Flexible connection between sports device and shoe

The invention relates to a pivotable binding system between a sports device and a tread surface for a user's foot as well as a shoe and sports device for the binding system as outlined in the generic parts of claims 1, 23, 28 and 29.

WO 96/37269 A1 discloses a device for binding a shoe to a sports device. This device comprises a top part frame, which can be connected to a user's shoe, and pivotably connected to a bottom part frame by means of a hinge mechanism comprising a plurality of linking arms and joints designed to be fixed to various sports devices. The linking mechanism connecting the top to the bottom part frame is constructed so that a pivoting movement of the top part frame relative to the bottom part frame simultaneously causes the two part frames to slide relative to one another. Return spring means are additionally provided which elastically push the two part frames against one another into a predefined relative position. The disadvantage of this system is that correct operation can be easily impaired under difficult conditions of use.

WO 87/01296 A1 describes a binding system between a shoe and a sports device, in particular a binding for a touring ski, in which the articulated link to the sports device is disposed/the region assigned to the ball of the foot. As a result, the binding system for the user's shoe can be displaced into an upper, active position, which permits a pivoting action relative to the sports device about the articulated binding, and a lower, locked position in which the binding is prevented from pivoting. The disadvantage of this system is that it is difficult to switch the articulated binding from the active into the locked position and vice versa and the shear forces or twisting forces which occur between the sports device and the user's foot relative to a vertical axis place high demands on the parts used. Furthermore, when the binding system is in the active position, the central region of the sports device underneath the user's shoe is placed under a high degree of strain due to the fact that the bearing points are small in surface area or linear in shape. Another disadvantage is the fact that the front region of the sports device may rise if the user leans backwards.

FR 2 573 317 A1 discloses a binding system between a shoe and a sports device, which enables both a pivoting movement of the shoe relative to the sports device about a pivot axis running transversely to its longitudinal axis and, simultaneously, a relative displacement of the shoe in the longitudinal direction of the sports device. The disadvantage of this is that the user of this binding system is unable to get a firm hold on the sports device, which reduces performance. Another disadvantage is that the kickoff which can be achieved with this system is difficult to control and a certain amount of instability in the kickoff is unavoidable, particularly if there is a change in ground conditions.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a pivotable binding system between a user's foot and a sports device, which can enhance the performance of a user.

This objective is achieved by the invention due to the features outlined in claim 1 or 23. The particular advantage of this design is that relatively few and simple components imitate the natural rolling action of the foot across the bottom of the toes so that the performance of every user can be enhanced. Surprisingly, however, the enhanced performance which can be achieved by using the design proposed by the invention is not accompanied by any impairment to comfort. On the contrary, comfort is perceptibly increased due to the harmonious or rounded movement of the binding system. The combined or largely rigidly coupled motion of the user's foot in translation and rotation relative to the sports device during the active phase of the binding system. i.e. when assuming a specific pivot position, gives the user a feeling of stability and functional safety. As a result, he can concentrate on the respective performance and does not have to consciously concentrate his efforts on a perfect rolling motion since this is pre-programmed by the binding system to a certain degree. Furthermore, the binding system consists of few individual components, which makes the design optimum in terms of weight whilst nevertheless enabling the advantageous rolling motion in translation and rotation. At the same time, any undesirable movement between the user's foot and the sports device, such as twisting about a vertical axis, can be reliably prevented, thereby producing a high resistance to force. Because of the small number bearing points, friction losses between the linking parts of the binding system can be kept particularly low, so that the use's potential to perform can be largely converted into kinetic energy to propel the sports device along. Another important advantage resides in the fact that the sole of the sport shoe, for example a cross country shoe, can be made to a more bend-resistant design than similar conventional sport shoes because the harmonious or flowing movement needed for an optimum forward propulsion can be produced by the binding device. The natural forward rolling motion across the heels when walking or running is simulated by the binding system proposed by the invention, thereby enhancing comfort when using the sports device. Because the sport shoe can be made relatively more resistant to bending, the driving energy applied by the user can be more effectively converted into forward driving energy, thereby simultaneously enhancing performance without, as one might expect, impairing comfort.

An embodiment as described in claim 2 is of advantage since the flexible binding element enables an unhindered pivoting action of the sport shoe relative to the sports device whilst nevertheless retaining the sport shoe in a longitudinal direction relative to the sports device.

Advantage is to be had from another embodiment defined in claim 3, whereby a long pivoting motion can be produced and no mechanical resistance has to be overcome in order to produce this pivoting motion.

The embodiment defined in claim 4 is such that the sports device is not normally lifted by the underside of the shoe sole and the shoe sole is therefore always in contact with the sports device, affording a positive operating behaviour or positive feeling of motion.

As a result of the advantageous embodiment described in claim 5, when the sports device impacts with the ground underneath to produce a forward movement, the kicking force applied by the user is converted into driving energy with virtually no loss.

The embodiment in a lateral guide device described in claim 6 makes the sport shoe easy to walk in without problems when removed from the binding system.

A robust and totally safe binding is achieved between the sport shoe and the sports device as a result of the advantageous embodiment defined in claim 7.

As a result of the embodiment described in claim 8, the sport shoe is firmly retained in the longitudinal direction of the sports device whilst affording the desirable play, namely the pivoting motion relative to the sports device about a horizontal axis.

