Patent Application
20250160477
This application claims priority of European patent application No. EP23425062.9 filed Nov. 20, 2023 and French patent application No. FR2406806 filed Jun. 25, 2024, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The invention relates to a ski boot comprising a locking device for locking a rotary articulation between a lower shell and a cuff of the ski boot.
For skiing, boots comprising a lower shell and a cuff articulated rotatably to the lower shell are known. The lower shell encloses the foot below the ankle while the cuff encloses the lower leg above the ankle. The articulation between the lower shell and the cuff allows easy insertion of the foot into the boot, as well as a natural gait as articulation of the ankle is not prevented. When the boot is used in descent in downhill skiing, the articulation between the lower shell and the cuff must be locked in order to control the skis effectively.
In order to lock or to unlock the articulation between the lower shell and the cuff, it is known practice to use locking devices, also known as “ski-walks”. These devices comprise a lever that can be actuated by hand making it possible to choose between two configurations of the boot. The first, called the “ski” configuration, locks the articulation between the cuff and the lower shell. The second, called the “walk” configuration, unlocks the articulation between the cuff and the lower shell.
Known prior art locking devices have some or all of the following disadvantages:
Furthermore, the conditions of use of ski boots are particularly severe: they are exposed to very low temperatures and to very high humidity. Moreover, they are liable to be subjected to numerous impacts, in particular if the user should fall. Under these conditions, the locking devices integrated in these boots get damaged too quickly. Once damaged, a locking device may become even more difficult to manipulate and/or may no longer lock the cuff properly relative to the lower shell in the ski configuration, or even may become completely unusable.
Lastly, known prior art locking devices are tricky to manipulate because the user has to bend down in order to actuate the lever. Furthermore, the user does not always know the direction in which they must push or pull the lever to obtain the configuration in which they want to use the boot. It thus often happens that a user will use their boots in the incorrect configuration. When a user is using the boots in walk configuration in order to ski, they have less accurate guidance of their skis. Skiing when the cuff and lower shell are not locked together exposes the user to a risk of injury such as twisting of the knee or rupturing of ligaments in the knee.
The aim of the invention is to provide a locking device that overcomes the above disadvantages and improves the known prior art locking devices.
In particular, the invention aims to propose locking devices that are simple to manufacture, reliable, robust, easy to manipulate and that make it possible to effectively lock the cuff relative to the lower shell when they are in the ski configuration.
These aims, features and advantages of the present invention will be set out in detail in the following non-limiting description of a particular embodiment which is provided with reference to the appended figures, in which:
In this document, the axis X is the longitudinal axis of the ski boot. The axis X is oriented from the zone of the heel of a user of the ski boot 1 toward the zone of the toes of the user, that is to say in the direction in which a ski fixed to the ski boot extends toward the front. The axis Y is the transverse axis of the ski boot. The axis Y is oriented from left to right, left and right being defined from the point of view of a user looking straight ahead. The axis Y is therefore an axis substantially parallel to the axis of articulation of the ankle of the user. The axis Z is the axis perpendicular to the axis X and to the axis Y. The ski boot is considered to be resting via its sole on horizontal ground. The axis Z is thus a vertical axis, oriented upward. The axes X, Y and Z form an orthogonal reference system.
The ski boot 1 comprises a lower shell 2 intended to enclose the foot of the user, a cuff 3 intended to enclose the lower leg of the user, and a rotary articulation means 4 between the lower shell 2 and the cuff 3. The rotary articulation means 4 is configured to allow rotation of the cuff 3 relative to the lower shell 2 about an axis of rotation Y0 parallel to the axis Y. The axis of rotation Y0 is substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the ankle of the user. The axis of rotation Y0 passes in particular through the two malleoli, inner and outer, of the user.
The ski boot 1 comprises a set of tightening means 5A, 5B for tightening the ski boot around the foot and the lower leg of the user. Each tightening means 5A, 5B comprises a maneuvering device 6 attached to a first flap on the lower shell or respectively on the cuff, and a catch means 7 attached to a second flap on the lower shell or respectively on the cuff. Each maneuvering device 6 comprises a tightening loop 8 interacting with the catch means 7 to move the first flap closer to the second flap and thus tighten the lower shell around the foot, or respectively tighten the cuff around the lower leg. The catch means 7 may, for example, include a rack. According to the embodiment presented, the ski boot 1 comprises two tightening means 5A arranged on the lower shell and two tightening means 5B arranged on the cuff. Alternatively, the number of tightening means could be different.
