Device for retaining a boot on a gliding, rolling, or walking board adapted to a sporting activity, and the boot therefor

US Patènt # 6863285


Invèntors: Gonthier; Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois (Viuzla Chiesaz, FR)
Assignee: Salomon S.A. (Metz-Tessy, FR)
Appl. No.: 968949
Filed: October 3, 2001

ABSTRACT

A device for retaining a boot on a board adapted to a sporting activity, and a boot therefor. The device includes a base, a lateral edge, a rear support element, and at least one linkage for holding the boot above the base. The edge and the rear support element each have an inner surface. One or several of the inner surfaces of the device has at least one friction plate that projects at least partially with respect to the inner surface, the fiction plate being provided at least to oppose a movement of the boot in relation to the base.




CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon French Patènt Application No. 00 13032, filed Oct. 6, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVÈNTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invèntion relates to the field of devices for retaining a boot on a gliding, rolling, or walking board adapted to a sporting activity, as well as to a boot adapted to be retained by the device.

2. Description of Background and Relevant Information

Devices of the aforementioned type are used in snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, roller skating, snowshoeing, and the like.

Certain binding devices are provided to retain flexible boots on the board, while others are provided to retain rigid boots.

In the case of flexible boots, in snowboarding, for example, a device generally includes a base provided for receiving at least partially the sole of the boot, at least one lateral edge connected to the base so as to be opposite lateral portions of the boot, a rear support element provided to receive the boot upper at the rear of the user's lower leg, and at least one linkage for holding the boot above the base, the edge and the rear support element each having an inner surface provided to be opposite the boot.

Such a device retains the boot on the board during string by the rider/user.

However, it has been found that during steering, the boot makes small displacements within its retention volume on the device. These small displacements hinder the accuracy of the steering of the board.