Front attachment for winter sports equipment

Abstract

Front binding (1) for a winter sports boot, comprising a first tightening lever (2a) pivotally mounted about a longitudinal axis (X1), said first tightening lever (2a) being movable by rotation about its axis (X1) between an open position and a tightening position, the front binding (1) comprising a locking cam (40) having a first gripping end (40a) and a second operating end (40b), said locking cam (40) being movable by rotation between: - a closed position in which the second end (40b) of the locking cam (40) brings and holds the first tightening lever (2a) in its tightening position, and - an open position in which the second end (40b) of the cam releases the second end (40b) of the locking cam (40) so that the latter can move to its open position. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Front binding for winter sports equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bindings for winter sports equipment boots, and more particularly to a front binding for hiking. Winter sports equipment may include skis, snowshoes, or any type of equipment requiring a front part of a boot to be attached and able to pivot around said binding.

[0002] Nowadays, winter sports such as ski touring are increasingly popular among sports enthusiasts and the number of participants continues to grow.

[0003] Ski touring is generally divided into two distinct phases: an uphill phase and a downhill phase. During the uphill phase, the skis are equipped with a synthetic "skin" that prevents the ski from sliding backward. Touring skis have a special binding system that, during the uphill phase, secures the front of the boot and allows it to pivot around a transverse axis. During the uphill phase, the heel of the boot is thus generally left free to exert optimal propulsion during the ascent.

[0004] Front bindings for touring skis generally comprise two tightening levers articulated around a longitudinal axis. These levers include lugs designed to engage with the front part of a touring ski boot. The two tightening levers are articulated by a mechanism incorporating an elastic return device to occupy two stable positions. A first position, called the tightening position, corresponds to a configuration in which the lugs are tilted inwards and engage with recesses on the sides of the toe of the touring ski boot. This engagement allows the boot to be fixed while permitting only rotational movement around an axis transverse to the touring ski and passing through the lugs.A second position, called open, corresponds to a configuration in which the tightening levers are spread apart so that the lugs release the boot, which can then be separated from the touring ski.

[0005] To attach the touring boot to a touring ski equipped with such a front binding, the user must perform several steps. First, the user positions the front of the boot between the levers while they are spread apart, in the open position. Next, the user presses firmly with the front of the boot sole on the elastic return mechanism so that the levers pivot into their tightening position. The boot is then attached to the front binding by the lugs that are housed in corresponding slots on the sides of the boot's toe.

[0006] However, the weight of such bindings is an important factor, especially during the ascent. The lighter the binding, the less effort is required during the climb. This is particularly crucial for competitive skiing. It is important to have the lightest binding possible.

[0007] One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to remedy at least partially the disadvantages of the prior art and to propose the lightest possible front fixing.

[0008] The present invention therefore relates to a front binding for a winter sports boot, said front binding comprising a base for attaching said winter sports boot and a first and a second tightening lever arranged opposite each other and each comprising, at an upper end, a lug intended to cooperate with a corresponding orifice arranged laterally on either side of the front end of a boot, a first tightening lever being mounted to pivot about a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being arranged parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the front binding, said first tightening lever being movable by rotation about its axis between: - an open position in which its upper end is tilted outwards, and - a tightening position in which its upper end is straightened so as to allow its lug to cooperate with the corresponding opening at the front end of a shoe, the front fixing comprising a locking cam including a first gripping end and a second operating end, opposite the first end, said locking cam being movable between: - a closed position in which the second end of the locking cam brings and holds the first clamping lever in its clamping position, and - an open position in which the second end of the cam releases the second end of the locking cam so that the latter can move into its open position.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the locking cam is in direct contact with the first clamping lever in its clamping position.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the base comprises a transverse sliding rail, the front fixing comprising a slider configured to cooperate with the transverse rail so as to be movable in translation along said transverse rail between a first position and a second position, the second end of the locking cam being configured to drive the slide between its first and second positions, the first pivoting clamping lever having a lower end, opposite its upper end with respect to its longitudinal pivot axis, the slide having a stop, In the first position of the slide, the stop comes into contact with and pushes back the lower end of the first clamping lever, thus pivoting the first clamping lever into the clamping position. in the second position of the slide, said stop releasing the lower end of the first pivoting clamping lever so as to allow said first clamping lever to tilt into the open position.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the base comprises at least one pair of vertically projecting studs aligned along the longitudinal pivot axis of the first clamping lever, the first clamping lever and its longitudinal pivot axis being disposed between said studs, the slide being disposed between said studs so that the spacing between the studs forms the transverse rail.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the front fixing includes an elastic return means configured to return the first clamping lever from its open position to its clamping position.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the elastic return means is a torsionally elastic means disposed around the longitudinal pivot axis of the first clamping lever and configured to passively return said first clamping lever to its clamping position.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the elastic return means is a compressive elastic means disposed between the slide and the base and configured to passively return the slide from its second to its first position.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the elastic return means is an elastic means directly actuating the locking cam and configured to passively return the locking cam from its open position to its closed position.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the second clamping lever is mounted to pivot about a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being arranged parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the front fixing, said second clamping lever being movable by rotation about its longitudinal axis between: - a folded position in which its upper end is tilted towards the inside of the base, and - a tightening position in which its upper end is straightened so as to allow its lug to cooperate with the corresponding opening of the front end of a shoe.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the second pivoting clamping lever has a lower end, opposite to its upper end with respect to its longitudinal pivoting axis and in that the base has a stop, in the clamping position, the lower end of the second clamping lever comes into contact with the stop, blocking the rotation of the upper end outwards.