When the tightening means 5B arranged on the cuff are loosened, a rear part and/or a front part of the cuff may be at a distance from the lower leg. Loosening the tightening means arranged on the cuff thus allows the user's ankle joint to have a degree of mobility without stressing the rotary articulation between the lower shell and the cuff. To be able to walk comfortably and/or to allow the foot to be inserted into or removed from the boot, it is however preferable to have not only the tightening means 5B loosened, but also the rotary articulation between the lower shell and the cuff unlocked.
The lower shell 2 and the cuff 3 may be made at least partially of injection molded plastic.
The lower shell 2 comprises an enclosure part intended to enclose the foot of the user. The lower shell 2 also comprises a toe lug 9A and a heel lug 9B intended to interact with an attachment device for attaching the ski boot 1 to a gliding board. The lower shell 2 may further comprise various elements fixed or added on to the enclosure part. In particular, the lower shell 2 may optionally comprise a rear wall 58, also referred to as a rear spoiler. The rear wall 58 may be fitted in a notch formed at the rear of the enclosure part of the lower shell. The rear wall 58 may optionally be more flexible than the enclosure part and/or be articulated relative to the enclosure part.
The ski boot 1 further includes a locking device 10 configured to lock the rotary articulation between the lower shell 2 and the cuff 3. The locking device 10 allows the boot to be used either in a configuration referred to as the “walk” configuration, in which the rotary articulation between the lower shell 2 and the cuff 3 is unlocked, or in a configuration referred to as the “ski” configuration, in which the rotary articulation between the lower shell 2 and the cuff 3 is locked. In the walk configuration, the ski boot follows the natural articulation of the foot and the leg, which facilitates walking. The walk configuration is also a configuration that facilitates insertion or removal of the foot into/from the boot. In the ski configuration, the locking of the articulation allows optimum transmission of forces from the foot and from the lower leg to the ski boot, which allows precise guidance of the gliding board attached to the ski boot.
The locking device 10 is not simply a device for adjusting the inclination of the cuff 3 relative to the lower shell 2 in the ski configuration. Unlike a cuff inclination adjustment device, the locking device 10 is intended to be manipulated frequently when skiing, for example several times in one day. The locking device is therefore robust enough to withstand several locking and unlocking cycles, including in very low temperatures and/or when the boot is covered in snow or ice. The locking device also has an ergonomic design allowing it to be manipulated by a user without taking off the boot, without removing their gloves, and without the use of any particular tool. Conversely, a device for adjusting the inclination of the cuff relative to the lower shell is intended to be used very occasionally, for example only once when initially fitting the boot. Such an adjustment device generally comprises a tightening screw. To adjust the inclination of the cuff relative to the lower shell, the tightening screw is loosened with a screwdriver. This operation is intended to be performed in a workshop. The boot is not intended to be used with the tightening screw loose.
Note that the locking device 10 according to the invention may also be adapted to adjust the inclination of the cuff relative to the lower shell in addition to its function of locking and unlocking the rotary articulation between the cuff and the lower shell. In this case, the locking device has not just a single ski configuration but at least two ski configurations in which the cuff is locked relative to the lower shell with two different inclinations.
The locking device 10 is arranged at the rear of the ski boot. It is shown schematically by a rectangle in dotted line in
With reference to
The blade 14 may be a plate of rectangular shape the upper end of which is inserted in the mechanism 13. The blade 14 may have an upper edge parallel to the transverse axis Y. The blade 14 extends generally upward, parallel to an axis Z1. The axis Z1 may be substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z for a given orientation of the cuff 3 relative to the lower shell 2. When the locking device is in the ski configuration, the axis Z1 may form a non-zero angle with the vertical axis Z. This angle is preferably less than or equal to 30°.
The blade 14 has a curved shape, in order to ensure full integration thereof along a rear wall of the ski boot 1, as well as greater mechanical strength, in particular greater resistance to bending. As a variant, the blade 14 could also have a rectilinear shape. In particular, the blade 14 comprises an upper part 15 extending in a first plane and a lower part 16 extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane and offset relative to the first plane. The first plane and the second plane may extend parallel to the vertical axis Z and to the transverse axis Y for a given inclination of the cuff relative to the lower shell. The first plane 15 is positioned further toward the front of the ski boot than the second plane 16. The first plane and the second plane may be connected by a bent portion. The bent shape of the blade 14 allows it to follow the shape of the heel of the ski boot and therefore allows discreet and compact integration of the blade. This shape in particular allows the lower end of the blade to be positioned further down, which makes it possible to achieve a greater amplitude of rotation of the cuff relative to the lower shell.
