In-wheel ski and retrofit kit with compensation for in-wheel ski

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller ski (1) comprising a frame (2) and a calf support (3) pivotally mounted on the frame (2), characterized in that the roller ski (1) further comprises two stops (4) configured to bring the calf support (3) and the frame (2) into a predetermined angle of inclination when the calf support (3) is pivoted forward, and to limit the forward pivoting of the calf support (3) beyond the predetermined angle of inclination. The invention also relates to a retrofit modification kit for an existing roller ski (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of personal mobility devices, and more particularly to a roller ski and a retrofit modification kit for a roller ski.

[0002] There are already roller skis, motorized or not, allowing a user to experience the sensations of alpine skiing in the absence of snow.

[0003] A roller ski of this type includes a wheeled frame configured to receive and secure a user's foot. Generally, the roller ski also includes a pivoting calf support connected to the frame and configured to rest on the user's calf to hold it in place.

[0004] The pivoting calf support stabilizes the user's leg to the right and left. However, during changes in speed, acceleration, or braking, the user must use their muscles to compensate for the forward or backward pivoting of the calf support in order to maintain balance. These repeated efforts require a certain level of muscle strength and eventually lead to fatigue, even for an athletic user. Therefore, existing roller skis are difficult for beginners and require significant endurance.

[0005] The document US2006273532A1 describes the state of the art.

[0006] Therefore, the prior art solutions proposed for roller skis still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.

[0007] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a roller ski and a retrofit modification kit for a roller ski.

[0008] The present invention thus relates to a roller ski comprising a chassis, mounted on wheels and configured to receive and fix the foot of a user on a foot reception area, and a pivoting calf support, having a support end configured to apply to and hold the user's calf and an opposite fixing end pivotally mounted on the chassis, on either side of the foot reception area in the transverse direction of the roller ski, characterized in that the roller ski further comprises two stops, each arranged on a respective side of the foot reception area, the stops being configured to cause the calf support and the chassis to be brought into contact at a predetermined angle of inclination during a forward pivoting of the calf support and to limit the forward pivoting of the calf support beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0009] This configuration makes roller skiing easier. Thanks to the stops, the user can lean their leg forward to bring the calf support against the frame. This resting position allows the user's weight to be supported by the frame, reducing fatigue. Furthermore, during deceleration, the forward rotation of the calf support is automatically locked at a predetermined angle, so the user doesn't need to use their muscles to maintain balance. Additionally, during acceleration, the user can lean forward to bring the calf support against the frame and shift their weight forward, again without needing to use their muscles to maintain balance.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, each stop includes an adjustable stop element, one position of which is adjustable, preferably by screwing, so that the predetermined angle of inclination can be adjusted according to the user.

[0011] It is understood that the predetermined tilt angle can, for example, be chosen according to the user's preferences and height. The adjustment can be made by screwing or by other means, for example, by notches on the adjustable stop element or by using removable adjustable stop elements of different lengths.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the predetermined angle of inclination is between 30° and 60° and measured between the foot reception area of ​​the frame and the calf support end.

[0013] This predetermined tilt angle range makes it easier for the user to operate the roller ski while also improving safety during use.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, each stop includes an elastically deformable buffer allowing cushioning when the calf support and the frame are brought into contact at the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0015] The cushioning provided by the pads improves the comfort of using roller skis. The pad can, for example, be made of rubber.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, each stop includes at least one movable stop element, such that the stops can be switched between an operating state, in which the calf support comes to rest against the frame at the predetermined angle of inclination, and a folding state, in which the calf support can pivot forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0017] It will be understood that this configuration allows the calf support to be folded against the frame to reduce the bulk of the roller ski when not in use.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, for at least one stop, referred to as a removable stop, at least one movable stop element is removably attached to the roller ski, such that, in the operating state, at least one removably attached movable stop element can be removed to switch the removable stop to the folding state.

