ASSEMBLY FOR PRACTICING A GLIDING OR ROLLING SPORT

Abstract

An assembly for the practice of a gliding, rolling, or walking sport, such as snowboarding, skateboarding, or a snowshoeing, for example, the assembly including a device for receiving a foot or a boot, as well as a board, the receiving device including a lateral longitudinal portion that extends from a first end to a second end, as well as a medial longitudinal portion that extends from a first end to a second end, the longitudinal portions being provided to be fixed to the board. The lateral longitudinal portion has a first slot toward the first end, as well as a second slot toward the second end; the medial longitudinal portion has a first slot toward the first end, as well as a second slot toward the second end, the slots being provided for the passage of members for fixing the receiving device to the board, each member being provided to cooperate with the board.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French Patent Application No. 07 07490, filed on Oct. 25, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

In addition, this application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. P35353), filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to assemblies intended for the practice of a gliding, rolling, or walking sport. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for receiving a foot or a boot, as well as to a gliding board or rolling board, for example, provided to receive the device.

Assemblies according to the invention are to be used for snowboarding, snow skiing, waterskiing, snowshoeing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, and the like.

2. Description of Background and Other Information

Generally speaking, each device of an assembly for receiving a user's foot or boot affects the steering of the board on which such device is mounted, because it transmits steering forces or receives sensory information between the foot or the boot and the board. This is why the device must have predetermined characteristics. For example, the receiving device must be affixed to the board at a particular location, and it must transmit steering impulses and receive sensory information with accuracy.

In snowboarding, it is known to retain the two feet of the user on the same board. The receiving devices are arranged so that the feet are oriented along a transverse direction of the board, i.e., not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board. Thus, the toes are located in the area of one edge of the board, whereas the heels are located in the area of the opposite edge.

In order to take into account the characteristics specific to each user, such as the height, weight, shoe size, experience, and steering style, an arrangement is typically provided so that the position of the feet with respect to the board is adjustable. In practice, this implies adjusting the position of the receiving devices on the board.

Conventionally, a receiving device, or retaining device, includes a baseplate adapted to be positioned between the boot and the board. The baseplate includes a circular through opening that receives a retaining disk. The baseplate and the disk have complementary teeth for angular adjustment, i.e., stepwise adjustment, of one with respect to the other. The disk has parallel slots that are provided to allow screws to extend therethrough for fixing the receiving device to the board. The slots of the disk make it possible, when the screws are loosened, to displace the disk relative to the board. Consequently, the position of the receiving device can be adjusted with respect to the board, over a range corresponding to the length of the slots, on the one hand, and rotationally as mentioned, on the other hand.

In addition, the board has one or several rows of threaded holes adapted to receive the retaining screws of the devices. The rows are oriented along the length of the board. The user adjusts the lengthwise position of the device by appropriately selecting particular holes within the rows.

Finally, it is possible to adjust the position of each device with respect to the board, in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction, i.e., translationally as well as rotationally.

However, there are limits to such adjustment. Indeed, the spaces between the threaded holes correspond to various positions spaced apart longitudinally on the board. With respect to each position, the slots allow a complementary displacement, which helps in refining the positioning. Nevertheless, the refinement is possible only in the direction of the slots of the disk; for example, the refinement of the position can be made only along the length of the board, or transversely. Certain positions cannot be achieved because it is not possible to adjust along two conjugated directions. Thus, such devices of the prior art cannot be positioned obliquely.

Furthermore, it is not possible to refine the angular position of the device beyond a certain limit, which corresponds to the pitch of the teeth of the baseplate and of the disk. The pitch cannot be reduced beyond a certain minimum, as it is necessary to ensure the transmission of steering forces between the baseplate and the disk.

Therefore, the possibilities for adjustment are limited, both translationally and rotationally. These limits are noticeable in terms of both amplitude and quantity. In fact, the number of possible positions is limited.

Moreover, adjusting the position of a device is often time-consuming and tedious, because it is necessary to remove and to reinstall the screws, on the one hand, but also to find the right position of the baseplate with respect to the disk, on the other hand.

