforehand.

Different variants of the first embodiment will now be described. It is chiefly the differences with respect to the first embodiment that will be described, without repeating the common features. To simplify the reading of the description and the studying of the figures, the same reference signs will be used for denoting objects or elements that are identical.

According to a first variant of the binding device, illustrated notably in FIGS. 7 to 12, the operating element 11 is replaced by an operating element 34. In particular, the lower part 11A of the operating element 11 is replaced by a different lower part 34A. The lower underside face of the lower part 34A comprises not a single cam but a plurality of cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F which are able to press against the bearing surface 28 of the locking element 14. The cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F are distributed over the circular periphery of the lower underside face. The lower underside face thus has an undulating annular portion, namely a portion comprising an alternation of recesses and of bosses. The locking element 14 is thus in its unlocked position when the bearing surface 28 is pressing against one from among the plurality of cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F. The locking element 14 is in its locked position when the bearing surface 28 is pressing against the operating element in a recess between two adjacent cams. The locked position of the locking element 14 is also a stable position because it corresponds to least tension of the return means 15. The operating element 34 has no end-stop means and can be pivoted freely about the first axis Z1, allowing greater freedom of use. The operating element 34 can be pivoted into as many stable positions as it comprises cams. According to the embodiment depicted, the operating element 34 comprises six cams. However, this number can be chosen at will.

Advantageously, the binding device comprises a mechanical transmission means 37 between the operating element 34 and a support 38 secured to the gliding board 2. The transmission means 37 is configured so that turning the operating element 34 in a first direction of rotation causes the retaining means to move in a first direction, and so that turning the operating element 34 in a second direction of rotation, the opposite of the first direction of rotation, causes the retaining means to move in a second direction, the opposite of the first direction.

This variant is therefore advantageous because the operating element is able not only to move the locking element into an unlocked position but also to move the retaining means 4. In order to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4, all that is needed is for the operating element 34 to be turned about the first axis Z1. There is therefore no need to push or pull the chassis manually.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the transmission means 37 comprises a cable 39. The cable 39 is intended to be at least partially wound around the operating element 34 when the operating element pivots about the first axis Z1. More specifically, the cable 39 comprises a first strand 39A directly connecting the operating element 34 to the support 38 and a second strand 39B connecting the operating element 34 to the support 38 via a pulley. Said pulley is positioned on the opposite side of the support 38 from the operating means 34. In other words, the support 38 is positioned between the operating means 34 and the pulley. The pulley has not been depicted but is intended to be accommodated in a housing 46 of the chassis 40, visible in FIG. 9.

The pulley may for example be a wheel mounted with the freedom to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis Z. Alternatively, the pulley could be a simple guide means enabling the second strand 9B to make an about-turn. The pulley could for example be a U-shaped groove, possibly lined with a material that limits the friction of the second strand 9B against the walls of this groove. In any event, the pulley is secured to the chassis 40. In instances in which the pulley is a wheel mounted with the freedom to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis Z, the axis of rotation of this pulley may be fixed to the chassis 40.

The strands 39A and 39B are wound around the operating element 34 such that:

- turning the operating element 34 in a first direction of rotation causes the first strand 39A to lengthen and the second strand 39B to shorten, and
- turning the operating element 34 in a second direction of rotation that is the opposite of the first direction of rotation causes the first strand 39A to shorten and the second strand 39B to lengthen.

As a result, turning the operating element 34 in the first direction of rotation causes the operating element 34 to move closer to the support 38. Because the operating element 34 is connected to the retaining means 4 via the chassis 40, the winding of the cable 39 thus causes the retaining means 4 to move towards the support 38. Conversely, turning the operating element 34 in the second direction of rotation causes, through a pulley effect, the operating element 34 to move away from the support 38 and therefore the retaining means 4 to move away from the support 38. The use of a transmission device therefore advantageously makes it possible to obtain a forwards or backwards longitudinal movement of the retaining means.

According to the embodiment depicted, the support 38 is positioned to the rear of the operating element 34. Turning the operating element 34 in the first direction of rotation therefore causes the retaining means 4 to move towards the rear, and turning the operating element 34 in the second direction of rotation causes the retaining means 4 to move towards the front. Alternatively, the support 38 could also be positioned in front of the operating element 34, so as to reverse these dynamics.

Advantageously, the operating element 34 comprises a groove 41 in which the cable 39 can be wound. This groove 41 has a circular shape and is arranged in the lower part 34A of the operating element 34. A volume for accommodating the wound cable is thus created. The cable does not interfere with the chassis 40 and there is no risk of it becoming twisted.

