Mounting device for snowboard

Abstract

Fastening device for a sliding board. A front fastening device (3) for retaining a shoe to a sliding board (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a retaining means (4) adapted to cooperate with a front part of a shoe, and - an adjustment device (7) for adjusting the position of the retaining means relative to a sliding board, the adjustment device comprising: - a structured element (12) comprising a series of ridges (13), the structured element being intended to be mounted integrally with the sliding board, - a locking element (14) movable between a locked position in which it is engaged with the structured element to lock the position of the retaining means, and an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the structured element to adjust the position of the retaining means. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

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

[0001] The invention relates to a binding device for holding a shoe to a sliding board. The invention relates in particular to a binding device comprising an adjustment device adapted to adjust a longitudinal position of the shoe on a sliding board. The invention also relates to sliding equipment, in particular cross-country skiing equipment, comprising such a binding device. State of the prior art

[0002] For the practice of sliding sports, in particular for the practice of cross-country skiing, each shoe of a user is held to a sliding board by a binding device. The binding device transmits the forces exerted by the user's feet to the sliding board. In particular, the binding device holds the tip of the foot to the sliding board following a rotational connection around an axis transverse to the ski. The user can thus lift his heel off the sliding board while keeping the front of his shoe connected to the ski. He is thus able to exert impulses to move forward on a snowy surface.

[0003] The position of a user's feet on a sliding board is essential. Depending on the conditions of use or the abilities of a user, it may be useful to modify the longitudinal position of his feet on the sliding board. In particular, for cross-country skiing, shifting the foot towards the front of the ski improves the grip of the ski on the snow and facilitates progress. Conversely, shifting the foot towards the rear allows for better gliding sensations.

[0004] In order to offer a possibility of adjusting the position of the user's foot on a sliding board, binding devices are known which are equipped with a position adjustment device. Manipulating the adjustment device makes it possible to modify the position of a means for retaining the shoe relative to the sliding board, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board. However, the position adjustment devices known from the prior art are impractical to use. They are not suitable for performing a rapid and precise adjustment of the position of the foot, in particular during the practice of sliding sports. The known adjustment devices are complex to handle and not very intuitive or they offer too limited adjustment possibilities. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a fixing device which overcomes the disadvantages above and improving the fixing devices known from the prior art.

[0006] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a fixing device comprising a simple and intuitive adjustment device to handle.

[0007] A second object of the invention is a fixing device allowing precise adjustment of the position of a foot on the sliding board. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a front binding device for holding a shoe to a sliding board, the binding device comprising: - a retaining means capable of cooperating with a front part of a shoe, and - an adjustment device for adjusting a position of the retaining means relative to a sliding board, the adjustment device comprising: - a structured element comprising a series of reliefs, the structured element being intended to be mounted integrally with the sliding board, - a locking element movable between a locking position in which it is engaged with the structured element to lock the position of the retaining means, and an unlocking position in which it is disengaged from the structured element to adjust the position of the retaining means, and - an operating element supported by the retaining means and intended to be actuated by a user, the operating element being movable in rotation about a first axis parallel to a vertical axis, the operating element being movable between at least a first position and a second position, the operating element bearing against a bearing surface of the locking element so that the locking element passes from its locking position to its unlocking position when the operating element is actuated from its first position to its second position.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the fixing device comprises a chassis movable in translation relative to the structured element, the retaining means and the operating element being supported by the chassis.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the locking element is movable in rotation around a second axis parallel to a transverse axis, the second axis being integral with said chassis.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the locking element comprises a locking finger capable of cooperating with the structured element, the locking finger and the bearing surface of the locking element being arranged on either side of the second axis.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the fixing device comprises a return means tending to move the locking element towards its locking position.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the retaining means comprises an elastic blade, said return means being formed by a part of the elastic blade.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the operating element comprises at least one cam, a rotation of the operating element around the first axis causing the cam to press against the bearing surface of the locking element tending to move the locking element towards its unlocking position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the operating element comprises a plurality of cams intended to bear against the bearing surface of the locking element, the locking element being in its unlocked position when the bearing surface bears against a cam among the plurality of cams, the locking element being in its locked position when the bearing surface bears against the operating element between two adjacent cams.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fixing device comprises a transmission means and a support intended to be mounted integral with the sliding board, the transmission means being configured so that: - a rotation of the operating element in a first direction of rotation causes the retaining means to move in a first direction, and / or - a rotation of the operating element in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, causes the retaining means to move in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the transmission means comprises a cable, the cable being intended to be at least partially wound around the operating element when the operating element pivots around the first axis.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fixing device comprises a pulley, the support being positioned between the operating element and the pulley, the transmission means comprising a first strand and a second strand, the first strand directly connecting the support to the operating element, the second strand connecting the support to the operating element via the pulley.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the operating element is furthermore movable in translation parallel to the first axis between its first position and its second position.

