SPORTS SHOE CONFIGURED TO BE CONNECTED TO A SPORTS APPARATUS

Sports shoe configured to cooperate alternately with a first binding type and a second binding type, these bindings each enabling the rotation of the shoe about a transverse axis, the shoe comprising a sole provided with: a first element for connecting with the first binding type, the first connecting element comprising a guide member, in the form of a metal bar, the guide member including a free length capable of interacting with the first binding type; and a second element for connecting with the second binding type, the second connecting element including interfaces, in an area of the front lateral and medial edges, respectively, of the sole assembly. The sports shoe further including either the first and second connecting elements forming a unitary part, or the first and second connecting elements being two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR 2308605, filed Aug. 9, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a sports shoe intended to be mechanically connected to a sports apparatus, particularly a gliding apparatus. The invention relates more particularly to a shoe which, once connected to the sports apparatus, enables a rotation about a transverse axis, in the area of the front of the sole.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in a multidisciplinary use among the following activities: cross-country skiing, ski touring, road skiing or snowshoeing, and cycling.

2. Background Information

In all the above-mentioned disciplines, the shoe is connected to the sports apparatus so as to enable the rotation of the shoe about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sports apparatus. The binding enabling this connection is typically specific to each of these practices. Thus, a shoe designed for one of these activities, meaning a shoe to be compatible with a binding type specific to this activity, is rarely compatible with another binding type designed for a different activity. For example, for cross-country skiing, the width of the ski is relatively narrow, thus requiring a binding with guiding over a short length, on the order of 2.0 cm to 3.0 cm. For ski touring or backcountry skiing, the width of the ski is greater, which enables a binding with guiding over a greater span, on the order of 6.0 cm to 7.0 cm, to be used. This has the advantage of significantly increasing the pivoting precision and torsional stability of the shoe. In this case, due to the difference in the binding types, the user will not be able to use the same pair of shoes to practice the two disciplines.

The Patent Document EP3108944 describes a shoe construction on which various removable interfaces, each designed for a binding type of a specific sports apparatus, can be fixed. Here, the interfaces are fixed to the sole, in the same location. Switching to another practice requires changing the interface. The Patent Document EP3935984 describes a shoe construction on which two different removable interfaces, each designed for a binding type of a specific gliding apparatus, can be fixed. Here, the interfaces, independent of one another, are fixed to the sole, in the area of two separate locations. The document proposes only fixing the interface adapted to the appropriate binding, depending on the desired practice.

SUMMARY

The invention proposes an improved sports shoe.

The invention proposes a shoe compatible with two binding types without the need to add or change an interfacing part.

The invention also proposes a shoe compatible with two binding types, with a reduced number of assembled parts.

The invention further proposes a shoe in which the interfaces with two respective binding types are directly interconnected.

To this end, the invention relates to a sports shoe intended to cooperate alternately with a first binding type and a second binding type so as to connect the shoe to a sports apparatus, these bindings each enabling the rotation of the shoe about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sports apparatus, the shoe comprising a sole assembly provided with:a first element for connecting to the first binding type, the first connecting element comprising a guide member, in the form of a metal bar, defining a first axis of rotation of the shoe and extending along a transverse direction over at least a portion of the width of the sole assembly, the guide member comprising a free length capable of interacting with the first binding type;a second element for connecting to the second binding type, the second connecting element comprising interfaces, in the area of the front lateral and medial edges, respectively, of the sole assembly, defining a second axis of rotation of the shoe.

