CRAMPON AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A crampon comprises: fixing and guide sections; a wire element connecting the fixing and guide sections, the wire element passing through first holes of the fixing section and second holes of the guide section; an adjustment device adjusting an effective length of the wire element; right and left obstacles arranged in the guide section and passed round by the wire element to introduce changes of direction; a friction element introducing at least one change of direction of the wire element between the right and left obstacles. The wire element has first and second ends that are respectively fixed to the right and left attachments. The first and second ends are fixed independently and in removable manner to the right and left attachments.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a crampon and to a method for using one such crampon.

PRIOR ART

To be able to move about on ice and on frozen ground, it is advantageous to attach crampons to one's shoes to improve the grip. Crampons are devices that are adjustable in their longitudinal dimension. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is conventional to use a crampon that is provided with a front section 1 and a rear section 2 that are connected by a mechanical linking system having a length that is adjustable to be able to adjust the distance between the front section 1 and the rear section 2 to meet requirements. Rigid crampons are known where the front section 1 and the rear section 2 are connected to a metal bar providing the required rigidity.

Other configurations exist where such a rigidity is not required. For example, it is sought to be able to fold the crampon up to limit its space occupation. The applicant markets crampons under the "LEOPARD" brand name wherein the front section 1 and the rear section 2 are connected by a closed ring formed by a wire element 3. The ring can be broken down into two strands of a wire element 3 that comes in the form of a cord made from textile material. The cord is in the form of a closed loop the two ends of which are stitched to prevent opening of the cord ring. A first strand extends on the right side and the second strand extends on the left side. The two strands connect the front section 1 to the rear section 2.

To be able to adjust the length of the crampon to the length of the shoe for a cord ring of given length, the rear section 2 is provided with an adjustment device 4 comprising a plurality of hooks 5 that are arranged behind one another in the longitudinal direction of the rear section 2. The strand or strands of cord hook into one of the hooks 5 to adjust the effective length of the cord ring between the front section 1 and the rear section 2. The cord winds along the rear section 2 and the path taken enables the effective length between the front section 1 and the rear section 2 to be defined. The presence of two series of latching hooks enables a fine adjustment of the length of the crampon to be achieved by choosing the most suitable hooks and in particular two hooks that are not facing one another in the transverse direction.

The front section 1 of the crampon is provided with two holes through which the cord passes. The rear section 2 is also provided with two holes through which the cord passes. This configuration enables the front section 1 to be firmly attached to the rear section 2 so long as the cord ring is closed. This also makes it absolutely necessary to close the ring after the front section 1 and the rear section 2 have been installed.

It is apparent that, in use, this configuration is perfectible. The cord ring is an element that wears in particular in contact with the ground when the terrain is not flat and especially when it is stony. To perform replacement of the cord ring, the cord is provided free. The cord passes through multiple holes of the front section 1 and the rear section 2. The ring is closed by means of a knot. If the user is experienced, it is possible to make a knot that will not open in the course of use. On the other hand, it is apparent that the knot presents a larger volume than the stitched seam which may lead to preferential wear of the knot.

Such a configuration of a crampon commonly uses a front section 1 and/or a rear section 2 made from aluminium that can wear quickly if the crampon is used on rocky terrain. The cord ring has to be cut to replace the front section 1 or the rear section 2.

It also apparent that in certain configurations, when walking, misalignment between the front section 1 and the rear section 2 results in sliding of the cord between the right strand and the left strand. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3. This results in accelerated wear of the cord and inconvenience when walking.

Another configuration of a crampon is known marketed by the Black Diamond company under the trade name "NEVE PRO CRAMPON" having a front section and a rear section. The front section and the rear section are connected by a single steel wire that is wedged in a circumvention part. The two ends of the steel wire are terminated by curved fingers fixed in adjustment holes arranged in the front section. The use of a steel wire results in a non-negligible extra weight and a spring effect when the crampons are folded. It is also apparent that the curved fingers are not easily usable with gloves for novice users.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention consists in providing a crampon that makes replacement of the wire element easier to perform without reducing preservation of the adjustment of the crampon when walking.

This result tends to be achieved by means of a crampon comprising:

a front section and a rear section designed to be arranged behind one another in a longitudinal direction, one of the front section and the rear section forming a fixing section, the other of the front section and rear section forming a guide section;

a wire element connecting the front section and the rear section, the wire element passing through a first right hole and a first left hole of the fixing section and passing through a second right hole and a second left hole of the guide section; an adjustment device located in the front section and/or in the rear section and configured to adjust an effective length of the wire element and to adjust a maximum distance between the front section and rear section;

a right obstacle and a left obstacle located in the guide section and circumvented by the wire element to introduce changes of direction of the wire element;

a friction part introducing at least one change of direction of the wire element between the right obstacle and the left obstacle along the wire element.

