Crampon for skiers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a crampon (100) configured to be coupled to a ski boot (200). In particular, the crampon (100) comprises a coupling device (21), which comprises a pivot (22) and is configured to be coupled to the heel of the ski boot (200), and the crampon (100) further comprises an engagement device (11) pivotable around said pivot (22) between an operative position, in which the engagement device (11) can engage the ground, and a raised position, in which the engagement device (11) is raised from the ground. The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating a crampon (100).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to a crampon for skiers, in particular for ski mountaineering.

[0002] Ski mountaineering, also known as backcountry skiing, refers to skiing in uncontrolled and non-groomed areas outside of traditional ski resorts. Backcountry skiers typically use specialized equipment that allows them to ascend uphill as well as ski downhill. This includes skis with specific bindings that allow for uphill travel and climbing skins that attach to the base of the skis to provide traction.

[0003] Skins are attached to the bottom of the skis with the hair or synthetic material facing backward, which provides grip and prevents the skis from sliding backward while ascending. Skiers climb uphill, and once at the top, they remove the climbing skins, transition their bindings to the downhill mode, and begin their descent.

[0004] Since skins do not provide sufficient grip for climbing in certain situations, ski crampons are generally used for a better grip on steep and icy terrain.

[0005] Ski crampons are devices designed in a claw-like shape. They are used with ski tour bindings and offer improved climbing performance on hard crust or icy surfaces, while providing additional safety. The sharp points on the sides of the crampons dig into the snow while walking, preventing backward and occasional lateral sliding. As the ski is lifted after each step, the crampon disengages from the snow, allowing the ski to move forward again.

[0006] Generally, ski crampons are attached to the ski binding, therefore it is essential for both the bindings and ski crampons to be compatible.

[0007] Mobile crampons are attached to the tip of the ski binding and are raised when the tip rises, while semi-mobile crampons are fixed to the ski but have the possibility of a certain movement while the ski advances.

[0008] These types of crampons usually require the skier to remove the ski in order to apply and remove the crampons, especially if the skier is not experienced.

[0009] Dwelling crampons, on the other hand, are left under bindings at all times and can be switched on or off when needed. These crampons however make the bindings very heavy and cannot be removed.

[0010] It appears therefore clear that attaching ski crampons introduces a significant increase in energy expenditure during uphill travel. The process of attaching ski crampons also disrupts the rhythm and speed of the stride.

[0011] Moreover, since ski crampons are employed in specific situations where standard equipment fails to ensure the safe ascent of the ski tourer, an inexperienced skier must stop, secure a stable position, retrieve the ski crampons from their backpack, remove the skis, and attach the crampons. Even an experienced skier faces the risks associated with equipment changes when engaging in these activities.

[0012] A technical problem underlying this disclosure is that of providing a crampon for skiers capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art and / or of achieving further advantages.

[0013] In particular, a problem underlying this disclosure is increasing the safety of the skiers in ski mountaineering activities. An additional problem is that of improving movement and pace during the ascent phase, in order to improve the energy efficiency of the skiers as well as their general comfort.

[0014] Another problem underlying this disclosure is that of efficiently addressing the compatibility between the crampon and the ski.

[0015] These problems are solved by a crampon according to the independent claim.

[0016] Secondary features of the subject matter of the present disclosure are defined in the dependent claims.

[0017] A crampon according to the present disclosure is configured to be coupled to a ski boot and comprises a coupling device, which comprises a pivot and is configured to be coupled to the heel of the ski boot. The crampon further comprises an engagement device pivotable around the pivot on the coupling device between an operative position, in which the engagement device can engage the ground, and a raised position, in which the engagement device is raised from the ground.

[0018] Since the crampon according to the present invention can be coupled to the ski boot and can rotate between the operative position and the raised position, it can always remain coupled to the ski boot and it can be made to engage the ground when needed. This clearly improves the safety and comfort of the skier; moreover, the claimed solution is clearly more time-efficient with respect to the prior art.

[0019] In particular, by means of the claimed invention the skier is not required to secure a stable position, retrieve the crampon and remove the ski in order to apply the crampon, thus overcoming a drawback of the prior art.

[0020] Preferably, the crampon comprises elastic means, for example at least one spring, having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably joined to the coupling device and the second end is rotatably joined to the engagement device. Moreover, preferably the elastic means are configured to assume a rest condition and a loaded condition, meaning that in the rest condition the elastic means are able to store elastic energy and in the loaded condition the elastic means exert a force to return to the rest condition.

[0021] In particular, preferably the operative position and the raised position of the engagement device correspond to the rest condition of the elastic means, and wherein an intermediate position between the operative position and the raised position of the engagement device correspond to the loaded condition of the elastic means.

[0022] In other words, preferably the elastic means are configured to maintain the engagement device in both the operative position and the raised position, whilst when the engagement device is moved to an intermediate position between the operative position and the raised position, the elastic means are configured to exert a force that drives the engagement device to either the operative position or the raised position, depending on which one is closer.

