WO2019116144A1

WO2019116144A1 - Snowshoe with attachment

Info

Publication number: WO2019116144A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/059479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joël VARAINE; Hervé PIRON; Olivier Reboullet
Original assignee: Martin Plastique Participations
Priority date: 2017-12-15
Filing date: 2018-11-29
Publication date: 2019-06-20
Also published as: FR3075059A1; EP3723879A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a snowshoe (1) comprising: a base structure (2) forming a shoe area (3) and a lift area; a front toe (8) formed by a portion of the base structure (2) that extends upward at the front of the shoe area (3); and side flanges (9) formed by portions of the base structure (2) that extend upward on each side of the shoe area (3), said snowshoe also comprising a front shoe housing (6) formed by the front toe (8), the side flanges (9) and an upper cover (10) extending longitudinally from the front toe (8) to the instep and extending laterally between each of the side flanges (9).

Description

Snowshoe with fixation

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a shoe zone, a lift zone, said lift zone forming a lateral overhang on each side of the shoe zone and extending rearwardly. from the shoe area to form a rear spatula. It also has a simple and ergonomic method of fixing.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Snowshoes are known objects for many years. They were originally designed to allow people to move on floors covered with a large amount of snow. They are also very widespread in the Nordic countries, frequently affected by heavy snowfall. However, these extreme conditions reflect less and less the reality of current racquet use. Indeed, today, they are mostly used in a "sport and recreation" by hikers. The followers being of very varied levels, starting from the beginner amateur to the expert hiker, the requirements of each of the levels are very different. This heterogeneity forces manufacturers to constantly develop new products to best meet the various expectations. Today we find several ranges of products, each with specific advantages. But manufacturers are still looking for innovative solutions that can bring greater comfort, and dynamic performance up. The snowshoe attachment systems are among the devices that have been the subject of many improvements over time.

There are multiple modes of attachment, ranging from a simple leather strap or other material, to a specific attachment system "shoe-racket". The levels of complexity vary considerably from one solution to another. The most complex solutions are not necessarily the most advantageous in terms of ergonomics.

For example, the document FR2818156 discloses a binding for snowshoeing effected by means of a fixing plate having at least in its front zone, corresponding above the foot, removable clamping means, characterized in that these are constituted by a strap in three parts, two side and symmetrical parts are integrally from the plate and extend to the upper part thereof on either side of its corresponding zone at the sole of the foot and a central upper part which is removably connected at its ends with two corresponding free ends of the two side strap portions by means of two voltage-adjustable connection means (T).

There are also rackets with a fixation in two parts: one is under the shoes of the user and the other on the racket.

For example, the document FR3016800 discloses a snowshoe constituted by a sieve, and comprising retaining means for retaining the shoe of the user, characterized in that the retaining means are constituted by at least one pawn fixing and advantageously two downwardly projecting fixing pins (BA), which are introduced into corresponding holes, while the fixing pins are fixed to the front part of the boot, as for example under the metatarsals, to protrude downwards, and that the corresponding holes are made in the wall of the sieve in the area corresponding to the front part of the shoe once pavement, and that the racket comprises means for locking and unlocking the fixing pins in the corresponding holes of the racket.

FR2896429 discloses a snowshoe binding provided with a retainer of the front of a shoe on a snowshoe, said device comprising a set of holding walls forming an enclosure open towards the rear and in which is intended to engage the front end of the boot, characterized in that the enclosure consists of two lateral retaining walls, namely a left wall and a straight wall, and a front retaining wall made of deformable plastic material, forming a body with a front support plate on which the front of the sole of the shoe is supported, while the retaining walls are intended to be brought closer to the shoe by means of approximation means, consisting of a single continuous link such as a strap of flexible material. The absence of a strap passing to the back of the shoe forces the user to tighten more the strap passing on the top of the foot, thus causing a risk of excessive tightening and discomfort.

CA2148759 discloses a snowshoe wrapping comprising a side wall and a retainer at the front of the foot partially covering the top of the shoe, formed in one piece, and a second side wall serving to fix the enveloping part. A strap passing at the back of the shoe keeps the foot in the enveloping part. This device allows a good support of the foot, but with ergonomics perfectible. In addition, the partially wraparound attachment does not provide protection to the user's shoe.

US20090265957 discloses a snowshoe attachment wrapping a portion of the top of the user's shoe and comprising a strap passing to the rear of the shoe. The purpose of the strap is to keep the shoe in the wraparound part. The attachment being partially enveloping, it does not offer good protection to the shoe of the user.

Fastening devices such as those previously described have ergonomic features often perfectible.

To overcome these disadvantages, the invention provides different technical means. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

First, a first object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe binding providing optimal support of the user's shoe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe mount of simple and inexpensive design.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe attachment to avoid the risk of overvoltage related to tightening straps.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a snowshoe binding providing protection to the user's shoe.