The embodiment defined in claim 9 produces a harmonious motion largely simulating a natural walking motion, which significantly improves the performance of the user. Furthermore, a shoe sole that is relatively stable in shape can be used, thereby producing an optimum, immediate transfer of energy to the ground, generating an efficient forward motion.

The embodiment outlined in claim 10 leaves sufficient play for a rolling motion of the sport shoe across the rolling body without having to deform the actual shoe or shoe sole, right from the initial phase of the upward pivoting motion.

With the embodiment described in claim 11, the shoe tip region can be simultaneously displaced in the direction towards the sports device during the upward pivoting motion, counteracting any tilting motion of the sports device about its longitudinal axis relative to the sport shoe during kickoff, so that the kicking energy is transferred as far as possible without loss.

As a result of the embodiments described in claims 12 to 14, the sport shoe is held firmly on the sports device at the sides. Furthermore, because the strip-shaped binding system surrounds all sides, the risk of the binding system buckling is minimised and any jerking movement of the sport shoe relative to the longitudinal direction of the sports device is effectively prevented.

Also of advantage is an embodiment of the type described in claim 15, whereby the sports device is able to achieve at least a linear contact without the need for additional measures and prevents the formation of any detrimental air gaps.

The preferred embodiment outlined in claim 16 provides the most varied of damping characteristics during the upward pivoting motion and exhibits a constant tendency to return to a defined initial position.

Relatively high damping forces or high pivoting resistance can be generated in a simple manner due to the embodiment outlined in claim 17.

The embodiment described in claim 18 counteracts any tendency of the sport shoe to lift from the sports device when pivoting about the ideal axis formed by the binding element.

A compact design of the spring means is provided as a result of the embodiment outlined in claim 19.

Lifting movements of the shoe tip region from the sports device are also prevented even when the user is leaning backwards, due to the embodiment described in claim 20.

Other advantageous embodiments of binding elements which are deformable on one side or have limited deformation capacity are set out in claims 21 and 22.

The preferred embodiment described in claim 24 advantageously causes a relative displacement between the tread surface or sport shoe and the sports device joined to it with every upward pivoting movement of the sport shoe relative to the sports device in the longitudinal direction thereof or in the direction of the usual forward movement or direction of travel, lengthening the strides accompanying the upward pivoting motion to enhance performance.

Also of advantage is another embodiment described in claim 25, since it always forces the sports device into a defined initial or rest position relative to the sport shoe.

The advantage of the embodiment described in claim 26 is that the lever can be accurately guided and is capable of withstanding high forces. Kinematically detrimental lever positions can also be prevented due to the fact that the pivoting motion is restricted.

Claim 27 describes another advantageous embodiment whereby every upward pivoting motion of the sport shoe relative to the sports device simultaneously results in a relative displacement between sport shoe and sports device in the longitudinal direction of the sports device, thereby producing a mechanical lengthening of the stride.

The invention also relates to a shoe of the type defined in the generic part of claim 28. This shoe is characterised by the features described in claim 28. The resultant advantages can be found in the detailed description of the drawings.

The present invention also relates to a sports device, as described in the generic part of claim 29. This sports device is characterised by the features set out in claim 29. The resultant advantages can be found in the detailed description of the drawings.

In order to provide a clearer understanding, the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

Of these:

FIG. 1 is a very simplified, schematic diagram of a binding system as proposed by the invention for retaining a user on a sports device, seen from a side view;

FIG. 2 is a very simplified, schematic diagram of the binding system illustrated in FIG. 1 with the sport shoe pivoted upwards, e.g. during kickoff from the ground;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the binding system along the lines III-III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a very simplified, schematic diagram of another embodiment of the binding system proposed by the invention between a sport shoe and a sports device, having an additional hinge mechanism between the sport shoe and the binding element;

FIG. 5 is a very simplified, schematic diagram of another embodiment of the binding system between a sport shoe and a sports device, seen from a side view;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the binding system illustrated in FIG. 5, along the lines VI-VI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a very simplified, schematic cross-section of another embodiment of a binding system as proposed by the invention, seen from a side view;

FIG. 8 is a very simplified, schematic diagram of the binding system illustrated in FIG. 7 from a front view along arrow VIII.

Firstly, it should be pointed out that the same parts described in the different embodiments are denoted by the same reference numbers and the same component names and the disclosures made throughout the description can be transposed in terms of meaning to same parts bearing the same reference numbers or same component names. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments illustrated and described may be construed as independent inventive solutions or solutions proposed by the invention in their own right.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one embodiment of a binding system 1 as proposed by the invention, between a sports device 2 in the form of a sliding or rolling member 3, such as a ski 4 or a roller-skate for example, and a tread surface 5 for a user's foot. The tread surface 5 for the user's foot is preferably a shoe sole 6 of a sport shoe 7.

Alternatively, the tread surface 5 for the user's foot may also be a separate, contoured, largely non-deformable bearing element, designed to support or releasably receive the sport shoe 7.

The binding system 1 can be used with a whole variety of sports devices 2. In particular, the binding system 1 is suitable for joining appropriate sport shoes 7 to skis for cross-country skiing or touring sports. Similarly, the binding system 1 may be used with ice skating boots and/or with single or multi-track roller-skates. This being the case, the term sports device 2 should be read as meaning a skating blade or single- or multi-track rollers or a retaining frame for rollers. Sports devices of this type are also known as folding ice skates or folding roller skates.