[0019] It will be understood that, for each removable stop, at least one movable stop element can be removably attached to the frame or be removably attached to the calf support.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, for at least one stop, called a pivoting stop, at least one movable stop element is pivotally fixed to the ski wheel, towards one of an inside and an outside, between a stop position, in which the pivoting stop is in the operating state, and a retracted position, in which the pivoting stop is in the folded state.

[0021] It will be understood that, for each pivoting stop, at least one movable stop element can be pivotally attached to the frame or to the calf support. It will also be understood that the calf support is pivotally mounted on the frame so as not to come into contact with the stops when folded, particularly depending on whether at least one movable stop element is pivotally mounted inwards or outwards.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, for at least one pivoting stop, at least one movable stop element pivotally fixed is forced towards the stop position by an elastic stress element, preferably a torsion spring.

[0023] The elastic load element can, for example, be a helical torsion spring, an elastic blade (e.g., made of metal), or an elastic cylinder (e.g., made of rubber). In less preferred variations, at least one pivotally fixed movable stop element can be configured to be manually returned by the user to the stop position.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, for at least one pivoting stop, at least one movable stop element is pivotally fixed to the chassis and includes a protruding male part, the male part being configured to engage a peripheral edge of the calf support's fixing end after switching the stops into the folding state and pivoting the calf support forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0025] This configuration allows the calf support to be locked after folding. The user can unlock the calf support by adjusting the stops again. Depending on the version, at least one movable stop element can be pivotally attached to the frame inwards or outwards.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, for at least one pivoting stop, at least one movable stop element is pivotally fixed to the chassis and comprises one of a male part and a female part, and the calf support fixing end comprises the other of the male part and the female part, the male and female parts being complementary and configured to engage each other after switching the stops into the folding state and pivoting the calf support forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0027] This configuration allows the calf support to be locked after folding. The user can unlock the calf support by adjusting the stops again. Depending on the version, at least one movable stop element can be pivotally attached to the frame inwards or outwards.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, for at least one pivoting stop, at least one movable stop element is pivotally attached inwards to the calf support and comprises a male part, and the foot receiving area of ​​the chassis comprises a female part, the male and female parts being complementary and configured to engage each other after switching the stops into the folded state and pivoting the calf support forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0029] This configuration allows the calf support to be locked after it has been folded. The user can unlock the calf support by adjusting the stops again.

[0030] According to the invention, the term "male part" means a protruding part, and the term "female part" means a hollow part, whether through or not. The male part may, for example, be the head of a screw, for example an Allen (hex) screw, screwed into the ski wheel, and the female part may, for example, be a hole.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the calf support further includes a braking element arranged on a rear side and configured to press on a rear wheel of the roller ski from a predetermined angle when the calf support is pivoted backwards, so as to brake the roller ski.

[0032] This configuration allows the user to brake by straightening up and extending their leg, for example in an emergency situation. Advantageously, the roller ski includes a perforated mudguard that allows the braking element to make contact with the rear wheel while blocking any potential water spray.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a retrofit modification kit for a roller ski comprising a chassis, mounted on wheels and configured to receive and secure a user's foot on a foot landing zone, and a pivoting calf support, having a support end configured to apply to and hold the user's calf and an opposite fixing end pivotally mounted on the chassis, on either side of the foot landing zone in the transverse direction of the roller ski, characterized in that the retrofit modification kit comprises two stops, each configured to be attached to the roller ski and arranged on a respective side of the foot landing zone,the stops being further configured to cause the calf support and the chassis to come to a stop at a predetermined angle of inclination during a forward pivoting of the calf support and to limit the forward pivoting of the calf support beyond the predetermined angle of inclination, so as to obtain a roller ski according to the invention.

