| Interface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufacture -> Monitor Keywords |
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Interface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufactureInterface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufacture description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070187926, Interface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufacture. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of French Patent Application No. 06.01215, filed on Feb. 10, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]1. Field of the Invention [0003]The invention relates to an interface device between a gliding board and a binding element for a boot that is mounted on the gliding board. The invention also relates to a gliding board equipped with such an interface. [0004]2. Description of Background and Relevant Information [0005]Interface devices between an element for retaining a boot and a gliding board, such as between a binding and a ski, are known from the prior art. They are especially used to isolate the retaining elements from the gliding board and to enable the boot to be elevated. Furthermore, they are often designed so that the retaining elements hinder the flexion of the ski as little as possible. [0006]The document WO 98/48907 describes an interface device constituted by an aluminum plate fixed to the ski in its central portion only. The retaining elements are fixed to the two ends of the interface device. Rubber dampening inserts are sandwiched between the aluminum plate and the ski. In such a construction, the flexing of the ski is not significantly influenced by the retaining elements because they are fixed to an independent plate, which is connected to the ski only through an area that does not extend significantly along the length of the ski. However, the transmission of sensory information between the ski and the skier is not good because all forces are transmitted through the central portion of the plate. This causes a lack of precision in guiding/steering the ski. Furthermore, during skiing, the central area of the plate causes an uneven distribution of the forces exerted by the ski to the snow. Indeed, the forces exerted by the ski to the snow where the plate is attached are much greater than elsewhere. This also negatively affects the behavior of the ski, especially edge settings. [0007]The document WO 01/70348 describes another interface device in which a plate is fixed parallel to and at a certain distance from the ski. The plate is fastened to the ski by a pivot assembly, on the one hand, and a sliding fastener, on the other hand. An elastomer material is sandwiched between the plate and the ski. Thus, the retaining elements have a limited influence on the flexing of the ski. However, such a construction does not completely solve the problem of precision in guiding/steering the ski. [0008]The document FR 2 763 861 describes an interface device which raises the boot and includes a plurality of grooves so that the device can follow the flexion movements of the ski. Furthermore, with this device, one seeks to improve the reactive capability of the ski by filling the grooves with a viscoelastic material. However, having grooves negatively affects the ski guiding/steering precision. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009]The present invention provides an interface device between an element for retaining a boot and a gliding board, which makes it possible to overcome the limitations of the devices known in the prior art. More particularly, the invention provides an interface device between an element for retaining a boot and a gliding board that raises the boot, does not change the behavior of the gliding board, especially in flexion, and improves the behavior of the gliding board, thus enabling a precise steering of the gliding board, a better grip over its entire length, while enhancing the reactive capabilities of the gliding board. [0010]In addition, the invention provides an interface device that makes it possible to quickly mount the retaining elements on the gliding board. [0011]Further, the invention provides an interface device that improves the dynamic behavior of the gliding board when bending and/or twisting. [0012]To these ends and others, the invention provides an interface device between an element for retaining a boot and a gliding board, such device including: [0013]a raising platform having a thickness E.sub.2 and an upper surface having at least one zone for receiving the retaining element, as well as a lower surface; [0014]a planar longitudinal stiffener having a thickness E.sub.1, less than the thickness E.sub.2 of the raising platform, and positioned beneath the raising platform. [0015]In the interface device of the invention, the conventional function of an interface device is performed by the raising platform used for fastening the retaining elements, and optionally for fastening them quickly while allowing them to slide on one or several rails. Furthermore, the interface device according to the invention is also used for distributing the pressures exerted by the ski to the snow, due to the longitudinal stiffener. [0016]Advantageously, in the interface device of the invention, the two functions, namely fastening the retaining elements and distributing pressures, are fulfilled by distinct and independent elements. [0017]These elements can be made of various materials having different properties. The raising platform can be made of an injected plastic material. The stiffener can be made of metal, such as aluminum, for example. [0018]In a particular embodiment, the raising platform of the interface device according to the invention includes two parallel arms, on each of which is arranged a rail used for fastening the retaining elements, a bridging section connecting the two arms for improving the resistance to deformation of the gliding board/interface device assembly, when such assembly is subjected to transverse pressures with respect to the longitudinal plane of the gliding board. The bridging section can be part of the stiffener and can be constituted by a raised portion of the stiffener. [0019]The stiffener of the invention modifies only slightly the dynamic behavior of the gliding board because of the following attributes of the stiffener: its length; its relative thinness with respect to the raising platform; it being made of a denser material than that of the raising platform; and because it is positioned beneath the raising platform, that is, as near to the upper surface of the gliding board as possible and, therefore, as near to the neutral axis of the gliding board as possible. The raising platform has a minimal effect on the behavior of the ski despite having a more substantial thickness than that of the stiffener. [0020]In a particular embodiment, the stiffener is made of a more noble material than the raising platform, such as aluminum or a composite material, whereas the raising platform is made of plastic material. The stiffener can also be made of a more rigid plastic material having a more substantial density than the plastic material used to make the raising platform. [0021]In a particular embodiment, the stiffener includes planar portions that are parallel to the upper surface of the ski as well as portions, which form a non-null angle .alpha., relative to these planar portions. [0022]In a particular embodiment of the invention, the angle .alpha. is 90.degree. or substantially equal to 90.degree.. [0023]The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a gliding board including an interface device such as described above, and which includes the following: making a gliding board and fastening the interface device to the upper surface of the gliding board. Continue reading about Interface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufacture... Full patent description for Interface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufacture Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Interface device for a gliding board, a gliding apparatus including such device, and a method of manufacture patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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