The sport shoe 7 or the tread surface 5 for the user's foot is able to pivot relative to the sports device 2 about an imaginary or ideal axis, running perpendicular to a vertical plane 8. This imaginary vertical plane 8 extends in the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9- and is also aligned substantially perpendicular to the tread surface 5 for the foot. Relative to the sports device 2, the vertical plane 8 therefore runs parallel with the longitudinal extension thereof and is substantially perpendicular to a running surface 10 of the sports device 2.

The binding system 1 forming an ideal pivot axis has at least one binding element 11, which, in the embodiment illustrated as an example here, is the only member binding the sport shoe 7 to the sports device 2.

The binding element 11 is elastically and resiliently deformable in the vertical plane 8. In particular, when projecting onto the vertical plane 8 or as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane 8, the binding element 11 is variable in shape in this plane.

The flexible binding element 11 between the tread surface 5 and the sports device 2 preferably consists of a resilient, return spring of a leaf design 12 made from a metal material, such as spring steel.

The two broad sides 13, 14 of the strip-shaped binding element 11 are aligned substantially parallel with the tread surface 5 when the binding system 1 is in the rest or initial position illustrated in FIG. 1. In this rest or initial position illustrated in FIG. 1, a pivot angle 16 subtended by the tread surface 5 and the running surface 10 or a top face 15 of the sports device 2 is approximately 0°, i.e. the tread surface 5 and the running surface 10 or top face 15 of the sports device 2 are aligned substantially parallel with one another.

When the heel region of the sport shoe 7 is pivoted upwards from the sports device 2 about the ideal axis formed by the strip-shaped binding element 11, the pivot angle 16 becomes wider and can reach as much as 90°, but is usually up to 45°.

The strip-shaped resilient binding element 11 is naturally of width which is a multiple of the height or thickness of the strip-shaped binding element 11. Accordingly, the binding element 11 or the leaf spring 12 can be deformed relatively easily when force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the two broad sides 13, 14 thereof and returns to the initial or rest position due to the inherent elasticity of the binding element II when pressure is released. In the initial or rest position, the binding element II or leaf spring 12 preferably assumes a straight, longitudinally extending shape.

The binding element 11 is also designed to be largely resistant to expansion and shrinkage. These properties can be easily imparted by using a metal strip of an appropriate thickness or corresponding elasticity or strength.

In a simple but advantageous manner, the binding element 11 has a high bending strength relative to the deformation forces produced about a vertically extending axis, due to the strip-shaped design of the binding element 11 made from metal materials and/or elastically resilient synthetic materials. The very fact of providing the binding element II as a leaf spring gives the tread surface 5 a high resistance to twisting about a vertical axis relative to the sports device 2.

The leaf spring 12 or the corresponding binding element 11 extending in the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9—of the tread surface 5 or the sports device 2 is joined in the end regions 17, 18, relative to the longitudinal direction, to the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 on the one hand and to the sports device 2 on the other. In particular, the front end region 17 relative to the usual direction of travel—arrow 19—of the sports device 2 is joined to the shoe sole 6 and the rear end region 18 of the binding element 11 is joined to the sports device 2.

As an alternative, it would clearly also be possible for the front end region 17 relative to the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9- to be fixed to the sports device 2 and the rear end region 18 relative thereto to be joined to the sport shoe 7.

This connection may be releasable, if necessary, or non-releasable. Accordingly, the binding element 11 may be screwed or riveted to the shoe sole 6 or the sports device 2 by the schematically illustrated fixing means 20, 21, or alternatively bonded thereto. The binding element 11 or the leaf spring 12 may also additionally or exclusively be joined to the respective components in a positive fit at the end regions 17, 18. Furthermore, the binding element 11 may be injection-moulded or integrated in the shoe sole 6 or the sports device 2, or in an additional component of the binding system 1 fulfilling a mounting or supporting function, during the manufacturing process or anchored thereon subsequently.

All known fixing or connection methods may be used. The crucial factor is to ensure that the binding element 11 or leaf spring 12 is joined by its end regions 17, 18 exclusively to the shoe sole 6 or the sports device 2 and the central region lying in between is left unsecured or unfixed, permitting the binding element 11 to deform free of tension when the sport shoe 7 is pivoted up form the sports device 2.

In particular, a two-point fixing is provided, in which the first binding point is disposed between the first end region 17 of the binding element 11 and the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 and the second binding point is between the second end region 18 of the binding element 11 and the sports device 2 or an additional rolling body 22 on the sports device.

In order to produce a harmonious, energy-optimised lifting and/or pivoting movement of the sport shoe 7 about the ideal axis relative to the sports device 2, the rolling body 22 between the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 and the top face 15 of the sports device 2 is preferably disposed in a section of the sole underside corresponding to the ball of the foot and is joined to the sports device 2 in a positive and/or force fit, e.g. screwed, bonded or snap-fit on the sports device 2 or made in a single piece therewith.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the rolling body 22 is screwed onto the sports device 2, in particular the ski 4, with fixing means 23.

As a result of the position in which it is integrated, this rolling body 22 supports the tread surface 5 or the shoe sole 6 at a vertical distance 24 above the top face 15 of the sports device 2.

The rolling body 22 by means of which the shoe sole 6 is supported on the sports device 2 has at least one arcuately curved rolling surface 25, 26 for the shoe sole 6. These rolling surfaces 25, 26 preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the sports device 2 or the tread surface 5 and are aligned, at least in a part region, substantially parallel with the tread surface 5.