[0020] The invention also relates to sliding equipment comprising a sliding board, in particular a cross-country ski, and a binding device as defined above. Presentation of figures

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

[0022] [Fig.l] is a schematic top view of a sliding equipment according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a device for attaching the sliding equipment of [Fig.l].

[0024] [Fig. 3] is an exploded perspective view of the fixing device of the [Fig.2],

[0025] [Fig.4] is a view of a lower face of an operating element of the fixing device of [Fig.2].

[0026] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the fastening device of [Fig.2], a locking element of the fastening device being in the unlocked position.

[0027] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the fastening device of [Fig.2], with the locking element of the fastening device in the locking position.

[0028] [Fig.7] is an exploded perspective view of a fixing device according to a first variant embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an operating element of the fixing device of [Fig.7].

[0030] [Fig.9] is a perspective and bottom view of a frame of the fixing device of [Fig.7].

[0031] [Fig. 10] is a perspective and bottom view of the binding device of [Fig. 7], a frame of the binding device being in a first position relative to a sliding board.

[0032] [Fig. 11] is a perspective and bottom view of the binding device of [Fig. 7], the frame of the binding device being in a second position relative to the sliding board.

[0033] [Fig. 12] is a perspective and bottom view of the binding device of [Fig. 7], the frame of the binding device being in a third position relative to the sliding board.

[0034] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of a fixing device according to a second alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig. 14] is an exploded perspective view of the fixing device of the [Fig.13],

[0036] [Fig. 15] is a sectional view of the fixing device of [Fig. 13].

[0037] [Fig. 16] is a sectional view of a fixing device according to a third alternative embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0038] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a sliding equipment 1 comprising a sliding board 2 and a fixing device 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The binding device 3 makes it possible to connect a boot to the sliding board 2 so as to be able to transmit impulses from the user's foot to the sliding board 2. According to the embodiment presented, the sliding board 2 is a cross-country ski. Cross-country skiing is a sporting discipline in which a user progresses on a snowy surface thanks to impulses transmitted to the skis. For cross-country skiing, each boot of a user is connected to a ski only by a front end of the boot, so as to allow the heel of the boot to lift relative to the ski.

[0039] The longitudinal axis X is defined as the axis in which the sliding board extends. The longitudinal axis X corresponds to the direction in which a user of the sliding equipment progresses in a straight line. The longitudinal axis X is oriented from back to front. The transverse axis Y is an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The transverse axis Y is oriented from right to left according to the point of view of a user of the sliding board 2. It is assumed that the sliding board 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The axes X and Y are then horizontal axes. The vertical axis Z designates an axis perpendicular to the axes X and Y. The axes X, Y and Z thus form an orthogonal reference frame. The terms "lower" and "upper" refer to an arrangement along the vertical axis Z.

[0040] The binding device 3 according to the invention could also equip any sliding board with which a user must have their feet connected or attached, not only by the front of the shoe but possibly also by the back of the shoe. In particular, the sliding board 2 could be an alpine ski, a touring ski, a snowboard or even a monoski.

[0041] The binding device 3 is a front binding device, that is to say it cooperates with the front of a shoe. The binding device 3 comprises a retaining means 4 capable of cooperating with a shoe to retain the shoe to the sliding board 2. Preferably, the retaining means 4 is configured to connect the shoe to the sliding board in a rotational connection about an axis of rotation Y1 parallel to the transverse axis Y.

[0042] An embodiment of the retaining means 4 is partially shown in Figures 1 and 2. The retaining means 4 comprises a housing intended to receive a connecting pin integrated into a front part of the sole of the boot. In addition, the retaining means 4 may comprise a means (not shown) for holding the connecting pin within the housing. As is clearly visible in the figures, the housing may be formed for example by two notches 5A, 5B. Each notch 5A, 5B may be formed in a longitudinal rib 6A, 6B of the binding device. When a user wishes to put on a ski, he positions the connecting pin integrated into the sole of his boot in the two notches 5A and 5B, then he actuates the holding means so as to secure the boot to the ski. Thus, the front tip of the boot can pivot relative to the ski around the connecting axis, which corresponds to the rotation axis Yl. Alternatively, the retaining means 4 could be designed differently.