The Sports Shoe Features

either the first and second connecting elements form a unitary part, orthe first and second connecting elements are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

Thus, because the first and second connecting elements form a unitary part or are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface, it is possible to obtain a shoe provided simultaneously with the two connecting elements with precise arrangement between these two components. This enables a multidisciplinary use without any manipulation on the shoe. The user can therefore use the same pair of shoes, alternating a first binding type and a second binding type, depending on the desired discipline to be practiced, which provides greater ease of use. Furthermore, this construction makes it possible to reduce the number of parts to be assembled to produce a shoe compatible with various binding types. This also enables a more precise arrangement between the first and second connecting elements. It is then possible to use the two connecting elements for a binding type to function properly. Thus, a connecting element can be used to position the shoe in relation to the binding so as to facilitate the connection of the hooking elements of the binding to the other connecting element. A connecting element can also be used to actuate the mechanism of the binding so as to ensure the connection of the hooking elements of the binding to the other connecting element. The relative precision between the two connecting elements also makes it possible to immobilize the rotation of the shoe when each connecting element cooperates simultaneously with the respective hooking elements of the binding.

Optionally, the invention may have any of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination:The first and second connecting elements are overmolded on the same support.The first connecting element and/or second connecting element is/are overmolded in a plastic matrix, using an injection process.The first and second connecting elements are arranged in a pad removably attached to a body of the sole assembly.A connecting element, distinct from the other connecting element, is at least partially interposed between a lower surface of a component of the sole assembly and the other connecting element.The guide member is a transverse shaft.The interfaces of the second connecting element respectively forma first lateral recess arranged in the area of the front lateral edge of the sole assembly,a second medial recess arranged in the area of the front medial edge of the sole assembly, the first and second recesses being aligned along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sole assembly.The first axis of rotation is closer to the lower surface of the sole assembly than the second axis of rotation.The first connecting element comprises an actuation generator which is offset downward by a distance between four and fifteen millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation, along the longitudinal direction, this distance preferably being between ten and twelve millimeters.The distance between the second axis of rotation and the front end of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction, is between 10 and 20 millimeters.The first axis of rotation is offset rearward in relation to the second axis of rotation by a distance between 0 and 70 millimeters.The first axis of rotation is offset rearward in relation to the front end of the sole assembly by a distance greater than five millimeters.The free length of the guide member is housed in a lower recess of the sole assembly or of the removable pad of the sole assembly located in the front portion of the sole assembly so as to allow access to the metal bar from beneath the sole assembly in order to enable the connection between the guide member and the first binding type.The free length of the metal bar is only arranged between the lateral edges of the sole assembly, without any lateral extension beyond the lateral and medial edges of the sole assembly.The connecting member is affixed to the sole assembly so that there is no degree of mobility between the connecting member and an element of the sole assembly when the shoe is assembled and not connected to the first binding type.The shoe is intended for cross-country skiing, ski touring, or road skiing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following of the description uses terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “back”, “forward”, “rearward”, “anterior”, “posterior”. These terms should be considered as relative terms in relation to the position of the shoe on the foot of a user in normal posture, and the normal direction of advancement of a user. The terms “lateral” and “medial” are conventionally understood as facing outward and inward, respectively. Thus, the medial side of one foot or shoe is turned towards the medial side of the other foot or shoe of the user. The term “longitudinal” refers to a heel-to-toe direction, while the term “transverse” refers to a lateral-medial direction which, therefore, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

One will also use a reference point, of which the rearward/forward direction corresponds to the X axis, the transverse or right/left direction corresponds to the Y axis, and the vertical or bottom/top direction corresponds to the Z axis.

In the description, the “shoe” is defined by a “sole assembly” and an “upper”. The “sole assembly” is the lower portion of the shoe between the foot and the ground. The “upper” is the upper portion of the shoe enveloping the foot and possibly a portion of the ankle. The upper is affixed to the peripheral edge of the sole assembly. It should be noted that certain elements of the shoe can form both a portion of the sole assembly and a portion of the upper.

In the description, reference is made to an “integral” part, meaning a single part made integrally with continuity of material. Reference is also made to a “unitary” part, meaning that the part is either “integral”, or comprised of elements affixed non-detachably to one another, for example by overmolding an insert in a matrix, or by assembling components by fitting, crimping, bonding, welding, etc.