[0034] We will now describe particular embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] In these drawings: [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of a roller ski according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] is an enlarged view of the Figure 1 , at the level of the stops, the stops being in the operating state. Fig. 3 ] is an enlarged view of the Figure 1 , at the level of the stops, the stops being in the folded state. Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of the roller ski of the Figure 1 with the calf bent and locked. Fig. 5 ] is a schematic representation of a roller ski according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0036] If we refer first to the Figure 1 , we can see that a roller ski 1 has been represented according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0037] As is known, the roller ski 1 includes a chassis 2 and a pivoting calf support 3.

[0038] In a new and inventive way, the roller ski 1 also includes two stops 4.

[0039] The chassis 2 is mounted on wheels 5 and is configured to receive and secure a user's foot on a foot reception area 21.

[0040] The pivoting calf support 3 has a support end 31 configured to apply to and hold the user's calf, and an opposite fixing end 32 pivotally mounted on the chassis 2, on either side of the foot reception area 21 in the transverse direction of the roller ski 1.

[0041] In the first embodiment represented in Figure 1 The calf support 3 has an inverted "Y" shape, with the stem of the "Y" on the side of the support end 31 and the two diagonals of the "Y" on the side of the fastening end. It should be understood, however, that, depending on the specific design, the calf support 3 can have other shapes. For example, the calf support 3 could consist of two tubes, solid or hollow, configured to extend on either side of the user's leg and connected by straps, for example, made of polymer, fabric, or leather, at the support end 31.

[0042] In the first embodiment represented in Figure 1 The calf support 3 further includes a braking element 33 arranged on its rear side and configured to press against a rear wheel 5 of the roller ski 1 from a predetermined angle when the calf support 3 is pivoted backward, so as to brake the roller ski 1. Thus, by straightening up and extending their leg, the user can brake the roller ski 1, for example, in an emergency situation. Advantageously, the roller ski 1 includes a perforated mudguard allowing contact between the braking element 33 and the rear wheel 5 while blocking any potential water spray.

[0043] The two stops 4 are each arranged on a respective side of the foot reception area 21. In addition, the stops 4 are configured to cause the calf support 3 and the frame 2 to come to a stop at a predetermined angle of inclination when the calf support 3 pivots forward, and to limit the pivoting of the calf support 3 forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0044] Thus, thanks to the stops 4, the user can lean their leg forward to bring the calf support 3 against the frame 2. This resting position allows the user to have their weight supported by the frame 2, which is less tiring. Furthermore, during deceleration, the forward pivoting of the calf support 3 is automatically locked at the predetermined angle of inclination, so the user does not need to use their muscles to maintain balance. Additionally, during acceleration, the user can lean forward to bring the calf support 3 against the frame 2 and shift their weight forward, again without needing to use their muscles to maintain balance.

[0045] If we also refer to the Figure 2 It can be seen that, in the first embodiment, the stops 4 are fixed to the frame 2 and the calf support 3 comprises two stop zones 3a, each formed corresponding to a stop 4, configured to abut against the stops 4 when the pivoting of the calf support 3 reaches the predetermined angle of inclination. A second embodiment, in which the stops 4 are fixed to the calf support 3, will be described in more detail below with reference to the Figure 5 It will also be understood that, depending on the variants, the stops 4 can be supported partly by the frame 2 and partly by the calf support 3.

[0046] As this is more clearly visible on the Figure 2 In the first embodiment, each stop 4 comprises an adjustable stop element 41, one position of which is adjustable, so that the predetermined tilt angle can be adjusted according to the user. It will be understood that the predetermined tilt angle can, for example, be chosen according to the user's preferences and height.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the position of the adjustable stop element 41 is adjustable by screwing. According to variants, the adjustment can be made by other means, for example by notches formed on the adjustable stop element 41 or by using removable adjustable stop elements 41 of different lengths.

[0048] Advantageously, the predetermined angle of inclination is between 30° and 60° and is measured between the foot reception area 21 of the frame 2 and the support end 31 of the calf support 3.

[0049] In the first embodiment represented in Figures 1 And 2 Each stop 4 includes an elastically deformable buffer 42 that provides cushioning when the calf support 3 and the frame 2 are brought into contact at the predetermined angle of inclination. It will be understood that the cushioning provided by the buffers 42 improves the user comfort of the roller ski 1.

