DEVICE FOR THE POSITION ADJUSTMENT OF A CONNECTION ON A SLIDING BOARD

Device for adjusting the position of a binding on a snowboard, particularly snowboard and skateboard such a device.

The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the position of a binding on a snowboard. It relates more particularly to a device adapted to type 'snow'.

The invention also relates to a snowboard equipped according to the device.

Snowboarding is accomplished through the use of an elongated board, whose front end, at least, is raised to form the spatula. The two shoes of the user are immobilized on the board by retaining members adapted. The positions adopted for the practice of this sport are very variable depending on the disciplines formed, the level or the user's habits, and also in response to the morphology of the material for example, for the practice of certain discipline oriented towards the search for performing tricks, such as "stylesheet dutyfree" or training "over-limit" as the "Swell wrinkle", the feet are very spaced apart from one another and are highly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard in a substantially transverse position, generally non-parallel to each other. On some boards completely symmetrical with respect to the median transverse axis, surfers assume a position called "duck" feet to enable convenient indifferently in one direction or another.

On the contrary, for the practice of disciplines slalom or speed, the feet with a smaller distance from each other and towards each other, in inclination, the central longitudinal axis.

To answer this diversity setting, current systems do not provide a completely satisfactory. One of the most prevalent consists in providing, on crawling the several rows of threaded holes for receiving screws for securing a generally circular plate; the plate maintaining itself a fixing base in a determined angular position. The AT 1387/92 discloses a system of this type for supporting a snowboard binding. In this device, the choice positions remains limited, especially in the longitudinal direction of the board. Similarly, the adjustment requires the aid of a tool such as a screwdriver makes the handling time-consuming, and therefore generally not possible in the field. These devices are also not suitable for the rental where the ease and rapidity of the adjustment are prevailing.

The document ID-U-295 01,515 describes a system for adjusting the position of a device for retaining a boot on a board. The control system cooperating contact surfaces having recesses and projections which interlock into each other to oppose reciprocal rotating movements. The system according to this document allows incremental adjustment of the position, thus reducing the choice of setting possibilities.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for adjusting the position of a binding which actually fed a wide choice of adjustment option particularly in angular orientation and in longitudinal position while remaining easily and quickly operable without special tools.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which fits, in particular snowboard, to most current systems fixing base that uses the standard standard 4x4 thereby serving as a control interface between the board and the base.

The present invention also provides a snowboard particularly adapted to receive the position adjusting device according to the invention.

One of the objectives is therefore also to provide a snowboard with integrated control device which fits to most current systems fixing base used. In addition, the board provides a range of continuous adjustment in longitudinal position for obtaining an adaptation to different disciplines formed in snowboarding.

Another object of the invention is also to provide a snowboard binding which has a high resistance to pulling apart fasteners in use conditions harder.

To meet these and other objects, the present invention is a device for adjusting the position of a binding on a snowboard intended to engage into a rail portion provided in the board, characterized in that it comprises:

• a central plate resting on the board for receiving directly, or indirectly by means of a base, a device for retaining a boot;
• a sliding member housed within the rail portion and a center rod which connects the slider member to the plate;
• a friction means disposed between the central plate and the surface of the board;
• an actuating means which controls the central rod in translation to modify the relative vertical position of the slide member within the rail portion; between a released position of the stage in rotation and in translation along the rail portion and a clamping position in which the lower surface of the plate compresses the friction means against the upper face of the board.

Various embodiments which illustrate the invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, and the drawings can be avoided which:

• figure 1 is a general view in elevation of a snowboard with integrated control device according to the invention;
• figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view according to a-of the device of Figure 1 according to a first embodiment;
• figure 3 is a detailed elevation view of the device of Figure 2;
• figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the device of Figures 2 and 3;
• figure 5 is a schematic view of the operation principle of the device of Figures 2 to 4 before tightening;
• figure 6 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 5 after tightening;
• figure 7 is a sectional view-a in one embodiment of the invention;
• figure 8 is a detailed elevation view of the embodiment of Figure 7;
• figure 9 is a sectional view of-a second variant of the invention;
• figure 10 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 9;
• figure 11 is a schematic view of the operation principle of the variant of Figures 9 and 10 before tightening;
• figure 12 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 11 after tightening;
• figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the board of Figure 1 according to the line B-B.

Figure 1 shows a snowboard 1 equipped with two position adjusting devices 2 according to the invention. Each device is for receiving a fastener for the immobilization of a shoe (not shown). Different types of fasteners can be provided to accommodate such a device for retaining shoes or boots to rigid shell of the flexible type. It is therefore not in the spirit of the invention being limited to the use of a particular type of attachment.

In the represented, each device includes a central plate 3 connected to the board by a particular mechanism which will be described below. A base 4 whose primary function is to support the retaining means of the shoe is shown in broken line as an example. The base is connected to the platen and orients itself as a main axis O forming an angle of inclination α&; with respect to the longitudinal axis (i '). One object of the invention is to vary the angle of inclination α&;, as desired, by releasing the central plate 3 in rotation and by providing a mechanism for quick lock in the desired angular position.

