Braking device for a sliding board

Abstract

Title: Braking device for a sliding board Braking device (4) for a sliding board (1), the braking device comprising a pedal (43) and a brake branch (42A, 42B) connected to the pedal, the braking device being movable between an active sliding position and an inactive position, the brake pedal comprising a first portion (P1) moving towards the sliding board when the braking device moves from its inactive position to its active position, the braking device further comprising a locking element (44) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the locking element being positioned on the path of the first portion (P1) of the brake pedal when it is in its locking position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Braking device for a sliding board Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of binding systems for sliding boards such as skis. More specifically, the invention relates to a braking device for a sliding board. State of the prior art

[0002] For the practice of snow sliding sports, a user has his feet attached to one or more sliding boards by means of binding systems cooperating with shoes. Sliding boards generally comprise a braking device to slow down or stop their sliding when they escape from their user, in particular following a fall or the release of their shoes. Known braking devices generally comprise two brake branches arranged on either side of the sliding board and a pedal actuated with the sole of the shoe. The pedal and the brake branches are arranged such that, when the shoe is in place in the binding system, the pedal is held against the sliding board by a support of the sole of the shoe. The braking device is then in the inactive position, and the two brake branches adopt a retracted position without contact with the snow.When the shoe is no longer engaged in the binding system, the pedal rises under the effect of an elastic means and adopts a waiting position. In this configuration, the braking device is in the active position, and the two brake branches automatically position themselves in a position allowing their friction on the snow, which prevents the sliding board from slipping.

[0003] When ski touring, the user goes up snowy slopes with the ski boards attached to the front of their shoes. In such a configuration, the user lifts the heel of their shoes with each step. To prevent the brake arms from rubbing against the snow, it is known to provide the braking devices with a means for locking the braking device in the inactive position. Thus, the user can practice ski touring while minimizing friction on the snow. The user can manually activate or deactivate the locking means. When the user goes down a snowy slope, they deactivate the locking means so that the braking device can be engaged if necessary, for example in the event of a fall. Patent EP3437703B1 discloses such a braking device. The locking means known from the state of the art are generally complex to manufacture, particularly bulky and sometimes difficult to handle. In addition, they are difficult to integrate with any type of fixing system.

[0004] Furthermore, binding systems are known, called "pivot bindings" in which the rear binding device comprises a base mounted to pivot relative to the board. Such a binding system, notably described in patent FR2560053, allows a certain rotation of the boot around a vertical axis. The interlocking of a braking device and a pivoting base in such a binding system is particularly complex, notably because the braking device must remain stationary when the base pivots. It leads to binding systems that are complex, bulky and impractical to use. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a braking device provided with a brake locking device for a sliding board, intended for ski touring, and remedying the above drawbacks and improving the braking devices known from the prior art.

[0006] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a braking device for a sliding board, which can be locked in an inactive position, which is particularly compact, simple to handle and which can be easily integrated into any binding system. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a braking device for a sliding board, the braking device comprising a pedal and at least one brake branch connected to the pedal, the pedal being intended to be actuated with a sole of a shoe, the braking device being movable between an active position in which the at least one brake branch is able to rub against a sliding surface and an inactive position in which the at least one brake branch is in a raised position relative to the sliding surface, the brake pedal comprising at least a first part moving towards the sliding board when the braking device passes from its inactive position to its active position, the braking device further comprising a locking element movable between a locking position and an unlocking position,the locking element being positioned in the path of the first part of the brake pedal when it is in its locking position, and the locking element being positioned out of the path of the brake pedal when it is in its unlocking position.

[0008] The locking element can be movable in translation between its locking position and its unlocking position.

[0009] The locking element can be positioned under the first part of the pedal of brake when it is in the locking position and the braking device is in its inactive position.

[0010] The braking device may comprise a base intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the sliding board, and the pedal may be articulated relative to the base so as to pivot around an axis when the braking device passes from its inactive position to its active position, said first part being between an edge of the pedal and said axis, in particular between a front edge of the pedal and said axis.

[0011] The locking element can be movable in translation between its locking position and its unlocking position, and: - The locking element may be positioned rearward when in the unlocking position and the locking element may be positioned forward when in the locking position, or - the locking element can be positioned forward when in the unlocking position and the locking element can be positioned rearward when in the locking position.

[0012] The locking element may comprise a plate comprising a first zone of greater thickness and a second zone of lesser thickness, the first zone of the plate being positioned on the path of the pedal when the locking element is in its locking position, the first zone of the plate being positioned outside the path of the pedal when the locking element is in its unlocking position, the second zone of the plate, when the locking element is in its unlocking position, being positioned at the same location as the first zone of the plate when the locking element is in its locking position.

[0013] The locking element may comprise at least a third zone arranged between the first zone and the second zone, the third zone having an intermediate thickness between the thickness of the first zone and the thickness of the second zone, the third zone being positioned on the path of the pedal when the locking element is in its locking position.

[0014] The locking element may be movable in translation parallel to a sliding axis, and it may comprise a thickness increasing in stages or a thickness increasing uniformly along the sliding axis.