To do this, the invention provides a snowshoe comprising a base structure forming a shoe zone, a lift zone, said lift zone forming a lateral edge on each side of the shoe zone;

said racket comprising:

(i) a front beak consisting of a portion of the base structure that rises to the front of the shoe zone;

(ii) lateral flanges formed by portions of the base structure that rise on either side of said shoe zone;

the racket further comprising a front boot housing constituted by said front nose, said lateral flanges and a cap extending longitudinally from said front nose to the toe and laterally between each of said side flanges, in the axial direction, said cover-rod consisting of a unitary piece covering the boot from the front nose to the kick, and in the direction transverse, said cover covering the entire surface located between the front nose on the one hand, and at least one of the lateral flanges on the other hand.

With these features, the binding provides protection to the shoe against cold and splashing. Ergonomics and comfort are also optimized. The foot is maintained without overpressure area which gives a high level of comfort. The removal of the front spatula and attachment to the front of the shoe allow the user to move in normal operation, thus respecting the biomechanics of the body, for increased comfort and improved performance.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the cover covers the entire surface between the front nose on the one hand, and the side edges on the other hand.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with zones of elasticity.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the elastic material is an elastic fabric.

These characteristics provide a high level of comfort to the fixation of the racket. The elasticity of the fabric makes it possible to adapt the binding to all types of shoes by providing good support, while avoiding the areas of overvoltage. The fabric is sufficiently elastic to adapt to the morphology of the user's shoe, and rigid enough to provide excellent support. In addition, the maintenance with a resistant textile ensures the strength and durability of the binding.

[0022] Advantageously, the elastic material is a fabric substantially waterproof or water repellent.

The use of a waterproof material provides optimum thermal protection and protection against moisture.

According to an advantageous embodiment, which the cover rod provides thermal protection.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the racket also comprises an anti-recoil element fixed on the side flanges and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the shoe.

The anti-recoil comprises a tongue forming a housing, for example for cables arranged with: a cable and a return cable, spaced from one another in the tongue, to avoid interference. This element keeps the foot in the racket housing, thus avoiding potential foot sliding on the shoe area. This element can also be formed by extending the cover rod.

Advantageously, the racket also comprises a clamping member cooperating with the cover rod.

This simple mechanism provides a good level of fixation, to maintain the shoe in place perfectly. This clamping element may be a lacing type or a strap passing through holes or a strap with a Velcro yoke or the like.

[0028] Also advantageously, the clamping element is coupled to at least one blocker.

This blocking element makes it possible to secure the kick zone and / or the anti-recoil. The clamping device may be single or multiple, the elements may be dependent or independent of each other. According to an advantageous embodiment, the cover rod is removable.

The removable stem cover can be easily replaced in case of wear or to change the aesthetic appearance of the racket according to the desires of the user. The rod cover can also be fixed permanently to the basic structure.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the fabric comprises meshes oriented substantially at 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

This orientation allows to use the natural elasticity of the fabric in the transverse direction.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the fabric comprises one or more mesh zone oriented substantially at 90 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

Advantageously, the rod cover is extended to form a gaiter integral with said cover rod.

This gaiter increases the thermal insulation and moisture against extreme conditions.

[0037] Also advantageously, the fabric is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene.

Neoprene allows to combine comfort, strength, elasticity, thermal protection and against moisture in a single material.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the stem cover the front nose and or the side edges are monobloc. This architecture reduces the cost racket manufacturing and simplify its implementation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

All the details of embodiment are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 1 1 c, presented solely for purposes of non-limiting examples, and in which:

FIG 1 is a schematic representation of an example racket intended to be worn on the left foot, seen from above;

FIG 2 is a schematic representation of the racket of Figure 1 elevation, with shaded representation symbolizing a shoe of a user for various sizes of shoes;

FIG 3 is a schematic representation of another example racket, perspective view from the rear;

FIG 4 is a schematic representation of the racket of Figure 3, seen in perspective from the front;

FIG 5 is a schematic representation of the racket of Figure 3, elevational view;

FIG 6 is a schematic representation of the racket of Figure 3, seen in elevation from the rear.

