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(11) | EP 2 633 773 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Technical crampons |
| (57) This invention concerns crampons, specifically technical crampons suitable for all
types of sole, irrespective of their asymmetry or rolling. In greater detail, this invention concerns a crampon (1) made up of a front plantar element (2) and a rear plantar element (3) joined to form a support surface area for the sole of a boot (S), characterized by the fact that the rear plantar element (3) includes a heel section (20b) and a connecting device (20a) with said front plantar portion (2), in which the heel section (20b) comprises a rear flat section (22) step-like connected to the connecting device (20a) via a rise (23). |
[0002] Crampons are equipment widely known to those who are involved in alpine activities. They are used both for walking on compact or frozen snow and for extreme applications such as ice climbing on frozen waterfalls and mixed terrain (ice and rock). Therefore, various types of crampon exist, with ten, twelve or more points. In order to be used on very steep frozen slopes, the crampons have two or more points positioned horizontally or in a slightly angled position in correspondence with the frontal part.
[0003] Universal crampons comprise metallic points which are kept integral with the climbing boots thanks to a binding system with straps which are then tightened by means of one or more buckles. Even though these crampons feature considerable flexibility, thanks to the fact that they are articulated between the front and back parts, they require careful adjustment to the boot, with the fastening of the straps which must be closed and then once again adjusted after a few minutes walking, since they naturally tend to settle and loosen.
[0004] The more modern vertical-structure crampons by contrast feature a perforated metal plate from which the points emerge downwards. They often have a rapid fastening system and at the front feature a steel element intended to sit in the corresponding cavity of the stiff-sole ice boots and, at the back, a heel lever mechanism to anchor them. As a result of these features, these crampons are much more practical to wear than the traditional ones, but, due to their greater rigidity, require the boot to have a special type of sole.
[0005] Furthermore, rigid crampons ensure an elevated lateral stability, but adapt badly to footwear with a highly emphasised curved sole (rolling). The possibility of flexion of the crampon with respect to the surface on which it lies is in fact greatly limited if not excluded.
[0006] Articulated crampons also exist, where the point and the heel portion are joined by a jointing element. Even though these crampons are endowed with greater flexibility as well as versatility and are quick to adjust, they have the disadvantage that the contact made with the frontal part does not discharge in a uniform manner on all of the crampon due to the rigidity of the jointing element.
[0007] A problem common to all crampons which has been highlighted by the Applicant is the fact that they do not adapt properly to the anatomic form of the foot. This, under certain conditions, may diminish the adherence of the sole of the boot to the crampon and in general be fairly uncomfortable for the user.
[0008] Another problem common to all crampons, rigid or articulated, whether they have rapid or traditional fastenings, which emerges when travelling over terrain with very steep inclines and/or which is particularly compact, such as for example a frozen waterfall, is the fact that the crampon tends to slide backwards when the wearer energetically digs in the front points so as to penetrate the ice.
[0009] The problem underlying this invention is therefore that of providing crampons which overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.
[0010] This problem is sorted out by means of crampons as outlined in the attached claims, whose definitions form an integral part of this invention.
[0011] An object of the invention is therefore a crampon with an anatomic sole which satisfactorily adapts to the curved sole of the boot.
[0012] Another object of the invention is a flexible-structure crampon, so as to make it adaptable to boots featuring different curving of the sole (rolled) and which is therefore essentially universal use-wise, maintains high flexibility with regard to the sole and is equipped vice versa with rigidity in relation to lateral movements of the back part with respect to the front.
[0013] A further aspect of the invention is a crampon which can easily be released in relation to a mountaineering boot and which foresees the backsliding or any movement, even minimum, of the crampon with respect to the sole also during travel over a steep incline which obliges the wearer to heavily strike the terrain or suffer considerable torsion.
[0014] Additional features and advantages of this invention shall more fully emerge from the description of preferred embodiment, presented below merely by way of indication and not limited to, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 represents an exploded view of a crampon as per the invention;
Figure 2 represents a view of the sole from the bottom of the crampon in Figure 1;
Figure 3 represents a lateral view of the crampon as per the invention;
Figure 4 represents a lateral view of the crampon as per the invention applied to a mountaineering boot;
Figure 5 a transparency view of the sole from below regarding a detail of the invention's crampon, according to different embodiments;
Figure 6 represents a schematic perspective view of a detail of the invention's crampon;
Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a detail of the invention's crampon according to a different embodiment.