[0015] The locking element may include a gripping surface allowing a user to move the locking element between its locking position and its unlocking position.

[0016] The braking device may comprise a base intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the sliding board, the at least one brake branch being linked to the base according to a first pivot connection, the pedal being linked to the at least a brake branch according to a second pivot connection, and the pedal being linked to the base according to a sliding pivot connection.

[0017] The pedal can be tilted backward and upward when the braking device is in the active position.

[0018] The invention also relates to a binding system comprising a rear binding device capable of cooperating with a rear part of a ski boot to block the ski boot, and a braking device as defined previously.

[0019] The rear binding device may comprise a binding base intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the sliding board, a retaining member movable relative to the base and intended to cooperate with a rim formed at the rear of a ski boot, and two arms connecting the retaining member to the base.

[0020] The invention also relates to a sliding board equipped with a braking device as defined previously and / or a fixing system as defined previously. Presentation of figures

[0021] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0022] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a ski equipped with a binding system according to one embodiment of the invention, the binding system comprising a braking device in the active position, the binding device comprising a locking element in the unlocked position, a part of a rear binding device being hidden.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the ski of [Fig.l], the braking device being in the inactive position, the locking element being in the locking position.

[0024] [Fig. 3] is a longitudinal and vertical sectional view of the ski of [Fig. 1], the braking device being in the active position, the locking element being in the unlocked position.

[0025] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal and vertical sectional view of the ski of [Fig.l], the braking device being in the inactive position, the locking element being in the unlocked position.

[0026] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal and vertical sectional view of the ski of [Fig.l], the braking device being in the inactive position, the locking element being in the locking position.

[0027] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of a volume swept by the pedal between its inactive position and its active position.

[0028] [Fig.7] is a perspective and exploded view of the fastening system of [Fig.l].

[0029] [Fig.8] a longitudinal and vertical sectional view of the fixing system of [Fig.l], the braking device being in the inactive position, the locking element being in a second locking position.

[0030] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the fastening system of [Fig.l], the braking device being in the inactive position, the locking element being in the locking position, the rear fastening device being fully visible. Detailed description

[0031] Figures 1 to 5 represent a snow gliding board 1 equipped with a binding system 2 according to one embodiment of the invention. The binding system 2 is an interface for attaching a ski boot to the gliding board 1. The gliding board comprises a gliding surface by which the gliding board is in contact with a snowy surface. The gliding board may preferably be a ski, in particular an alpine ski or a touring ski. Alternatively, a binding system according to the invention could also equip any type of snow gliding board such as, for example, a monoski, a snowboard or a cross-country ski. In the remainder of the description, it is assumed that the gliding board is a ski.

[0032] The ski has a generally elongated shape along a main sliding direction, thus defining a longitudinal axis X. The binding system is fixed to an upper surface 11 of the ski, flat, opposite the sliding surface, and parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The transverse axis Y is defined as the axis of the upper surface 11 of the ski which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The Z axis designates the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y. The front and the rear are defined in relation to the main sliding direction, that is to say the direction of progression of the ski user in a straight line. The longitudinal axis X is oriented from the rear to the front. In normal progression, the user moves from the rear to the front. The left and the right are defined according to the point of view of a ski user. The transverse axis Y is oriented from the left to the right. It is assumed that the ski rests on a horizontal surface.The Z axis is then a vertical axis and is oriented from bottom to top. The terms "lower" and "upper" refer to a positioning relative to the Z axis.

[0033] The binding system 2 comprises on the one hand a rear binding device 3, or heel piece 3, capable of cooperating with a rear part of the ski boot to hold the boot against the ski, and on the other hand a braking device 4. The rear binding device 3 is partially visible in all of the figures.

[0034] More specifically, the rear binding device 3 comprises a binding base 31 fixed to the ski. It may also comprise a retaining member 32 (visible in [Fig.9]) movable relative to the binding base 31. Two arms 33 may connect the retaining member 32 to the binding base 31 on either side of the device. rear binding 3. The retaining member can thus be suspended above the binding base 31 by means of the two arms. The retaining member can be intended to cooperate with a rim, or curb, formed at the rear of the ski boot to retain the boot against the ski. Each of the two arms can comprise a first end fixed to the binding base 31 and a second end linked to the retaining member according to a pivot connection around an axis parallel to the transverse axis Y. The retaining member can thus be movable relative to the binding base 31 between a retracted position in which it does not retain the boot and an engaged position in which it exerts a support oriented substantially downwards and forwards on the rim formed at the rear of the boot. Such a rear binding device is particularly robust, reliable and allows precise guidance of the skis.Alternatively, the rear fastening device could be different. The rear fastening device could also comprise two lugs extending longitudinally and cooperating with an insert fixed to the heel of the shoe. Such a fastening device is commonly referred to by the Anglicism "low tech" and is notably described in document EP0199098A2. The braking device 4 according to the invention can be used with any type of rear fastening device.

[0035] Advantageously, the ski also comprises a front binding device (not shown) for locking the front of the boot. Preferably, the front binding device is configured to allow ski touring. In particular, the ski touring device can hold the ski boot in a pivot connection around an axis parallel to the transverse axis Y. The cooperation of the rear binding device and the front binding device makes it possible to lock the boot against the ski in a longitudinal, vertical and transverse position.