The blade 14 is attached to the lower shell 2 with a rotary connection about an axis of rotation Y3 parallel to the transverse axis Y. To this end, the lower shell 2 comprises two protuberances 17, formed substantially in the zone of the heel, and connected by a pin 18 extending along the axis of rotation Y3. As can be seen in
Advantageously, the blade 14 is a one-piece metal element. The blade 14 may be obtained by cutting and bending a metal plate.
The mechanism 13 comprises a casing 19 attached to the cuff 3. The casing 19 is provided with an opening inside which the blade 14 is engaged. The blade 14 is guided in translation inside the casing 19 parallel to the axis along which the blade extends, that is to say parallel to the axis Z1. When the locking device 10 is in the walk configuration, the blade 14 is free to slide inside the casing 19 parallel to the axis Z1. When the locking device 10 is in the ski configuration, the blade 14 is immobilized inside the casing 19.
The immobilizing position of the immobilizing element 20 corresponds to the ski configuration of the locking device 10. In the ski configuration, the immobilizing element 20 interacts with the blade 14 in such a way as to prevent it from sliding inside the casing 19.
The release position of the immobilizing element 20 corresponds to the walk configuration of the locking device 10. In the walk configuration, the immobilizing element 20 is then positioned relative to the blade 14 in such a way as to allow the blade 14 to slide inside the casing 19 and thus free the rotary articulation between the cuff and the lower shell.
The blade 14 comprises a stop surface intended to interact with the immobilizing element 20 so as to lock the rotary articulation when the immobilizing element is in the immobilizing position. According to the embodiment shown, the immobilizing element 20 comprises a lug, and the blade 14 comprises an opening 21 having a shape complementary to a shape of the lug. The opening 21 is a hole that passes through the thickness of the blade 14. When the locking device is in the ski configuration and the user exerts a force tending to cause the cuff to pivot forward, the immobilizing element 20 bears against the upper edge 21A of the opening 21. When the locking device is in the ski configuration and the user exerts a force tending to cause the cuff to pivot backward, the immobilizing element 20 bears against the lower edge 21B of the opening 21. The upper edge 21A and the lower edge 21B of the opening 21 thus form said stop surface interacting with the immobilizing element 20 to lock the rotary articulation when the immobilizing element is in the immobilizing position. As will be explained below, other shapes may be envisaged for the immobilizing element 20 and the opening 21.
Advantageously, the immobilizing element 20 further comprises a first guide surface 22 and the blade 14 comprises a second guide surface 23, the first guide surface 22 interacting with the second guide surface 23 so as to guide the movement of the blade 14 relative to the immobilizing element 20 when the immobilizing element is in the release position and the cuff pivots relative to the lower shell. This makes it possible to ensure that the immobilizing element 20 is correctly positioned relative to the blade 14 at all times. The immobilizing element 20 therefore performs both a function of immobilizing the blade 14 and a function of guiding the blade 14. Thus, the locking device is easier to manipulate and more robust.
In particular, by virtue of the interaction of the guide surfaces 22 and 23, the blade 14 is in a very good position relative to the immobilizing element 20 when the locking device is placed in the locking configuration. This prevents the immobilizing element 20 from colliding with an edge of the opening 21, which would make manipulation particularly difficult. Thus, the guide means makes it possible to have an opening 21 in the blade the dimensions of which are perfectly tailored to the dimensions of the immobilizing element 20. This means that there is no play or only minimal play between the cuff and the lower shell when the locking device is in the ski configuration.
By virtue of the interaction of the guide surfaces 22 and 23, the blade 14 is also very efficiently guided inside the casing 19 when the locking device is in the walk configuration and the cuff pivots about the lower shell. In particular, the interaction of the guide surfaces 22 and 23 ensures lateral guidance of the blade in the casing. This prevents the blade 14 from coming into contact with a wall of the casing 19, and more generally with any element of the mechanism 13 not intended to come into contact with the blade 14. The locking device is thus more robust and more durable.