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] shows a schematic perspective representation of a front fixing according to a first embodiment in the clamping position,

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a schematic rear view representation of a front fixing according to a first embodiment in the clamping position,

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a schematic perspective representation of a front fixing according to a first embodiment in the open position,

[0021] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a schematic rear view representation of a front fixing according to a first embodiment in the open position,

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a schematic representation from below of a front fixing according to a second embodiment,

[0023] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a front fixing according to a second embodiment,

[0024] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows a schematic representation in view from below of a front fixing according to a third embodiment.

[0025] In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0026] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0027] In this description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as first element or second element, first parameter and second parameter, first criterion and second criterion, etc. In this case, it is simply a matter of indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. Nor does this indexing imply any order in time, for example, for evaluating one criterion or another.

[0028] In this description, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" are used. These terms should be interpreted relatively in relation to the normal position of the front binding on winter sports equipment such as a ski, and the normal direction of travel of the ski. The term "longitudinal" is thus understood in relation to the longitudinal axis of the ski, and the term "front" corresponds to an orientation towards the tip of the ski.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a front binding 1, particularly for ski touring (not shown). The front binding 1 has a base 10, here in the form of a plate, which is intended to be fixed to the top of the ski, for example, by means of screws. The base 10 may have mounting holes 11 configured to cooperate with mounting screws on sports equipment such as skis. The front binding 1 also has two clamping pieces 2a and 2b, hereinafter referred to as clamping levers.

[0030] The first 2a and second 2b tightening levers are arranged opposite each other on either side of a longitudinal axis X of the front fastener 1. Each tightening lever 2a, 2b has a lug 23 located at its upper end 21a, 21b. This lug 23 is oriented towards the central longitudinal axis X and is designed to cooperate with a corresponding opening located laterally on either side of the front end of a shoe. The lugs 23 of the first 2a and second 2b tightening levers are therefore positioned opposite each other.

[0031] The first clamping lever 2a is mounted pivoting around a longitudinal axis XL. This longitudinal axis XI is arranged parallel to the central longitudinal axis X of the front fixing 1.

[0032] The first clamping lever 2a is thus movable by rotation around its axis XI between: - an open position, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in which its upper end 21a is tilted outwards, and - a tightening position, illustrated in figures 1 and 2, in which the upper end 21a of the first tightening lever 2a is straightened so as to allow its lug 23 to cooperate with the corresponding opening of the front end of a shoe C.

[0033] The front fixing 1 also includes a locking cam 40 comprising a first gripping end 40a and a second operating end 40b, opposite to the first end 40a.

[0034] This locking cam 40 is notably movable between: - a closed position in which the second end 40b of the locking cam 40 brings and holds the first clamping lever 2a in its clamping position, and - an open position in which the second end 40b of the cam releases the second end 40b of the locking cam 40 so that the latter can move into its open position.

[0035] The locking cam 40 can in particular be mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation ZI between its closed position and its open position.

[0036] This axis of rotation ZI can in particular be a vertical axis ZI as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The vertical axis ZI of the cam 40 can in particular be formed by a mounting hole 11 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, this mounting hole 11 is an hole located at the front of the base 10 and transversely at its center.

[0037] The first end 40a of the cam can, in particular, be an elongated portion configured to be manipulated by the user. As seen in [Fig. 1], in the closed position of the cam 40, the first end 40a can be arranged transversely along the base 10. As seen in [Fig. 3], in the open position of the cam 40, the first end 40a can be straightened so as to be in a relatively longitudinal position.

[0038] According to a first embodiment not shown, the locking cam 40, and more particularly its second end 40b, can be in direct contact with the first clamping lever 2a in its clamping position.