The crampon is remarkable in that the wire element has a first end and a second end that are fixed respectively to a right attachment and a left attachment of the fixing section, the first end and second end being fixed independently and removably to the right attachment and the left attachment

In advantageous manner, the front section and rear section are alignable so that the right attachment, the first right hole, the second right hole and the right obstacle define a first straight line and at the same time the left attachment, the first left hole, the second left hole and the left obstacle define a second straight line.

In a particular configuration, the first end of the wire element is terminated by a loop and the second end of the wire element is terminated by a loop.

In an advantageous development, the adjustment device comprises the right obstacle and the left obstacle. The right obstacle and the left obstacle are arranged depressed with respect to a plane designed to receive a sole of a shoe.

Preferentially, the right attachment and left attachment are arranged underneath a plane designed to receive a sole of a shoe.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for using a crampon that makes replacement of the components of the crampon easier to perform without impairing functioning of the crampon.

This result tends to be achieved by means of a method for using a crampon comprising the following steps:

providing a crampon according to any one of the foregoing configurations;

detaching the wire element from the right attachment and/or from the left attachment and detaching the front section and the rear section;

replacing at least one of the wire element, the front section and the rear section;

independently attaching a first end of the wire element to the right attachment and a second end of the wire element to the left attachment, the wire element passing through the adjustment device to connect the front section with the rear section, circumventing the right obstacle and the left obstacle, the wire element being pressing against a friction part introducing at least one change of direction of the wire element between the right obstacle and the left obstacle along the wire element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments and implementation modes of the invention given for non-restrictive example purposes only and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a crampon according to the prior art;

FIG. 2: schematically illustrates a top view of the crampon according to the prior art;

FIG. 3: schematically illustrates a top view of the crampon according to the prior art with misalignment between the front section and the rear section;

FIG. 4: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a crampon;

FIG. 5: schematically illustrates a top view of the crampon according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6: schematically illustrates a top view of the crampon according to the first embodiment with misalignment between the front section and the rear section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate different views of a configuration of a crampon. The crampon has a front section 1 and a rear section 2. The front section 1 and the rear section 2 are connected by a wire element 3 that is preferentially a cord. The wire element 3 is a flexible element preferentially a flexible textile element made from plastic material. It is advantageous for the wire element 3 not to be a cable made from steel or from another metal alloy to reduce the weight of the crampon and to be able to fold the crampon more easily. Furthermore, a textile wire element is easier to repair when the latter is severed. A knot can be made to join the two strands and the adjustment device then be adjusted to take account of the length lost due to the knot.

Each of the ends of the wire element 3 is attached to a fixing section A that is one of the front section 1 and the rear section 2. The wire element 3 passes through a guide section B that is formed by the other of the front section 1 and the rear section 2. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the front section 1 forms the fixing section A whereas the rear section 2 forms the guide section B, but the reverse configuration is possible.

The wire element 3 extends continuously from a first end 3’ to a second end 3’' passing through the front section 1 and the rear section 2. Between the front section 1 and the rear section 2, the wire element 3 is in the form of two strands. A first strand 3a called right strand is arranged in the right part of the crampon whereas a second strand 3b called left strand is arranged in the left part of the crampon. The first strand 3a is continued by the second strand 3b so that the two strands belong to the same wire element 3.

In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the front section 1 and the rear section 2 are located behind one another in a longitudinal direction that corresponds to a length of the foot once the crampon has been attached to a shoe. The crampon has a thickness direction that is a vertical direction when the crampon is placed on its teeth and on a horizontal support. FIGS. 4 and 5 are an observation in top view in the thickness direction.

The front section 1 has a body 1a that defines one or more teeth 1b. A first fixing device 1c is attached to the body 1a. The first fixing device 1c is configured to receive a front part of a shoe. For example, the first fixing device 1c is a metal rod configured to be inserted in a notch of a shoe that is said to be "crampon compatible". Other fixing devices 1c are possible.

The rear section 2 has a body 2a that defines one or more teeth 2b. A second fixing device 2c is attached to the body 2a. The second fixing device 2c is configured to receive a rear part of a shoe. For example, the second fixing device 2c has a metal rod and a tab 2d installed pivotally movable around the metal rod. The tab 2d is configured to be inserted in a notch of a shoe that is said to be "crampon compatible".