[0043] The binding device 3 also comprises an adjustment device 7 for adjusting a position of the retaining means 4 relative to the sliding board 2. The adjustment device 7 is configured to adjust the longitudinal position of the boot on the sliding board, along the longitudinal axis X. More precisely, the adjustment device 7 is configured to adjust the position of the rotation axis Y1 along the longitudinal axis X. The adjustment amplitude of the position of the retaining means 4 may be of the order of a few millimeters to several centimeters, for example five centimeters.

[0044] The fixing device 3 comprises a frame 8 mounted free to slide relative to the sliding board 2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. More precisely, on the one hand the fixing device 3 comprises guide rails 9A, 9B secured to the sliding board. On the other hand, the frame 8 comprises guide grooves 10A, 10B cooperating respectively with the guide rails 9A, 9B. The guide grooves 10A, 10B are arranged on a lower face of the frame 8. The frame 8 is thus connected to the sliding board according to a sliding connection parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0045] The chassis 8 supports the retaining means 4. In particular, the longitudinal ribs 6A, 6B comprising the notches 5A and 5B are formed on an upper face of the chassis 8. The chassis 8 is a single-piece element, for example manufactured by plastic injection. The chassis 8 generally comprises the shape of an elongated plate along the longitudinal axis X. The chassis 8 comprises a rear portion intended to extend under the front of a shoe, and a front portion intended to extend at the front of the shoe.

[0046] The chassis 8 also supports an operating element 11 of the adjustment device 7. The operating element 11 is an element intended to be manipulated by a user to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4. The operating element 11 is arranged on an upper face of the front part of the chassis 8. The operating element 11 is thus positioned in front of the front tip of the shoe and is easily accessible. The operating element 11 is rotatable about a first axis ZI relative to the chassis 8, the first axis ZI being parallel to the vertical axis Z.

[0047] The adjustment device 7 also comprises a structured element 12 secured to the sliding board 2. The structured element 12 comprises a series of reliefs 13. As we will see in more detail later, the reliefs 13 are intended to cooperate with a locking element of the adjustment device to block the position of the chassis 8 relative to the sliding board 2.

[0048] Preferably, the reliefs 13 are arranged regularly along the longitudinal axis X. The structured element 12 is fixed (for example screwed or glued) on an upper face of the sliding board 2 or possibly on a plate itself fixed on the upper face of the sliding board.

[0049] The structured element 12 may for example be in the form of a notched plate. The structured element 12 may extend between the two guide rails 9A and 9B. Advantageously, the guide rails 9A, 9B and the structured element 12 form a single piece.

[0050] According to the embodiment presented, the structured element 12 is a rack. The rack comprises teeth extending transversely and arranged at regular intervals. The teeth are separated from each other by hollows intended to receive a locking finger, as will be detailed later. Alternatively, the structured element 12 could be in a different form on which it is possible to exert a force comprising a non-zero longitudinal component. The structured element could be in the form of a surface provided with holes arranged at regular intervals, or in the form of a rack whose teeth would not be parallel to the transverse axis Y but inclined relative to the transverse axis Y or in the form of a V. The structured element could also be a simple surface sufficiently rough or adherent to allow the transmission of a longitudinal force.According to another embodiment, the structured element could be formed or sculpted directly into an upper face of the sliding board.

[0051] [Fig. 3] illustrates the adjustment device 7 in more detail by a perspective and exploded view. In addition to the chassis 8 and the operating element 11 previously mentioned, the adjustment device 7 comprises a locking element 14, a return means 15 and a lower plate 16.

[0052] The locking element 14 is rotatable relative to the frame 8 about a second axis Y2 between a locking position (illustrated in [Fig.6]) and an unlocking position (illustrated in [Fig.5]). The second axis Y2 is parallel to the transverse axis Y. The second axis Y2 is integral with the frame 8, that is to say it is fixed in the frame of reference of the frame 8. Consequently, the locking element 14 is rotatably mounted on the frame 8, which supports the retaining means 4. In the locking position, the locking element 14 is engaged with the structured element 12 to block the frame 8 relative to the sliding board. The longitudinal position of the retaining means 4 is thus blocked. In the unlocking position, the locking element 14 is disengaged from the structured element. This makes it possible to move the chassis 8 relative to the sliding board and therefore to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4.

[0053] The locking element 14 is movable in rotation thanks to a shaft 17, supported by the lower plate 16, and passing through the locking element 14 right through. The lower plate 16 comprises a bearing 18 supporting the shaft 17.

[0054] The lower plate 16 is rigidly fixed to a lower face of the chassis 8, in particular by a fixing screw 19. The fixing screw 19 cooperates with a first screw well 20 provided on the chassis 8 and a second screw well 21 provided on the lower plate 16. The shaft 17 is thus secured to the chassis 8. Alternatively, other arrangements could be proposed for assembling the locking element 14 to the chassis 8 according to a rotational connection around the second axis Y2.