FIG.1describes a sports shoe1for the right foot according to the invention. Conventionally, the shoe1comprises an upper2and a sole assembly3. The upper2is conventional and will not be described in detail. It is connected to the peripheral edge of the sole assembly3in a conventional manner.

The invention relates more specifically to various embodiments of the sole assembly3. These embodiments are divided into two main categories, a first sole assembly category comprising a unitary body33aand a second sole assembly category comprising a removable pad34bfixed on a body33b. All these sole assemblies integrate at least two connecting elements31,32with two different respective binding types for a sports apparatus. Various constructions of these connecting elements, which can be applied indifferently to the first or the second sole assembly category mentioned above, will be described later.

The sole assembly3is demarcated vertically, along the vertical direction Z, by a lower surface3D, intended to be in contact with the ground or a sports apparatus, and an upper surface3U, opposite the lower surface, and intended to face the underside of the foot. The sole assembly3is demarcated longitudinally, along the longitudinal direction X, by a front edge3F and a rear edge3R. The sole assembly3is demarcated transversely, along the transverse direction Y, by a medial edge3M and a lateral edge3L.

In its front portion, the sole assembly carries a first connecting element31, or simply first connector31, comprising a guide member311defining a first axis of rotation Y1of the shoe. Within the meaning of the invention, this means that the guide member311is continuously affixed to the sole assembly of the shoe, either in the area of the main body33aor in the area of the removable pad34b, even when the shoe is no longer connected to the first binding type. In other words, this affixation means that there is no degree of mobility between the connecting member311and the main body33aor the removable pad34bwhen the shoe is assembled and not connected to the first binding type. The guide member311extends along a transverse direction Y over at least a portion of the width W3of the sole assembly. According to an embodiment, the connection guide member311is a metal bar. Advantageously, the bar311is a cylindrical shaft with a diameter between 3.5 and 6.0 millimeters. Its free length, capable of interacting with the binding, is between 30 and 50 millimeters. In this example, the metal bar free length is housed in a lower recess of the sole assembly or of the removable pad of the sole assembly located in the front portion of the sole assembly so as to allow access to the metal bar from beneath the sole assembly in order to enable the connection between the guide member311and the first binding type. Advantageously, the free length of metal bar is only arranged between the lateral edges3L and3M of the sole assembly3, without any lateral extension beyond the lateral3L and medial3M edges of the sole assembly. In this example, the metal bar is offset rearward in relation to the front edge3F of the sole assembly, preferably by a distance greater than five millimeters along the longitudinal direction X. According to an embodiment, the guide member311is arranged flush with or set back from the lower surface3D of the sole assembly. Alternatively, the guide member311can be positioned in front of the sole assembly, in the area of the front edge3F. The Patent Document FR2626448 illustrates examples of embodiments of this guide member311. The guide member311is capable of cooperating with a first binding type carried by a sports apparatus such as a ski, for example a cross-country ski or a touring ski, or such as a snowshoe. For this type of practice, this cooperation makes it possible to affix the shoe to the sports apparatus while enabling the rotation of the shoe in relation to the sports apparatus, about an axis Y1transverse to the shoe, positioned in the area of the front of the shoe. The mechanism of this first binding type alternately enables the shoe to be affixed to and separated from the sports apparatus. Such a mechanism is described, for example, in the Patent Document FR2638974. This first binding type generally comprises one or more hooks or jaws intended to hook the metal bar311.