By preference, two rolling surfaces 25, 26 are provided at a distance apart from one another perpendicular to the vertical plane 8, primarily co-operating with the longitudinal side regions of the shoe sole 6 providing support for it. Disposed between the two longitudinal side regions of the sports device 2 and the rolling surfaces 25, 26 extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, another rolling surface 27 is preferably provided, which predefines the rolling curve or deformation of the binding element 11 or leaf spring 12 when the sport shoe 7 is pivoted upwards.

The centre rolling surface 27 for the binding element II is arranged higher than the two side rolling surfaces 25, 26 for the shoe sole 6.

Viewed in cross section—as illustrated in FIG. 3—the shape of the rolling body 22 is substantially rectangular in contour having a centrally disposed projection 28 to form the rolling surface 27.

The centre projection 28 between the rolling surfaces 26, 27 on the rolling body 22 engages in a positive fit in a groove-shaped recess 29 in the shoe sole 6. In particular, the projection 28 and the complementary recess 29 in the shoe sole 6, displaceable so as to mutually engage, have a lateral guide device 30 which prevents any lateral deviation of the sport shoe 7 relative to the sports device 2 or relative to the binding system 1. In addition to preventing movements perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 2 or rolling body 22 or the binding system, the lateral guide device 30 also counteracts rotating movements about a vertical axis between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 2.

The rolling body 22 of the binding element 1 therefore assumes a support and guide function for the sport shoe 7 relative to the sports device 2 so that the correct movement for efficient forward motion with the sports device 2 is achieved.

The lateral guide device 30 of the binding system 1 or the rolling body 22 comprises in particular vertical side faces 31, 32 of the projection 28 co-operating with side walls 33, 34 of the groove-shaped recess 29. When the binding system 1 is in the ready-to-use state, at least part regions of the side faces 31, 32 of the projection 28 lie substantially without any clearance against the approximately vertically upright side walls 33, 34 of the groove-shaped recess 29 in the shoe sole 6.

To provide accurate guidance between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 2 or the rolling body 22 for a longer time, the side walls 33, 34 or the side faces 31, 32 may taper towards one another in a conical arrangement, in a vertical direction starting from the sports device 2 as viewed in cross section—as illustrated in FIG. 3. The side walls 33, 34 of the recess 29 are therefore able constantly to apply a certain abutment pressure to produce a clearance-free fit against the side faces 31, 32 of the projection 28.

At the same time, the lateral guide device 30 between the shoe sole 6 and the rolling body 22 therefore provides a guiding function which is as far as possible friction-free. This can be achieved by a judicious selection of materials exhibiting the requisite friction coefficients. By preference, the material used for the rolling body 22 or the shoe sole 6 is a hard plastics with as smooth as possible a surface. Optionally, at least the side faces 31, 32 and/or the side walls 33, 34 may be provided with a friction-reducing coating, e.g. in the form of a Teflon or anti-friction coating.

The rolling surfaces 25 to 27, on which the shoe sole 6 or the binding element 11, made of spring steel, for example, roll on the sports device 2 in a predefined manner when the sport shoe 7 is lifted extend, starting from an initial region 35 of the rolling body 22 relative to the usual direction of travel—arrow 19—in the direction towards a front end region 36 of the rolling body 22 and increasingly in the direction towards the sports device 2 or increasingly in the direction towards the top face 15 of the sports device 2, i.e. a support height 37 of the rolling body 22 relative to the top face 15 of the sports device 2 decreases progressively in the direction towards the front region of the sports device 2 or progressively in the direction towards the toe region of the tread surface 5. A support height 38 in the front end region 36 of the rolling body 22 is therefore only a fraction of the support height 37 in the initial region 35 of the rolling body 22. In particular, the support height 38 progressively decreases to zero in the direction of movement or travel—arrow 19—of the sports device 2.

In particular, starting from a region of the tread surface 5 adjacent to the heel, the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 extend in the direction towards a region of the tread surface 5 co-operating with the toes and increasingly in the direction towards the running surface 10 or top face 15 of the sports device 2.

Consequently, the rolling surfaces 25, 26 disposed on either side of the centre rolling surface 27 arranged on a higher level form a downwardly extending contact path for the shoe sole 6 and the centre, higher rolling surface 27 forms a curved contact path extending downwards in the direction towards the sports 2 device for the flexible binding element 11.

Projecting onto the vertical plane 8, the rolling surfaces 25, 26, 27 have a convex curvature relative to the top face 15 of the sports device 2. The radii of curvature of the rolling surfaces 25, 26 may be different from the radius of curvature of the rolling surface 27, in particular larger. The differing radii of curvature of the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 depend on optionally varying depths of the groove-shaped recess 29 in the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9—of the tread surface 5. Optionally, the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 are shaped so that, in spite of varying depth dimensions of the recess 29 in the shoe sole 6, an almost linear contact is established between the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 or between the rolling surfaces 25, 26 and the underside of the shoe sole 6 in as many pivot angles 16 as possible.

The centre rolling surface 27 specifically forms a contact surface for the leaf-spring binding element 11 and the rolling surfaces 25, 26 disposed on either side of the rolling surface 27 form a contact surface for the rolling motion of the shoe sole 6 when the sport shoe 7 is pivoted.