In addition, with the prior art, the transmission of steering forces and the reception of sensory information are carried out improperly. Indeed, the steering forces and the sensory information transit through the toes and the heels, which are spaced away from the screws which fix the disk to the board. This phenomenon occurs in particular during edge setting. Thus, a receiving device can be subjected to unwanted deformations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the invention improves upon known retaining devices and assemblies. Thus, the invention increases the amplitude for adjusting the position of a retaining device on a board. The invention also increases the number of locations that can be selected for affixing the device to the board. The invention further enables the adjustment of the position simpler and quicker. Still further, the invention facilitates the transmission of steering impulses and the passing of sensory information, between the foot or the boot and the board.

To these ends, the invention is directed to an assembly for the practice of a gliding or rolling sport, the assembly including a device for receiving a foot or a boot, as well as a board, the receiving device including a lateral longitudinal portion that extends from a first end to a second end, as well as a medial longitudinal portion that extends from a first end to a second end, the longitudinal portions being provided for attachment to the board.

The lateral longitudinal portion of the assembly according to the invention has a first slot toward the first end, as well as a second slot toward the second end, and the medial longitudinal portion has a first slot toward the first end, as well as a second slot toward the second end, the slots being provided for the passage of members for fixing the receiving device to the board, each member being provided to cooperate with the board.

Each slot receives a member, such as a screw, for affixing the receiving device to the board.

Compared to the prior art, the localization of the slots makes it possible to move the screws away from a central zone of the device. This brings the retaining screws closer to the edges of the board. Moreover, each screw directly tightens a lateral or medial portion of the device, i.e., without going through a disk. Indeed, the device according to the invention does not include a retaining disk. All of this facilitates the transmission of steering impulses or the passing of sensory information between a foot or a boot and the board. A resulting advantage is greater steering precision.

The off-centered localization of the slots and, therefore, the off-centered localization of the retaining members or screws, and, consequently, the absence of retaining disk, or of an intermediate element, facilitate and simplify the manipulations required for adjusting positions. In particular, this results in time savings.

Given their localization, the slots of the device according to the invention can be longer than those of the disks according to the prior art. As a result, there is an increase in the number of position adjustments. Advantageously, this enables a better adaptation to the user's requirements and characteristics.

A receiving device according to the invention can be affixed to the board by means of screws, which cooperate with threaded holes in the board. However, the board can be provided to have sliding rails for guiding screw nuts. In such an embodiment, the screws are screwed into the screw nuts, which gives them additional positioning freedom. Prior to being tightened, each screw can slide in the slot of the receiving device, as well as along the sliding rail. This arrangement increases the number of possible locations for affixing a device to the board. As with other embodiments, adaptation to any particular user's characteristics and requirements is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description that follows, with reference to the annexed drawings showing, by way of non-limiting examples, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly including a receiving device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic top view of the receiving device;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a board of the assembly;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the assembly, showing the receiving device in a first position on the board;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, for a second position of the receiving device on the board;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a pad of the receiving device;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 2, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the embodiments described hereinafter relate more particularly to the sport of snowboarding, it is to be understood that they also apply to other fields, as mentioned above.

A first embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, an assembly 1, provided for the practice of snowboarding, includes a device 2 for temporarily receiving a boot on a board 3. The receiving device 2 is part of a snowboard binding, or retention assembly.

Generally speaking, the receiving device 2 has a length longitudinally extending in a direction Lo, from a front portion 4 to a rear potion 5, and transversely, from a first side 6, or lateral side, to a second side 7, or medial side. The receiving device 2 further has a bottom portion 8, adapted to be positioned above the board 3, opposite a top portion 9. The boot is adapted to be received on the top portion 9, between the sides 6, 7, in a receiving zone 10.

The receiving device 2 includes a lateral longitudinal portion 15 that extends from a first end 16, or front end, to a second end 17, or rear end. The lateral longitudinal portion 15 is provided to extend along a lateral portion of the boot. Similarly, the device 2 includes a medial longitudinal portion 18 that extends from a first end 19, or front end, to a second end 20, or rear end. The medial longitudinal portion 18 is provided to extend along a medial portion of the boot.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, each longitudinal portion 15, 18 is provided to be supported on the board 3. Although the support is direct, according to the first embodiment, an indirect support could alternatively be provided, for example by means of a plate.

According to the first embodiment of the invention, and in a non-limiting manner, the lateral longitudinal portion 15 includes a lateral mounting base 21 connected to a lateral flange 22. The mounting base 21 has a bottom portion 23 that is opposite a top portion 24. The bottom portion 23 of the mounting base 21 partially forms the bottom portion 8 of the receiving device. The flange 22 rises from the top portion 24 of the mounting base 21. The transverse cross section of the longitudinal portion 15 has the shape of an angle bracket, the arrangement of which positions the flange 22 on the side of the receiving zone 10. Therefore, it is the flange 22 that extends along the boot. In other words, the mounting base 21 extends outward from the receiving zone 10, with respect to the flange 22.