The snowboard also includes two rail portions 5 arranged along the longitudinal axis (i ') and spaced from one another. The length of each rail portion and the spacing therebetween are parameters easily determinable by the ordinarily skilled artisan to cover all, or at least most, of the conventional adjustments used and sought by users. Another object of the invention is thus also being able to vary the longitudinal position of the central plate 3 relative to the board along the length of rail portion provided, at the same time that the angular adjustment is obtained and without further manipulation.

It is preferable to provide for each device, a distinct and separate from the rail portion so as to affect the least possible the free flexion of the board. However, it is contemplated that each portion is not oriented strictly according to the axis (i ') but instead is slightly offset and parallel, or inclined relative thereto.

According to the first mode of Figures 2 to 4, the adjusting device 2 comprises a central plate 3 disk-shaped, with a bottom surface 30 in contact with a friction means 22; itself in contact with the upper surface of the board 10. A sliding member 20 is housed within the rail portion 5 and is connected to the central plate by a central shaft 21 fixed integrally to the slider member 20. The central plate 3 is provided with an upper surface receiving 31 for receiving a fixing base (not shown), a central recess 32; and inside thereof a central bore 33 for the passage of the central shaft 21. The central rod 21 is mounted freely in vertical translation in the bore 33 of the plate.

An actuating means 23 controls the center rod 21 in vertical translation. The central rod 21 212 comprises a threaded portion which is screwed a screw adjustment means 232 as a single nut for example. 233 a washer is disposed between the adjustment means and the plate 232. The actuating means includes an eccentric cam 230 pivotally mounted on the threaded adjustment means 232 by two radial pins 234.

In this mode, the eccentric member cam is indirectly connected to the central rod by a pivot connection and manually operable by a lever 231 integral with the member for moving the rod 21 in axial translation through the bore 33, upward up to the clamping position and vice versa, downward to reach the released position.

The adjusting means threaded 232 has the function of allowing adjustment of the clamping force in the clamped position of the platen.

The central housing 32 has a sufficient depth relative to the surface 31 for containing the actuating means 23 without the protrusion of the lever 231 when the latter is in retracted position corresponding to the clamping position of the platen.

The operation of the device is as follows: in the unlocked position, shown in Figure 5, the lever 231 is raised, so that the eccentric cam which is secured thereto, is released from the surface of the central plate 3. the bottom plate being mounted through a sliding pin connection on the rod 21 may then be oriented in the desired angular position. Similarly, without clamping force, the slider member, or slide 20, is released in translation in the rail portion, also provide for moving the entire device in the selected direction a or b.

The locked position of Figure 6 is obtained by lowering the lever 231 in its retracted position. It rotationally drives the eccentric member 230 which rests on said central plate 3; which moves the central rod 21 upward and forces the slide 20 to flow up the rail portion. In the clamping position, the cam exerts a tensile force on the rod and thus on the slide, based on the stage that compresses the friction means 22 on the surface of the board. In this configuration, the longitudinal movement of the slider in the rail and the angular displacement of the plate are not permitted. The clamping can be controlled by the adjustment screw 232 before lowering the lift. By screwing, is moved toward the cam member of the eccentric surface of the platen along the central shaft, and therefore increases the clamping.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. The only significant change relative to the previous mode is from the actuating means 23 that is different.

Found again a central plate 3 disk in contact with a friction means 22. a sliding member 20 is housed within the rail portion 5 and is connected to a central rod 21 integrally. The central rod passes through the central bore of the plate 33. It is mounted freely in axial translation relative to the platen by a sliding connection. For allowing transmission of the vertical movement, the shaft is rotationally fixed by a land 211.

The actuating means 23 has a lever 231 drives in rotation a curved member annular 234 mounted through a sliding pin connection relative to the central shaft 21 and acts on one or more radial pegs 210 of the center rod to move in axial translation thereof upward up to the clamping position and, conversely downward, to reach the released position.

As shown in Figure 8, the central rod is provided with two radially opposite pins 210. The curved member ring has, in turn, two ramp surfaces 234a for guiding lugs and which each exhibit a gradual slope terminating in upright position by a radial recess 234b for locking each pin in the clamping position of the platen.

As in the previous mode, the central plate 3 has a top surface receiving a central housing 31 and 32 of sufficient depth relative to the top surface, for holding the curved member annular without overshoot, nor thereof, nor the end of the center rod relative to the top surface 31 when receiving the top locking position is reached.

The device includes a second housing 34 provided below the platen, recessed relative to the bottom surface 30 of the plate in contact with the friction means, which communicates with the central housing 32 on the one hand and which is opening at an aperture 34a on the side of the plate on the other hand. The lever, in turn, is provided with an arm connecting the member to 231a annular ramp 234 through said housing and which extends out of the opening by a handle 34a 231b rotary driven.