Conversely, when a locking device does not have any guide means between the immobilizing element 20 and the blade 14, the immobilizing element is then positioned much less accurately relative to the blade. In such a situation, the opening provided in the blade must be bigger to take into account this less accurate positioning. As a result, in the locking configuration there is much greater play between the immobilizing element and the blade, and the cuff is less firmly locked in position relative to the lower shell.
This absence of play between the immobilizing element 20 and the blade 14 is further reinforced by the particular kinematics of the immobilizing element 20 relative to the blade 14 when the immobilizing element 20 moves between its immobilizing position and its release position. To be specific, the movement of the immobilizing element 20 is a movement in translation directed perpendicularly to the plane in which the blade 14 extends. Thus, the opening 21 may have dimensions that are a snug fit with the dimensions of the immobilizing element 20. The opening 21 does not have to be especially large to allow the insertion or removal of the immobilizing element as in the case, for example, when the immobilizing element is movable between its immobilizing position and its release position according to a rotational movement or according to more complex kinematics.
The immobilizing element 20 is shown in more detail in
As a variant, other shapes of the first portion 24 of the immobilizing element 20 and of the opening 21 could be envisaged, for example a triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or ovoid shape. According to other embodiments, the immobilizing element 20 and the blade 14 interacting with the immobilizing element could be different. These two elements could for example have reliefs, positive or negative, such as for example rack surfaces, intended to come into contact against one another when the immobilizing element is in the immobilizing position. More generally, the two elements may each have a stop surface configured to prevent the complementary element from sliding in the mechanism 13 when the immobilizing element is in the immobilizing position.
The immobilizing element 20 further comprises a second portion 25 comprising said first guide surface 22. This second portion may have at least one flat face, preferably two opposite flat faces. The at least one flat face may extend parallel to the axis along which the blade 14 moves relative to the immobilizing element 20, that is to say parallel to the axis Z1. This flat face is intended to bear against the blade 14 so as to guide the movement of the blade relative to the immobilizing element. The second portion 25 may have a prismatic shape, in particular a parallelepiped shape. The second portion 25 may be adjacent to the first portion 24 and may be positioned further toward the front of the ski boot.
Advantageously, the blade 14 comprises a groove 28. The groove 28 is an opening passing through the thickness of the blade and extending parallel to the axis along which the blade extends, that is to say parallel to the axis Z1. The groove 28 is delimited by two lateral edges extending parallel to the axis Z1. The length of the groove 28 along the axis Z1 is adapted as a function of the amplitude of bending of the cuff relative to the lower shell when the locking device is in the walk configuration. Said second guide surface 23 is formed by at least one of the two edges of the groove 28, in particular by both edges, the two edges being intended to bear on the flat faces of the second portion 25 of the immobilizing element 20.
The distance separating the two edges of the groove 28 may be slightly greater than the width of the second portion 25 of the immobilizing element 20 along the transverse axis Y. It is possible for example to provide play of less than or equal to 3 mm, or less than or equal to 2 mm, or less than or equal to 1 mm between the edges of the groove 28 and the second portion 25 of the immobilizing element 20. This provides satisfactory guidance of the blade 14 and the latter may move relative to the immobilizing element without excessive friction.
The groove 28 may open out in the opening 21. The assembly formed by the groove 28 and the opening 21 thus forms a single opening with a closed contour having a keyhole shape. The blade 14 is thus particularly simple to manufacture.
According to a variant embodiment, the blade 14 could be provided without the groove 28 and the guidance between the immobilizing element 20 and the blade 14 could be obtained in a different way. For example, the blade 14 could have a U shape. The arms of the U would be spaced apart by a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the immobilizing element, in such a way that the immobilizing element slides between these two arms when the cuff pivots relative to the lower shell. According to another variant embodiment, the immobilizing element 20 could have substantially the shape of an M. It would have a central part intended to interact with the opening 21 and lateral wings intended to bear on the outer edges of the blade 14.
According to yet another variant, the second portion 25 could have a different shape, for example a cylindrical shape. According to another variant embodiment, the immobilizing element 20 could have a conical or frustoconical shape, the base of the conical or frustoconical shape forming the first portion, and the tip of the conical or frustoconical shape forming the second portion.
According to yet another variant embodiment, the blade 14 could not be movable in rotation about the axis of rotation Y3. It could then for example have a degree of flexibility allowing the cuff to pivot relative to the lower shell about the axis of rotation Y0. The amplitude of rotation between the cuff and the lower shell could then be reduced. According to another variant, the blade 14 could be replaced by an assembly comprising several parts articulated to one another.