[0055] The return means 15 comprises a first end bearing against the lower plate 16, and a second end bearing against the locking element 14. The return means 15 tends to move the locking element 14 towards its locking position. The locking position of the locking element 14 is therefore a position of least tension of the return means 15, and is therefore a stable position. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the return means may be a helical spring intended to be stressed in compression. The helical spring is advantageously held by a holding pin 22 formed on the lower plate 16. As we will see later, the return means 15 could be made differently. It could for example be a torsion spring or an elastic blade.

[0056] In order to guide the operating element 11 in rotation around the first axis Zl, the chassis 8 comprises a cylindrical portion 23 whose axis of revolution coincides with the first axis ZL. The cylindrical portion 23 comprises a central opening 24, also cylindrical, and whose axis of revolution also coincides with the first axis ZL. The central opening 24 is bordered by a collar 25 visible in particular in Figures 5 and 6.

[0057] The operating element 11 is advantageously made up of a lower part 11A and an upper part 11B rigidly fixed to the lower part 11A. In particular, the lower part 11A is fixed to the upper part 11B by a fixing screw 26. The manufacture in two parts 11A and 11B of the operating element 11 makes it possible to assemble the operating element 11 more simply to the chassis 8.

[0058] As is clearly visible in the sectional views of Figures 5 and 6, the upper part 11B comprises a cylindrical blind opening whose diameter is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 23. The upper part 11B covers the cylindrical portion 23 and closes the central opening 24. The lower part 11B is housed inside the central opening 24. The lower part 11A comprises a circular periphery whose diameter is slightly less than the diameter of the central opening 24. The operating element 11 is thus guided in rotation about the first axis Z1 by cooperation with the cylindrical portion 23. The collar 25 is sandwiched between the lower part 11A and the upper part 11B. The element maneuver 11 is thus retained on the chassis 8 and therefore cannot be lost.

[0059] The locking element 14 comprises at least one locking finger 27, or hook 27, intended to cooperate with the structured element 12. In particular, when the locking element 14 is in its locking position, the locking finger 27 takes place between two adjacent reliefs 13, in particular in a hollow arranged between two adjacent teeth, so as to block any movement of the locking element 14 along the longitudinal axis X. The locking element 14 being connected via the shaft 17 and the lower plate 16 to the chassis 8, the longitudinal blocking of the locking element 14 causes the longitudinal blocking of the chassis 8, and therefore of the retaining means 4 since the latter is supported by the chassis. Conversely, when the locking element 14 is in its unlocking position, the locking finger 27 is disengaged from the structured element 12.The frame 8 can then slide freely along the guide rails 9A, 9B, which allows the user to manually adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4.

[0060] The shapes of the locking finger 27 and the reliefs are defined so that the retaining means 4 has no longitudinal play when the locking finger 7 is in the locking position, and so that the rotation of the locking element 14 between its locking position and its unlocking position is easy. In particular, the hollows formed between the adjacent teeth may advantageously have a downwardly tightened shape, so as to ensure the positioning without longitudinal play of the chassis 8 relative to the sliding board when the locking finger 27 is in its locking position. The bottom of each hollow may have a dimension along the longitudinal axis X which is substantially equal to the width of the locking finger 27 along this same axis.The hollows may also have a shape that flares upwards, so as to more easily guide the locking finger 27 towards its locking position and / or so as to facilitate the release of the locking finger from the structured element 12. The cross-section of each hollow may thus have a trapezoidal shape, the large base of which is oriented upwards and the small base of which is oriented downwards.

[0061] Furthermore, the locking element 14 comprises a bearing surface 28 via which the locking element 14 is in contact with the operating element 11. More precisely, the bearing surface 28 is in contact with a lower face 29 of the operating element 11, which is illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The lower face 29 comprises a cam 30. The cam 30 is configured so as to induce a greater or lesser amount of pressure on the bearing surface 28 when the operating element 11 pivots about the first axis Z1. The bearing surface 28 is positioned substantially above the return means 15. Thus, the cam 30 is able to exert pressure against the bearing surface 28. The pressure of the cam 30 against the bearing surface 28 tends to put the return means 15 under tension. The cam 30 thus makes it possible to position the locking element 14 in its unlocked position. In the locking position of the locking element 14, the cam 30 can be moved away from the bearing surface and can exert no pressure on the locking element 14.