[0039] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the locking cam 40, and more particularly its second end 40b, can be in indirect contact with the first clamping lever 2a in its clamping position. For this purpose, an intermediate part connects the cam 40 to the first clamping lever 2a.

[0040] The base 10 can thus include a sliding transverse rail 30. The front fixing 1 includes a slide 31 configured to cooperate with the transverse rail 30 so as to be movable in translation along said transverse rail 30 between a first position and a second position. The second end 40b of the locking cam 40 is then configured to drive the slide 31 between its first and second positions.

[0041] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, when the cam 40 is in its closed position, the slide 31 is driven and held in its first position.

[0042] As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, when the cam 40 is in its open position, the slide 31 is driven and held in its second position.

[0043] The first pivoting clamping lever 2a may have a lower end 22a, opposite its upper end 21a with respect to its longitudinal pivot axis XI. The slide 31 has a stop 32 cooperating with the lower end 22a of the first clamping lever 2a. The stop 32 of the slide 31 is arranged in particular so as to restrict the inward pivoting of the lower end 22a of the first clamping lever 2a, that is, in the direction of the central longitudinal axis X. The position of the slide 31 and its stop 32 along the transverse rail 30 thus defines the angular position of the clamping lever 2a.

[0044] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, in the first position of the slide 31, the stop 32 comes into contact with and pushes back the lower end 22a of the first clamping lever 2a so as to pivot the first clamping lever 2a into the clamping position.

[0045] As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, in the second position of the slide 31, the stop 32 releases the lower end 22a of the first clamping lever 2a pivoting so as to allow said first clamping lever 2a to tilt into the open position.

[0046] The base 10 may in particular include at least one pair of vertically projecting studs 14 aligned along the longitudinal pivot axis XI of the first clamping lever 2a. The first clamping lever 2a and its longitudinal pivot axis XI may be arranged between said studs 14. The slide 31 may, in turn, be arranged between said studs 14 such that the spacing between the studs 14 forms the transverse rail 30.

[0047] The second clamping lever 2b can also be mounted to pivot about a longitudinal axis X2. This longitudinal axis X2 is also arranged parallel to a central longitudinal axis X of the front fixing 1. More particularly, the longitudinal axis X2 of pivot of the second clamping lever 2a and the longitudinal axis XI of pivot of the first clamping lever 2a are arranged on either side of the central longitudinal axis X.

[0048] The second clamping lever 2b can thus be movable by rotation around its longitudinal axis X2 between: - a folded position (not shown) in which its upper end 22a is tilted inwards towards the base 10, and - a tightening position, illustrated in [Fig.1] to 4 in which its upper end 22a is straightened so as to allow its lug 23 to cooperate with the corresponding opening of the front end of a shoe C.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the second pivoting clamping lever 2b may have a lower end 22b, opposite its upper end 21b with respect to its longitudinal pivot axis X2. The base 10 may, in turn, have a stop 12. In the clamping position, the lower end 22b of the second lever 2b comes into contact with the stop 12, blocking the rotation of the upper end 21b outwards.

[0050] According to an alternative, the second clamping lever 2b can be fixed.

[0051] The base 10 may also include at least one pair of protruding studs 15 vertically and aligned along the longitudinal pivot axis X2 of the second clamping lever 2b. The second clamping lever 2b, its longitudinal pivot axis X2, and the stop 32 can be arranged between said lugs 15. The slide 31 can also be extended and arranged between said lugs 15 so that the spacing between the lugs 15 forms an extension of the transverse rail 30.

[0052] The slide 31 may in particular include a thinned portion 33 so as to be able to pass between the stop 12 of the base 10 and said base 10 as well as between the second clamping lever 2b, more particularly its lower end 22b, and the base 10. This thinned portion 33 has a defined thickness so as not to interfere with the lower end 22b of the second clamping lever 2b whatever its position.

[0053] The front fastener 1 may also include an elastic return means 51, 52, 53 configured to return the first clamping lever 2a from its open position to its clamping position when the locking cam 40 is in its open position. The elastic return means 51, 52, 53 may, for example, be a metal spring.

[0054] According to a first embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1] to 4, the elastic return means 51 can be a torsionally elastic means arranged around the longitudinal axis XI of pivot of the first clamping lever 2a. The torsionally elastic means 51 is then configured to passively return said first clamping lever 2a to its clamping position.

[0055] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the elastic return means 52 can be a compressive elastic means disposed between the slide 31 and the base 10. The compressive elastic means 52 is then configured to passively return the slide 31 from its second to its first position. The movement of the slide 31 to its first position causes the first lever 2a to pivot into its clamping position.