FIGS. 7a to 7g are schematic sections illustrating various examples of cross-sections of basic structures with various types of lateral edge profiles;

FIG 8 is a schematic representation of an example of main and secondary reinforcement elements of a racquet base structure intended to be worn on the left foot;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of another example of main and secondary reinforcement elements of a racquet base structure intended to be worn on the left foot;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of yet another example of primary and secondary reinforcement elements of a racket base structure intended to be worn on the right foot; 11a to 11c are schematic sections illustrating various examples of longitudinal (FIG. 11a) and transverse (FIGS. 11b and 11c) sections of a racket provided with a comfort layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

RACKET BODY AND BASIC STRUCTURE

Figures 1 to 6 illustrate, according to various points of view, an example of racket according to the invention. As is clearly visible in FIGS. 1 and 3, the racket 1 comprises a basic structure 2 comprising a shoe zone 3 and a lift zone 4 which surrounds the shoe zone 3, except at the front of the shoe zone. where the racket ends by forming a front portion 7. This front portion comprises a front nose 8 substantially corresponding to the front of the shoe zone 3. This results in a racket without a front spatula, greatly promoting ergonomics and comfort walking. In addition, the user can use his snowshoes by walking in a manner similar to normal walking with shoes, by unrolling the foot, that is to say by first placing the heel, then the sole of the foot, and finally the front of the foot. The unwinding then continues with the lifting of the heel and ends with propulsion at the toes. As illustrated, the front nose 8 is preferably shaped curved, forming a kind of protective shell for the front end of the shoe.

On each side of the shoe zone 3, the lift zone 4 comprises a lateral overhang 5. At the rear, the lift zone 2 extends beyond the shoe zone 3, and in one example embodiment, to form a rear spatula 11. As clearly visible in Figure 1, the basic structure has a solid surface. The lift zone 4 thus provides an optimal weight distribution effect, for a minimal sink in the snow, and for a well-balanced approach. The continuity of the surface also provides good thermal insulation, protecting the feet from cold and moisture. To further promote ergonomics and promote ease of use and comfort, the base structure 2 is preferably made from an elastically deformable material, giving it great flexibility of use. The deformability of the base structure allows the rear spatula to flex under the effect of the weight of the walker when the latter approaches his heel of the ground and the pose. The flexibility of the racket also allows to optimize the ergonomic behavior, in agreement and in respect of the biomechanics of the foot, which generates a walk with a roll of the foot, as previously mentioned.

FIG. 5 and FIGS. 7a to 7g serve to illustrate the shaping of the lift zone 4 in a curved manner, preferably on the lateral overhangs 5. The lateral overhangs can thus be produced according to various types of profiles, as for example rectangular (FIG. 7a), with inclined outer walls (FIG. 7b), in an arc (FIG. 7c), flat (FIG. 7d), inclined outwards (FIG. 7e), or inwards (FIG. 7f), or in the form of "V" (Figure 7g).

Each of the lateral overhangs 5 has a lower surface 16, said lower surface 16 being raised on at least one of the two lateral projections 5, as shown in the examples of Figures 7d, 7e, 7f and 7g. The side overhangs are flexible enough to marry the various obstacles of the terrain type hole, pebble, or other.

The basic structure 2 is advantageously made of thermoplastic material, preferably included in the following families list: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer thermoplastic. Polyethylene vinyl acetate or styrene butadiene styrene is advantageously used. The material of the basic structure 2 may be expanded or unexpanded, depending on the applications.

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the rear spatula 11 is preferably asymmetrical and advantageously comprises a clearance 15 releasing the inner side. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 6, the rear spatula 11 is raised and / or twisted outwardly. It preferably comprises an opening 19.

REINFORCING STRUCTURE

According to an advantageous embodiment, to prevent the racket is too flexible, and does not generate or little lift, the base structure 2 comprises a main reinforcing member 20 provided to provide sufficient rigidity for the transfer the weight of the walker is well distributed over the entire surface of the racket.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8a, 8b and in FIG. 9, the main reinforcing element 20 comprises at least three sectors 21, 22, 23 respectively corresponding to bearing zones A of the first metatarsus, B fifth metatarsal and C of the heel.

The main reinforcing element 20 is designed to transmit the possible forces that can be received by the sectors 21, 22, 23 towards the rest of the basic structure 2.

As shown in the example of Figure 8a, the main reinforcing element 20 has for example a profile substantially shaped "T".

The sectors 21, 22 may extend into adjacent zones of lateral overhangs 5. Similarly, the heel area 23 may also extend into the lateral overflow area 5 toward the back of the heel and / or on each side thereof.

For obtaining the continuous structure (or without opening) of the lift zone 4 and to help distribute the weight of the user, the base structure 2 comprises a secondary reinforcing element 30. This element of reinforcement secondary has a level of rigidity lower than that of the main reinforcing element 20.

The secondary reinforcing element 30 is arranged between the sectors 21, 22, 23 of the main reinforcing element 20.

To improve comfort, the base structure 2 also comprises a foam comfort layer 40 foam or not, covering all or part of the main reinforcing element 20, as shown in the examples of Figures 1 1a , 1 1 b and 1 1 c, in axial central section in Figure 1 1 a, and at different longitudinal positions of the racket for Figures 1 1 b and 1 1 c. For example, a thermoplastic material is used to produce the comfort layer.