The first connecting element31forms a unitary part thus comprising the guide member311and a support for retaining the guide member311in position in the sole assembly or in a removable pad of the sole assembly. The support may be comprised of the bent ends3113of the bar forming the guide member, these bent ends being overmolded in a plastic matrix, by an injection process. The matrix may be the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b. To ensure good grip in the matrix, the bent ends3113may comprise appropriate hooking means such as reliefs, recesses, etc. The support is thus formed by the bent ends3113and the plastic matrix. In an alternative solution, these bent ends are non-detachably assembled to a hooking element312separate from the guide member311, for example by fitting, crimping, gluing, welding, etc. The hooking element312is then overmolded in a plastic matrix, by an injection process. The matrix can be the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b. The hooking element312is intended to ensure the fastening and retention of the guide member311in the matrix, during overmolding. The hooking element thus comprises means enabling such fastening. These means can be through holes, reliefs, recesses, surface roughness, etc. The support is thus formed by the bent ends3113, the hooking element312, and the plastic matrix. According to another example, the first connecting element31comprises a guide member and a hooking element jointly forming an integral part, manufactured in a single piece, overmolded in a plastic matrix by injection. The matrix can be the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b. The support is thus formed by the hooking element312and the plastic matrix. Other solutions for supporting the guide member can be envisioned.

In its front portion, the sole assembly comprises a second connecting element32, or simply second connector32, defining a second axis of rotation Y2of the shoe. The second connecting element32comprises interfaces32L,32M arranged in the area of the lateral3L and medial3M front edges, respectively, of the sole assembly3. These interfaces32L,32M are aligned along a transverse direction Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the sole assembly, so as to define the second axis of rotation Y2of the shoe. These interfaces32L,32M are designed to cooperate with hooking elements of a second binding type carried by a sports apparatus such as a ski, for example, a cross-country ski or a touring ski, or such as a snowshoe. For this type of practice, this cooperation makes it possible to affix the shoe to the sports apparatus while enabling the rotation of the shoe in relation to the sports apparatus, about an axis Y2transverse to the shoe, positioned in the area of the front of the shoe. The mechanism of this second binding type alternately enables the shoe to be affixed to and separated from the sports apparatus.

According to a first example embodiment, the interfaces32L,32M are lateral recesses, arranged on either side of the sole assembly, in the area of the front lateral3L and medial3M edges, respectively, of the sole assembly3. Thus, these lateral recesses open out onto the surfaces defining the lateral3L and medial3M edges, respectively, of the sole assembly3. These lateral recesses are intended to receive lateral and medial pins, respectively, of the mechanism of the second binding type. The pins can be cylindrical, semi-spherical, or conical. These pins form the hooking elements of the binding. Thus, the two pins of the mechanism define the transverse axis of rotation Y2of the shoe when they are engaged with the lateral recesses32L,32M of the sole assembly. Such a system is described, for example, in the Patent Documents EP0199098 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,036.

According to a second exemplary embodiment, the interfaces32L,32M are two lateral pins extending transversely, along a transverse direction Y, from the surfaces defining the lateral3L and medial3M edges, respectively, of the sole assembly3. The pins may be cylindrical or conical. These lateral pins are intended to cooperate with the lateral and medial recesses, respectively, of the mechanism of the second binding type. These recesses form the hooking elements of the binding. Thus, the two recesses of the mechanism define the transverse axis of rotation Y2of the shoe when they are engaged with the lateral pins32L,32M of the sole assembly. The pins may be retractable in order to retreat within the sole assembly. Such a system is described, for example, in the Patent Documents DE3141425 or DE102009059968.

The second connection element32is a unitary part therefore comprising the interfaces32L,32M, arranged on either side, respectively, of the front portion of the sole assembly and a rigid connecting member321, connecting the interfaces32L,32M to enable the retention and positioning of the interfaces32L,32M in the sole assembly or in a removable pad of the sole assembly, and in particular the alignment between the interfaces32L,32M. Advantageously, the interfaces32L,32M and the connecting member321form an integral part, made in a single piece. This integral part can be overmolded in a plastic matrix, by an injection process. The matrix can be the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b. To ensure good cohesion between the matrix and the connecting member321, the latter integrates appropriate hooking means as described above (holes, reliefs, recesses, roughness, etc.).

The first connecting element31and the second connecting element32can be interconnected to form a unitary part. They can thus share the same support/connecting member and/or the same matrix.

The invention is characterized in that the first31and second32connecting elements are arranged in relation to one another by a direct connection, either by forming a unitary subassembly or by being assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface. This means that the placement of one connecting element in relation to the other is precise.