[0015] With reference to the drawings, the crampon in the invention, indicated in its entirety as number 1, includes a front plantar element 2 and a posterior plantar element 3, joined in an adjustable manner.
[0016] The front plantar element 2, intended to support the front part of the sole of the boot, comprises a plate 4 which bends downwards and which is shaped to form a plurality of points 5 facing down and a plurality of points 5' extending forwards. The number, the shape and the dimensions of these points, as well as the presence or otherwise of the frontal points 5', is essentially standard and depends on the type of crampon one wishes to obtain. The embodiment shown in the drawings by way of example is a crampon which can be used when travelling over areas with steep inclines, in particular frozen waterfalls or mixed rock and ice paths.
[0017] In detail, the plate 4 includes a flat portion 4b and two lateral bent portions 4a, each of which has an essentially arched profile comprising two end points 5 and a curved connecting profile 12 comprising a plurality of teeth 12a. Each of the two lateral bent portions 4a comprises one or more holes 13 aligned with the holes 13 in the opposite lateral part. These holes are suitable for receiving the ends of an anchoring element 14 of the crampon 1 for attachment to the point of the boot S, as shown in drawing 4.
[0018] The anchoring element 14 is made up of a bent open link bar, so that the two ends 14a, 14b face each other at a reciprocal distance less than the distance which separates the holes 13 exactly opposite. In this way, exploiting the flexible properties given to the anchoring element 14 by its shape and the material, typically steel or aluminium alloy, used to create the same, this anchoring element 14 can be stretched for introduction into two opposite holes 13, and then flexibly close itself locking itself within the respective holes 13.
[0019] Typically, the frontal points 5' are two in number, but it is possible to envisage one or more additional points 5" which can be mounted on the crampon according to requirements. For this purpose, the frontal portion of the plate 4 will comprise a tab 6 facing downwards to which the additional point 5" can be fastened by means of a screw 7. The point 5" is equipped with a threaded hole 8, so that the screw 7 can pass through the hole 8' in the tab 6, and then be screwed into the threaded hole 8 of the point 5" without the need for a female screw.
[0020] Likewise, the additional point 5" can be fastened to one of the points 5', via the respective hole 8'.
[0021] The additional point 5" also includes a distal portion 9 which ends in a C-shaped seating 10. The distal portion 9 is intended to be snap fastened into a corresponding seating 11 positioned on the body of the plate 4, so as to provide greater stability to point 5" once that this has been fastened to the tab 6 or to the points 5', preventing both lateral oscillation and movement upwards or downwards.
[0022] The point 5" also comprises a toothed edge 18 facing downwards, so as to improve the grip on the ice.
[0023] The plate 4 has a series of openings 15, 15', 15" on its flat portion 4b, so as to lighten the crampon's structure.
[0024] The rear portion of the plate 4 comprises a guide seating 16 positioned in correspondence with the lower side of the flat portion 4b of the plate 4, whose function will become clear further on in this description. This guide seating 16, as shown in the drawings, can be created by means of the folding downwards of two opposite flaps 4c, 4d of the plate 4, flap 4c in correspondence with the rear end of the plate 4 and flap 4d in correspondence with the rear side of the opening 15, and by means of the creation of two horizontal coinciding slots 17, one on each of the flaps 4c, 4d.
[0025] Even though the embodiment described above for the guide seating 16 is the most easy to achieve and that which makes it possible to keep the weight of the crampon as light as possible (limiting the use of material to the maximum), the guide seating 16 could also be made up of a single flat channel 19 (Figure 5) fastened under the flat part 4b of the plate 4, for example by welding.
[0026] In other design form, the guide seating 16 can also comprise two spaced tracks with a C-shaped seating or two rings or separate guides.