The deformation resistance of the flexible binding element 11 or the leaf-spring 12 is preferably dimensioned so that the gravitational force acting via the sports device 2 on the leaf-spring 12 when the sports device 2 is raised from the ground permits at most a slight deformation of the binding element 11. Consequently, the sports device 2 can not essentially move apart from the sport shoe 7 or from the shoe sole 6 when lifted up off the ground. The sports device 2 or the rolling body 22 therefore sit largely clearance-free against the shoe sole 6 when the foot is merely raised off the ground, provided there are no additional forces such as extraordinary centrifugal forces or inertial forces. The flexibility or deformation resistance of the binding element 11 or leaf spring 12 can be adjusted by a judicious choice of thickness, shape or material and adapted to requirements as appropriate.

An appropriate choice of the weight distribution or mounting point of the binding system 1 on the sports device 2 can also prevent the sports device 2 from pivoting relative to the sport shoe 6 or tread surface 5 when lifted off the ground. This can be achieved by making the front part region of the sports device 2 relative to the direction of travel—arrow 19—heavier than the rear part region of the sports device 2 relative to the direction of travel—arrow 19—starting from the mounting point of the binding system 1. An appropriate choice of deformation resistance or flexibility of the leaf spring 12 can also counteract any undesirable pivoting of the sports device 2 relative to the sport shoe 7.

Accordingly, the deformation resistance of the leaf spring 12 is approximately 10 N in relatively lightweight sports devices 2 and up to 100 N in heavier sports devices 2.

However, the deformation resistance should also be dimensioned so that it can be readily overcome by the user's foot if the tread surface 5 is intentionally lifted relative to the sports device 2.

The return capacity of the strip-shaped, flexible binding element 11 or leaf spring 12 may optionally be further assisted by providing an elastically returnable spring means 39. This spring means 39 is designed and disposed so that it applies a mechanical resistance which can be overcome by the user's foot against the upward pivoting movement of the tread surface 5 relative to the sports device 2 and pushes the tread surface 5 into the initial or rest position illustrated in FIG. 1 provided no force is applied by the user's foot. The spring means 39 may be provided in the form of an elastically flexible and resilient damping body 40 when pressure is applied, in particular made from an elastomeric synthetic material. This damping body 40, designed to absorb compression stress, is disposed in particular in the region of the tread surface 5 co-operating with the toes, between the underside of the shoe sole 6 and the sports device 2 so that the upward pivoting movement of the sport shoe 7 applies an opposing mechanical, preferably constantly increasing resistance.

Similarly, a spring means 41 may be provided, as illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 4, which is designed to apply a defined deformation resistance against tensile stress and is specifically provided in the form of an elastically resilient tension band 42 made from an elastomer synthetic material. This elastically resilient tension band 42 would then be arranged, relative to the direction of movement or travel—arrow 19—in front of the binding point between the binding element 11 and the shoe sole 6 between the latter and the sports device 2. In particular, the spring means 41 or tension band 42 provided as a means of absorbing tensile stress is joined on the one hand to the shoe sole 6 and on the other to the sports device 2 or is secured to a component of the binding system 1.

The spring means 41 or tension band 42 may be provided as an alternative to the damping member 40 or may be combined with it.

The spring means 39, 41 may be hollow bodies, in particular damping cushions, to enable a relatively large damping path, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular. As will be explained in more detail below, the spring means 39, 41 may also be provided as damping members 40 of a hollow section type or damping members 40 with slots in the circumferential region.

The additional spring means 39, 41 can be provided as an option if the flexibility of the leaf spring 12 is selected accordingly.

Returning to FIGS. 1 to 3, a guide member 43 is preferably provided in the heel region of the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 between the latter and the sports device 2, which co-operates with the shoe sole 6 to prevent a relative displacement between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 2 in the vertical direction towards the vertical plane 8 when the sport shoe 7 is lying against the sports device 2 in the heel region. In particular, when the sport shoe 7 is placed against the sports device 2, the guide member 43, immovably mounted on the sports device 2, co-operates with a recess 44 in the heel or heel region of the shoe sole 6 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the tread surface 5 so that lateral deflections are prevented when the guide member 43 is engaged in the recess 44.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the binding system 1 proposed by the invention, in which parts already described above are denoted by the same reference numbers.

Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, this binding element 11 is by and large rigidly bound to the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 but is joined to the tread surface 5 or shoe sole so that it can pivot by means of a hinge mechanism 45. The hinge mechanism 45 between the shoe sole 6 and the end region 17 of the binding element II co-operating therewith forms a pivot axis 46 perpendicular to the vertical plane 8. This pivot axis 46 enables the tread surface 5 or sport shoe 7 to pivot relative to the binding element II or relative to the sports device 2. The pivot axis 46 formed by the hinge mechanism 45 extends substantially parallel with the tread surface 5 and substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9—of the sports device 2 or the tread surface 5. As a result of the hinge mounting between the shoe sole 6 and the strip-shaped flexible binding element 11, a pivot axis 46, variable in height in the vertical direction relative to the sports device 2, is formed. This pivot axis 46 which can be varied in height in the vertical plane 8 by means of the flexible binding element II promotes the rolling action of the sport shoe 7 on the sports device 2 to produce as natural a movement as possible. In addition to the pivoting movement of the sport shoe 7 on the sports device 2 made possible by the flexible binding element 11, further play is provided in the form of another pivoting option by means of the additional hinge mechanism 45.