The front section 1 is connected to the rear section 2 by a flexible link. The flexible link is formed by two strands of the wire element 3. It is particularly advantageous to use a wire element 3 as this enables the front section 1 to be folded against the rear section 2 to reduce the volume of the crampon when the latter is not being used.

The crampon has an adjustment device 4 that is configured to adjust the effective length of the wire element 3 and to adjust the longitudinal dimension of the crampon, i.e. the maximum distance between the front section 1 and the rear section 2. The adjustment device 4 can be accommodated in the front section 1 and/or in the rear section 2 and/or in the guide section B. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the adjustment device 4 is formed in the rear section 2 by means of a plurality of hooks 5 that are arranged in the body 2a. The hooks 5 are arranged behind one another in the longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the adjustment device 4 is formed by two series of hooks 5 that enable two portions of the wire element 3 to be attached to provide a greater adjustment amplitude.

In advantageous manner, the adjustment device 4 is configured to block the wire element 3 when the wire element 3 is inserted in the adjustment device 4. The purpose of blocking the wire element 3 is to prevent the wire element 3 from sliding in its longitudinal direction. Preferentially, the wire element 3 connects the front section 1 with the rear section 2 in cooperation with the adjustment device, circumventing the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’'.

For ease of assembly and disassembly of crampon, it is particularly advantageous for the wire element 3 to have a first end 3’ and a second end 3’' that are respectively fixed to a right attachment 6’ and a left attachment 6’' of the fixing section A. The first end 3’ and the second end 3’’ are secured independently and removably to the right attachment 6’ and the left attachment 6’’. The wire element 3 is not presented in the form of a closed ring.

The fixing section A comprises the right attachment 6’ and the left attachment 6’’. The first end 3’ of the wire element 3 is attached to the right attachment 6’ and the second end 3’’ of the wire element 3 is attached to the left attachment 6’’.

In advantageous manner, the first end 3’ and the second end 3’’ are terminated by a loop 3c. The loop 3c can be closed by a knot, a stitched seam or any other suitable means. It is envisageable to provide for the fixing section A to have more attachments that are arranged offset in the longitudinal direction to form all or part of the adjustment device 4 configured to adjust the effective length of the wire element 3. The right attachment 6’ and the left attachment 6’’ can be independently in the form of a slot, a hook or any other means able to perform fixing of the loop 3c.

It is particularly advantageous to provide for the two ends to be terminated by industrially stitched loops as this enables the length of the wire element 3 and the dimensions and mechanical performances of the loops to be better mastered.

It is advantageous for the loop 3c and the attachment to install the end of the wire element 3 fixedly with respect to the body, with or without a tensioning force in the wire element 3. Fixing the first end 3’ and the second end 3’’ with respect to the fixing section A greatly reduces the risks of sliding between the strands and therefore the risk of misalignment between the front section 1 and the rear section 2 as illustrated in FIG. 5 in comparison with FIG. 2.

The guide section B has a right obstacle 7’ and a left obstacle 7’' that are circumvented by the wire element 3 to impose a change of direction on the wire element 3. Between the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’, the wire element 3 is in contact with a friction part 10 that is preferentially the body of the guide section B.

The running path of the wire element 3 can present itself in the following manner. The first end 3’ is attached to the right attachment 6’ and the wire element 3 exits from the fixing section A through a first right hole 8’ to reach a right obstacle 7’ passing via a second right hole 9’ of the guide section B. Preferentially, the wire element 3 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction from the fixing section A to the right obstacle 7’ and from the fixing section A to the left obstacle 7’’ The wire element 3 runs inside the guide section B from the second right hole 9’ circumventing the right obstacle 7’ to reach the friction part 10. The wire element 3 is pressing against the friction part 10 and extends up to the left obstacle 7’’. Preferentially, the friction part 10 is arranged between the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’ along the wire element 3. The wire element 3 circumvents the left obstacle 7’’, passes through the body of the guide section B passing through a second left hole 9’' and then extends until it is attached to the left attachment 6’’ of the fixing section A having passed through a first left hole 8’' of the body of the fixing section A. Preferentially, the wire element 3 extends mainly in the longitudinal direction from the right obstacle 7’ and from the left obstacle 7’’ to the friction part 10.

In preferential manner, the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’ introduce a sufficient friction with the wire element 3 to prevent sliding of the wire element 3. More preferentially, the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’ are formed by the adjustment device 4.