Similarly, the medial longitudinal portion 18 includes a medial mounting base 31 connected to a medial flange 32. The mounting base 31 has a bottom portion 33 that is opposite a top portion 34. The bottom portion 33 of the mounting base 31 also partially forms the bottom portion 8 of the receiving device 2. The flange 32 rises from the top portion 34 of the mounting base 21. Here again, the transverse cross section of the longitudinal portion 18 has the shape of an angle bracket, the arrangement of which positions the flange 32 on the side of the receiving zone 10. Therefore, it is the flange 32 that extends along the boot. In other words, the mounting base 31 extends outward from the receiving zone 10, with respect to the flange 32.

As further explained below, the lateral 15 and medial 18 longitudinal portions are provided to be fixed to the board 3.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate how the boot is reversibly retained in the receiving zone 10.

As is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art, the receiving device 2 includes a first linkage 41, or front linkage, as well as a second linkage 42, or rear linkage, which are provided to retain the boot in the retaining zone. To this end, each of the linkages 41, 42, or straps, extends between the lateral longitudinal portion 15 and the medial longitudinal portion 18. This particular number of linkages/straps is not mandatory, as one could instead provide only one or more than two linkages/straps.

The first linkage 41 includes a lateral portion 43, a medial portion 44, and a reversible tightening mechanism 45. The reversible tightening mechanism is provided, for example, with a tightening lever 46 and a release button 47. Thus, the linkage 41 can be tightened or loosened at will, and can even be completely open. The lateral portion 43 is connected to the longitudinal portion 15, more particularly to the flange 22, by means of an articulation about an axis 48. Similarly, the medial portion 44 is connected to the longitudinal portion 18, to the flange 32, by means of an articulation about an axis 49. This enables the first linkage 41 better to lie flat against the boot upper when being tightened or, conversely, to better free itself when the boot is being put on or removed.

Similarly, the second linkage 42 also includes a lateral portion 53, a medial portion 54, and a reversible tightening mechanism 55. The latter is provided, for example, with a tightening lever 56 and a release button 57. Thus, the linkage 42 can be tightened, loosened, or left open. The lateral portion 53 is connected to the longitudinal portion 15 by means of an articulation about an axis 58, and the medial portion 54 is connected to the longitudinal portion 18 by means of an articulation about an axis 59. This enables the second linkage 42, as the case may be, to lie flat or to free itself with respect to the boot.

Further, the receiving device 2 includes a rear support element 60, or highback, provided to support the user's lower leg rearwardly. The support element 60 is connected to the lateral longitudinal portion 15, for example by means of a lateral articulation 61, as well as to the medial longitudinal portion 18, for example by means of a medial articulation 62. This arrangement enables the rear support element to be pivoted forwardly to reduce the space requirement during storage. The rear support element 60 also contributes to the cohesion of the device 2, because it connects the longitudinal portions 15, 18 to one another.

Furthermore, an abutment 63 is provided to limit rear movement of the support element 60. The abutment 63 includes a linkage 64 that is attached to the lateral longitudinal portion 15 and to the medial longitudinal portion 18, and which extends around the support element 60. This is a sort of stayed retention. Alternatively, the abutment could include a mounting base that is adjustably fixed to the support element 60.

The receiving device 2 further includes a pad 70 provided to receive the sole of the boot. The pad extends lengthwise along the longitudinal direction 20 of the device, from a front end 71 to a rear end 72, and widthwise, from a lateral edge 73 to a medial edge 74. Thicknesswise, the pad 70 has a bottom portion 75 that is opposite a top portion 76. The bottom portion 75 is opposite the board 3, and the top portion 76 receives the sole of the boot. The front end 71 is part of the front portion 4 of the device 2, and, similarly, the rear portion 72 is part of the rear portion 5 of the device. Similarly, the bottom portion 75 is part of the bottom portion 8 of the device 2, together with the bottom portions 23, 33 of the mounting bases 21, 31 of the longitudinal portions 15, 18.