[0050] If we also refer to the Figure 3 As can be seen, in the first embodiment, each stop 4 comprises a movable stop element 43, such that the stops 4 can be switched between an operating state, in which the calf support 3 abuts against the frame 2 at the predetermined angle of inclination, and a folding state, in which the calf support 3 can pivot forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination. It will be understood that, according to variations, each stop 4 may comprise several movable stop elements 43 arranged to allow switching between the operating state and the folding state.

[0051] As this is more visible on the Figures 2 And 3 In the first embodiment, the adjustable stop elements 41 are mounted on the movable stop elements 43.

[0052] Furthermore, when the stops 4 are positioned in the folded state, the calf support 3 can be folded by the user against the frame 2, as shown in the Figure 4 .

[0053] In the first embodiment represented in Figures 1 à 4 The stops 4 are of the pivoting type and are called pivoting stops 4. For each pivoting stop 4, the movable stop element 43 is pivotally fixed to the ski wheel 1, inwardly, between a stop position, in which the pivoting stop 4 is in its operating state, and a retracted position, in which the pivoting stop 4 is in its folded state. It will be understood that, alternatively, the movable stop element 43 could be pivotally fixed to the ski wheel 1 outwardly, so that the movable stop element 43 can be retracted outside the ski wheel 1. It will also be understood that the calf support 3 is pivotally mounted on the frame 2 so as to allow the calf support 3 to fold when the stops 4 are in their folded state. Thus, as is more clearly seen in the Figures 2 And 3In the first embodiment, the fixing end 32 is pivotally mounted outside the bases 22 of the frame 2, such that, when the movable stop element 43 is pivoted inwards, the calf support 3 can pivot forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination and be folded against the frame 2. However, in the variant mentioned above in which the movable stop element 43 is pivotally fixed outwards, the fixing end 32 is pivotally mounted inside the bases 22 of the frame 2, such that the calf support 3 can be folded without coming into contact with the stop 4 when the stop 4 is in the folded state.It will also be understood that, in the variants mentioned above in which each stop 4 comprises several movable stop elements 43, all the movable stop elements 43 are preferably pivotally fixed to the ski-wheel 1, possibly in series with each other.

[0054] Furthermore, as is more clearly visible on the Figures 2 And 3In the first embodiment, for each pivoting stop 4, the pivotally fixed movable stop element 43 is forced towards the stop position by an elastic force element 43a. In the first embodiment, the elastic force element 43a is a torsion spring, for example, a helical torsion spring. In some variations, the elastic force element 43a can take other forms, for example, an elastic blade, for example, made of metal, or an elastic cylinder, for example, made of rubber. In less preferred variations, the stops 4 can be configured to be manually returned to the operating position by the user.It will be understood that, in the variants mentioned above in which each stop 4 comprises several pivoting movable stop elements 43, all the movable stop elements 43 are preferably forced towards the stop position by an elastic stress element 43a.

[0055] As this is more clearly visible on the Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the movable stop element 43 is pivotally fixed to the frame 2 on a base 22. For one of the stops 4, the movable stop element 43 comprises a male portion 43b, and the attachment end 32 of the calf support 3 comprises a female portion 3b. The male and female portions 43b and 3b are complementary and configured to engage with each other after the stops 4 are switched to the folded position and the calf support 3 is pivoted forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination, such that the calf support 3 is locked after being folded. The user can unlock the calf support 3 by acting on the stops 4 again. Alternatively, the movable stop element 43 could comprise the female portion, and the attachment end 32 of the calf support 3 could comprise the male portion.In other variants, the movable stop element 43 is pivotally fixed to the frame 2 and includes a protruding male portion 43b. This male portion 43b is configured to engage a peripheral edge of the fastening end 32 of the calf support 3 after the stops 4 are switched to the folded position and the calf support 3 is pivoted forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination, such that the calf support 3 is locked after being folded. The user can unlock the calf support 3 by acting on the stops 4 again. In still other variants, each stop 4 may include a male portion 43b, such that the roller ski 1 can be configured for engagement between the two stops 4 and the fastening end 32 of the calf support 3, optionally with two female portions 3b.It will also be understood that in the variant mentioned above, in which the movable stop element 43 is pivotally fixed to the roller ski 1 outwards, the roller ski 1 can also be configured, in a similar way, for an engagement between the stops 4 and the fixing end 32 of the calf support 3.