[0027] In all the design forms of the guide seating 16, it is however preferable that the dimensions of the seating 16, in terms of the breadth "1" between the lateral ends, thickness "s" and depth "p" between entrance opening and exit opening of the seating, in other words between the longitudinal ends (Figure 6), fall within defined ratio intervals, specifically "l"/"s" >5 and/or "l"/"p" <3, preferably "l"/"p" <1.5, even more preferably ≤1.3.
[0028] The rear portion of the plate 4 also has a hole 28 placed on the flat part 4b in correspondence with the guide seating 16, whose function will appear clear further on.
[0029] The rear plantar element 3 also comprises a plate 20 bent in order to form a plurality of points 21, 21'.
[0030] The plate 20 includes a connecting member 20a, which will insert itself on a sliding basis within the guide seating 16 of the front plantar element 2, and a heel section 20b.
[0031] In one embodiment, the connecting device 20a is laminar and is for example shaped like a tab. The term "tab" or "laminar" is understood to mean both a single thin plate, filled in or presenting openings, and a double or triple thin plate, with the condition that the total breadth of the connecting device 20a essentially coincides with the breadth "l" of the guide seating 16.
[0032] In a different design form, not shown in the drawings, the connecting device 20a is represented by a pair of parallel flexible bars, for example circular section bars, spaced at a distance which essentially coincides with the breadth "l" of the guide seating 16. In this case, the guide seating 16 may have two tracks with a C-section spaced at said distance "l" or two guides separated at said distance "l" suitable for permitting the longitudinal slide of said bars.
[0033] The heel section 20b in turn has a rear flat portion 22 step-like connected to a connection member 20a - which in a preferred embodiment of the invention is created integral with the rear flat portion 22 - via a rise 23. In this manner, the upper surface area of the invention's crampon traces the profile of the sole of one boot S and rise 23 forms a blocking surface area for the heel of the boot (drawing 4), preventing sliding backwards or movement also when the wearer digs the point of the crampon into the ice.
[0034] On the lateral surface area of two opposite points 21, holes 24 are made suitable for receiving the ends of an element 25 anchoring the crampon 1 to the heel of the boot S, as shown in Figure 4.
[0035] The anchoring element 25, like the anchoring element 14 described above, is made up of an open linked bent bar, so that the two ends 25a, 25b face each other at a reciprocal distance less than the distance which separates the holes 24 opposite. In this way, exploiting the flexible properties given to the anchoring element 25 by its shape and the material, typically iron or steel, used to create the same, this anchoring element 25 can be stretched for introduction into two opposite holes 24, and then flexibly close itself locking itself within the respective holes 24. A conventional-type plastic lever 40 acts as the adjustable connecting element which intervenes between the special notch of the boot and the anchoring element 25.
[0036] The plate 20 presents one or more openings 26, 26', 26" so as to lighten the crampon's structure 1.
[0037] The connecting member 20a of the plate 20 has a shape and dimensions which essentially coincide with those of the guide seating 16, so as to fit into the seating 16 with minimum play.
[0038] The connecting device 20a also includes a number of holes 27 aligned longitudinally, destined to align with the hole 28 of the flat part 4b of the front plantar element 2, when the device 20a is slipped into the guide seating 16. A conventional blocking system, such as for example a female-screw system 29-29', permits the blocking of the rear plantar element 3 in a relative position with respect to the front plantar element 2 determined by the hole 27 which will be aligned with the hole 28. In this way it is possible to adjust the length of the crampon 1 so as to adapt it to different size boots.
[0039] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the same adjustment can be made more quickly and comfortably by the user, thanks to foreseeing a tab 130, fixed to one end of the body of the front plantar element 2 and bearing in correspondence with the opposite end a pin 129 which can be introduced into the hole 28 and into a hole 27 of the connecting device 20a. The tab 130 can be flexed so as to disengage the pin 129 from the hole 28 in order to permit a different adjustment and thus return to the lowered position with the pin 129 inserted into the holes 28 and 27 for the blocking of the connecting device 20a in the desired position.
[0040] In embodiments, two parallel rows of holes 27 can be arranged, in which the holes are set out in a staggered manner. Correspondingly, on the flat part 4b of the front plantar element 2, two holes 28 will be envisaged spaced at the same distance existing between the two rows of holes 27. In this manner, one can obtain a more accurate adjustment of the related position between the rear plantar element 3 and the front plantar element 2.