As explained below, the lateral 73 and medial 74 edges of the pad 70 are removably affixed to the lateral 15 and medial 18 longitudinal portions, respectively, of the device 2.

According to the invention, as shown particularly in FIG. 3, the lateral longitudinal portion 15 has a first lateral slot 81 toward the first end 16, as well as a second lateral slot 82 toward the second end 17. The medial longitudinal portion 18 has a first medial slot 83 toward the first end 19, as well as a second medial slot 84 toward the second end 20. The slots 81, 82, 83, 84 are provided for the passage of members 85 for fixing the receiving device 2 to the board 3, each member 85 being provided to cooperate with the board. The lateral slots 81, 82 can be regarded as part of a lateral attachment arrangement to fix the lateral longitudinal portion 15 to the board, and the medial slots 83, 84 can be regarded as part of a medial attachment arrangement to fix the medial longitudinal portion 18 to the board.

As will be described further, below, according to the illustrated embodiment, each member 85 includes a screw having the same reference numeral. When a screw 85 is not tightened, it can slide in the slot through which it extends. Consequently, the position of the receiving device 2 is slidably adjustable on the board. The adjustment is continuous, which enables highly accurate positioning.

Generally speaking, the slots 81, 82 and 83, 84 are arranged in the lateral 21 and medial 31 mounting bases of the longitudinal portions 15, 18, respectively. Thus, the slots 81, 82, and 83, 84 are farther away from the receiving zone 10 than the flanges 22, 32. It is to be understood later that this arrangement enables, among other things, a better transmission of steering forces and sensory information.

In a more detailed description, the first lateral slot 81 extends from a first end 91 to a second end 92. From the first end 91 to the second end 92, the slot 81 has a first section 93 extended by a second section 94. The sections 93, 94 provide the slot 81 with the general appearance of a crescent, the center(s) of curvature of which lie(s) along a direction that extends closer to or beyond the lateral flange 22. It can also be said that the first lateral slot 81 is concave. In a broad sense, the slot 81 has a generally curved shape. This slot can include a series of curved sections, with identical or different curvatures, or a series of straight sections that form angles therebetween, or yet a combination of curved and straight sections. The first slot 81 is also located in the area of the first linkage 41, more precisely in the area of the articulation 48.

Similarly, the second lateral slot 82 extends from a first end 95 to a second end 96. The second slot 82 is slightly concave, with one or several centers of curvature lying along a direction that extends closer to or beyond the lateral flange 22. Nevertheless, alternatively, the second slot 82 can be straight. The second slot 82 is located in the area of the second linkage 42, more specifically in the area of the articulation 58.

The first medial slot 83 extends from a first end 101 to a second end 102. The first slot 83 is slightly concave, with one or several centers of curvature lying along a direction that extends closer to or beyond the medial flange 32. Here again, the first slot 83 can be straight. The first slot 83 is located in the area of the first linkage 41, more specifically in the area of the articulation 49.

The second medial slot 84 extends from a first end 103 to a second end 104. The second slot 84 is also concave, with one or several centers of curvature lying along a direction that extends closer to or beyond the medial flange 32. Alternatively, the second slot 84 can be straight. The second slot 84 is located in the area of the second linkage 42, more specifically in the area of the articulation 59.

Thus, each is slot is level with a linkage. Each of the first and second lateral slots and each of the first and second medial slots is positioned longitudinally proximate a longitudinal position of one of the first and second straps. However, for the front linkage 41, or first linkage, the first lateral slot 81 is farther forward than the first medial slot 83. In addition, for the rear linkage 42, or second linkage, the second lateral slot 82 is farther forward than the second medial slot 84. Thus, the arrangement of the slots 81 to 84 is transversely non-symmetrical, i.e., with respect to the longitudinal direction Lo. In other words, the lateral slots 81, 82 and medial slots 83, 84 do not transversely face one another, respectively. As explained further, below, this arrangement enables an easier positioning of the device 2 on the board.

In addition, each slot 81, 82, 83, 84 has, or can have, a radius of curvature at its end.

At least one slot 81, 82, 83, 84 is concave. The term “concave” is used in a board sense and can include an arc having a single radius of curvature as well as a series of curved sections, or series of straight sections, or a series of combined curved and straight sections. For example, sections 92 and 93 of slot 81 can take the form of two curved sections 92, 93. Alternatively, section 92 could be curved with section 93 straight, or vice versa. Further still, each of sections 92 and 93 could be two straight sections joined together, or even two straight sections joined together by means of a middle curved section.