To limit the wear of the wire element 3 between its first end 3’ fixed to the right attachment 6’ and the right obstacle 7’, it is advantageous for the wire element 3 to be able to extend in a straight line. The same is advantageously the case for the portion of the wire element 3 connecting the left attachment 6’’ and the left obstacle 7’’. It is preferable to provide for the first right hole 8’ to be located facing the right attachment 6’ in the longitudinal direction. It is also preferable for the first left hole 8’’ to be located facing the left attachment 6’’ in the longitudinal direction.

In even more advantageous manner, the guide section B defines a second right hole 9’ that is facing the right obstacle 7’ and/or the guide section B defines a second left hole 9’' that is facing the left obstacle 7’’.

The fixing section A and the guide section B can be arranged in a position where the right attachment 6’, the first right hole 8’, the second right hole 9’ and the right obstacle 7’ are aligned. This enables a wire element 3 to be had extending in a straight line from the right attachment 6’ to the right obstacle 7’. This configuration enables the effect of the edges against the wire element 3 during the walking phases to be limited.

Even more advantageously, the fixing section A and the guide section B can be arranged in a position where the right attachment 6’, the first right hole 8’, the second right hole 9’ and the right obstacle 7’ are aligned and where the left attachment 6’’, the first left hole 8’’, the second left hole 9’’ and the left obstacle 7’’ are at the same time aligned. When the fixing section A and the guide section B are attached to a shoe, the two strands of the wire element 3 extend in rectilinear or quasi-rectilinear manner thereby limiting the forces exerted against the wire element 3.

Fixing the wire element 3 at both ends in association with the two obstacles that introduce friction and the contact with the friction part 10 enable the position of the wire element 3 to be better fixed with respect to the front section 1 and with respect to the rear section 2. It was observed that the risk of pivoting of the rear section 2 with respect to the front section 1 is reduced in comparison with the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The adjustment settings of the wire element 3 are kept better while at the same time reducing the efforts on the wire element 3 that tend to cut the wire element 3. It is also easier to perform replacement of the wire element 3, of the front section 1 or of the rear section 2.

In comparison with the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, it is preferable for the first right hole 8’, the first left hole 8’’, the second right hole 9’ and the second left hole 9’’ to be pass-through holes in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. This reduces the risks of contact between the sole of the shoe and the wire element 3. This avoids forming portions where the wire element 3 defines a right angle. These portions are traumatic for the wire element 3 without preventing parasitic sliding.

When the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’ belong to an adjustment device 4, certain extreme positions of the adjustment device 4 may not make it possible for the wire element 3 to be placed in a straight line between an attachment and the obstacle. The wire element 3 presses against the internal side walls of the second right hole 9’ and the second left hole 9’’. This configuration represents the smallest shoe sizes generally corresponding to lightweight users who place a less intense load on the wire element 3.

When the first end 3’ and/or the second end 3’’ comprise a loop 3c, it is advantageous for the loop 3c to extend from the right attachment 6’ to the first right hole 8’ so that a larger section of the wire element 3 is in contact with an edge of the hole if appropriate.

When the adjustment device 4 comprises the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’, it is advantageous for the top walls of the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’ to be arranged in an area that is depressed with respect to the upper surface of the body that is designed to support the foot. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the central portion of the body receiving the adjustment device 4 defines a depressed area thereby enabling the contacts between the wire element 3 and a sole to be reduced or even prevented.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing section A does not introduce any friction with the wire element 3. The advantageous configuration of the second left and right holes reduces the friction. The adjustment setting is maintained taking advantage of blocking of the two ends of the wire element 3, of the right obstacle 7’ and of the left obstacle 7’’.

The wire element 3 is attached in fixed and stationary manner to the right attachment 6’ and to the left attachment 6’’. Preferentially, the wire element 3 has a first end 3’ and the second end 3’’ that are fixed in static manner respectively to a right attachment 6’ and a left attachment 6’' of the fixing section A. The wire element 3 is able to slide easily along the guide section B to adjust the position of the wire element 3. This enables the length of the first strand 3a and of the second strand 3b to be adjusted to define the tilt angle between the front section 1 and the rear section 2 imposed by the shoe to be worn. Once the wire element 3 is tensioned, the two strands have lengths that are fixed definitively by means of the friction introduced by the different changes of direction.