[0036] The binding base 31 comprises a binding part 311 fixed integrally to the ski in particular by means of fixing screws 313, and a bearing surface 312 intended to receive directly or indirectly the support of a sole of the ski boot. The first end of each of the two arms 33 connecting the retaining member 32 to the binding base 31 can be fixed to the bearing surface 312 or to a plate 317 (visible in [Fig. 9]) pivotally mounted relative to the bearing surface 312 around an axis of rotation Z1, substantially parallel to the vertical axis Z. This plate 317 can in particular cooperate with a cylindrical opening arranged around the axis of rotation ZL. This gives a binding called a pivot binding because it allows a certain rotation of the ski boot around the axis of rotation Z1 relative to the ski. This helps to better absorb shocks and prevents inappropriate removal of shoes.The rotation axis Zl can be positioned substantially at the front of the rear fixing device 3, at a front edge of the bearing surface 312 or of the plate 317.

[0037] The braking device 4 is positioned at the front of the rear binding device 3. The braking device 4, which could also be called a "ski stop", is a device intended to brake and even stop the ski when it is no longer attached to the ski boot. Such a device therefore makes it possible to prevent a ski from rolling down a snowy slope following a ski release or a handling error. It allows for safer practice of snow sports.

[0038] The braking device 4 is reversibly movable between an active braking position, illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, and an inactive position, illustrated in Figures 2 and 5 and 8. It comprises a brake base 41, at least one brake branch 42A, 42B, and a pedal 43 intended to be actuated with the sole of the ski boot. According to the embodiment presented, the braking device 4 comprises two brake branches 42A, 42B extending on either side of the ski. Alternatively, a braking device with a single brake branch could be envisaged.

[0039] When the braking device is in the active braking position, or in other words in the active braking configuration, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the two brake branches 42A, 42B extend downwards and rearwards, under the sliding surface of the ski. The brake is then said to be in the "open" position. The brake branches 42A, 42B are then positioned so as to rub against the snow when the ski is positioned with its sliding surface against the snow, in order to brake and immobilize the ski in the snow.

[0040] Conversely, when the braking device 4 is in the inactive position, or in other words in the inactive configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 and 8, the two brake branches 42A, 42B extend substantially above the sliding surface of the ski. The ski can then rest on a snow-covered surface via its sliding surface without the two brake branches coming into contact with the snow-covered surface. The inactive position, which could also be called the retracted position or closed position, is a position in which the brake branches do not brake the ski.

[0041] The pedal 43 is connected to the two brake branches 42A, 42B so as to pivot the two brake branches relative to the brake base 41 when the pedal is actuated. The pedal 43 is configured to be actuated by pressing the rear of the sole of the boot on an upper surface 431 of the pedal. It adopts a high position when the braking device is in the active position, and it adopts a low position, substantially against the upper surface 11 of the ski when the braking device is in the inactive position. Thus, when the user positions his boot so as to fix it to the ski by means of the front and rear fixing devices, he automatically actuates the pedal, thus moving the braking device from its active position to its inactive position.

[0042] The pedal 43 is connected to the brake base 41 by a sliding pivot connection. This particular connection between the pedal and the brake base 41 makes it possible to envisage advantageous kinematics of the pedal when the braking device moves between its active position and its inactive position or vice versa. More precisely, the pedal 43 follows a translational movement combined with a rotational movement relative to the brake base 41. Such a movement makes it possible to position the pedal further towards the rear when the braking device is in the active position. The pedal is then in a position such that it can be actuated effectively with the rear of the sole of the shoe rather than with a middle part of the sole of the shoe, even though the braking device 4 is positioned generally at the front of the rear binding device 3.In addition, the pedal can take a more forward position when the braking device is in the inactive position. Thus, the pedal 43 does not interfere with the rear fixing device 3. The braking device 4 can therefore be positioned in front of the rear fixing device 3 and be separated from it, which facilitates maintenance operations. The bearing surface 312 of the rear fixing device can thus freely rotate around the axis of rotation ZI without risk of interfering with the braking device 4.

[0043] The sliding pivot connection between the pedal 43 and the base 41 can be obtained in the following manner. The brake base 41 comprises an axis 416 extending along an axis Yl, parallel to the transverse axis Y. The axis 416 connects two front ends of two lateral uprights 412 of the base 41 and is positioned at the front of the brake base 4L. The pedal 43 comprises a lateral opening 433, of oblong shape, extending along a sliding axis A1 parallel to a plane XZ comprising the axes X and Z. The axis 416 is arranged through the lateral opening 433. The axis 416 forms an axis of rotation around which the pedal 43 can pivot. In other words, the pedal 43 is articulated in rotation on the base 41 around the axis of rotation 416. Furthermore, the pedal 43 can be translated relative to the axis 416 within the limits permitted by the dimensions of the lateral opening 433.Front and rear edges of the lateral opening 433 form stops for the axis 416, thus limiting the sliding amplitude of the pedal. It is therefore understood that the pedal 43 is movable in translation relative to the axis Y1 around which it can pivot. When the braking device 4 passes from its inactive position to its active position, a first part PI of the pedal 43 positioned in front of the axis 416 moves generally downwards, that is to say towards the ski, while a second part P2 of the pedal 43 positioned at the rear of the axis 416 moves generally upwards. As the pedal 43 moves relative to the axis 416 when the braking device 4 passes from its inactive position to its active position, said first part PI and said second part P2 have variable definitions. More precisely, as, the pedal moves generally backwards. when the braking device 4 moves from its inactive position to its active position, said first part PI represents an increasingly smaller proportion of the pedal, and said second part P2 represents an increasingly larger proportion of the pedal during this movement. The pedal 43 thus has very particular kinematics since a part of the pedal moves closer to the sliding board when the braking device moves from its inactive position to its active position. Such kinematics are different from most pedal kinematics known from the state of the art.