[0041] As can be noted in the plan view of Figure 2, the longitudinal axis of the guide seating 16 is not parallel to the main axis X of the front plantar portion 2, but is incident with the same on the surface of the flat portion 4b so that, when the rear plantar element 3 is associated with the front plantar element 2 to form the crampon 1, the main axis Y of the rear plantar element 3 forms an obtuse angle with this axis X, typically greater than 150°, preferably around 170°, and the apex of this obtuse angle is positioned externally with regard to the front plantar element 2. This detail provides great versatility with regard to the invention, capable of covering an extremely wide range of more or less asymmetric sole sizes. Accordingly, in fact, the crampon 1 has an anatomic form which follows the shape of the foot's sole. In this case, the crampon 1 will not be ambidextrous, but a pair of crampons as per the invention will have to include a right crampon and a left crampon.
[0042] The invention's crampon is typically made of steel or another metal with flexible features and thickness capable of ensuring great flexibility combined with resistance. Preferably, the crampon is made of ultralight stainless steel such as that marketed by Sandvik under the brand name Sandvik Nanoflex.
[0043] The advantages of the crampon as per this invention appear evident from the description presented above.
[0044] As a point of fact, the anatomic shape of the crampon's sole as per the invention promotes an optimum adaptation of the device to the shape of the boot, improving comfort for the wearer and safe use.
[0045] Furthermore, the crampon as per the invention, even though it can be adjusted in length so as to adjust it to boots of different sizes and shape, maintains great flexibility, so as to follow different curvatures of the sole (rolling). This feature is achieved thanks to the fact that the connecting device 20a of the rear plantar element 3 with the front plantar element 2, is flexible with respect to the surface of the crampon. At the same time, the size-related ratios of the guide seatings 16 - and therefore of the connecting device 20a which fits into the same with minimum slack - are such that they ensure considerable resistance to the lateral flexion. An elevated depth "p" of the guide seating 16 in fact makes it possible to maintain satisfactory contact between the member 20a and the walls of the guide seating 16, which means a minimum play between the two devices, even if the mechanical working precision of the parts is not maximised. The crampon can therefore bend easily with respect to the surface on which it lies, together with the flexion of the sole of the boot, but does not tend to displace laterally.
[0046] The step-like shape of the crampon as per the invention also makes it possible to create a contact surface area for the heel, preventing the sliding or movement of the boot forwards if the front portion of the crampon is dug energetically into the ice. This shape also makes it possible to maintain a satisfactory adherence between the boot's sole and the surface area of the crampon.
[0047] The provision of various holes 13 and various holes 24 for the respective anchoring elements 14, 25 for attachment to the boot provides an additional possibility for adaptation to the various types of boot available on the market.
[0048] It is clear that what has been described is just a particular embodiment of this invention, to which the expert designer will be able to make all those modifications necessary for its adaptation to particular conditions, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.
[0049] For example, the rear plantar element 3 might also not envisage the step-like shape shown in the drawings, but have an entirely planar form. In this case, blocking devices will in any event be envisaged such as one or more teeth, notches or transversal ribs, which form a contact surface area for the boot's heel.
1. Crampon (1) comprising a front plantar element(2) and a rear plantar element (3) joined
to form a support surface area for the sole of a boot (S), wherein the front plantar
element (2) develops along a first main axis (X) and the rear plantar element (3)
develops along a second main axis (Y), characterized in that the first main axis (X) and the second main axis (Y) form - on the surface of the
crampon (1) - an obtuse angle and the apex of this obtuse angle is placed externally
in relation to the front plantar element (2).
2. Crampon (1) as per claim 1, wherein said obtuse angle is greater than 150°.
3. Crampon (1) as per claim 1 or 2, wherein the front plantar element (2) and the rear
plantar element (3) are joined by means of a connecting member (20a) which can be
inserted by sliding into a complementary guide seating (16) and wherein said connecting
member (20a) rests on a plane essentially parallel or coinciding with said support
surface area.