Advantageously, the diameter of the groove 41 is determined so that turning the operating element 34 between two consecutive stable positions causes the chassis 40 to move longitudinally by distance equal to the distance separating two consecutive reliefs 13 of the structured element 12. This distance may be of the order of a millimetre or of a few millimetres so as to allow millimetric adjustment of the position of the retaining means. Thus, the locking finger 27 may automatically regain its position between two adjacent reliefs at the end of the turning of the operating element between two stable positions.

Thus, according to the embodiment illustrated, because the operating element 34 comprises six cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F, turning the operating element 34 through 360° allows the retaining means to be moved longitudinally over a distance equal to the distance separating six consecutive reliefs of the structured element 12. In general, the longitudinal movement of the retaining means is proportional to the angle through which the operating element is turned.

According to the embodiment depicted, the cable 39 forms a closed loop, which means to say that the two strands 39A and 39B constitute two portions of the one same cable 39. These two portions are connected to one another at their end. As a variant, the binding device could comprise two mutually independent strands 39A, 39B. Each strand would then be connected to the operating element 34 and to the support 38 by its two ends. According to another variant, the binding device could comprise two independent supports, each strand collaborating with one support. A first support could be arranged to the front of the operating device and a second support could be arranged to the rear of the operating device. Such a setup would make it possible to dispense with the need for a pulley. In another variant, the transmission means 37 could be a belt rather than a cable, or any type of linkage flexible enough to be able to be wound around the operating element.

The support 38 may be immovably attached to the structured element 12 or directly to the gliding board, notably via a fixing screw (not depicted). Other means for attaching the support 38 to the structured element 12 or directly to the gliding board may be envisioned, for example clip-fastening or an insert that can be set into the structured element 12. Advantageously, the position and/or the orientation of the support 38 relative to the structured element 12 or to the gliding board may be adjustable so as to adjust the length or tension of the strands 39A, 39B of the cable 39 extending between the support 38 and the operating element 34.

Advantageously, the chassis 40 comprises a channel 42 inside which the cable 39 is guided and protected. The channel 42 is formed on a lower underside face of the chassis 40 between the two guide slots 10A, 10B. Advantageously, the channel 42 is closed by a plate 47 secured to the chassis 40. The plate 47 thus allows the cable 39 to be held correctly in place in the channel 42. The plate 47 may notably be screwed to the chassis 40 by means of fixing screws passing through holes provided for this purpose in the plate 47.

The plate 47 moreover comprises a longitudinal slit 48 through which a fixing pin for the support 38 extends. The plate 47, which is secured to the chassis 40, is thus able to slide freely along the longitudinal axis X with respect to the gliding board, without colliding with the support 38. The plate also comprises an opening 49 of circular shape and substantially complementing the shape of the support 38. The opening 49 is positioned substantially at the middle of the longitudinal slit 48. The opening 49 is positioned facing an opening 50 provided in the chassis 40. The openings 49 and 50 enable access to the support 38 when the chassis is in an intermediate position (position depicted in FIG. 11) between its furthest forward position (position depicted in FIG. 12) and its furthest back position (position depicted in FIG. 10). The openings 49 and 50 make the binding device easier to assemble and enable the orientation of the support 30 relative to the gliding board to be adjusted more easily. As visible in FIGS. 10 to 12, the support 38 advantageously has radial striations 51 on its lower underside face. These striations 51 collaborate with a complementary shape arranged on the structured element 12 or on the gliding board so as to lock the support 38 in position. The striations 51 allow the support 38 to be oriented in a multitude of orientations and to be fixed firmly to the gliding board or to the structured element.

Furthermore, the chassis 40 may have other adaptations compared to the chassis 8 described previously. In particular, the height of the cylindrical portion 23 may be increased in order to house the lower part 34A of which the dimension along the vertical axis Z is slightly greater than the dimension of the lower part 11A along this same axis.

Note that this first variant incorporates a number of specific features in comparison with the first embodiment described, these including the incorporation of a plurality of cams rather than one single cam, and the incorporation of a transmission means between the operating element and a support. According to other variants, the first embodiment could be adapted to incorporate just some of these specific features.

According to a second variant of the binding device, illustrated notably in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, the operating element 11 is replaced by an operating element 43. In addition to being mobile in rotation about the first axis Z1, the operating element 43 is also mobile in translation parallel to this axis Z1, which is to say up and down, along the axis Z1.

The flange 25 of the chassis 8 is held in a housing 44 formed between a lower part 43A and an upper part 43B of the operating element 43. The housing 44 is dimensioned to allow the operating element to move vertically relative to the chassis 8.