The device is not adjustable, an elastic means is provided, such as one or more Bellville washer (e) 24, housed in the rail portion that resists the elastic compression to hold the sliding member in pressure. More specifically, the washer 'spring' is simply mounted through the central shaft and housed between the slide 20 and a bearing washer 25 and whose width is greater than the opening 50 of the rail.

The passage of the tightening device to the released position, and vice versa, is done simply by operating the handle 231b of the lever by a rotation of a quarter turn about.

Figures 9 and 10 detail a alternative embodiment of the invention with an operating lever offset from the plate; thus advantageously permit adjustment without having to disengage the shoe retaining means integral with the plate directly or indirectly.

The device has an actuating means 23 includes a transmission element 235 housed, in part at least, in the rail portion 5. element is connected to the center rod by a pivot link 21 sliding. It has a first elongated portion 235a which terminates in a bearing means 236 d1 displaced at a distance relative to the axis of the central shaft. The support means 236 is in the form of a cylindrical portion of greater width than the opening 40 of the rail. The actuating means has a second elongate portion 235b extending on the opposite side to the first portion, and is connected by a clamping member shifted 237, located a distance d2 of the axis of the rod. The distance d1 235a of the first portion is less than the distance d2 235b of the second portion, so that the clamping action of the clamping member shifted 237 which causes lever which moves the central rod 21 in axial translation downwardly to the clamping position of the platen.

To improve the leverage generated, the transmission element 235 comprises, between the two elongated portions 235a, 235b, 235c support plate, through which a central rod. The disk 235c abuts against the slider member 20 to push it downward, by lever action generated during the clamping action of the clamping means offset 237.

The clamping means offset 237 includes:

• a second slider member or slider 237a housed inside the rail portion;
• a rod attached to the organ 237b sliding 237a and extending out of the rail and through the second elongated portion 235b, so free in translation;
• an eccentric cam 237c connected to the rod by a pivot connection and operable by means of a lever 237d integral with said member for moving the stem axially translated upward up to the clamping position, and vice versa, downward to reach the released position.

The rod 237b is provided with a threaded portion on which is screwed a screw adjustment means 237th. The eccentric 237c is directly pivotally connected to the threaded adjustment means by means of two radial pins 237f.

The setting means 237th may be a hexagon nut for example. It has the function of allowing the clamping force of the clamping means 237.

The central shaft 21 of the device is provided with an upper threaded portion also 212a. It is immobilized in translation relative to the plate by a threaded element adjustable 212b, nut-for example. This element provides a clearance adjustment device. The threaded member is housed in a center housing 32 large enough the manipulated by a tool such as a key.

The operating principle is illustrated by Figures 11 and 12 schematic.

Figure 11 shows the device in a locking configuration. Sunrise 237d of the clamping member shifted 237 is in retracted position; which has the effect of locating the cam member in the position of the eccentric 237c bears against the end of the second elongate portion 235b, which thereby moves downward and approaches the slider member which moves it 237a upwardly by translating the rod 237b. The pressure force exerted downwardly on the end of the second elongated portion is transmitted in a support upwardly of the bearing end 236 and exerts traction to leverage on the central shaft which tends to bring the plate from the surface of the board and compressing the friction means 22.

In the unlocked position, the lever is in the high position; so that the cam member of the eccentric 237c does apply clamping force at the end of the second elongate portion 235b. Therefore, the tensile force exerted on the downward slide disappears releasing the device in translation, and the platen exerts more pressure on the friction means is released, in turn, rotatably. The whole device including the clamping member shifted can be translated into the rail portion in the desired direction a or b.

In all embodiments shown, the friction means plays an important role since it has the function of creating between the lower surface of the plate and the upper surface of the board, an interface which when subjected to a compressive force, participates in the immobilization of the rotated turntable by frictional effect.

Such means may be comprised of a disk material selected from those having properties of compressibility and elasticity important. Examples of materials that may be useful; particularly include natural and artificial rubbers, certain plastics, cork and felt. Of course, the disk forming the friction means can be glued or screwed onto the bottom surface of the printed circuit board or on the upper surface of the board to facilitate the movement of the device in the rail portion.

In the examples shown, the plate has a disk shape with at least four threaded holes 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d forming a quadrilateral for receiving a fixing base adapted (fig. 3 and 4).

Preferably, the holes are separated from each other by a distance of 4 cm to respond to the standard standard snowboarding.

Of course, the platen may take other forms than that of a disk. For example, it may be an elongated plate shape substantially identical to the sole of a shoe for direct receipt of a snowboard binding type 'shell' or other.

As shown in Figure 13, each rail portion consists of a profile element 6 having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile.

It comprises a channel 60 defined by a bottom wall 61, two side walls 62, 63 connected to the bottom wall and two upper edges 64, 65 that confront each other to form an opening 66 of width L less than the maximum width L of the channel. Instead of a rectangular shape, the trapezoidal profile may be selected, for example. The profile element also includes anchoring side edges 67, 68 which extend upwardly from the bottom wall and extend outwardly, to improve the strength of the anchorage in the structure of the board.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been explicitly described, but in includes the different variants and generalization contained in the domain of the claims hereinafter.