[0044] A volume V can be defined corresponding to the volume swept by the pedal 43 when the braking device moves from its inactive position to its active position. The braking device is configured so that the swept volume V comprises at least one zone V1 positioned below the pedal 43 when the braking device is in its inactive position. The part of the pedal 43 positioned in front of the axis 416 sweeps this zone VI when the braking device moves from its inactive position to its active position. [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates the swept volume V and the zone VL. In this figure, three positions of the pedal 43 have been superimposed, corresponding respectively to the active position, the inactive position and an intermediate position between the active position and the inactive position. The swept volume is identified by a dotted line and the zone V1 is represented by a hatched surface.Zone VI therefore extends between the first part PI of the pedal 43 and an upper surface of the sliding board 1.

[0045] The brake base 41 is an element of the braking device fixed relative to the ski. According to the embodiment presented, the brake base 41 comprises two lateral uprights 412 and a free volume defined between these two lateral uprights. The free volume is configured to accommodate the pedal 43 when the braking device is in the inactive position. The two lateral uprights 412 are connected together by a relatively thin plate 413 extending against the upper surface 11 of the ski (better visible in [Fig.7]).

[0046] Advantageously, the braking device comprises a fixing means arranged to fix the braking device 4 to the front of the rear fixing device 3. The braking device 4 is therefore not fixed directly to the ski 1 but is held to the ski by means of the rear fixing device 3, and in particular by means of the fixing base 31 and the bearing surface 312 of the fixing base 31. The braking device is thus removably fixed to the rear fixing device. It is possible to mount or dismount the braking device 4 without unscrewing the rear fixing device 3 from the ski. Advantageously, the fixing means of the braking device is arranged at the rear of the brake base 4L. More precisely, the fixing means comprises a threaded opening 411 arranged at the level of a rear edge of the base 41, in particular of the plate 413. The threaded opening 411 cooperates with eyelets 314 and 315 at the front of the fixing base 31 and respectively of the bearing surface 312, and a fixing screw 316. Advantageously, the fixing screw 316 extends obliquely in the XY plane, which makes it possible to minimize its vertical size while remaining easily accessible. Subsequently, if disassembly of the braking device is necessary, it is sufficient to unscrew the fixing screw 316 and pull the braking device 4 forward. Disassembly of the braking device is therefore particularly easy.

[0047] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the brake base 41 could be secured directly to the sliding board, for example by screws. Generally speaking, the fixing base 31 and the brake base 41 together form a base of the fixing system, intended to be fixed to the sliding board 1. According to another alternative embodiment, the fixing base 31 and the brake base 41 could form a single piece.

[0048] The two brake branches 42A, 42B are each formed by a rigid wire 421, bent between its two ends, and an end piece 422 configured to come into contact with the snow. Preferably the rigid wire 421 is a metal wire. Each end piece 422 may for example be made of overmolded plastic or fitted onto one end of each wire 421. The wire 421 comprises a plurality of sections delimited by bends at approximately 90°.

[0049] A first cross-section 423, formed at one end of the wire opposite the end piece 422, extends along an axis Y2 parallel to the transverse axis Y. The first cross-section 423 is connected to the pedal 43 along a pivot connection with axis Y2. More particularly, the first cross-section 423 is inserted into a complementary shaped opening formed in the pedal 43. The connection between the pedal 43 and each brake branch 42A, 42B is therefore a pivot connection, i.e. a connection comprising a single degree of freedom in rotation. The brake branches 42A, 42B are not mounted according to a pivot connection sliding relative to the pedal 43.

[0050] Each wire 421 further comprises a second cross-section 424 extending along an axis Y3 parallel to the transverse axis Y. This second cross-section 424 is formed approximately halfway along the length of the wire 421. The second cross-section 424 is connected to the brake base 41 in a rotational connection. More particularly, this second cross-section 424 cooperates with a bearing 417 formed at the rear of the brake base 4L. Each brake branch 42A, 42B is thus in pivotal connection with the brake base 41 around the axis Y3. Each brake branch thus comprises a single degree of freedom in rotation relative to the brake base 41 and no degree of freedom in translation.