[0062] According to the embodiment illustrated, the cam 30 may be in the form of a ramp extending over approximately a quarter of a turn of the operating element 11. A rotation of a quarter of a turn of the operating element is therefore necessary to move the locking element from its locking position to its unlocking position, or vice versa.

[0063] Advantageously, this ramp is framed by two stop means 31A, 31B configured to limit the rotation of the operating element 11 relative to the chassis 8. When the operating element 11 is in a first position, the stop means 31A is in lateral contact with the locking element 14, and the locking element 14 is in the locking position. The bearing surface 28 may then not yet be in contact with the cam 30. When the operating element 11 is in a second position, the second position being pivoted by approximately a quarter turn relative to the first position, the stop means 31B is in lateral contact with the locking element 14, and the locking element is in the unlocking position. The bearing surface 28 may then be in contact with the thickest part of the cam 30.

[0064] The locking finger 27 and the bearing surface 28 of the locking element 14 are arranged on either side of the second axis Y2. The locking element 14 thus behaves like a rocker: when the bearing surface 28 descends following a press of the cam 30, the locking finger 27 rises and disengages from the structured element 12. Conversely, when the bearing surface 28 rises under the action of the return means 15, the locking finger 27 descends and cooperates with the reliefs 13 of the structured element. In particular, the locking finger 27 takes place in a hollow formed between two adjacent teeth of the structured element 12. This makes it possible to obtain a compact adjustment device.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking finger 27 and the bearing surface 28 could be positioned on the same side of the second axis Y2. Thus, the support of the cam on the bearing surface would lead to moving the locking element into its locking position. Conversely, the absence of support from the cam would lead to moving the locking element into its unlocking position under the action of the elastic return means.

[0066] The operating element 11 is therefore a wheel intended to be turned around the first axis ZI by a user in order to adjust the position of the retaining means 4. Advantageously, the operating element 11, and in particular its upper part 1 IB, comprises an external shape which facilitates its handling, including for a user wearing gloves. For this purpose, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the operating element 11 may comprise one or more radial protrusions 32. In addition, the operating element 11 may also comprise a marking, in particular formed by molding, indicating in which direction to turn the operating element 11 to lock or unlock the adjustment device 7. In addition, the chassis advantageously comprises at least one window 33 through which it is possible to observe a marking integral with the sliding board, for example a number, indicating the longitudinal position of the retaining element 4. By observing the marking appearing through the window 33, the user can carry out a precise and reproducible adjustment of the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4.

[0067] To adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4, a user pivots the operating element 11 into its second position, which has the effect of moving the locking element 14 into its unlocked position. He then slides the chassis 8 relative to the sliding board by pushing or pulling on it until the retaining means 4 reaches the desired longitudinal position. Thus, the user can freely move the retaining means 4 by a single notching step or by several notching steps, towards the front or rear of the sliding board. Then, the user pivots the operating element 11 again into its first position, which has the effect of moving the locking element into its locked position. In the event that the locking finger 27 is not perfectly positioned between two adjacent reliefs 13, the user can make a slight manual adjustment.When the locking finger 27 is correctly positioned, the user may feel a slight jolt due to the pivoting of the locking element 14 under the effect of the return means 15. This adjustment operation can advantageously be carried out while the user's shoe is engaged with the retaining means 4. Prior removal of the shoe is therefore not necessary.

[0068] Different variants of the first embodiment will now be described. The main focus will be on describing the differences with respect to the first embodiment without repeating the common characteristics. To simplify the reading of the description and the figures, the same reference signs will be used to designate identical objects or elements.

[0069] According to a first variant embodiment of the fixing device, illustrated in particular in FIGS. 7 to 12, the operating element 11 is replaced by an operating element 34. In particular, the lower part 11A of the operating element 11 is replaced by a different lower part 34A. The lower face of the lower part 34A comprises not a single cam but a plurality of cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F capable of bearing against the bearing surface 28 of the locking element 14. The cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F are distributed over the circular periphery of the lower face. The lower face thus has a corrugated annular portion, that is to say a portion comprising an alternation of hollows and bumps. The locking element 14 is thus in its unlocked position when its bearing surface 28 bears against a cam among the plurality of cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F. The locking element 14 is in its locked position when the bearing surface 28 bears against the operating element in a hollow, between two adjacent cams. The locking position of the locking element 14 is also a stable position since it corresponds to a lower tension of the return means 15. The operating element 34 has no stop means and can be freely pivoted around the first axis Zl, which allows greater freedom of use.The operating element 34 can be pivoted into as many stable positions as it comprises cams. According to the embodiment presented, the operating element 34 comprises six cams. However, this number can be freely chosen.