This precise arrangement between these two connecting elements makes it possible to envision the use of the two connecting elements during connection with a binding type. For example, a connecting element can enable the positioning of the shoe in relation to the other connecting element and/or can actuate the mechanism of the binding. Furthermore, in the case in which these two elements then form a unitary subassembly, this construction makes it possible to reduce the number of parts to be assembled because the two connecting elements can be interconnected. Another advantage is in obtaining a shoe directly compatible with a plurality of binding types without having to modify the shoe by adding or changing an interface part.

The first31and second32connecting elements are not assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface when the first connecting element31is detachably fixed to a component and when the second connecting element31is detachably fixed to the same component. Indeed, in this case, the first31and second32connecting elements do not have a direct but an indirect relationship with one another, via the common component, the arrangement between the parts is then less precise.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.8and9, the first connecting element31comprises a first insert310forming a unitary part comprised of a guide member311, or simply guide311, provided with bent ends3113and a hooking element312on which the bent ends3113are non-detachably affixed by any suitable means (fitting, welding, gluing, etc.). In this example, the guide member311is produced by a shaft comprising a rectilinear transverse portion. Furthermore, each bent end3113of the guide member311is tightly fitted into a cylinder3121provided in the hooking element312. Furthermore, the second connecting element32comprises a second insert320forming an integral unitary part comprised of interfaces32L,32M connected by a connecting member321. In this example, the first310and second320inserts are separate parts, without direct contact between these two components. These two inserts310,320are then overmolded in a common plastic matrix forming the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b. To ensure good cohesion between the inserts and the matrix, the hooking element312, or simply and the connecting member321integrate appropriate hooking means as described above (holes, reliefs, recesses, roughness, etc.).

The first connecting element31comprises the first insert310and the matrix33a,341b. The second connecting element32comprises the second insert320and the matrix33a,341b. Thus, the two connecting elements31,32share the same common matrix33a,341b.

In this example, the two inserts310,320are made of metal and the body33a,341bis made of plastic. To produce the subassembly integrating the two connecting elements31,32, the two inserts310,320are positioned in a mold, independently of each other. The body33a,341bis then injected to affix the two inserts310,320directly to each other. It is the positioning of the two inserts in the mold that makes it possible to obtain a precise arrangement between the two connecting elements.

According to a variant, not shown, of the first embodiment, the first insert310does not include a separate hooking element312. In this case, the fastening of the insert is directly carried out by the guide member311, and more particularly by its bent ends3113.

The second embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.10and11, is similar to the first embodiment. except that the two inserts310and320are directly interconnected to form a unitary subassembly defining a connecting insert30. Thus, the hooking element312of the first insert310is directly affixed to the connecting member321of the second insert320, by any appropriate means. In this example, rivets302are used. However, other connecting means can be envisioned, such as welding, gluing, etc., for example. Once the two inserts have been preassembled together to form the connecting insert30, this unitary subassembly30is positioned in the mold. The body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34bis then injected to affix the connecting insert30to the matrix forming the body33,341b. Here, it is the connecting insert30that makes it possible to obtain a precise arrangement between these two connecting elements.

The third embodiment is a variant of the second embodiment. Here, the hooking element312of the first insert310and the connecting member321of the second insert320are not separate components but form an integral unitary part defining a common support301. The guide member311is then affixed to the common support301integrating the interfaces32L,32M to form a connecting insert30. This unitary subassembly30comprised of the common support301and the guide member311is then overmolded in a plastic matrix forming the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable skate34b.

According to a first example of this third embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.12and13, the guide member311is provided with bent ends3113intended to be tightly fitted into a cylinder3121provided in the common support301.

According to a second example of this third embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.14and15, the common support301comprises two lateral flanges3011each incorporating a through bore3012. The axes of these bores3012are aligned along a transverse direction Y corresponding to the first axis of rotation Y1of the shoe. These bores3012are intended to receive a rectilinear shaft311forming the guide member.