Advantageously, the casing 19 comprises a guide means 26 adapted to guide the immobilizing element 20 in translation parallel to the axis X1. This guide means 26 is notably formed by a sleeve the shape of which corresponds to the profiled shape of the immobilizing element 20. This guide means allows good control of the translational movement along the axis X1 of the immobilizing element 20, thereby further limiting any risk of jamming between the immobilizing element and the blade 14.
The immobilizing element 20 may thus comprise a third portion 27, notably of cylindrical shape, interacting with the sleeve of complementary shape in the casing 19 to guide the immobilizing element in translation parallel to the axis X1.
According to an embodiment that has not been shown, a diameter of the third portion 27 could be strictly greater than a diameter of the first portion 24. The shoulder formed at the interface between the third portion 27 and the first portion 24 could thus come into abutment against the edge of the opening 21, making it possible to firmly immobilize the blade 14 when the locking device is in the ski configuration.
Advantageously, the immobilizing element 20 may be a one-piece element, that is to say an element formed of a single piece. The immobilizing element 20 could for example be made from a block of machined metal. As a variant, the immobilizing element could comprise several parts attached to one another, the various portions 24, 25 and 27 of the immobilizing element could for example be screwed or welded together. Preferably, the immobilizing element 20 is made of metal, so as to withstand the considerable forces that may be exerted by a user when downhill skiing. As a variant, it could also be made of injection molded plastic, notably plastic reinforced with glass or carbon fibers to improve its strength.
As shown in
Advantageously, the locking device comprises at least one guide, interposed between the casing 19 and the blade 14, configured to guide the sliding of the blade 14 relative to the casing 19. The at least one guide may comprise a material having non-stick properties, for example plastic reinforced with fibers, for example with PTFE. Thus, when the user walks wearing the ski boot, the sliding of the blade 14 generates little or no friction. The at least one guide may be a part that is independent of the casing, or as a variant, may be formed directly in the casing. According to the embodiment shown, the at least one guide comprises two guides 31 each interacting with a lateral edge of the blade 14. The guides 31 are arranged on either side of the blade 14, inside the opening of the casing 19 inside which the blade 14 slides. The guides 31 may each comprise shoulders bearing against edges of the casing in such a way as to hold the guides in position relative to the casing.
Note that, as can be clearly seen in
The lever 11 comprises a wing 33 protruding toward the rear of the ski boot. The wing 33 is intended to be manipulated by the user of the ski boot. The lever 11 further comprises a shaft 34 extending parallel to the transverse axis Y. The shaft 34 interacts with a first pair of openings 35 formed in the lateral flanks 29 of the casing 19. The shaft 34 takes the form of a tube of generally cylindrical shape protruding from either side of a body 51 of the lever 11. The lever 11 is thus movable in rotation relative to the casing 19 about an axis of rotation Y2 parallel to the transverse axis Y. Advantageously, the body 51 of the lever 11 comprises at least one wall, preferably two walls 52A, 52B of generally cylindrical shape the axis of revolution of which corresponds to the axis of rotation Y2. The walls 52A, 52B are positioned respectively above and below the wing 33. The walls 52A, 52B are positioned facing the opening 50 formed in the cuff 3 whatever the position of the lever 11. More specifically, the wall 52A is positioned facing the opening 50 when the lever 11 is in the lowered position. The wall 52B is positioned facing the opening 50 when the lever 11 is in the raised position. The walls 52A, 52B thus prevent snow, water or any other type of particle from getting inside the ski boot through the opening 50.
According to a variant embodiment, the shaft 34 could be held not by the casing 19 but directly by the cuff 3. In this situation, the dimensions of the casing 19 could be reduced. In particular, the lateral flanks 29 of the casing could be shortened. In order to connect the lever 11 to the cuff 3 with a rotary connection, it is possible to provide at least one opening in the cuff extending along the axis of rotation Y2. Advantageously, the shaft 34 may then be an element distinct from the body 51 of the lever 11. The shaft 34 may then be inserted transversely through the openings made in the cuff 3 for this purpose and through the body of the lever 11.