How the receiving device 2 is affixed to the board 3 will next be described.

According to the first embodiment, as shown particularly in FIG. 4, the board 3 has a length that is measured along a longitudinal direction, between a first end 112, or tip or front end, and a second end 113, or tail or rear end. The longitudinal direction is referenced by means of the central longitudinal axis L1. The first 112 and second 113 ends are each rounded, but could alternatively have a different shape, such as that of a pointed tip or that of a fin. The board 1 also has a width measured along a direction W1, between a first lateral edge 114, or side, and a second lateral edge 115, or side, as well as a height, or thickness, measured between a bottom portion 116, i.e., the base or gliding surface, and a top portion 117, or receiving surface.

The direction W1 is transverse to and, more particularly, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1, and parallel to the gliding surface 6.

The board 3 also has, from the first end 112 to the second end 113, a first end zone 118, a first contact line W2, a central zone 119, a second contact line W3, and a second end zone 120. The central zone 119 itself successively includes, between the contact lines W2 and W3, a first intermediate zone 125, a first retaining zone 126, a second intermediate zone 127, a second retaining zone 128, and a third intermediate zone 129. The end 118, intermediate 125, retaining 126, intermediate 127, retaining 128, intermediate 129, and end 120 zones follow one another longitudinally.

Each of the contact lines W2, W3 is a substantially transverse line of the board 3, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal, in the area of which the gliding surface 116 touches a planar surface, when the board 3 rests on the surface without external influence.

The general appearance of the board 3 is that of an elongated plate. According to the embodiment shown, the bottom portion 116 has a camber, i.e., it is slightly concave between the contact lines W2, W3. The bottom portion 116 has an inner hollow or rounded portion that extends along the central zone 119, substantially from the first 125 to the third 129 intermediate zone. In the embodiment shown, the rounded portion has a regular geometry. The top portion 117 has two slight projections formed by greater thicknesses in the retaining zones 126, 128. Therefore, the board 3 is slightly reduced widthwise between the edges 114, 115 in the area of the second intermediate zone 127.

The height of the board 3, or thickness of the board, is seen in cross section in FIG. 2.

From the gliding surface 116 to the receiving surface 117, the board 3 has a sole 131, a first reinforcement 132, a core 133, a second reinforcement 134, and a protective layer 135.

Depending on the type of board, the number of reinforcements, or reinforcement layers, can be modified to be less or more than two. Each reinforcement 132, 134 extends parallel to the bottom portion 116, or the top portion 117. The board 3 may include no protective layer.

In a particular exemplary embodiment, the sole 131 is made of polyethylene or with a plastic material containing polyethylene. Further, in a particular exemplary embodiment, the protective layer 135 is made with a plastic material containing acetyl-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

According to the first embodiment, each of the reinforcements 132, 134 includes resin-impregnated fibers. The fibers can be made with any of a number of materials, or with any combination of materials, such as glass, carbon, aramid, metal, or the like. The core 133 includes, for example, wood, foam of synthetic material, or any of a number of other materials.

The reinforcements 132, 134 form a sandwich structure that extends along at least 50% of the board surface, and in a particular exemplary embodiment, at least substantially along the entire surface.

In the illustrated embodiment, the board 1 further includes a first lateral sidewall 140, or spacer, located in the area of the first lateral side 114, as well as a second lateral sidewall 141, or spacer, located in the area of the second lateral side 115. This provides the board with a box-type structure. Each of the sidewalls 140, 141 can be made of, or include, a synthetic material, such as acetyl-butadiene-styrene (ABS), for example. Any of a number of other materials and other structures can be alternatively provided.

Each retaining zone 126, 128 is provided to receive a receiving device 2. To this end, as can be understood particularly by means of FIGS. 2 and 4, each retaining zone 126, 128 is provided with sliding rails 150. Given that the latter are all identical, or similar, only one of them is described hereinafter. With particular reference to FIG. 2, a sliding rail 150, housed within the structure of the board and designed to open outwardly, i.e., to the top portion 117 of the board, includes a narrow hollow portion 151 extended by a widened hollow portion 152 (see FIG. 2). The arrangement of the portions 151, 152 provides the sliding rail 150 with a T-shaped cross section. The portions communicate with one another. The sliding rail 150 is arranged such that the narrow portion 151 opens out at the surface of the board 3, i.e., on the side of the receiving surface 117. The widened portion 152 is housed within the board structure. For example, the widened portion 152 takes place in the core 133, and against the first reinforcement 132.