4. Crampon (1) as per claim 3, wherein said connecting member (20a) is integral with
the rear plantar element (3) and is preferably laminar in shape.
5. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the front plantar element (2)
comprises a plate (4) bent downwards and shaped to form a plurality of points (5)
facing downwards and optionally a plurality of points (5') facing forwards.
6. Crampon (1) as per claim 5, wherein the plate (4) comprises a flat portion (4b) and
two portions bent laterally (4a), each of which has an essentially arched profile
comprising two end points (5) and a curved connecting profile (12) comprising a plurality
of teeth (12a), and wherein each of the two lateral bent portions (4a) comprises one
or more holes (13) aligned with the holes (13) in the opposite lateral part, suitable
for receiving the ends of an anchoring element (14) of the crampon (1) for attachment
to the point of the boot (S).
7. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 1 to 6, comprising one or more additional frontal
points (5") which can be mounted on the crampon according to requirements.
8. Crampon(1) as per claim 7, wherein the plate (4) has a tab (6) and two points (5')
facing downwards, where the additional front point or points (5") can be fastened
by means of screw (7) to this tab (6) or to said points (5') facing downwards.
9. Crampon (1) as per claim 7 or 8, wherein the additional point (5") includes a distal
portion (9) which ends in a C-shaped seating (10), intended to be snap fastened into
a corresponding seating (11) positioned on the body of the plate (4).
10. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 5 to 9, wherein the plate (4) comprises said
guide seating (16) positioned in correspondence with the lower side of the plate (4).
11. Crampon (1) as per claim 10, wherein said guide seating (16) is created by means of
the folding downwards of two opposite flaps (4c, 4d) of the plate (4) and by means
of the creation of two horizontal coinciding slots (17) one on each of the flaps (4c,
4d).
12. Crampon (1) as per claim 10, wherein the guide seating (16) is made up of a single
flat channel (19) fastened under the plate (4) or a pair of parallel tracks with a
C-section seating.
13. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 3 to 12, wherein the dimensions of the guide
seating (16), in terms of breadth "l" between the lateral ends, thickness "s" and
depth "p" between entrance opening and exit opening of the seating, fall within ratio
intervals defined as "l"/"s" >5 and/or "l"/"p" <3, preferably "l"/"p" <1.5 or "l"/"p"
≤1.3.
14. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the rear plantar element (3)
includes a plate (20) bent to form numerous points (21, 21'), said plate (20) also
comprising said connecting device (20a) and a heel section (20b).
15. Crampon (1) as per claim 14, wherein the heel section (20b) includes a rear flat portion
(22) joined by means of front surface contact means of the heel of said boot (S) to
the connecting member (20a).
16. Crampon (1) as per claim 14, wherein the heel section (20b) comprises a rear flat
portion (22) step-like connected to the connecting device (20a) via a rise (23).
17. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 14 to 16, wherein the lateral surface area of
two opposite points (21) presents holes (24) suitable for receiving the ends of an
element (25) anchoring the crampon (1) to the heel of the boot (S).
18. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 6 to 17, wherein said anchoring elements (14,
25) are made up of an open-ring-shaped bent bar, so that the two ends (14a, 14b; 25a,
25b) face each other at a reciprocal distance less than the distance which separates
the holes (13; 24) opposite.
19. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 3 to 18, wherein the plates (4, 20) present one
or more openings (15, 15', 15"; 26, 26', 26") so as to lighten the crampon's structure
(1).
20. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 3 to 19, wherein the connecting device (20a)
has a shape and dimensions essentially coinciding with those of the guide seating
(16), so that it fits into the guide seating (16) with minimum play.
21. Crampon (1) as per any of the claims 3 to 20, wherein the connecting member (20a)
includes at least one row of holes (27) aligned longitudinally, destined to align
with at least one hole (28) positioned in correspondence with the guide seating (16),
when the connecting member (20a) is slipped into the guide seating (16), and wherein
a blocking system is envisaged (29-29'; 130-129) for the rear plantar element (3)
in a relative position with respect to the front plantar element (2).
22. Pair of crampons (1) as per any of the claims 1 to 21, wherein one is right and one
is left.