[0051] As a remark, according to an alternative embodiment, the two brake branches 42A and 42B could also be connected to each other at their respective first cross-section. Thus, the wire 421 of the brake branch 42A could be identical to the wire of the brake branch 42B. In such a hypothesis, the shape of the opening 434 provided in the pedal and cooperating with the brake branch portion to form a pivot connection would be adapted by a person skilled in the art. For example, this opening could have substantially the shape of a half-cylinder to allow easy assembly of the brake branch against a lower face of the pedal. According to another embodiment, the opening could be cylindrical and the pedal could be provided in the form of two half-shells that can be assembled around the relevant portion of the brake branch so as to produce the pivot connection.

[0052] Finally, each brake branch 42A, 42B is pivotally mounted both relative to the brake base 41 and relative to the pedal. The pedal is therefore connected to the brake base 41 via the brake branches according to a double pivot connection, with axes Y2 and Y3. As can be clearly seen in [Fig. 2], the axis Y2 is positioned between the axis Y1 and the axis Y3 along the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the axis Y2 is positioned to the rear of the axis Y1 and to the front of the axis Y3. This relative position of the axes Y1, Y2 and Y3 is obtained in the active position and in the inactive position of the braking device.

[0053] As a remark, the brake base 41 may comprise lugs configured to bear on each of the two brake branches when the braking device is in the inactive position so as to bring the ends of the brake branches closer to the ski, that is to say bring the end pieces 422 closer or tighten against the ski. These lugs may extend transversely from each of the two uprights 412 towards the inside of the braking device. These lugs may be able to exert pressure on the wire 421 of each of the two brake branches 42A, 42B, at a third section 425 positioned between the first transverse section 423 and the second transverse section 424. This third section 425 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X when the braking device is in its inactive position.Advantageously, the brake branches have a certain freedom of movement within the bearings 417 and / or a certain intrinsic flexibility so that they pivot slightly around an axis parallel to the Z axis when the respective third section 425 of each branch comes into contact with the lugs. In doing so, the ends of the brake branches move closer to the lateral flanks of the ski when the braking device is in the inactive position so as not to hinder the sliding of the ski, in particular when the ski is resting on an edge. As a remark, when the two brake branches are connected at their respective cross sections 423 so as to be formed by a single and same wire, the connection between the two . branches will advantageously be sufficiently flexible to allow the movement of their respective ends towards each other when the braking device is in the inactive position.

[0054] The pedal 43 has the shape, seen from above, of a generally rectangular plate. The short side of the rectangle extends between the two lateral uprights 412 parallel to the transverse axis Y, and the long side extends from the rear to the front. Alternatively, the pedal could have any other shape, for example in the shape of a polygon, in a circular shape, or even a shape with a curvilinear periphery. Advantageously, the pedal can be made of plastic, in particular of plastic filled with fibers, which makes it easy to envisage different shapes. The upper surface 431 is generally flat and extends in a plane which is at least roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y when the braking device is in its inactive position. As can be clearly seen in [Fig. 3], when the braking device is in the active position, the upper surface 431 of the pedal is inclined backwards and upwards.The highest point of the pedal 43, which therefore comes into contact first with the sole of the ski boot, is located at the rear of the upper surface 431. The highest point of the pedal 43 is then positioned substantially directly above the axis Y3.

[0055] Advantageously, the braking device may further comprise an elastic return means mounted inside the pedal 43. The elastic return means is configured to move the braking device from its inactive position to its active position in the absence of a pressure force exerted by the shoe on the pedal. Thus, when the shoe is removed from the binding device, it no longer exerts pressure on the pedal 43 and the braking device automatically moves into the braking position under the effect of the elastic return means. Concretely, the elastic return means may be arranged between the axis 416 and an internal wall of the pedal. Alternatively, the elastic return means could also be arranged between, on the one hand, a guide element internal to the pedal 43 and linked to the axis 416 according to a pivot connection and, on the other hand, an internal wall of the pedal 43.Advantageously, the elastic return means is positioned inside a profiled housing formed inside the pedal. Thus, the elastic return means does not increase the overall size of the braking device and remains protected.

[0056] As a note, the axle 416 can be mounted fixed or floating in the two lateral uprights 412. If the axle 416 is mounted floating, it can pivot so as to follow the pedal. Thus, no friction is established at the interface between the elastic return means and the axle 416. The axle 416 can then advantageously comprise a flat forming a bearing surface for the elastic return means. If the axle 416 is mounted fixed relative to the two lateral uprights 412, friction can be established at the interface between the first end of the elastic return means and the axis 416 when the pedal pivots.

[0057] The braking device 4 further comprises a locking element 44 movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking element 44 is intended to maintain the locking device in its inactive position when it is in the locking position, and it is intended to leave the braking device free to pass between its active position and its inactive position when it is in the unlocking position. To do this, the locking element 44 is positioned on the path of the first part PI of the pedal 43 when it is in its locking position. In particular, the locking element 44 at least partially occupies the zone VI previously described when it is in the locking position. In other words, the locking element 44 at least partially fills the zone VI when it is in the locking position. It does not need to mechanically hook either the pedal 43 or a brake branch.The braking device thus comprises a play-compensating mechanism. The locking element 44 is positioned outside the path of the pedal 43 when it is in its unlocked position.