The lower part 43A of the operating element 43 may have a planar, cam-free, lower underside surface. The pressure on the bearing surface 28 of the locking element 14 is then obtained by pressing down on the operating element 43 along the vertical axis Z. The upper part 43B of the operating element 43 effects a vertical translational movement until the housing 44 is closed, and drives vertically downwards the lower part of the operating element 43 which, by pressing on the locking element 14 and in particular on the bearing surface 28 thereof, causes the locking element 14 to rock into the unlocked position. Thus, according to this variant, the operating element 43 is mobile in translation parallel to the first axis Z1 between a first position and a second position. The first position of the operating element 43 is a raised position and corresponds to the locked position of the locking element 14. The second position of the operating element 43 is a lowered position and corresponds to the unlocked position of the locking element 14. The operating element 43 rises naturally towards its first position under the action of the return means 15. In this variant, the lowered position of the operating element 43 allows the retaining element 4 to be moved longitudinally with respect to the structured element 12 as long as this lowered position is maintained by the user. A user may press down on the operating element directly using a hand or for example using a pole.

To complement this, this second variant may also be equipped with a transmission means such as the transmission means 37 described previously. Thus, in order to cause the locking element 14 to move into its unlocked position, a user presses down vertically on the operating element. Then, in order to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means, this user pivots the operating element 43 by turning this element about the first axis Z1 in order to wind a cable. When the retaining means 4 has reached the desired position, the user merely needs to release the operating element 43 which naturally rises under the action of the return means 15, the locking element 14 then flipping into the locked position.

FIG. 16 illustrates a third variant of the binding device with the locking element in a locked position. According to this variant, the return means 45 takes the form of an elastic blade, rather than the form of a coil spring. The elastic blade may for example be a metal blade. Advantageously, the elastic blade is also a component of the retaining means 4. In this case, the elastic blade is also beneficial for keeping the connecting pin incorporated into the sole of the boot in the notches 5A and 5B. The blade then comprises a first end collaborating with the connecting pin and a second end collaborating with the locking element 14. This then saves on one component in the manufacture of the binding device.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a further refinement of the invention compatible with all the versions of the binding device comprising a mechanical transmission means in the form of a cable 39 arranged between the operating element and the support secured to the gliding board. According to this refinement, the binding device further comprises a tension-adjusting means 52 for adjusting the tension in the cable 39. The adjusting means 52 comprises, on the one hand, an adjusting element 53 comprising a cable winding surface 54 and, on the other hand, a housing 55 for said adjusting element 53. The winding surface 54 may notably extend over approximately 180°.

The position of the winding surface 54 makes it possible to define a working length of the cable 39. The housing 55 is formed in the chassis 8. The adjusting element 53 is mobile inside the housing 55 parallel to the longitudinal axis X between a plurality of positions which are distant from one another along the longitudinal axis X.

Advantageously, the adjusting element 53 comprises a first set of teeth 56 and the housing comprises a second set of teeth 57 that collaborate with the first set of teeth 56 in such a way as to define a plurality of stable longitudinal positions. The adjusting element 53 may have a U-shape. The winding surface 54 is formed at the base of the U and the first set of teeth 56 is formed on the two substantially parallel branches 58, 59 of the adjusting element. These two branches 58, 59 are preferably elastic enough that they can be brought closer together and thus disengage the first set of teeth 56 from the second set of teeth 57. The bringing-together of the two branches 58, 59 may be achieved by manually squeezing the adjusting element 53. When the first set of teeth 56 is disengaged from the second set of teeth 57, the adjusting element 53 may slide inside the housing 55, thereby making it possible to adjust the length of the cable 39.

Advantageously, the adjusting element 53 may comprise a post (fitting into the opening 60 visible in FIG. 18). The post collaborates with a slot 61 formed in the chassis 8 to guide the translational movement of the adjusting element 53 relative to the chassis.

The adjusting means 52 may be positioned in place of the housing 46 described previously. The adjusting means 52 makes it possible to compensate for any stretching (or shrinkage) of the cable 39 that may arise over the course of the use of the binding device.

FIG. 19 illustrates another variant of the operating element 34 described previously. According to this variant, the operating element 34 is replaced by an operating element 62 comprising two distinct grooves 63, 64. The two grooves 63, 64 are circular grooves arranged one above the other about the first axis Z1. Each groove 63, 64 is intended to accept one end of the cable 39. This then prevents the ends of the cable 39 from interfering with one another or becoming entangled when the operating element 62 is manipulated. This then provides smoother winding or unwinding of the cable 39 around the operating element 62.