The sliding rail 150 can be made from an extruded material, such as aluminum.

Lengthwise, the sliding rail 150 extends from a first end 153 to a second end 154. The end 154 opens out on an inlet 155 that is at least as wide as the widened portion 152. This enables a screw nut 156 to be inserted in the widened portion. The attachment member, or screw 85, extends through a slot 81, 82, 83, 84 of the receiving device 2, then through the narrow portion 151 of the sliding rail 150, in order to become threaded within the nut 156 housed in the widened portion 152. Consequently, tightening the screw 85 makes it possible to immobilize the receiving device 2 with respect to the board 3, whereas loosening allows it to slide along the board, parallel to the board.

To facilitate this operation, the width of the narrow potion 151 is provided to be equa6 to or slightly greater than the diameter of the body 157 of the screw 85. The width of the wide portion 152 is also provided to be equal to or slightly greater than the active diameter of the screw nut 156. This prevents the screw nut from turning when the screw is actuated, while allowing a longitudinal displacement when the screw is loosened.

The screw 85 includes a head 158 that is shaped to be actuated with a tool, such as a screwdriver. Nevertheless, the head 158 can alternatively be provided to have a shape that can be actuated by hand; for example a winged or so-called “butterfly” shape.

Still alternatively, another structure can be provided for the attachment member, or screw 85. The latter can include the threaded body 157 and a cam that is articulated on the body instead of the head 158. Thus, after the body 157 is turned without actually tightening, the action of the cam performs the tightening. In a particular embodiment, the cam is actuated by hand, which results in adjusting the position of the device without using a tool.

In addition, the first retaining zone 126 of the board 3 includes two sliding rails 150, and the second retaining zone 128 also includes two sliding rails 150. In each zone 126, 128, the sliding rails 150 are parallel to one another. They are transversely spaced apart by a distance comprised between 50 and 220 mm. For example, a distance between 90 and 120 mm is suitable. The sliding rails 150 are also oriented along the longitudinal direction L1 of the board 3. As further described below, this facilitates a longitudinal displacement of the device 2. Furthermore, two sliding rails 150 of the same zone (126 or 128) are transversely opposite one another. This enables the same position adjustments, depending upon whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. More specifically, the same adjustment is achieved if the directions in which the receiving devices 2 are oriented is transversely inverted, by switching the front 4 and rear 5.

The receiving device 2 can be affixed to the board 3 in any of numerous different positions, as can be understood particularly by means of FIGS. 5 and 6.

Because the receiving device 2 has four slots 81, 82, 83, 84, four fixing members, in this case four screws 85, are provided. It suffices to loosen the screws 85 slightly to be able to displace the receiving device, a slight tightening then being sufficient to immobilize it. This means that it is unnecessary to disassemble and then reassemble elements in order to adjust the position of the device. Resulting advantages include easy manipulation, quick adjustment, and the multitude of adjusting positions.

FIGS. 5 and 6 demonstrate the translational displacement of the device 2 along the longitudinal axis L1, the translational displacement along the transverse perpendicular direction W1, and the rotational displacement about an axis perpendicular to the board, all in a single operation. Indeed, with respect to the adjustment from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6, the front portion 4 of the device 2 has moved away from the edge 114. The device 2 has come closer to the inlets 155 of the ends 154 of the rails 150 in FIG. 6, in comparison to FIG. 5; and the device 2 has turned, as mentioned above.

In order to switch from one angular position to another, the screws 85 move in the lateral slots 81, 82 along a direction opposite the direction of the screws 85 in the medial slots 83, 84. Because the slots 81 to 84 are elongated, the displacements of the screws 85 occur continuously; the displacements are not step-wise. A long slot has a length that is greater than or equal to 1 cm, for example between 1 and 6 cm. Consequently, the adjustment of the position of the device 2 is continuous, including the rotational adjustment. This enables a greater adjustment variety, compared to the devices of the prior art. In addition, the slots 81, 82, 83, 84 each have a constant width, which is equal to or slightly greater than the body 157 of the screw 85. Moreover, each slot 81, 82, 83, 84 extends continuously from a first tip to a second tip, i.e., without any additional portion. This improves the manipulations for displacing the device.