The lever 11 further comprises stop surfaces 36, 37, intended to interact with walls of the cuff 3 so as to limit the amplitude of rotation of the lever about the axis of rotation Y2. A first stop surface 36 bears against a wall of the cuff when the lever is in the locking position. A second stop surface 37 bears against a wall of the cuff when the lever is in the unlocking position.
The lever 11 may be a one-piece element, for example produced by injection molding of plastic. Alternatively, only a body of the lever comprising the wing 33 and the stop surfaces 36, 37 may be a one-piece element, this one-piece element comprising an opening into which the shaft 34 is inserted. Alternatively, the lever 11 could be produced differently again and/or result from the assembly of several parts attached to one another in such a way as to form an integral assembly.
The mechanism 13 makes it possible to move the immobilizing element 20 between its immobilizing position and its release position in a particularly advantageous manner. This mechanism 13 will now be described in more detail with reference to
In addition to the lever 11, the blade 14, the casing 19 and the immobilizing element 20 described above, the mechanism 13 comprises a transmission means mechanically connecting the lever 11 to the immobilizing element 20. The transmission means is configured such that the movement of the lever 11 into its locking position tends to move the immobilizing element 20 into its immobilizing position. Likewise, the movement of the lever 11 into its unlocking position tends to move the immobilizing element 20 into its release position.
According to the embodiment shown, the transmission means comprises a toggle 38 mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation Y1. The axis of rotation Y1 is parallel to the transverse axis Y. The toggle 38 comprises a first portion 39 extending above the axis of rotation Y1 and a second portion 40 extending below the axis of rotation Y1. When the toggle pivots in a first direction about the axis of rotation Y1, the first portion 39 moves forward and the second portion 40 moves rearward. When the toggle pivots in a second direction about the axis of rotation Y1, opposite to the first direction, the first portion 39 moves rearward and the second portion 40 moves forward. The axis of rotation Y1 extends substantially halfway along the height of the toggle 38 along the vertical axis Z. However, this position of the axis of rotation Y1 may be adjusted in such a way as to adapt the lever effect produced by the toggle 38.
More specifically still, the mechanism 13 comprises a shaft 41 extending along said axis of rotation Y1 between the two lateral flanks 29 of the casing. The shaft 41 extends between a second pair of openings 42 made in the lateral flanks 29, notably under the first pair of opening 35. The shaft 41 is thus supported by the casing 19. The shaft 41 moreover passes through a central opening made in the toggle 38. The rotational movement of the toggle 38 about the axis of rotation Y1 may be obtained by a relative rotation between the toggle 38 and the shaft 41 and/or by a relative rotation between the shaft 41 and the casing 19. The shaft 41 advantageously comprises securing means, notably enlarged ends, configured to keep the shaft 41 rigidly secured to the casing 19. The enlarged end may be for example formed by crimping. Alternatively, the shaft 41 could be made up of two parts assembled together, each part comprising an enlarged part.
The toggle 38 interacts with the lever 11 via a return means, notably a torsion spring 43. The torsion spring 43 comprises a first end 44 in contact with a bearing surface 45 of the lever 11, and a second end 46, opposite to its first end 44, in contact with a first bearing surface 47 of the toggle 38. The bearing surface 45 of the lever 11 takes the form of a U-shaped housing, profiled along the transverse axis Y, and inside which the first end 44 of the torsion spring 43 is located. The first end 44 is thus held firmly and secured against the lever 11. The first bearing surface 47 of the toggle 38 takes the form of an opening passing through the first portion 39 of the toggle. As will thus be appreciated, the lever 11 is configured to exert a thrust against the first bearing surface 47 of the toggle 38 via the torsion spring 43, and thus cause the toggle 38 to pivot about the axis of rotation Y1.
The torsion spring 43 comprises a set of turns defined around an axis parallel to the transverse axis Y. The torsion spring 43 is intended to experience torsional stress. The state of maximum compression of the torsion spring is reached when the distance separating the bearing surfaces 45 and 47 is minimal. This configuration may be reached when the bearing surfaces 45 and 47 are aligned with the axes of rotation Y1 and Y2. The torsion spring 43 is thus configured in such a way as to be placed under tension temporarily when the lever is moved between its locking position and its unlocking position. The locking and unlocking positions of the lever correspond to states of lesser tension of the torsion spring 38 and are therefore stable positions. Advantageously, a certain amount of tension remains in the torsion spring when the lever is in the locking position or in the unlocking position, so as to keep the lever 11 from rocking. This residual tension is obtained by virtue of the stop surfaces 36 and 37 bearing against walls of the cuff.