According to a fourth embodiment, illustrated inFIG.16, the guide member311and the interfaces32L,32M form an integral unitary part defining a connecting insert30b. Advantageously, this connecting insert30bcomprises adaptations to enable the hooking of this component in a matrix. The connection insert30bis then overmolded in a plastic matrix forming the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b.

The fifth embodiment, illustrated inFIG.17, is a variant of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is specific in that the guide member311and the interfaces32L,32M, defining a connecting insert30b, are arranged so that the axes of rotation Y1and Y2are coaxial. The connecting insert30bmay comprise adaptations to enable the hooking of this component in a matrix. The connecting insert30bis then overmolded in a plastic matrix forming the body33aof the unitary sole assembly or the body341bof the removable pad34b.

In all these examples, the two connecting elements31,32share the same common matrix33a,341band sometimes other components. In these examples, the two connecting elements31,32are therefore not two separate components but form a unitary part.

According to these embodiments, this unitary part is non-dismountable, i.e., cannot be dismounted without damaging the subassembly.

According to these embodiments, the guide member311and the interfaces32L,32M are made of metal. The integral unitary parts30b,301described above can be obtained by injection, casting, sintering, or stamping.

According to the preceding embodiments, the sole assembly3can form a single integral unitary part or an assembly of a body33band an attached pad34b. In the first case, illustrated inFIGS.1to4, the integral unitary part comprises a body33ain which the guide member311and its support3113,312, the interfaces32L,32M and its connecting member321are overmolded. In the second case, illustrated inFIGS.5to7, it is the body341bof the pad34bwhich integrates the guide member311and its support3113,312, the interfaces32L,32M and its connecting member321. The pad34bis fixed to the body33bof the sole assembly by any suitable means. Preferably, the pad34bis removably mounted, which allows replacement in the event of deterioration/wear or of a need for compatibility with other binding types.

According to an alternative embodiment, the two connecting elements31,32are separate components but are assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface, in order to obtain precise positioning between the guide member311and the interfaces32L,32M.

According to a sixth embodiment, illustrated inFIGS.20to22, the sole assembly3is comprised of at least three components, including a plate33c, a second insert320c, and a pad34c.

The plate33cis intended to be positioned opposite the underside of the foot. Medial and/or lateral and/or posterior and/or anterior vertical walls may extend upward from the peripheral edge of the plate. The plate may be made of plastic or of a composite material, for example based on carbon. The plate comprises a substantially horizontal lower surface33cD.

The second insert320ccomprises the interfaces32L,32M and the connecting member321. In this example, the second insert320cis an integral unitary part made of ×metal. The connecting member321is in the form of a plate, having a thickness E321, demarcated by an upper surface321U and a lower surface321D. The second insert320cis designed to be fixed on the lower surface33cD of the plate33c, in the area of the front portion of the sole assembly3. It is preferably assembled removably to the plate by an appropriate means, such as screws35, for example. In this example, the upper surface321U is substantially horizontal. It is intended to face the lower surface of the plate33c, once the second insert320cis assembled to the plate. The second insert320cforms the second connecting element32.

The pad34cis a part separate from the second insert320c. It comprises a first insert310ccomprised of the guide member311and possibly a hooking element312, on the one hand, and a matrix forming the body341cof the pad34c, on the other hand. The first insert310cis preferably overmolded to the body341cof the pad. The pad34cis designed to be fixed to the lower surface33cD of the plate33c. It is preferably assembled removably to the plate by an appropriate means, such as screws35, for example. In this example, the body341cof the pad comprises a substantially horizontal upper surface341U intended to face the plate33c, once the pad34cis assembled to the plate. The upper surface341U comprises a recess342sized and arranged to receive a portion of the connecting member321of the insert320c. The recess342is demarcated by an interface surface342U set back from the upper surface341U, having a depth E342corresponding to the thickness E321of the connecting member321. The interface surface342U is substantially parallel to the upper surface341U. The pad34cforms the first connecting element31.