[0070] Advantageously, the binding device comprises a mechanical transmission means 37 between the operating element 34 and a support 38 secured to the sliding board 2. The transmission means 37 is configured so that a rotation of the operating element 34 in a first direction of rotation causes the movement of the retaining means in a first direction, and so that a rotation of the operating element 34 in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, causes the movement of the retaining means in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0071] This variant embodiment is therefore advantageous because the operating element not only allows the locking element to be moved into the unlocked position but also allows the retaining means 4 to be moved. To adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4, it is sufficient to turn the operating element 34 around the first axis ZL. It is therefore not necessary to manually push or pull on the chassis.

[0072] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 7], the transmission means 37 comprises a cable 39. The cable 39 is intended to be at least partially wound around the operating element 34 when the operating element pivots around the first axis ZL. More precisely, the cable 39 comprises a first strand 39A directly connecting the operating element 34 to the support 38, and a second strand 39B connecting the operating element 34 to the support 38 via a pulley. Said pulley is positioned on the opposite side of the operating means 34 relative to the support 38. In other words, the support 38 is located between the operating means 34 and the pulley. The pulley is not shown, but is intended to be placed in a housing 46 of the chassis 40, visible in [Fig. 9].

[0073] The pulley may be, for example, a wheel mounted free to rotate about an axis parallel to the Z axis. Alternatively, the pulley could be a simple guide means allowing the second strand 9B to make a half-turn. The pulley could be, for example, a U-shaped groove, possibly coated with a material which limits the friction of the second strand 9B against the walls of this groove. In all cases, the pulley is integral with the frame 40. In the event that the pulley is a wheel mounted free to rotate about an axis parallel to the Z axis, the axis of rotation of this pulley may be fixed to the frame 40.

[0074] The strands 39A and 39B are wound around the operating element 34 so that: - the rotation of the operating element 34 in a first direction of rotation causes the first strand 39A to be lengthened and the second strand 39B to be shortened, and - the rotation of the operating element 34 in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation causes the first strand 39A to be shortened and the second strand 39B to be lengthened.

[0075] Consequently, the rotation of the operating element 34 in the first direction of rotation causes the operating element 34 to move closer to the support 38. The operating element 34 being connected to the retaining means 4 via the frame 40, the winding of the cable 39 thus causes a movement of the retaining means 4 in the direction of the support 38. Conversely, the rotation of the operating element 34 in the second direction of rotation causes, by pulley effect, the moving away of the operating element 34 from the support 38, and therefore the moving away of the retaining means 4 from the support 38. The use of a transmission means therefore advantageously makes it possible to obtain a longitudinal movement of the retaining means in the forward direction or in the rearward direction.

[0076] According to the embodiment presented, the support 38 is positioned at the rear of the operating element 34. The rotation of the operating element 34 in the first direction of rotation therefore causes the retaining means 4 to move backwards, and the rotation of the operating element 34 in the second direction of rotation causes the retaining means 4 to move forwards. Alternatively, the support 38 could also be positioned at the front of the operating element 34, so as to reverse this kinematics.

[0077] Advantageously, the operating element 34 comprises a groove 41 inside which the cable 39 can be wound. This groove 41 has a circular shape and is arranged in the lower part 34A of the operating element 34. Thus, a volume is provided to accommodate the wound cable. The cable does not come into conflict with the chassis 40 and is not likely to become twisted.

[0078] Advantageously, the diameter of the groove 41 is determined so that the rotation of the operating element 34 between two consecutive stable positions causes the longitudinal displacement of the chassis 40 by a distance equal to the distance separating two consecutive reliefs 13 of the structured element 12. This distance can be of the order of one millimeter or a few millimeters to allow millimetric adjustment of the position of the retaining means. Thus the locking finger 27 can automatically resume its position between two adjacent reliefs following the rotation of the operating element between two stable positions.

[0079] Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, since the operating element 34 comprises six cams 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F, the 360° rotation of the operating element 34 allows the longitudinal displacement of the retaining means over a distance equal to the distance separating six consecutive reliefs of the structured element 12. In general, the longitudinal displacement of the retaining means is proportional to the angle of rotation of the operating element.

[0080] According to the embodiment presented, the cable 39 forms a closed loop, that is to say that the two strands 39A and 39B constitute two portions of the same cable 39. These two portions are connected to each other at their end. As a variant, the fixing device could comprise two strands 39A, 39B independent of each other. Each strand would be connected to the operating element 34 and to the support 38 by its two ends. According to another variant, the fixing device could comprise two independent supports, each strand cooperating with a support. A first support could be arranged at the front of the operating device and a second support could be arranged at the rear of the operating device. Such an assembly would make it possible to dispense with the use of a pulley.In another variation the transmission means 37 could be a belt instead of a cable, or any type of link sufficiently flexible to be able to be wound around the operating element.