[0056] According to a third embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 7], the elastic return means 53 may be an elastic means directly actuating the locking cam 40. The elastic means 53 is then configured to passively return the locking cam 40 from its open position to its closed position. The movement of the cam 40 to its closed position causes the slide 31 to translate from its second position to its first position. The movement of the slide 31 to its first position causes the first lever 2a to pivot into its clamping position.

[0057] This elastic means 53 can for example be a torsionally elastic means disposed at the axis of rotation ZI of the locking cam 40.

[0058] Thus, it is clear that, due to its simple structure, the front fixing 1 remains as light as possible.

Claims

Demands

1. Front binding (1) for a winter sports equipment boot, said front binding (1) comprising a base (10) for attaching said winter sports equipment and a first (2a) and a second (2b) tightening lever arranged opposite each other and each comprising, at an upper end (21a, 21b), a lug (23) intended to cooperate with a corresponding orifice arranged laterally on either side of the front end of a boot, a first tightening lever (2a) being mounted pivotally about a longitudinal axis (XI), said longitudinal axis (XI) being arranged parallel to a central longitudinal axis (X) of the front binding (1), said first tightening lever (2a) being movable by rotation about its axis (XI) between: - an open position in which its upper end (21a) is tilted outwards,and - a tightening position in which its upper end (21a) is straightened so as to allow its lug (23) to cooperate with the corresponding opening of the front end of a shoe, characterized in that the front fastening (1) comprises a locking cam (40) including a first gripping end (40a) and a second operating end (40b), opposite the first end (40a), said locking cam (40) being movable between: - a closed position in which the second end (40b) of the locking cam (40) brings and holds the first tightening lever (2a) in its tightening position, and - an open position in which the second end (40b) of the cam releases the second end (40b) of the locking cam (40) so that the latter can move into its open position.

2. Front fixing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking cam (40) is in direct contact with the first clamping lever (2a) in its clamping position.

3. Front fixing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (10) comprises a transverse sliding rail (30), the front fixing (1) comprising a slide (31) configured to cooperate with the transverse rail (30) so as to be movable in translation along said transverse rail (30) between a first position and a second position, the second end (40b) of the locking cam (40) being configured to drive the slide (31) between its first and second position, the first pivoting clamping lever (2a) comprising a lower end (22a), opposite to its upper end (21a) with respect to its longitudinal pivot axis (XI), the slide (31) comprising a stop (32), in the first position of the slide (31), the stop (32) coming into contact with and pushing back the lower end (22a) of the first clamping lever (2a) so as to pivot the first clamping lever (2a) into the clamping position, in the second position of the slide (31),said stop (32) releasing the lower end (22a) of the first clamping lever (2a) pivoting so as to allow said first clamping lever (2a) to tilt into the open position.

4. Front fixing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (10) comprises at least one pair of lugs (14) projecting vertically and aligned along the longitudinal axis (XI) of pivot of the first clamping lever (2a), the first clamping lever (2a) and its longitudinal axis (XI) of pivot being disposed between said lugs (14), the slide (31) being disposed between said lugs (14) so ​​that the spacing between the lugs (14) forms the transverse rail (30).

5. Front fixing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an elastic return means (51, 52, 53) configured to return the first clamping lever (2a) from its open position to its clamping position.

6. Front fixing (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the elastic return means (51) is a torsionally elastic means disposed around the longitudinal pivot axis (XI) of the first clamping lever (2a) and configured to passively return said first clamping lever (2a) to its clamping position.

7. Front fastening (1) according to claim 5 in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the elastic means of reminder (52) is an elastic compression means disposed between the slide (31) and the base (10) and configured to passively return the slide (31) from its second to its first position.

8. Front fixing (1) according to claim 5 in combination with any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (53) is an elastic means directly actuating the locking cam (40) and configured to passively return the locking cam (40) from its open position to its closed position.

9. Front fastening (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second tightening lever (2b) is mounted pivotally about a longitudinal axis (X2), said longitudinal axis (X2) being arranged parallel to a central longitudinal axis (X) of the front fastening (1), said second tightening lever (2b) being movable by rotation about its longitudinal axis (X2) between: - a folded position in which its upper end (22a) is tilted towards the inside of the base (10), and - a tightening position in which its upper end (22a) is straightened so as to allow its lug (23) to cooperate with the corresponding opening of the front end of a shoe (C).

10. Front fixing (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second pivoting clamping lever (2b) has a lower end (22b), opposite its upper end (21b) with respect to its longitudinal pivot axis (X2) and in that the base (10) has a stop (12), in the clamping position, the lower end (22b) of the second clamping lever (2b) coming into contact with the stop (12), blocking the rotation of the upper end (21b) outwards.

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