The toggle 38 further comprises a second bearing surface 48 opposite the first bearing surface 47 with respect to the axis of rotation Y1. The second bearing surface 48 is configured to exert a thrust against the immobilizing element 20 so as to move the immobilizing element between its immobilizing position and its release position. More specifically, the lower end of the toggle 38 is engaged in a recess 49 formed in the immobilizing element. The second bearing surface 48 therefore corresponds to the end of the toggle 38 inserted in the recess 49. As can be seen in
According to a variant embodiment that has not been shown, the toggle 38 could comprise a toothed round portion, having a plurality of teeth extending radially, and the immobilizing element could comprise a rack portion interacting with the toothed round portion. According to yet another variant embodiment, the immobilizing element could comprise a projection projecting from a cylindrical body of the immobilizing element 20 and the lower end of the toggle could comprise a recess interacting with this projection.
The locking device 10 functions as follows. When the user wishes to go from the ski configuration to the walk configuration, they raise the wing 33, which causes the lever to pivot about the axis of rotation Y2. As a result, the bearing surface 45 of the lever 11 moves toward the rear of the ski boot, which tends to move the bearing surface 45 closer to the first bearing surface 47 of the toggle 38. The torsion spring 43 is tensioned until it reaches a maximum tension value corresponding to more or less mid-travel of the wing 33 between its lowered position and its raised position. Next, the bearing surface 45 moves away again from the first bearing surface 47 and the tension of the torsion spring 43 decreases again. Moreover, the torsion spring 43 transmits the force imparted on the lever 11 to the toggle 38. The first portion 39 of the toggle 38 moves toward the front. By lever effect about the shaft 41, the second portion 40 of the toggle 38 moves toward the rear. The second bearing surface 48, located on the second portion 40 of the toggle then exerts a thrust toward the rear on the immobilizing element 20. The immobilizing element 20 is then moved toward the rear, that is to say from its immobilizing position to its release position. In the release position, it is the second portion 25 of the immobilizing element 20 that becomes positioned in the opening 21 formed in the blade 14. The second portion 25 can slide in the groove 28 of the blade. Thus, the immobilizing element 20 does not prevent the blade 14 from moving in translation inside the casing. The articulation between the cuff and the lower shell is thus unlocked. This configuration is notably illustrated in
The locking operation may be carried out in similar manner by lowering the wing 33 of the lever 11. Two scenarios may nevertheless arise. In a first scenario, the immobilizing element is positioned exactly facing the opening 21 when the wing 33 is pivoted downward. This scenario is obtained if, at the moment the lever 11 is manipulated, the inclination of the cuff relative to the lower shell corresponds exactly to the inclination of the “ski” configuration. In this case, the immobilizing element 20 enters the opening 21 without hitting against the blade 14 and the movement of the immobilizing element from the release position to the immobilizing position is immediate. Thus, the first portion 24 of the immobilizing element is positioned in the opening 21 of the blade, and the second portion 25 is positioned in the second opening 32 formed in the wall 30 of the casing. This configuration of the locking device is notably illustrated in
In a second scenario, the immobilizing element 20 is not positioned exactly facing the opening 21 when the wing 33 is pivoted downward. This scenario is obtained if, at the moment the lever 11 is manipulated, the inclination of the cuff relative to the lower shell does not correspond exactly to the inclination of the “ski” configuration. In this case, and as shown in
When the user bends the cuff sufficiently forward, the immobilizing element 20 is positioned facing the opening 21. The torsion spring 43 may then relax at least partially, and the immobilizing element 20 may move into its immobilizing position. The locking device then goes from its primed configuration to its locking configuration.
According to an original aspect of the invention, the blade 14 further comprises a bearing surface 55 intended to interact with the lever 11 in order move the lever 11 automatically into its unlocking position, that is to say to cause the lever 11 to pivot about the axis of rotation Y2 into its unlocking position.