[0023] Therefore, preferably in order to move the engagement device from the operative position to the raised position, or viceversa, the user has to push the engagement device only for a portion of the rotation, in particular to win the initial resisting force of the elastic means, and after that the elastic means will provide the required additional force for the final portion of the rotation of the engagement device.

[0024] In particular, by means of the claimed invention, the user can, for example, use the ski poles to move the engagement device from the operative position to the raised position, or viceversa, thus improving safety, comfort and time efficiency with respect to known crampons.

[0025] The present disclosure also relates to a crampon according to one of described embodiments coupled to the heel of a ski boot. Preferably the ski boot is attached to a ski.

[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating the crampon comprising the following steps: coupling the coupling device of the crampon to the heel of a ski boot, moving the engagement device around the pivot between the engagement position and the raised position.

[0027] Other advantages, features and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will be clear from the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0028] It is however evident that each embodiment can present one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, it is not required that each embodiment simultaneously presents all the advantages listed. Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a crampon according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the engagement device of the crampon of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of a detail of a crampon according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4A and 4B show a side view of a crampon according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the crampon is coupled to the heel of a ski boot and wherein the engagement device is in the operative position and in the raised position, respectively; Figures 5 and 6 shows a schematic view of a crampon according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the crampon is coupled to the heel of a ski boot and the ski boot is attached to a ski, and wherein the engagement device is in the operative position and in the raised position, respectively.

[0029] With reference to the attached figures, the reference number 100 indicates a crampon according to an embodiment the present invention.

[0030] The crampon 100 comprises a coupling device 21, which comprises a pivot 22 and is configured to be coupled to the heel of the ski boot 200. In particular, the crampon 100 further comprises an engagement device 11 pivotable around the pivot 22 between an operative position, in which the engagement device 11 can engage the ground, and a raised position, in which the engagement device 11 is raised from the ground.

[0031] The operative position and the raised position of the engagement device are illustrated, for example, in Figures 4A and 4B, respectively, which show an embodiment of a crampon 100 coupled to the heel of a ski boot 200.

[0032] For example, the engagement device 11 has a plurality of blades configured to engage the ground in the operative position, whilst in the raised position the blades of the engagement device 11 are lifted or separated from the ground.

[0033] In other words, the engagement device 11 is able to rotate around the pivot 22 of the coupling device 21, therefore preferably around the heel of a ski boot, in order to move between the operative position and the raised position.

[0034] Preferably, the crampon 100 comprises elastic means 31 having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is rotatably joined to the coupling device 21 and the second end is rotatably joined to the engagement device 11. Moreover, preferably the elastic means 31 are configured to assume a rest condition and a loaded condition, wherein the operative position and the raised position of the engagement device 11 correspond to the rest condition of the elastic means 31, and wherein an intermediate position between the operative position and the raised position of the engagement device 11 correspond to the loaded condition of the elastic means 31.

[0035] Even more preferably, the elastic means 31 comprise at least one spring. In particular, for example in the rest condition the at least one spring is compressed and configured to store energy, while in the loaded condition the at least one spring is stretched from the rest condition and exerts an opposing force proportional to its change in length.

[0036] Preferably, the engagement device 11 comprises a connecting portion 11a, pivotably coupled to the pivot 22, and an engagement portion 11b, joined to a connecting end of the connecting portion 11a opposite to the pivot 22 and configured to engage the ground.

[0037] Even more preferably, as it can be seen from the detail shown in Picture 3, the elastic means 31 are pivotably joined to the coupling device 21 in a distal point with respect to the pivot 22, and the elastic means 31 are pivotably joined to the engagement device 11 in correspondence of the connecting end of the connecting portion 11a of the engagement device 11. In other words, preferably the elastic means 31 extend from a distal point with respect to the pivot 22, on the coupling device 21, to the connecting end of the connecting portion 11a of the engagement device 11, opposite to the pivot 22.

[0038] This allows the elastic means 31 to efficiently assist the rotation of the engagement device 11 around the pivot 22. Moreover, since the elastic means 31 and the engagement device 11 rotate around different points on the coupling device, the elastic means 31 in the rest condition can more securely keep the engagement device 11 in the operative position and in the raised position; this also allows to increase the force exerted by the elastic means 31 when the engagement device 11 is in an intermediate position between in the operative position and in the raised position, improving the efficiency of the crampon.

[0039] Preferably, the coupling device 21 comprises a C-shaped or U-shaped profile configured to be coupled to the heel of a ski boot 200. Preferably, for example, the C-shaped or U-shaped profile is configured for being coupled to the groove on the heel of a ski boot, wherein the groove is configured to accommodate an insert for the attachment of the ski boot to the pin binding of a ski.

[0040] Preferably, the engagement device 11 comprises one or more cavities or through holes. These allow to reduce the overall weight of the crampon, improving the comfort for the user especially when skiing.

[0041] Preferably, the engagement element 11 comprises a plurality of blades configured to engage the ground when the engagement element 11 is in the operative position.

[0042] Preferably, the engagement device 11 is made of a metallic material, for example aluminium or steel, and the coupling device 21 is made of a polymeric material, for example polyoxymethylene.