As shown for example in Figures 2 to 5, two lateral flanges 9 are arranged on either side of the shoe zone 3. The lateral flanges 9 are preferably integral with the basic structure 2, for maximum robustness.

As illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the main reinforcement may also comprise a cubo-scaphoidal sector 24, 25, which extends substantially between the support zones of the scaphoid and the cuboid.

In the example of FIG. 10, the cubo-scaphoid zone 24, 25 extends on either side in the zone of adjacent lateral overhangs 5.

Also in the embodiment of Figure 10, the main reinforcing element comprises a cubo-5th metatarsal axis extending substantially between the support zones of the cuboid 24 and the 5th metatarsal 22.

FIG. 10 also illustrates that the main reinforcing element may comprise lateral sectors 26, 27 extending on at least one portion of each of the lateral overhangs 5. In a variant, these lateral sectors 26, 27 are interconnected.

According to yet another embodiment, the reinforcement structure described above may be used on one or more other types of rackets, for similar functions.

FASTENING SYSTEM

According to another advantageous embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 6, the racket comprises a cover rod 10 extending longitudinally from said front nose 8 to the kick and laterally between each of the side flanges 9. The rod cover with the front spout 8 and the side flanges 9 form a housing 6 of front shoe, adapted to house the front part of the shoe.

By considering the racket in the axial direction, that is to say in the direction of the length, the cover rod 10 is preferably constituted by a unitary piece covering the shoe from the front nose 8 up to on the kick. This unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with areas of elasticity.

To implement this elasticity, it is provided for example that the elastic material is an elastic fabric, preferably substantially sealed. According to various embodiments, provision is made, for example, for the fabric to have stitches oriented substantially at 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket, or for the fabric to comprise one or more stitch zones oriented substantially at 90 ° by relative to the longitudinal axis of the racket. In another variant, the fabric is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene.

By considering the racket in the transverse direction, or perpendicular to the axial direction, the cover rod 10 covers the entire surface located between the front nose 8 on the one hand, and at least one of the lateral flanges 9 d ' somewhere else. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, a clamping element 18, such as a lacing or a strap or a belt, cooperates with the cover rod 10.

An anti-recoil element 13, fixed for example on the lateral flanges 9 and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the boot, is illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 6. Such a clamping element 18 may be coupled to one or more blockers 14, as shown in the example of Figure 2.

According to various potential embodiments, the rod cover 10 is made removably, and / or extends to form a gaiter integral with said cover rod 10. In another embodiment, the cover rod 10 and the front nose 8 are monobloc.

According to yet another embodiment, the previously described fixing system can be used on one or more other types of rackets, for similar functions.

Reference numbers used in the figures

Claims

1. A snowshoe (1) comprising a base structure (2) forming a shoe zone (3), a lift zone (4), said lift zone (4) forming a lateral overhang (5) on each side the shoe area (3);

said racket comprising:

(i) a nosepiece (8) consisting of a portion of the base structure (2) that extends upstream of said shoe zone (3);

(ii) side flanges (9) formed by portions of the base structure (2) that rise on either side of said shoe area (3);

the racquet further comprising a front boot housing (6) constituted by said front nose (8), said lateral flanges (9) and a stem cover (10) extending longitudinally from said front nose (8) to at the kick and laterally between each of said side flanges (9),

characterized in that, in the axial direction, said stem cover (10) consists of a unitary piece covering the shoe from the front nose (8) to the toe, and in that in the transverse direction said cover (10) covers the entire surface located between the front nose (8) on the one hand, and at least one of the lateral flanges (9) on the other hand.

2. Snowshoe (1) according to claim 1, the cover covers the entire surface between the front nose on the one hand, and the side flanges on the other hand.

The snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the unitary piece is generally elastic, either with an elastic material or with zones of elasticity.

The snowshoe (1) according to claim 3, wherein the elastic material is an elastic fabric.

The snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the elastic material is a waterproof or water-repellent fabric.

The snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem cover (10) provides thermal protection.

7. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising an anti-recoil element (13) fixed on the side flanges (9) and adapted to at least partially surround the rear of the shoe.

A snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a clamping member (18) cooperating with the cover (10).

The snowshoe (1) according to claim 8, wherein the clamping member (18) is coupled to at least one blocker (14).

The snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) is removable.

11. Snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the fabric comprises mesh oriented at 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

12. A snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the fabric comprises one or more mesh areas oriented at 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

A snow shoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod cover (10) extends to form a gaiter integrally formed with said cover rod (10).

The snowshoe (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the fabric is expanded and preferably comprises neoprene.

The snowshoe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stem cover (10) and the front nose (8) and or the side flanges are integral.