As explained above, the blade 14 is movable in translation relative to the cuff 3, and hence relative to the lever 11 which is rotatably attached to the cuff. The invention thus proposes using the mobility of the blade 14 relative to the cuff to exert an action on the lever. The bearing surface 55 of the blade is therefore intended to interact with the lever 11, notably to come directly into contact with a reception surface 56 of the lever 11 when the lever is in the unlocking position. The reception surface 56 is positioned on the path of the bearing surface 55 of the blade, when the blade 14 moves relative to the cuff and the lever is in the unlocking position. The direct contact between the blade 14 and the lever 11 is notably shown in
As shown in
The bearing surface 55 corresponds to an upper edge of the blade 14, or to a horizontal ridge delimiting an upper edge of the blade on its rear face. The bearing surface 55 is thus positioned at an upper end of the blade 14, that is to say the end of the blade opposite the axis of rotation Y3.
The reception surface 56 is formed on the body 51 of the lever 11. In particular, the body 51 of the lever 11 may advantageously comprise a flat surface 57 on which the reception surface 56 is formed. This flat surface 57 extends parallel to the blade 14 when the lever is in the locking position. The flat surface 57 forms a non-zero angle A1 with the axis along which the blade 14 extends when the lever is in the unlocking position. The angle A1 may be for example between 30° and 60°, notably around 45°.
The reception surface 56 is offset relative to the axis of rotation Y2 of the lever 11. Advantageously, an offset d1 between the reception surface 56 and the axis of rotation Y2, measured parallel to the axis X1, may be at least equal to 5 mm, even at least equal to 10 mm. Thus, the thrust exerted by the blade 14 on the reception surface 56 tends to cause the lever 11 to pivot about the axis of rotation Y2. In particular, the thrust of the blade upward on the lever 11 tends to cause the lever 11 to pivot into its locking position.
The wing 33 and the reception surface 56 may be diametrally opposite, that is to say that the axis of rotation Y2 may extend between the wing 33 and the reception surface 56.
As explained above, the lever 11 may be made of plastic and the blade 14 may be made of metal. To prevent the blade 14 from wearing or damaging the lever 11, the bearing surface 55 may be chamfered, polished or even curved. As a variant, the lever could also be made of metal.
When a user wishes to put on the boot 1, they move the lever 11 into the unlocking position and loosen the tightening means, notably the tightening means 5B, if this has not already been done. Next, they tilt the cuff rearward in order to open up the boot further and insert their foot easily. The cuff is then inclined sufficiently rearward and downward for the bearing surface 55 of the blade 14 to come into direct contact with the lever 11. The thrust of the bearing surface 55 on the reception surface 56 gives rise to automatic rotation of the lever from its unlocking position into its locking position. The locking device is then in the primed configuration. Next, the user only has to tighten the tightening means 5B and to tilt their lower leg forward to cause the locking device to go from its primed configuration into its ski configuration, that is to say a configuration in which the cuff is blocked in rotation relative to the lower shell. The user thus achieves automatic locking of the rotary articulation between the cuff and the lower shell as soon as the tightening means 5B of the cuff are tightened. The user thus does not have to manually manipulate the lever 11 into its locking position. This action is performed automatically when putting on the boot, when the foot is inserted in the boot. The user can thus rest assured that the articulation between the cuff and the lower shell is locked properly, and can proceed to ski in complete safety.
When a user wishes to walk while wearing the boot 1, they move the lever 11 into the unlocking position and loosen the tightening means, notably the tightening means 5B. The articulation between the cuff 3 and the lower shell 2 is then unlocked, and the lower leg also has a large volume inside the cuff, since the cuff is not tightened around the lower leg. The user may thus walk comfortably. When the user is walking, the cuff pivots relative to the lower shell, but not sufficiently for the bearing surface 55 of the blade 14 to come into direct contact with the lever 11. To be specific, because the tightening means 5B are loosened, the lower leg already has an enlarged volume which facilitates walking and the cuff 3 does not have to pivot relative to the lower shell 2 to a great extent. The cuff therefore never reaches a position sufficiently inclined rearward to trigger the rotation of the lever into its locking position by the action of the bearing surface 55 on the reception surface 56.
When the user wishes to go conventionally from the walk configuration to the ski configuration, they may directly and manually actuate the lever so that it goes from the walk configuration to the ski configuration. Alternatively, the user could also perform a movement of extension of the foot sufficient to cause pivoting of the lever 11 by contact of the blade 14 against the lever 11.
Lastly, the invention provides a locking device 10 that is particularly effective, ergonomic in use, and that guarantees the user's safety. The locking device comprises a small number of components. It is therefore simple to manufacture, compact and lightweight.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23425062.9 | Nov 2023 | EP | regional |
| FR2406806 | Jun 2024 | FR | national |