According to this embodiment, the second insert320cis designed to at least partially be inserted between the pad34cand the plate33c, by being housed at least partially in the recess342. Once these components are assembled, the interface surface342U of the recess342comes into contact with at least a portion of the lower surface321D of the connecting member321. The upper surface321U of the connecting member321comes into contact with the lower surface33cD of the plate33c. Furthermore, the upper surface341U of the body341cof the pad34cwill also be in contact with the lower surface33cD of the plate33c. This assembly therefore makes it possible to have direct contact between the interface surface342U of the recess342and at least a portion of the lower surface321D of the connecting member321. In other words, this makes it possible to have a direct common contact surface between the first and second connecting elements31,32. Thus, precise positioning is obtained between the two connecting elements.

Advantageously, the same fixing means35are used to fix the pad34cand the second insert320con the plate33c. For example, the same screws35can be used.

According to a variant, the second insert320cis fixed non-detachably on the plate33c, for example by gluing, welding, etc. In this case, the pad34cis attached to the subassembly by any suitable fixing means, so that there is a direct common contact surface between the pad34cand the second insert320c.

Other alternative solutions can be envisioned since the first and second connecting elements are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first connecting element31is designed and arranged so that it can interact with an actuator of the hooking elements of the second binding type in order to ensure cooperation between the hooking elements (pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type and the second connecting element31, when the user lowers the front of the shoe. This advantage can be obtained due to this construction enabling precise positioning between the two connecting elements due to the direct dimensional relationship between these two connecting elements. A second binding type with such an actuator is illustrated for example in the Patent Document EP0199098.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first connecting element31is designed and arranged, particularly with respect to the second connecting element32, so that it can cooperate with the second binding type in order to position the first connecting element31opposite the hooking elements (for example, pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type. This longitudinal indexing can be obtained due to this construction enabling precise positioning between the two connecting elements due to the direct dimensional relationship between these two connecting elements. A second binding type with longitudinal indexing is illustrated for example in the Patent Document EP2319596.

In the preceding embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS.18and19, the first axis of rotation Y1may advantageously be closer to the lower surface3D of the sole assembly than the second axis of rotation Y2. The first axis of rotation Y1may thus be offset downward by a distance Z12between two and twelve millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction Z.

Positioning the guide member311lower than the interfaces32L,32M makes it possible to facilitate the two functionalities described above, namely, the longitudinal positioning of the first connecting element31opposite the hooking elements (pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type, and the actuation of the mechanism of the second binding type. For the longitudinal positioning, the guide member, by being lower, may be cleared in order to more easily cooperate with a component of the second binding type without risk of interference with a lower portion of the shoe. For the actuation, the guide member, by being lower, can constitute a sufficiently low and clear contact zone to cooperate with a component of the mechanism of the second binding type without risk of interference with a lower portion of the shoe.

To ensure actuation of the mechanism of the second binding type, the first connecting element31can comprise, for example, an actuation generator3112in the form of a contact line extending along a transverse direction Y. The actuation generator3112is offset downward by a distance Z3112between four and fifteen millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction Z. In the case in which the guide member311of the first connecting element31is a shaft, the generator3112can be the lowest generator of the cylinder forming the shaft31along a vertical direction Z.

In the preceding embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS.18and19, the first axis of rotation Y1may advantageously be positioned longitudinally in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, in a specific interval in order to facilitate the actuation of the second binding type via the guide member311. The interval may be demarcated bya first rear limit LRY1where the first axis of rotation Y1is offset rearward by a distance X12of 70 millimeters in relation to the first axis of rotation Y1, along the longitudinal direction X and,a second front limit LFY1where the first axis of rotation Y1is offset forward by a distance X12of 10 millimeters in relation to the first axis of rotation Y1, along the longitudinal direction X.