[0043] Preferably the crampon 100 is coupled to the heel of a ski boot 200.

[0044] For example, preferably the ski boot 200 comprises a groove, located on the heel and configured to accommodate an insert for engaging a pin binding of a ski. In particular, preferably the coupling device 21 of the crampon 100 is coupled to the groove located on the heel of the ski boot 200. For example, the coupling device 21 has a C-shaped or U-shaped profile able to be coupled to and / or engage the groove located on the heel of the ski boot 200.

[0045] In other words, the crampon 100 according to the present invention is preferably configured to being coupled to the groove on the heel of a ski boot, wherein the ski boot is suitable for being attached to the pin binding of a ski. This allows to improve the compatibility of the crampon 100 with a great number of ski boots on the market, since pin bindings are the most popular binding for ski mountaineering due to their robustness, ease of use, and the ability to adjust release force.

[0046] In particular, for example the coupling device 21 of the crampon 100 can be fitted into the groove on the heel of the ski boot 200, and a safety lace with an adjustable buckle can additionally be added to tension the device and keep it securely in place.

[0047] Preferably the crampon is coupled to the ski boot 200 and the ski boot 200 is attached to a ski 300, for example by means of a pin binding.

[0048] The present disclosure further relates to a method for operating a crampon 100 according to any one of the embodiments described, wherein the method comprises the following steps: coupling the coupling device 21 of the crampon 100 to the heel of a ski boot 200, for example into a groove on the heel of the ski boot configured to accommodate an insert for engaging a pin binding of a ski; attaching the ski boot 200 to a ski, for example by means of a pin binding; moving the engagement device 11 around the pivot 22 between the engagement position and the raised position.

[0049] According to the present invention it is therefore possible to maintain the crampon 100 always coupled to the ski boot 200, which is attached to the ski 300, both during downhill skiing, wherein the engagement device 11 can be set in the raised position, and during uphill ascending, wherein the engagement device 11 can be set in the operative position.

[0050] In other words, the user does not need to uncouple the boot from the ski and apply the crampon, as required in the prior art; thanks to the present invention, the user is able to activate the crampon 100 in a simpler and quicker way by moving the engagement device 11 between the raised position and the operative position according to the situation.

[0051] It appears clear that the crampon and the method described do not involve the removal of the ski boot from the ski in order to activate the crampon, thus improving the safety, comfort and time-efficiency with respect to known crampons.

[0052] The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described so far with reference to embodiments thereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist, all falling within the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. Crampon (100) configured to be coupled to a ski boot (200), wherein the crampon (100) comprises a coupling device (21), which comprises a pivot (22) and is configured to be coupled to the heel of the ski boot (200), wherein the crampon (100) further comprises an engagement device (11) pivotable around said pivot (22) between an operative position, in which the engagement device (11) can engage the ground, and a raised position, in which the engagement device (11) is raised from the ground.

2. Crampon (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the crampon (100) comprises elastic means (31) having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is rotatably joined to said coupling device (21) and said second end is rotatably joined to said engagement device (11), and wherein said elastic means (31) are configured to assume a rest condition and a loaded condition, wherein the operative position and the raised position of said engagement device (11) correspond to the rest condition of said elastic means (31), and wherein an intermediate position between the operative position and the raised position of said engagement device (11) correspond to the loaded condition of said elastic means (31).

3. Crampon (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the elastic means (31) comprise at least one spring.

4. Crampon (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (11) comprises a connecting portion (11a), pivotably coupled to said pivot (22), and an engagement portion (11b), joined to a connecting end of said connecting portion (11a) opposite to said pivot (22) and configured to engage the ground.

5. Crampon (100) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 2, wherein said elastic means (31) are pivotably joined to said coupling device (21) in a distal point with respect to said pivot (22) and said elastic means (31) are pivotably joined to said engagement device (11) in correspondence of said connecting end of said connecting portion (11a) of the engagement device (11).

6. Crampon (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (21) comprises a C-shaped or U-shaped profile configured to be coupled to the heel of a ski boot (200).

7. Crampon (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (11) comprises one or more cavities or through holes.

8. Crampon (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element (11) comprises a plurality of blades configured to engage the ground when the engagement element (11) is in said operative position.

9. Crampon (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement device (11) is made of a metallic material and the coupling device (21) is made of a polymeric material.

10. Crampon (100) according to any one of the preceding claims coupled to the heel of a ski boot (200).

11. Crampon (100) according to the previous claim, wherein said ski boot (200) comprises a groove, located on the heel of the ski boot (200) and configured to accommodate an insert for engaging a pin binding of a ski, and wherein said coupling device (21) of the crampon (100) is coupled to said groove of the ski boot (200).

12. Crampon (100) coupled to a ski boot (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the ski boot (200) is attached to a ski (300).

13. Method for operating a crampon (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - coupling said coupling device (21) of the crampon (100) to the heel of a ski boot (200), - attaching the ski boot (200) to a ski, - moving said engagement device (11) around said pivot (22) between the engagement position and the raised position.

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