[0058] Advantageously, the locking element is positioned under the pedal 43 when it is in the locking position and the braking device is in its inactive configuration. In particular, the locking element comprises a plate 441 which extends between the pedal 43 and the upper surface 11 of the ski when it is in the locking position and the braking device is in its inactive configuration. Since the pedal comprises a part PI which moves downwards when the braking device moves from its inactive position to its active position, it is possible to lock the braking device in the inactive position from below, that is to say by a locking element positioned under the pedal, between the pedal 43 and the upper surface 11 of the ski. The locking element 44 is thus a stop means which cooperates with a lower surface of the pedal, opposite the upper surface 431 which is intended to receive the support of a ski boot.

[0059] Advantageously, the plate 413 extends between the two lateral uprights and is arranged directly against the upper surface 11 of the ski. The locking element 44 is thus at least partially positioned between the plate 413 and the pedal 43. The plate 413 prevents the locking element 44 from bearing directly on the upper surface of the ski, which prevents damage to the ski when the locking element is moved. According to an alternative embodiment, the plate 413 could extend under the entire locking element 44.

[0060] The locking element 44 is movable in translation parallel to the axis X between its locking position and its unlocking position. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element is positioned, at least partly under the pedal 43 and more rearward when it is in the unlocked position and the locking element is positioned further forward when it is in the locked position. The locking element 44 is guided in translation relative to the base 41. The locking element 44 is able to slide in translation under the pedal 43. For this purpose, the locking element 44 comprises two rectilinear arms 442 engaged in sliding connection in two openings 414 provided in each of the lateral uprights 412 of the brake base 4L. These arms 442 are advantageously each provided with a stop means 443 configured so as to prevent complete separation of the locking element from the base 4L. The stop means 443 can for example be produced by deforming the end of the arms 442 or by equipping them with a stop element such as for example a pin. The locking element 44 is thus integral with the braking device and completely independent of the rear fixing device 3.Since the locking element 44 is arranged at the front of the braking device, it can be moved between its locking position and its unlocking position without risk of interference with the rear fixing device 3. The rear fixing device can thus be freely designed.

[0061] The locking element 44 is also equipped with a handling surface 444 allowing a user to move the locking element between its locking position and its unlocking position. The handling surface 444 may be in the form, for example, of a tab, a hook, a cleat or a loop projecting both forwards and upwards. It is dimensioned so that it can be actuated by pulling or pressing with the hand, even if the hand is wearing a glove. The handling surface 444 may be provided with an opening facilitating gripping or allowing movement of the locking element 44 by means of the tip of a stick.

[0062] The plate 441 comprises a variable thickness along the axis in which it slides, that is to say that it has at least two different thicknesses along the axis in which it slides. In particular, the plate 441 comprises a first zone S1 towards the rear having a greater thickness H1 (for example between 2 mm and 2.5 mm inclusive), and a second zone S2 towards the front having a lesser thickness H2 (for example between 1 mm and 1.5 mm inclusive). The thickness of the plate 441 designates its dimension along the Z axis. The thickness of the plate can increase or decrease in stages as shown in the figures, or alternatively in a uniform manner. The plate is thicker on the side of its rear edge than on the side of its front edge.

[0063] When the locking element is in the unlocked position, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the second zone S2 is positioned under the front edge of the pedal 43. Due to its lesser thickness, the second zone S2 of the plate 441 does not come into interference with the pedal 43 when the latter moves. It can be seen in [Fig.4] that there is then a non-zero clearance J along the Z axis between the lower face of the pedal 43 and the locking element 44 when the braking device is in the inactive position. The braking device is therefore free to move from its active position to its inactive position or vice versa. When the locking element is in the locking position, as illustrated in [Fig.5], the first zone SI of the plate 441 is positioned under the front edge of the pedal 43. Due to its greater thickness, the first zone S1 interferes with the pedal 43 when the latter moves. The first zone therefore forms a stop surface which acts directly on the pedal 43. The braking device is therefore prevented from moving from its active position to its inactive position or vice versa.The plate 441 is thus stressed in compression between the pedal and the upper surface of the sliding board. The plate 441 is therefore very robust and comprises a very simple shape, in particular devoid of any hooking element. The first zone S1 therefore comprises a blocking surface of the blocking element. The first zone SI can be in contact with the first part PI of the pedal 43 when the braking device is in its inactive position and the blocking element is in its blocking position.

[0064] The second zone S2, when the locking element is in its unlocked position, is positioned at the same longitudinal location relative to the brake as the first zone S1 when the locking element is in its locked position. The first zone S1, when the locking element is in its unlocked position, is positioned substantially under the pedal 43 without contact with it.