Still further, as shown more clearly in FIG. 7, the position of the pad 70 can be adjusted along the longitudinal portions 15, 18. To this end, the pad 70 has openings 165 that are distributed in four groups. In fact, the pad 70 includes four lines of openings 165, two of which are located toward the lateral edge 73, and two toward the medial edge 74. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, pins 166 originating from the longitudinal portions 15, 18 are provided to be inserted in the openings 165. A selection of openings 165 and pins 166 enables a position adjustment, which is discontinuous.

It is also possible to select a pad 70 having the desired width, for example, from a set of a several pads. These pads distinguish over one another by a greater or lesser width. The distance between the edges 73, 74 is different. Consequently, the width of the device 2 is adjustable; it suffices to change the pad in order to change the width. This contributes to adapting the same device 2 to boots of various sizes.

Other embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. For reasons of convenience, only elements that are specific to these embodiments are illustrated. The identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals as for the previously described embodiment.

Thus, the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 include an assembly 1, with a receiving device 2 and a board 3. Each assembly includes a lateral longitudinal portion 15 and a medial longitudinal portion 18.

According to the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, a base 180 directly connects the longitudinal portions 15, 18 to one another. More specifically, the base 180 extends the lateral 21 and medial 31 mounting bases, respectively, to form a seat that extends from the lateral side 6 to the medial side 7. This increases the rigidity of the device 2.

According to the third embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, a base 190 directly connects the lateral flanges 22 and the medial flanges 32 of the lateral 15 and medial 18 longitudinal portions, the latter only including the flanges 22, 32, respectively, excluding any mounting base. As a result, the sliding rails 150 of the board 3 are brought closer to one another, and the slots 81, 82, 83, 84 are arranged between the flanges 22, 32, in the area of the receiving zone 10. This renders the device 2 more compact.

Generally speaking, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove and encompasses all of the technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, e.g., one can provide any distribution of the slots 81 to 84, or any shape for the slots.

In addition, for retaining the boot, the invention is not limited to the use of straps, such as straps 41, 42. In a particular alternative, a reversible connection mechanism can be used, releasable or non-releasable, for retaining the boot between the longitudinal portions.

Claims

1. An assembly for the practice of a gliding or rolling sport, said assembly comprising:

a board elongated in a longitudinal direction;

a receiving device for receiving a foot or a boot, said receiving device adapted to be mounted upon the board;

the receiving device comprising: a lateral longitudinal portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end; a medial longitudinal portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end; a lateral attachment arrangement to fix the lateral longitudinal portion to the board, said lateral attachment arrangement comprising a first lateral slot and a second lateral slot, the first lateral slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the first end of the lateral longitudinal portion than the second lateral slot, and the second lateral slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the second end of the lateral longitudinal portion than the first lateral slot; a medial attachment arrangement to fix the medial longitudinal portion to the board, said medial attachment arrangement comprising a first medial slot and a second medial slot, the first medial slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the first end of the medial longitudinal portion than the second medial slot, and the second medial slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the second medial end of the medial longitudinal portion than the first medial slot; each of the first and second lateral slots and each of the first and second medial slots having a size and shape provided for passage of an attachment member for fixing the receiving device to the board.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

at least one of the first and second lateral slots and the first and second medial slots is concave.

3. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the first lateral slot, the second lateral slot, the first medial slot, and the second medial slot are concave.

4. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the first lateral slot is concave; and

the second lateral slot, the first medial slot, and the second medial slot are straight.

5. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

at least one of the first and second lateral slots and the first and second medial slots includes a series of curved sections having identical or different curvatures, or a series of straight sections that form angles therebetween, or a combination of curved and straight sections.

6. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the first lateral slot has a first section that is extended by a second section, the first and second sections providing the slot with a generally crescent shape.

7. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the first and second lateral slots and the first and second medial slots are arranged non-symmetrical transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the receiving device.

8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the first lateral slot is farther forward than the first medial slot; and

the second lateral slot is farther forward than the second medial slot.

9. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

each of the first and second lateral slots and the first and second medial slots have a common width, each of said slots extending continuously from a first end to a second end.

10. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the lateral longitudinal portion includes a lateral mounting base connected to a lateral flange; and

the medial longitudinal portion includes a medial mounting base connected to a medial flange.

11. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the receiving device includes a first strap adapted to extend over a user's foot or boot, as well as a second strap adapted to extend over the user's foot or boot;

each of the first and second straps extends between the lateral longitudinal portion and the medial longitudinal portion; and

each of the first and second lateral slots and each of the first and second medial slots is positioned longitudinally proximate a longitudinal position of one of the first and second straps.

12. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the receiving device includes a rear support element for supporting a rear of a user's leg.

13. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the receiving device includes a pad provided to support a sole of the foot or boot, the pad having openings;

pins extending originating from the longitudinal portions are provided to be inserted into the openings.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein:

the position of the pad is adapted to be adjusted along the longitudinal lateral and medial portions.

15. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

the board has a first retaining zone and a second retaining zone, each of said retaining zones having a plurality of sliding rails and is configured and arranged to receive said receiving device.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein:

each of the plurality of sliding rails is housed within the board and has an opening out at a top surface of the board;

the first retaining zone comprises two of said plurality of sliding rails and the second retaining zone comprises two of said plurality of sliding rails;

in each of said first and second retaining zones, the two sliding rails are parallel to one another and are oriented to extend along the longitudinal direction of the board; and

in each of said first and second retaining zones, the two sliding rails face one another transversely.

17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein:

two sliding rails of each of said first and second retaining zones are spaced apart transversely by a distance comprised between 50 and 220 mm.

18. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

each attachment member is a screw.

19. An assembly according to claim 18, wherein:

the board includes a plurality of threaded holes adapted to be threadedly engaged with one the screws.

20. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein:

each of the first and second lateral slots and each of the first and second medial slots is elongated and has front and rear ends.

21. A receiving device adapted to be mounted on a board for the practice of a gliding or rolling sport, said receiving device comprising:

a receiving device for receiving a foot or a boot, said receiving device adapted to be mounted upon the board;

the receiving device comprising: a lateral longitudinal portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end; a medial longitudinal portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end; a lateral attachment arrangement to fix the lateral longitudinal portion to the board, said lateral attachment arrangement comprising a first lateral slot and a second lateral slot, the first lateral slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the first end of the lateral longitudinal portion than the second lateral slot, and the second lateral slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the second end of the lateral longitudinal portion than the first lateral slot; a medial attachment arrangement to fix the medial longitudinal portion to the board, said medial attachment arrangement comprising a first medial slot and a second medial slot, the first medial slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the first end of the medial longitudinal portion than the second medial slot, and the second medial slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the second medial end of the medial longitudinal portion than the first medial slot; each of the first and second lateral slots and each of the first and second medial slots having a size and shape provided for passage of an attachment member for fixing the receiving device to the board.

22. A board for the practice of a gliding or rolling sport and adapted to have mounted thereon a receiving device for receiving a foot or a boot, said receiving device comprising (1) a lateral longitudinal portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end; (2) a medial longitudinal portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end; (3) a lateral attachment arrangement to fix the lateral longitudinal portion to the board, said lateral attachment arrangement comprising a first lateral slot and a second lateral slot, the first lateral slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the first end of the lateral longitudinal portion than the second lateral slot, and the second lateral slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the second end of the lateral longitudinal portion than the first lateral slot; (4) a medial attachment arrangement to fix the medial longitudinal portion to the board, said medial attachment arrangement comprising a first medial slot and a second medial slot, the first medial slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the first end of the medial longitudinal portion than the second medial slot, and the second medial slot being positioned longitudinally closer to the second medial end of the medial longitudinal portion than the first medial slot; and (5) each of the first and second lateral slots and each of the first and second medial slots having a size and shape provided for passage of an attachment member for fixing the receiving device to the board, said board comprising:

a first retaining zone and a second retaining zone;

each of said retaining zones having a plurality of sliding rails and is configured and arranged to receive said receiving device.

23. A board according to claim 22, wherein:

each of the plurality of sliding rails is housed within the board and has an opening out at a top surface of the board;

the first retaining zone comprises two of said plurality of sliding rails and the second retaining zone comprises two of said plurality of sliding rails;

in each of said first and second retaining zones, the two sliding rails are parallel to one another and are oriented to extend along the longitudinal direction of the board; and

in each of said first and second retaining zones, the two sliding rails face one another transversely.

24. A board according to claim 23, wherein:

two sliding rails of each of said first and second retaining zones are spaced apart transversely by a distance comprised between 50 and 220 mm.