What is meant by attaching in static manner is that the first end 3’ is arranged immovably with respect to the right attachment 6’ and the second end 3’’ is arranged immovably with respect to the left attachment 6’’. When it is sought to move the front section 1 and the rear section 2 away from one another, the wire element 3 is taut to reach its maximum extension which freezes the position of the front section 1 with respect to the rear section 2. When it is sought to move the front section 1 and the rear section 2 towards one another, the wire element 3 is deformed. Deformation of the wire element 3 makes it possible not to apply a force from the first end 3’ on the right attachment 6’ and from the second end 3’’ on the left attachment 6’’. FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a configuration where the ends are knots formed at the two opposite ends of the wire element 3. The two ends are made from the flexible material of the wire element 3. This configuration enables the two ends of the wire element 3 to be attached efficiently.

The configuration of document 2015/0216265 discloses a configuration where the wire element passes through two passing through holes of the rear section and a movement of the strand of the wire element results in a movement of the end of the wire element with respect to the hole.

Furthermore, the right obstacle 7’, the left obstacle 7’’ and the friction part 10 induce a friction between the wire element 3 and the guide section B. The friction enables the strand of the wire element 3 to be blocked between the right attachment 6’ and the right obstacle 7’ and enables the strand of the wire element 3 to be blocked between the left attachment 6’’ and the left obstacle 7’’.

This configuration prevents a misalignment between the right parts and the left parts of the front section 1 and the rear section 2 from resulting in movement of the guide section B along the wire element 3 between the first end 3’ and the second end 3’’.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first strand extends in linear or quasi-linear manner from the right attachment 6’ to the right obstacle 7’ and the second strand extends in linear or quasi-linear manner from the left attachment 6’’ to the left obstacle 7’’. The linear configuration of the strand between the attachment and the obstacle prevents formation of a friction point along this part of the strand. The friction between the wire element 3 and the guide section B is limited to the portion of the wire element 3 that is located between the right obstacle 7’ and the left obstacle 7’’. The absence of friction between the attachment and the obstacle reduces the wear rate of the wire element 3 during the walking phases.

Claims

1. Crampon comprising:

a front section and a rear section designed to be arranged behind one another in a longitudinal direction, one of the front section and the rear section forming a fixing section, the other of the front section and the rear section forming a guide section;

a wire element connecting the front section and the rear section, the wire element passing through a first right hole and a first left hole of the fixing section and passing through a second right hole and a second left hole of the guide section, the wire element being a textile wire element;

an adjustment device located at least in the guide section and configured to adjust an effective length of the wire element and to adjust a maximum distance between the front section and the rear section;

a right obstacle and a left obstacle located in the guide section and circumvented by the wire element to introduce changes of direction of the wire element, the wire element extending mainly in the longitudinal direction from the fixing section to the right obstacle and from the fixing section to the left obstacle;

a friction part arranged between the right obstacle and the left obstacle along the wire element and introducing at least one change of direction of the wire element between the right obstacle and the left obstacle, the wire element extending mainly in the longitudinal direction from the right obstacle and from the left obstacle to the friction part;

characterised in that the wire element has a first end and a second end that are fixed in static manner respectively to a right attachment and a left attachment of the fixing section, the first end and the second end being fixed independently and removably to the right attachment and the left attachment.

2. Crampon according to claim 1 wherein the front section and rear section are alignable so that the right attachment, the first right hole, the second right hole and the right obstacle define a first straight line and at the same time the left attachment, the first left hole, the second left hole and the left obstacle define a second straight line.

3. Crampon according to claim 1 wherein the first end of the wire element is terminated by a loop and the second end of the wire element is terminated by a loop.

4. Crampon according to claim 1 wherein the adjustment device comprises the right obstacle and the left obstacle and wherein the right obstacle and the left obstacle are arranged depressed with respect to a plane designed to receive a sole of a shoe.

5. Crampon according to claim 1 wherein the right attachment and the left attachment are arranged underneath a plane designed to receive a sole of a shoe.

6. Crampon according to claim 1 wherein a first strand of the wire element extends in linear or quasi-linear manner from the right attachment to the right obstacle and wherein a second strand of the wire element extends in linear or quasi-linear manner from the left attachment to the left obstacle.

7. Method for using a crampon comprising the following steps:

providing a crampon according to claim 1;

detaching the wire element from the right attachment and/or from the left attachment and detaching the front section and the rear section;

replacing at least one of the wire element, the front section and the rear section;

independently attaching a first end of the wire element to the right attachment and a second end of the wire element to the left attachment, the wire element connecting the front section with the rear section in cooperation with the adjustment device, circumventing the right obstacle and the left obstacle, the wire element being pressing against a friction part introducing at least one change of direction of the wire element between the right obstacle and the left obstacle along the wire element.