[0065] Advantageously, the plate 441 comprises at least two zones such as the zones S1 and S2 defined previously. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 441 comprises three zones of different thicknesses along the axis in which it slides, in particular at least three bearings of different thicknesses. Thus, the plate 441 may comprise a third zone S3 positioned between the first zone S1 and the second zone S2, and of intermediate thickness between the thickness of the first zone S1 and the thickness of the second zone S2. As is clearly visible in [Fig. 8], the third zone S3 has a thickness sufficient to interfere with the trajectory of the pedal 43, at least when the pedal is in new condition. The third zone S3 therefore also comprises a locking surface for the locking element.The integration of at least three zones of variable thickness makes it possible to compensate for any wear of the pedal 43 and / or the locking element 44 as the braking device is used. The integration of three or more zones also makes it possible to ensure play compensation, regardless of the type of ski on which the braking device is attached, in particular regardless of the camber of the ski. Indeed, the camber of the ski (i.e. its curvature in a longitudinal and vertical torque plane) can influence the space between . the ski (or base) and the pedal 43. When new or with certain types of ski, the pedal 43 can cooperate with the third zone S3 to maintain the braking device in the inactive position. Then, if the lower surface of the pedal is worn and escapes the third zone S3, it is simply sufficient to move the locking element 44 further forward so that the pedal cooperates with the first zone S1, which has a thickness greater than the third zone S3. The locking element is thus movable between three positions: an unlocking position (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4), a first locking position (illustrated in [Fig. 5]), and a second locking position (illustrated in [Fig. 8]). The second locking position corresponds to an intermediate position between the unlocking position and the first locking position.In this way, it is possible to re-establish interference between the locking element and the pedal and to maintain the braking device in the inactive position. The plate 441 may even comprise an even greater number of zones of different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the plate 441 may increase with a step of 0.5 mm between each zone or each step. The adjacent zones or steps may be linked by ramps.

[0066] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the locking element could be positioned further forward when it is in the unlocked position and further rearward when it is in the locked position. In this case, the plate would preferably be thicker on the side of its front edge than on the side of its rear edge. The upper surface of the locking element would thus have a continuous or stepped slope oriented forward and upward.

[0067] According to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the manipulation surface 444 of the locking element could be accessible not at the front of the pedal 43 but at the rear thereof.

[0068] According to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the locking element could be movable between its locking position and its unlocking position according to any other movement. For example, the locking element could be movable in rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis X between its locking position and its unlocking position, for example a rotation of a quarter turn. In particular, the locking element could comprise an element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X and whose section is non-circular, for example ovoid or rectangular. The axis could thus interfere with the zone V1 when it is in an orientation corresponding to its locking position and, on the contrary, not interfere with the zone V1 when it is in an orientation corresponding to its unlocking position.Other movements of the blocking element can still be proposed, in particular a translational movement parallel to a transverse axis, a curvilinear translational movement, or even a more complex resulting movement. from the combination of a translation and a rotation.

[0069] If the locking element 44 is moved from its unlocking position to its locking position when the braking device is in the inactive position, the braking device is held in the inactive position even in the absence of a shoe pressing on the pedal 43. If the locking element 44 is moved from its unlocking position to its locking position when the braking device is in the active position, the first zone SI of the plate 441 exerts a force on the lower face of the pedal 43 which tends to move the braking device to the inactive position and the braking device will be held in the inactive position in the same way. The locking element 44 has the advantage of being able to be manipulated regardless of the active or inactive position of the braking device.

[0070] When a user prepares to put on the ski 1 equipped with the binding system 2, the braking device is first in the active position and the locking element in the unlocked position. The ski can therefore be placed on a snowy surface, even on an inclined surface, without the risk of it slipping off. The user then brings his boot closer so as to align the front of his boot with the front binding device. The heel of the boot is then raised and does not yet press on the pedal. Then, when the front of the boot coincides with the front binding device, the user lowers his heel towards the ski. In doing so, the heel of the boot presses on the pedal, which causes the braking device to move from its active position to its inactive position.During this transition, the pedal pivots from an upwardly and rearwardly inclined position to a substantially horizontal position, and at the same time, moves forward relative to the brake base 4L. The amplitude of movement of the pedal along the longitudinal axis X can be between 5 and 15 mm. This braking device therefore has a pedal position which varies by approximately 10 mm between the active position and the inactive position to ensure the positioning of the pedal under the heel of the shoe in these two positions. During this movement, the pedal 43 does not come into contact with the locking element 44.

[0071] Thanks to this forward movement, the pedal 43 comes to be positioned in the low position at the front of the fixing device 3, without interference with the latter. This movement also makes it possible to clear away any snow that may have accumulated in front of the braking device. During this movement, the elastic return means integrated into the pedal 43 is progressively loaded. The force required to load the elastic return means remains negligible for the user and the latter manages to move the braking device into the inactive position without any particular effort. During this movement, the brake branches 42A, 42B pivot around the axis Y3 and thus gradually rise towards a substantially horizontal position in which they are no longer in contact with the snow. The pedal 43 rotates in one direction opposite to that of the branches 42A, 42B. The cross sections 423 of each brake branch therefore pivot relative to the pedal around the axis Y2. Advantageously, the action of the lugs on the brake branches allows them to be tightened against the ski, which guarantees that the brake branches do not come into contact with the snowy terrain when skiing.