[0056] If we now refer to the Figure 5 , we can see that a roller ski 1 has been schematically represented according to a second embodiment of the invention in which, as in the first embodiment, the roller ski 1 includes pivoting stops 4.

[0057] However, in the second embodiment, for each pivoting stop 4, the movable stop elements 43 are pivotally fixed inwards to the calf support 3, rather than to the frame 2.

[0058] Advantageously, each pivoting stop 4 comprises a male part 43b, and the foot receiving area 21 of the frame 2 comprises a female part. The male part 43b and the female part are complementary and configured to engage with each other after the stops 4 are switched to the folded state and the calf support 3 is pivoted forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination, such that the calf support 3 is locked after being folded. The user can unlock the calf support 3 by acting on the stops 4 again.

[0059] According to other variants, the roller ski 1 may include, instead of the pivoting stops 4 mentioned above, removable stops 4, referred to as removable stops 4. For each removable stop 4, the movable stop element 43 is removably attached to the roller ski 1, such that, in the operating state, the removably attached movable stop element 43 can be removed to switch the removable stop 4 to the folded position. As with a pivoting stop 4, it will be understood that a removable stop 4 may include several movable stop elements 43. It will also be understood that a removable stop 4 may include a male part 43b for locking the calf support 3 in the folded position.

[0060] It will also be understood that the roller ski 1 can include a stop 4 of one type, for example pivoting or removable, and a stop 4 of another type, for example pivoting or removable.

[0061] According to the invention, the term "male part" means a protruding part, and the term "female part" means a hollow part, whether through or not. The male part 43b may, for example, be the head of a screw, for example an Allen (hex) screw, screwed into the ski wheel 1, and the female part 3b may, for example, be a hole.

[0062] The invention also relates to a retrofit modification kit configured to be used on an existing roller ski 1, so as to obtain a roller ski 1 according to the invention.

[0063] The retrofit modification kit according to the invention is configured for use on a roller ski 1 comprising a chassis 2, mounted on wheels 5 and configured to receive and fix the foot of a user on a foot reception area 21, and a pivoting calf support 3, having a support end 31 configured to apply to and hold the user's calf and an opposite fixing end 32 pivotally mounted on the chassis 2, on either side of the foot reception area 21 in the transverse direction of the roller ski 1.

[0064] The retrofit modification kit includes two stops 4, each configured to be attached to the roller ski 1 and to be arranged on a respective side of the foot landing area 21. Attachment can be achieved by any means, for example by screwing, gluing, riveting or a combination thereof.

[0065] The stops 4 are further configured to cause the calf support 3 and the frame 2 to come to a stop at a predetermined angle of inclination when the calf support 3 pivots forward and to limit the pivoting of the calf support 3 forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

[0066] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. - Roller ski (1) comprising a chassis (2), mounted on wheels (5) and configured to receive and secure the foot of a user on a foot reception area (21), and a pivoting calf support (3), having a support end (31) configured to apply to and hold the user's calf and an opposite fixing end (32) pivotally mounted on the chassis (2), on either side of the foot reception area (21) in the transverse direction of the roller ski (1), characterized by the fact that : the roller ski (1) further includes two stops (4), each arranged on a respective side of the foot landing area (21), the stops (4) being configured to cause the calf support (3) and the chassis (2) to come to a stop at a predetermined angle of inclination when the calf support (3) pivots forward and to limit the pivoting of the calf support (3) forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

2. - Roller ski (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that Each stop (4) includes an adjustable stop element (41), one position of which is adjustable, preferably by screwing, so that the predetermined angle of inclination can be adjusted according to the user.