The pivot axis 46 travels on a circular course 47 in the direction towards the sports device 2 defined by the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 and the elasticity of the binding element 11 when pressure is duly applied to the tread surface 5 by the user's foot in a specific phase of the cycle of forward motion. In particular, the front toe region of the sport shoe 7 or tread surface 5 moves closer to the sports device 2 as vertical pressure is applied to the region co-operating with the toes or the ball of the foot and the heel region is lifted and rolls on the rolling body 22 in a defined manner.

A corresponding opposing force can be applied to these rolling movements by disposing the spring means 39 and/or 41 between the underside of the shoe sole 6 and the top face 15 of the sports device 2.

An optionally releasable coupling device 48 is preferably provided on the sports device 2 between the sport shoe 7 or the shoe sole 6 thereof and the binding system 1. The sport shoe 7 can be released or bound from or to the binding system 1 or sports device 2 by means of this coupling device 48, as required. Any known fast coupling systems which are preferably manually operated without the assistance of tools may be used for this coupling device 48.

For example, the coupling device 48 may be provided in the form of at least two bearing jaws 49, 50 which are displaceable relative to one another. The bearing jaws 49, 50 can be displaced relative to one another by means of an operating member 51 which is operatively connected to at least one of the bearing jaws 49, 50. The operating member 51 may be a threaded spindle arrangement with an associated screw nut, for example, by means of which at least one of the bearing jaws 49, 50 is linearly displaced when the operating member 51 is turned. The bearing jaws 49, 50 form a seat for a pivot pin which is fixed to the binding element 11 at the end region 17 thereof. The bearing jaws 49, 50 are preferably integrated in the shoe sole 6 or are secured thereto. By preference, the bearing jaws 49, 50 are arranged in the recess 29 of the shoe sole 6 and do not project beyond an underside of the shoe sole 6 so that when the sport shoe 7 is separated from the sports device 2 it can be used for walking with as little hindrance as possible.

In the rear end region 18 relative to the direction of forward movement—arrow 19—the binding element 11 is rigidly secured to the top face of the rolling body 22.

In addition to appropriate dimensioning of the flexible binding element II to avoid deflections between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 2 when the foot is lifted off the ground, a binding element 11 with a limited deformability may be used in order to produce a continuous bearing for the sport shoe 7 on the sports device 2. In particular, this binding element 11 of limited deformability is deformable in a vertical direction starting from the sports device 2 but not beyond a defined deformation limit. This deformation limit may be defined by the longitudinally extending shape of the strip-shaped binding element 11, for example. To this end, the binding element 11 may be provided in the form of a link strip, for example, having members which pivot in a vertical direction starting from the top face 15 of the sports device 2 and restricted by stops. Starting from a substantially longitudinally extended position, this link strip can also be displaced in the direction towards the sports device 2 to assume a curved position and back again. In order to return to the almost extended position or initial position illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4, this link strip may co-operate with the resilient leaf spring 12. In particular, the individual members acting as abutment stops may be pushed on the leaf spring 12 to prevent deformation beyond a specific abutment stop, e.g. beyond the longitudinally extended configuration, thereby preventing the sport shoe 7 from lifting off the sports device 2.

Another anti-lift mechanism 52 may also be provided in the form of a tension-resistant securing element 53 to prevent the sport shoe 7 from lifting off the sports device 2. This securing element 53 is joined to the sports device 2 on the one hand and to the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 on the other and is dimensioned so that when the sport shoe 7 assumes the initial or rest position relative to the sports device 2 it is stretched or longitudinally extended. This securing element 53 may be a tension-resistant but non-shrinkable or foldable band 54, e.g. made from a textile material or similar. Similarly, the securing element 53 may be provided by at least two levers joined to one another in a pivot configuration at facing end regions, the ends remote from the common pivot axis being joined to the sports device 2 or the shoe sole 6. A configuration of this type might be described as a toggle joint.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the binding system 1 proposed by the invention, in which parts already described above are shown by the same reference numbers.

In this case, the lateral guide device 30 between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 2 has a separate guide element 55, which co-operates with the rolling body 22 immovably fixed to the sports device 2 to form the lateral guide device 30.

The guide element 55 provided as a separate component is provided as a binding means to the shoe sole 6. In particular, the guide element 55 is provided with a mounting plate 56, the top face 57 of which is joined to the underside of the shoe sole 6. The substantially horizontally aligned mounting plate 56 can be releasably connected to the shoe sole 6 by providing a corresponding coupling device 48. This coupling device 48 may comprise any known connecting members capable of displacing the shoe sole 6 and the mounting plate 56 by a translatory and/or rotary movement into and out of a positive-fit engagement. As a result, the sport shoe 7 can be readily separated from the sports device 2 or from the binding system 1 as required and the user can walk away as required without the sports device 2.

The guide element 55 of the binding system 1 has at least two side plates 58, 59 spaced at a distance apart from another and projecting from the mounting plate 56 in the direction towards the top face 15 of the sports device 2. The inner side walls 33, 34 of the side plates 58, 59 facing one another abut with virtually no clearance against the side faces 31, 32 of the rolling body 22. The inner side walls 33, 34 of the guide element 55 therefore lie with virtually no clearance and with as large as surface area as possible against the side faces 31, 32 of the rolling body 22. The side faces 31, 32 and side walls 33, 34 extend parallel with the vertical plane 8.

The guide element 55 therefore has a U-shaped cross section and spans the rolling body 22 at least partially with the mounting plate 56 and the two side plates 58, 59. In particular, the at least partially enclosed free space between the side plates 58, 59 is provided as a means of receiving the rolling body 22.