[0081] The support 38 may be secured to the structured element 12 or directly to the sliding board, in particular by means of a fixing screw (not shown). Other means of securing the support 38 to the structured element 12 or directly to the sliding board may be envisaged, such as for example a clip or an insert that can be fitted into the structured element 12. Advantageously, the position and / or orientation of the support 38 relative to the structured element 12 or to the sliding board may be adjustable so as to adjust the length or tension of the strands 39A, 39B of the cable 39 extending between the support 38 and the operating element 34.

[0082] Advantageously, the chassis 40 comprises a channel 42 inside which the cable 39 is guided and protected. The channel 42 is formed on a lower face of the chassis 40 between the two guide grooves 10A, 10B. Advantageously, the channel 42 is closed by a plate 47 secured to the chassis 40. The plate 47 thus makes it possible to hold the cable 39 securely in place in the channel 42. The plate 47 can in particular be screwed to the chassis 40 by means of fixing screws passing through holes provided in the plate 47 for this purpose.

[0083] The plate 47 further comprises a longitudinal slot 48 through which extends an axis for fixing the support 38. The plate 47, which is integral with the frame 40, can thus slide freely along the longitudinal axis X relative to the sliding board, without striking the support 38. The plate also comprises an opening 49 of circular shape and substantially complementary to the shape of the support 38. The opening 49 is positioned substantially in the middle of the longitudinal slot 48. The opening 49 is positioned opposite an opening 50 provided on the frame 50. The openings 49 and 50 allow access to the support 38 when the frame is in an intermediate position (position shown in [Fig. 11]) between its most forward position (position shown in [Fig. 12]) and its most rearward position (position shown in [Fig. 10]).The openings 49 and 50 facilitate the mounting of the fixing device and make it easier to adjust the orientation of the support 30 relative to the sliding board. As can be seen in Figures 10 to 12, the support 38 advantageously comprises radial grooves 51 on its lower face. These grooves 51 cooperate with a complementary shape arranged on the structured element 12 or on the sliding board so as to lock the support 38 in position. The grooves 51 make it possible to orient the support 38 in a multitude of orientations and to fix it firmly to the sliding board or to the structured element.

[0084] Furthermore, the chassis 40 may have other adaptations compared to the chassis 8 previously described. In particular, the height of the cylindrical portion 23 may be increased so as to house the lower part 34A, the dimension of which along the vertical axis Z is slightly greater than the dimension of the lower part 11A along this same axis.

[0085] As a remark, this first embodiment variant integrates several specific features compared to the first embodiment described, including the integration of a plurality of cams instead of a single cam and the integration of a transmission means between the operating element and a support. According to other embodiment variants, the first embodiment could be adapted to integrate only part of these specific features.

[0086] According to a second variant embodiment of the fixing device, illustrated in particular in figures 13, 14 and 15, the operating element 11 is replaced by an operating element 43. In addition to being movable in rotation around the first axis Zl, the operating element 43 is also movable in translation parallel to this axis Zl, that is to say upwards and downwards, along the axis ZL

[0087] The collar 25 of the chassis 8 is held in a housing 44 formed between a lower part 43A and an upper part 43B of the operating element 43. The housing 44 is sized so as to allow the vertical movement of the operating element relative to the chassis 8.

[0088] The lower part 43A of the operating element 43 may comprise a flat lower surface, without a cam. The support on the support surface 28 of the locking element 14 is then obtained by pressing on the operating element 43 along the vertical axis Z. The upper part 43B of the operating element 43 translates vertically until the housing 44 is closed, and drives the lower part of the operating element 43 vertically downwards which, by pressing on the locking element 14 and in particular on its support surface 28, tilts the locking element 14 into the unlocking position. Thus, according to this variant embodiment, the operating element 43 is movable in translation parallel to the first axis ZI between a first position and a second position. The first position of the operating element 43 is a raised position and corresponds to the locking position of the locking element 14.The second position of the operating element 43 is a lowered position and corresponds to the unlocking position of the locking element 14. The operating element 43 naturally rises towards its first position under the action of the return means 15. In this variant, the lowered position of the operating element 43 makes it possible to move the retaining element 4 longitudinally relative to the structured element 12 as long as this lowered position is maintained by the user. A user can press on the operating element directly with the hand or for example by means of a stick.