3. - Roller ski (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the fact that The predetermined angle of inclination is between 30° and 60° and measured between the foot reception area (21) of the frame (2) and the support end (31) of the calf support (3).

4. - Roller ski (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that Each stop (4) includes an elastically deformable buffer (42) allowing cushioning when the calf support (3) and the frame (2) are brought into contact at the predetermined angle of inclination.

5. - Roller ski (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact thatEach stop (4) includes at least one movable stop element (43), such that the stops (4) can be switched between an operating state, in which the calf support (3) comes to rest against the frame (2) at the predetermined angle of inclination, and a folding state, in which the calf support (3) can pivot forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

6. - Roller ski (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that , for at least one stop (4), referred to as removable stop (4), at least one movable stop element (43) is removably attached to the ski-wheel (1), such that, in the operating state, the at least one removably attached movable stop element (43) can be removed to switch the removable stop (4) to the folding state.

7. - Roller ski (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized by the fact that, for at least one stop (4), called pivoting stop (4), at least one movable stop element (43) is pivotally fixed to the ski wheel (1), towards one of an inside and an outside, between a stop position, in which the pivoting stop (4) is in the operating state, and a retracted position, in which the pivoting stop (4) is in the folded state.

8. - Roller ski (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that , for at least one pivoting stop (4), at least one movable stop element (43) pivotally fixed is forced towards the stop position by an elastic stress element (43a), preferably a torsion spring.

9. - Roller ski (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized by the fact that, for at least one pivoting stop (4), at least one movable stop element (43) is pivotally fixed to the frame (2) and includes a male part (43b) formed in projection, the male part (43b) being configured to engage a peripheral edge of the fixing end (32) of the calf support (3) after switching the stops (4) into the folding state and pivoting of the calf support (3) forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

10. - Roller ski (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that, for at least one pivoting stop (4), at least one movable stop element (43) is pivotally fixed to the frame (2) and comprises one of a male part (43b) and a female part (3b), and the fixing end (32) of the calf support (3) comprises the other of the male part (43b) and the female part (3b), the male and female parts (43b, 3b) being complementary and configured to engage each other after switching the stops (4) into the folding state and pivoting of the calf support (3) forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

11. - Roller ski (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by the fact that, for at least one pivoting stop (4), at least one movable stop element (43) is pivotally attached inwards to the calf support (3) and includes a male part (43b), and the foot receiving area (21) of the frame (2) includes a female part, the male part (43b) and the female part being complementary and configured to engage each other after switching the stops (4) into the folding state and pivoting of the calf support (3) forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination.

12. - Roller ski (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that the calf support (3) further includes a braking element (33) arranged on a rear side and configured to press against a rear wheel (5) of the roller ski (1) from a predetermined angle when the calf support (3) is pivoted backwards, so as to brake the roller ski (1).

13. - Retrofit modification kit for a roller ski (1) comprising a chassis (2), mounted on wheels (5) and configured to receive and secure the foot of a user on a foot reception area (21), and a pivoting calf support (3), having a support end (31) configured to apply to and hold the user's calf and an opposite fixing end (32) pivotally mounted on the chassis (2), on either side of the foot reception area (21) in the transverse direction of the roller ski (1), characterized by the fact thatThe retrofit modification kit includes two stops (4), each configured to be attached to the roller ski (1) and arranged on a respective side of the foot landing area (21), the stops (4) being further configured to cause the calf support (3) and the chassis (2) to come to a stop at a predetermined angle of inclination when the calf support (3) is pivoted forward and to limit the pivoting of the calf support (3) forward beyond the predetermined angle of inclination, so as to obtain a roller ski (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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