It may be advantageous to offset the first axis of rotation Y1rearward in order to bring the pivot point close to the metatarsal zones of the foot. Ideally, it is preferable for the axis to be between the front end of the metatarsals and the front end of the foot, and as close as possible to the metatarsals to improve the effectiveness of the thrust on the sports apparatus. The front end of the metatarsals is located approximately 60 to 80 millimeters from the front end of the foot.

In the preceding embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS.18and19, the distance X2between the second axis of rotation Y2and the front end3F of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction X, is preferably between 10 and 20 millimeters. The more forward the second axis of rotation Y2is positioned, the more facilitated the amplitude of rotation will be when the shoe is engaged with the second binding type, without risk of interference between the binding and another portion of the shoe. Moreover, advantageously, the distance Z2between the second axis of rotation Y2and the lower surface3D of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction Z, is preferably between 10 and 17 millimeters.

Furthermore, the positioning of the guide member311further forward than that of the interfaces32L,32M makes it possible to further clear the guide member from the shoe. This can thus facilitate the use of the guide member in order to obtain the longitudinal positioning of the first connecting element31opposite the hooking elements (pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type. Indeed, the guide member is then close to the front end of the shoe, which more easily enables cooperation with a component of the second binding type without risk of interference with a front portion of the shoe. Moreover, it is more ergonomic for the user to have the longitudinal indexing quickly when he/she brings the shoe close to the binding; this reduces the doubt of having missed the indexing when putting on the shoe.

To ensure this longitudinal positioning, the first connecting element31may comprise, for example, an indexing generator3111in the form of a contact line extending along a transverse direction Y. In the case in which the guide member311of the first connecting element31is a shaft, the indexing generator3111may be the generator of the cylinder forming the shaft31furthest forward along a vertical direction X. This may be another generator of the cylinder, depending on the design of the second binding type.

According to an embodiment, the guide member311is positioned longitudinally in relation to the interfaces32L,32M so that the longitudinal position of the actuation generator3112is included in an interval demarcated by a first rear position LRY1, where the actuation generator3112is offset rearward by two millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction X, and a second front position LFY1, where the actuation generator3112is offset forward by five millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, the guide member311is positioned vertically in relation to the interfaces32L,32M so that the actuation generator3112is offset downward by a distance Z3112between 10 and 12 millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction Z. Respecting these dimensional constraints makes it possible to conform to the recommendations required for the use of a large majority of commercially available ski touring bindings and more particularly to have the “step-in” function of these models. Thus, this makes it possible to design a shoe that is compatible, without any adjustment, with the above-mentioned commercially available ski touring bindings.

According to an embodiment, the guide member311is positioned behind the axis of rotation Y2, beyond the limit LRY1. In this case, this construction probably requires an adapted design of the compatible ski touring bindings if it is desired to maintain a “step-in” function via the guide member311, namely the automatic actuation of the mechanism of the binding during shoe-fitting. Alternatively, the “step-in” function can be achieved by a component of the shoe other than the guide member311.

Furthermore, the second connecting element32can be used to immobilize the rotation of the front of the shoe when the shoe is engaged with the first binding type via the first connecting element31. Thus, the first binding type can comprise an immobilization means intended to cooperate with the second connecting element32to ensure this blocking. This immobilization means can be similar to the mechanism of the second binding type. This immobilization can be useful if the user wishes to restrict the mobility of the shoe, for example during the descent phase, in order to have better control over the gliding apparatus. This angular blocking can be obtained due to this construction enabling precise positioning between the two connecting elements due to the direct dimensional relationship between these two connecting elements.

To ensure this immobilization, the first Y1and second Y2axes of rotation must be positioned precisely in relation to one another. The dimensioning between the two axes can advantageously be that defined above.

The invention is not limited to the few embodiments described above by way of examples but aims to protect any equivalent configuration. It is thus possible to combine these embodiments.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to all the embodiments covered by the appended claims.

Further, at least because the various configurations and details of the invention are disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use the invention as described and shown, such as for simplicity or efficiency, for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.