The strip-shaped, flexible or resiliently deformable binding element 11 is provided as a means of joining the guide element 55 to the rolling body 22. In particular, the binding element 11 or leaf spring 12 is joined at the end regions, relative to the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9- to the rolling body 22 on the one hand and the guide element 55 on the other. Specifically, the front end region 17 of the binding element 1 relative to the usual direction of movement or travel—arrow 19—is immovably fixed to the underside of the mounting plate 56 and the second end region 18 of the binding element 11 spaced at a distance apart is immovably joined to the rolling body 22. The fixing means 20, 21 described above may be used for the two joining points spaced at a distance apart.

The strip-shaped binding element 11 primarily prevents any relative displacement between the rolling body 22 and the guide element 55 in the longitudinal direction—double arrow 9—of the sports device 2 but still permits pivoting movements of the guide element 55 or the sport shoe 7 relative to the rolling body 22 or relative to the sports device 2 about an ideal pivot axis 46 perpendicular to the vertical plane 8.

This binding system 1 also has a different embodiment of the anti-lift mechanism 52. In this case, the anti-lift mechanism 52 consists of at least one arcuately curved guide slot 60, 61 which co-operates with at least one projection 62, 63.

By preference, the projection 62, 63 co-operates with the rolling body 22 and engages in the arcuate guide slots 60, 61 provided in the side plates 58, 59. In particular, pin-type projections 62, 63 are provided on the side faces 31, 32 of the rolling body 22 which engage in the arcuate guide slots 60, 61 extending in the side plates 58, 59.

By preference, the projections 62, 63 are provided as a guide pin 64 which extends through the two side plates 58, 59 as well as the rolling body 22 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane 8.

When the binding system 1 is in the initial or rest position illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the projections 62, 63 lie at the bottom end of the guide slots 60, 61 preventing the guide element 55 from being lifted from the rolling body 22 but allowing it to pivot about the ideal pivot axis. A centre point of the arcuately curved guide slots 60 lies in the vertical plane 8 above the top face 15 of the sports device 2. In particular, an imaginary centre point of the arcuate or curved guide slots 60, 61 relative to the vertical plane 8 is higher than the recesses in the side plates 58, 59 forming the guide slots 60, 61.

Optionally, the guide slots 60, 61 may also be disposed as in the embodiment indicated by broken lines. In this case, an imaginary centre point of the curved or arcuate guide slots 60, 61 relative to the vertical plane 8 is arranged lower than the recesses in the side plates 58, 59 forming the guide slots 60, 61.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example here, the rolling surface 27 constitutes the rolling path for the binding element 11 and for the guide element 55 or sport shoe 7 and no other curved rolling surfaces 25 to 27 are provided on the rolling body 22.

Optionally, the bottom edges 65, 66 of the side plates 58, 59 may be supported on the top face 15 of the sports device 2. In an embodiment of this type, the bottom edges 65, 66 have an arcuate contour to prevent an unhindered pivoting movement and to support the guide element 55 on the top face 15 of the sports device 2. In this case, the side plates 58, 59 assume the role of the rolling surfaces 25, 26 described above.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the binding system 1 proposed by the invention, parts already described above being denoted by the same reference numbers.

In this case, the binding element II is provided in the form of a lever 67 between the tread surface 5 for the user's foot and the sports device 2 or the rolling body 22. The binding element II or lever 67 is hinge-mounted on the rolling body 22 at the end region 18 co-operating with the rolling body 22. In the end region 17 spaced at a distance therefrom in the longitudinal region—double arrow 9—the binding element 11 or lever 67 is joined to the shoe sole 6 or a rolling element 69 via the hinge mechanism 45 or is hinge-mounted on the shoe sole 6. The rolling element 69 forming one linking part 70 the hinge mechanism 45 can be releasably or non-releasably secured to the underside of the shoe sole 6 or alternatively may be integrated in the shoe sole 6, in particular embedded therein.

The hinge mechanism 45 forms the pivot axis 46 extending perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 between the front end region 17 of the lever 67 and the rolling element 69 or shoe sole 6.

The hinge mechanism 68 in the other end region 18 of the lever 67 between the latter and the rolling body 22 forms a pivot axis 71 extending perpendicular to the vertical plane 8. The lever 67 is mounted in a recess 72 of the rolling body 22. The recess 72 is provided in the front end region 36 of the rolling body relative to the direction of travel—arrow 19—and therefore houses the major part of the lever 67. The recess 72 may be used as a guide system for the lever 67. The recess 72 also has a stop element 73, which restricts the pivoting movement of the lever 67 about the pivot axis 71. In particular, the stop element 73 prevents the shoe sole 6 or rolling element 69 from lifting off the rolling body 22 by restricting the ability of the lever 67 to pivot about the pivot axis 71 in the direction pivoting away from the sports device 2 so that the co-operating components are constantly in contact with one another.

In order to restrict the pivoting movement of the lever 67 about the pivot axis 71 in the direction towards the sports device 2, the recess 72 may be designed to provide another stop element 74. Clearly, the other stop element 74 could be configured in such a way that the lever 67 moves into abutment directly on the top face of the sports device 2.