FIG. 20 illustrates a variant of the locking element 14 described previously. According to this variant, the locking element 14 is replaced by a locking element 65. The locking element 65 is likewise mobile in rotation relative to the chassis 8 about a second axis Y2 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking element 65 likewise comprises a bearing surface 66 by means of which it is in contact with an operating element. The bearing surface 66 comprises two lateral prongs 67, 68 extending parallel to one another. Each lateral prong 67, 68 has an inclined ramp, notably inclined with respect to a plane defined by the axes X and Y. The locking element 65 may advantageously collaborate with the operating element 62 described previously. In particular, the two lateral prongs 67, 68 may be intended to come into contact with a conical portion 69 formed on the lower underside part of the operating element 62. When the locking element 65 is pushed down by a user, the conical portion 69 comes into contact with the bearing surface 66, and this causes the locking element 65 to pivot about the second axis Y2 towards its unlocked position. This conical portion 69 allows the locking element 65 to be kept in an unlocked position, and do so continuously, as the operating member 62 is being turned, for as long as this operating member is being pushed down. The presence of the two lateral prongs 67, 68 flanking the conical portion 70 allows better distribution of the forces transmitted by the operating element to the locking element 65. The locking element 65 is therefore more robust.

FIG. 21 illustrates yet another variant of the chassis 8 and of the various operating elements described previously. According to this variant, the flange 25 of the cylindrical portion 23 of the chassis 8 is replaced by a flange 71 exhibiting a set of first reliefs 72, notably in the form of teeth extending parallel to the first axis Z1. The first reliefs 72 are formed all around the flange 71 and project downwards. This flange 71 collaborates with a lower underside part 73A of an operating element 73 that extends into the central opening of the flange 71. The operating element 73 comprises second reliefs 74 that collaborate with the first reliefs 72 to block the rotation of the operating element about the first axis Z1 when the operating element 73 is in the raised position, the locking element 65 then being in a locked position. The second reliefs 74, likewise in the form of teeth, are distributed around the operating element 73 and project upwards. In this particular instance, the operating element 73 comprises four second reliefs 74, distributed 90° apart. As a variant, this number could be different. When the operating element is in the lowered position, the second reliefs 74 are disengaged from the first reliefs 72, thereby allowing the operating element 73 to be turned freely about the first axis Z1. Blocking the rotation of the operating element in the raised position makes the operation of the binding device safer. More specifically, it makes it possible to avoid any unintentional longitudinal translational movement of the chassis 8 with respect to the gliding board 2.

As may be seen in FIG. 21, the operating element 73 comprises two grooves for winding the two ends of the cable. The operating element 73 also comprises a conical portion and collaborates with the locking element 65 described previously. As a variant, the operating element 73 could comprise just one single groove, or even no groove at all in instances in which it is equipping a binding device that has no transmission means. The operating element 73 could also collaborate with the locking element 14 described previously or even with any other form of locking element.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a further refinement of the invention compatible with all the versions of the binding device comprising a mechanical transmission means in the form of a cable 39 arranged between the operating element and the support secured to the gliding board. In this refinement, the cable 39 is equipped with at least one securing element 75 for securing to the structured element 12. As a preference, each of the two strands 39A, 39B is equipped with a securing element 75 for securing to the structured element 12. The securing element 75 allows the cable 39 to be fixed to the structured element 12 in such a way that the winding of the cable 39 around the operating element causes the chassis 8 to move longitudinally. The securing element 75 may be used as a replacement for the support 38 described previously.

According to one embodiment, the securing element 75 is a sleeve fixed to the cable 39, notably crimped around the cable 39. The sleeve may be a metal tube into which the cable 39 passes. The structured element 12 then has a housing 76 of a shape that at least partially complements that of the securing element 75. The binding device also comprises a blocking element 77 that is mobile in relation to the chassis 8 between a blocking position (illustrated in FIG. 22) and an unblocking position (illustrated in FIG. 23). When the blocking element 77 is in the blocking position, it keeps the securing element 75 in place in the housing 76. As a result, the cable 39 is fixed to the structured element 12 at the securing element 75. When the blocking element 77 is in the unblocking position, the securing element 75 is out of the housing 76 and the cable 39 is not fixed to the structured element 12. This configuration allows assembly or maintenance of the binding device.

The blocking element 77 is mounted with the ability to slide, along the longitudinal axis X, on the chassis 8 between its blocking position and its unblocking position. Advantageously, the blocking element 77 comprises a ramp 78 able to press progressively against the securing element 75 as the blocking element 77 moves longitudinally. The blocking element 77 may be positioned to the rear of the retaining means 4 and therefore extend substantially beneath a boot attached to the retaining means 4.

Finally, what is available by virtue of the invention is a binding device that allows adjustment of the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4. The binding device comprises an operating element mobile in rotation and possibly in translation between at least a first position and a second position. The adjustment of the longitudinal position of the retaining means may be obtained by manually moving a chassis supporting the retaining means, or by causing an operating element connected to the retaining means to pivot through use of a transmission means. The binding device is robust, simple to manufacture and simple to use.

BINDING DEVICE FOR GLIDING BOARD

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