[0089] In addition, this second embodiment variant can also be equipped with a transmission means such as the transmission means 37 described previously. Thus, to move the locking element 14 into its unlocked position, a user presses vertically on the operating element. Then, to adjust the longitudinal position of the retaining means, he pivots the operating element 43 by rotating this element around the first axis ZI so as to wind a cable. When the retaining means 4 has reached the desired position, the user only has to release the operating element 43 which rises naturally under the action of the return means 15, the locking element 14 then tilting into the locked position.

[0090] [Fig. 16] illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the fastening device with the locking element in the locking position. According to this alternative embodiment, the return means 45 is in the form of an elastic blade, and not in the form of a helical spring. The elastic blade may for example be a metal blade. Advantageously, the elastic blade is also a component of the retaining means 4. In this case, the elastic blade is also useful for holding the connecting pin integrated into the sole of the shoe in the notches 5A and 5B. The blade then comprises a first end cooperating with the connecting axis and a second end cooperating with the locking element 14. This saves a component for the manufacture of the fixing device.

[0091] Finally, thanks to the invention, a fixing device is provided for adjusting the longitudinal position of the retaining means 4. The fixing device comprises a maneuvering element movable in rotation and possibly in translation between at least a first position and a second position. The adjustment of the longitudinal position of the retaining means can be obtained by manually moving a frame supporting the retaining means, or by pivoting a maneuvering element linked to the retaining means by a transmission means. The fixing device is robust, simple to manufacture, and simple to use.

Claims

Claims

1. Front fastening device (3) for holding a shoe to a sliding board (2), characterized in that it comprises: - a retaining means (4) capable of cooperating with a front part of a shoe, and - an adjustment device (7) for adjusting a position of the retaining means relative to a sliding board, the adjustment device comprising: - a structured element (12) comprising a series of reliefs (13), the structured element being intended to be mounted integral with the sliding board, - a locking element (14) movable between a locking position in which it is engaged with the structured element to block the position of the retaining means, and an unlocking position in which it is disengaged from the structured element to adjust the position of the retaining means, and - an operating element (11, 34, 43) supported by the retaining means and intended to be actuated by a user,the operating element being movable in rotation about a first axis (Zl) parallel to a vertical axis, the operating element being movable between at least a first position and a second position, the operating element bearing against a bearing surface (28) of the locking element so that the locking element passes from its locking position to its unlocking position when the operating element is actuated from its first position to its second position.,

2. Fixing device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a frame (8, 40) movable in translation relative to the structured element (12), the retaining means (4) and the operating element (11, 34, 43) being supported by the frame.

3. Fixing device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking element (14) is movable in rotation around a second axis (Y2) parallel to a transverse axis, the second axis being integral with said frame (8, 40).

4. Fastening device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking element (14) comprises a locking finger (27) capable of cooperating with the structured element, the locking finger- rusting and the bearing surface (28) of the locking element being arranged on either side of the second axis (Y2).

5. Fixing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a return means (15, 45) tending to move the locking element (14) towards its locking position.

6. Fixing device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retaining means (4) comprises an elastic blade, said return means (45) being formed by a part of the elastic blade.

7. Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (11, 34) comprises at least one cam (30, 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F), a rotation of the operating element around the first axis (Zl) causing the cam to press against the bearing surface (28) of the locking element (14) tending to move the locking element towards its unlocking position.

8. Fastening device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (34) comprises a plurality of cams (36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E, 36F) intended to bear against the bearing surface (28) of the locking element (14), the locking element being in its unlocked position when the bearing surface bears against a cam among the plurality of cams, the locking element being in its locked position when the bearing surface bears against the operating element between two adjacent cams.

9. Binding device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical transmission means (37) between the operating element (34) and a support (38) intended to be mounted integral with the sliding board, the transmission means being configured so that: - a rotation of the operating element in a first direction of rotation causes the movement of the retaining means (4) in a first direction, and / or - a rotation of the operating element in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, causes the movement of the retaining means (4) in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

10. Fixing device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission means (37) comprises a cable (39), the cable being intended to be at least partially wound around the operating element (34) when the operating element pivots around the first axis (Zl).

11. Fixing device (3) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a pulley, the support (38) being positioned between the operating element (34) and the pulley, the transmission means (37) comprising a first strand (39A) and a second strand (39B), the first strand (39A) directly connecting the support to the operating element, the second strand (39B) connecting the support to the operating element via the pulley.

12. Fixing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating element (43) is furthermore movable in translation parallel to the first axis (Zl) between its first position and its second position.

13. Sliding equipment (1), characterized in that it comprises a sliding board (2), in particular a cross-country ski, and a fixing device (3) according to one of the preceding claims.

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