When projecting onto the vertical plane 8, the lever 67 has a curvature or contour in which the centre of curvature lies above the top face 15 of the sports device 2. Moreover, the lever 67 extends between the rolling body 22 and the shoe sole 6 substantially parallel with the tread surface 5. Specifically, when the binding system 1 is in the initial or rest position as illustrated, a line joining the pivot axes 71 and 46 subtends an acute angle with a horizontally extending plane, in particular an angle of approximately 2° to 30°.

The lever 67 is designed so that the pivot axis 46 between the lever 67 and the shoe sole 6 is disposed at a higher level than the pivot axis 71 between the lever 67 and the rolling body 22 when in the rest or initial position illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As a result, when the sport shoe 7 pivots relative to the sports device 2 due to the pivoting action of the lever 67 about the pivot axis 71, the shoe sole 6 is simultaneously displaced in the direction in which the sports device 2 is moving or travelling—arrow 9. In particular, raising the sport shoe 7 forces a relative displacement between the rolling body 22 and the shoe sole 6 causing the sport shoe 7 to be displaced in the direction of movement or travel relative to the sports device 2 and hence a lengthening of the stride. This effect is produced due to the fact that the pivot axis 46 is able to move on a circular course 75 about the pivot axis 71 and because the pivot axis 46 between the sport shoe 7 and the lever 67 is disposed at a higher level than the pivot axis 71. In particular, in the initial or rest position illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pivot axis 46 is located in the top half of the circular course 75 around the pivot axis 71 and, when the sport shoe 7 is lifted off the sports device 2, moves on the circular course 75 in the direction towards the top face 15 and simultaneously in the longitudinal direction or direction of forward movement —arrow 9.

At least one of the hinge mechanisms 45, 68, but preferably both hinge mechanisms 45, 68, co-operate with an energy storage device 76, 77, in particular in the form of coil springs 78, 79. These energy storage devices 76, 77 or coil springs 78, 79 force the tread surface 5 or shoe sole 6 into the illustrated initial or rest position in which they extend parallel with the top face 15 of the sports device 2 and apply a defined resistance, which can be overcome, against an upward pivoting movement of the sport shoe 7 relative to the sports device 2.

When the sport shoe 7 is pivoted relative to the sports device 2, the rolling element 69 or the shoe sole 6 slides on the rolling path 27 of the rolling body 22 in the direction towards the sports device 2 or moves the former back away from the sports device 2 when the heel region of the sport shoe 7 is placed on the guide member 43 or the top face 15 of the sports device 2.

The guide member 43 and the rolling body 22 are preferably made as a single component, a gap 80 to the shoe sole 6 being left free between the aforementioned components.

By preference, the rolling element 69 also has side plates 58, 59 to form a lateral guide device 30 between the rolling element 69 and the rolling body 22.

The shoe sole 6 of the sport shoe 7 may be of a more bend-resistant design that conventional crosscountry sport shoes 7 since the rolling movement can be produced by the binding system 1 proposed by the invention. By making the shoe sole 6 or the entire sport shoe 7 of a more bend-resistant design, a more effective repulsive force from the ground underneath the sports device 2 can be achieved. In addition, the sport shoe 7 is better guided relative to the sports device 2 and the forces applied by the user more efficiently converted into energy to generate forward propulsion with the sports device 2.

Due to the combined rotary and translatory coupling between the sport shoe 7 and the sports device 7 afforded by the binding system I, performance can be enhanced without detriment to comfort.

Clearly, it would not be a departure from the scope of the invention if the embodiments illustrated, e.g. the lateral guide device, were of a converse design and accordingly a strip-shaped guide member projected down from the underside of the shoe sole, engaging in a matching recess in the rolling body.

For the sake of good order, it should finally be pointed out that in order to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of the binding system 1, it and its constituent parts have been illustrated out of scale to a certain extent and/or on an enlarged and/or reduced scale.

The tasks underlying the independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

Above all, subject matter relating to the individual embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3; 4; 5, 6; 7, 8 can be construed as independent solutions proposed by the invention. The tasks and solutions can be found in the detailed descriptions relating to these drawings.

1.Binding system2.Sports device3.Sliding or rolling body4.Ski5.Tread surface6.Shoe sole7.Sport shoe8.Vertical plane9.Double arrow (longitudinal direction)10.Running surface11.Binding element12.Leaf spring13.Broad side14.Broad side15.Top face16.Pivot angle17.End region18.End region19.Arrow (direction of motion or travel)20.Fixing means21.Fixing means22.Rolling body23.Fixing means24.Vertical distance25.Rolling surface26.Rolling surface27.Rolling surface28.Projection29.Recess30.Lateral guide device31.Side face32.Side face33.Side wall34.Side wall35.Initial region36.End region37.Support height38.Support height39.Spring means40.Damping body41.Spring means42.Tension band43.Guide member44.Recess45.Hinge mechanism46.Pivot axis47.Circular path48.Coupling device49.Bearing jaw50.Bearing jaw51.Operating member52.Anti-lift mechanism53.Securing element54.Band55.Guide element56.Mounting plate57.Top face58.Side plate59.Side plate60.Guide arm61.Guide arm62.Projection63.Projection64.Guide pin65.Bottom edge66.Bottom edge67.Lever68.Hinge mechanism69.Rolling element70.Linking part71.Pivot axis72.Recess73.Stop element74.Stop element75.Circular course76.Energy storage device77.Energy storage device78.Coil spring79.Coil spring80.Gap

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	09831658	May 2001	US
Child	10970944	Oct 2004	US

Flexible connection between sports device and shoe

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

US Classifications

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

Divisions (1)