[0072] To complete the operation of fixing the boot to the ski, the user can actuate the retaining member so as to make it cooperate with the edge formed at the rear of the boot. He then has his boot firmly fixed to the ski. When the ski boot is in place in the binding system with the braking device in the inactive position, the pedal still remains under the heel area, and not at the level of the arch of the foot. The ski boot can thus keep the brake in the inactive position when the ski boot is fixed.

[0073] Then, when the user takes off the ski, that is to say when he removes his boot from the binding system, he removes his support from the pedal 43 which is then no longer constrained in the low position provided that the locking element 44 is still in its unlocked position. The elastic return means integrated into the pedal 43 tends to pivot the pedal upwards at the same time as it is pushed backwards. In doing so, it comes to position itself further backwards than when it is in the low position, that is to say when the braking device is in the inactive position. This therefore makes it possible to make the pedal take a waiting position in which it is capable of being actuated with the heel of the boot for a new cycle of use.

[0074] Alternatively, when the user wishes to practice ski touring, he can pull forward on the blocking element 44, for example by manually actuating or with his pole the manipulation surface 444 and while the braking device is in the inactive position, that is to say while the pedal is in the low position. The user can optionally pull on the blocking element 44 until it comes into abutment against the lower surface of the pedal 43. The blocking element 44 thus positioned prevents the pedal from rising to its waiting position and therefore maintains the braking device in the inactive position. The boot is then articulated to the ski at its front end and the user progresses by walking, lifting the heel of his boots from the rear of the ski. In doing so, the braking device remains in the inactive position thanks to the action of the blocking element 44.Progress in ski touring is therefore not hindered by the braking system.

[0075] Thanks to the invention, there is provided a braking device separate from the binding device but which remains operable with the heel of a shoe. The braking device is practical to use and can be activated or deactivated at will. The locking means of the braking device is particularly compact and simple to handle.

Claims

Claims

1. Braking device (4) for a sliding board (1), the braking device comprising a pedal (43) and at least one brake branch (42A, 42B) connected to the pedal, the pedal being intended to be actuated with a sole of a shoe, the braking device being movable between an active position in which the at least one brake branch is able to rub against a sliding surface and an inactive position in which the at least one brake branch is in a raised position relative to the sliding surface, characterized in that the brake pedal comprises at least a first part (PI) moving towards the sliding board when the braking device passes from its inactive position to its active position, the braking device further comprising a locking element (44) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position,the locking element being positioned in the path of the first part (PI) of the brake pedal when it is in its locking position, and the locking element being positioned out of the path of the brake pedal when it is in its unlocking position.,

2. Braking device (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking element (44) is movable in translation between its locking position and its unlocking position.

3. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (44) is positioned under the first part (PI) of the brake pedal (43) when it is in the locking position and the braking device is in its inactive position.

4. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base (41) intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the sliding board, and in that the pedal (43) is articulated relative to the base so as to pivot around an axis (416) when the braking device passes from its inactive position to its active position, said first part (PI) being between an edge of the pedal and said axis, in particular between a front edge of the pedal and said axis.

5. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (44) is movable in translation between its locking position and its unlocking position, and in that: - the locking element is positioned towards the rear when it is in unlocking position and the locking element being positioned forward when in the locking position, or - the locking element is positioned forward when in the unlocking position and the locking element being positioned rearward when in the locking position.

6. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (44) comprises a plate (441) comprising a first zone (S1) of greater thickness and a second zone (S2) of lesser thickness, the first zone of the plate being positioned on the path of the pedal (43) when the locking element is in its locking position, the first zone of the plate being positioned outside the path of the pedal when the locking element is in its unlocking position, the second zone of the plate, when the locking element is in its unlocking position, being positioned at the same location as the first zone of the plate when the locking element is in its locking position.

7. Braking device (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking element (44) comprises at least a third zone (S3) arranged between the first zone (SI) and the second zone (S2), the third zone (S3) having an intermediate thickness between the thickness of the first zone (SI) and the thickness of the second zone (S2), the third zone being positioned on the path of the pedal (43) when the locking element is in its locking position.

8. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element is movable in translation parallel to a sliding axis, and in that it comprises a thickness increasing in stages or a thickness increasing uniformly along the sliding axis.

9. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (44) comprises a gripping surface (444) allowing a user to move the locking element between its locking position and its unlocking position.

10. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a base (41) intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the sliding board, the at least one brake branch (42A, 42B) being linked to the base (41) according to a first pivot connection, the pedal (43) being linked to the at least one brake branch (42A, 42B) according to a second pivot connection, and the pedal (43) being linked to the base (41) according to a pivot slide connection.

11. Braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedal (43) is inclined backwards and upwards when the braking device is in the active position.

12. Binding system (2) comprising a rear binding device (3) capable of cooperating with a rear part of a ski boot to block the ski boot, and a braking device (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Binding system (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rear binding device (3) comprises a binding base (31) intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to the sliding board (1), a retaining member (32) movable relative to the base and intended to cooperate with a rim formed at the rear of a ski boot, and two arms (33) connecting the retaining member to the base.

14. Sliding board (1) equipped with a braking device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or a fixing system (2) according to one of claims 12 or 13.

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