Device for retaining a boot on a sports article

Abstract

A device for retaining a boot on a sports article. The device includes a rear positioning element, two lateral edges, and a single linkage provided to connect the edges. The linkage has two or more points for fastening to a first of the edges, and a single point for fastening to the second of the edges.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for retaining a boot on a sports article, the device comprising: 
 a rear positioning element adapted to receive a rear of an upper of the boot, two lateral edges, and a single linkage provided to connect the lateral edges;    the linkage having two or more points for fastening to a first of the two lateral edges, and a single point for fastening to a second of the two lateral edges.    
     
     
         2 . A retaining device according to    claim 1   , wherein the fastening points of the same edge include an arrangement for the permanent connection of the linkage to the edge, and wherein the single fastening point includes an arrangement for the removable connection of the linkage to the edge.  
     
     
         3 . A retaining device according to    claim 1   , further comprising an arrangement for adjusting the tensions between the fastening points.  
     
     
         4 . A retaining device according to    claim 1   , further comprising an arrangement for balancing the tensions between the fastening points.  
     
     
         5 . A retaining device according to    claim 2   , wherein when the boot and the user's foot are retained on the device, a first permanent connection arrangement is located substantially in an area an ankle, a second permanent connection arrangement being located substantially in an area of a metatarsal bone, and the removable connection arrangement being located either in the area of the ankle, or slightly at a front of the device with respect to the ankle.  
     
     
         6 . A retaining device according to    claim 1   , wherein one of the lateral edges is an outer edge, wherein the other of the lateral edges is an inner edge, and wherein the two edges project with respect to a base.  
     
     
         7 . A retaining device according to    claim 6   , wherein the removable connection arrangement includes a latch affixed to the inner edge, and a rack affixed to an inner end of the cover.  
     
     
         8 . A retaining device according to    claim 6   , wherein the removable connection arrangement includes a latch affixed to the cover, and a rack affixed to the inner edge.  
     
     
         9 . A retaining device according to    claim 7   , wherein the first and second permanent connection arrangements include a first arm affixed to a first outer end of the cover, and a second arm affixed to a second outer end of the cover, respectively.  
     
     
         10 . A retaining device according to    claim 7   , wherein the first and second permanent connection arrangements include a single arm, and at least one keeper affixed to the cover, the arm sliding around the keeper.  
     
     
         11 . A retaining device according to    claim 7   , wherein the first and second permanent connection arrangements each include a spacer journalled at an outer end of the cover and, at an arm, the journal axes of the spacers on the cover being arranged, with respect to the journal axis of the latch on the cover, such that the cover functions as a compensation bar.  
     
     
         12 . A retaining device according to    claim 7   , wherein the first and second permanent connection arrangements include a cable hooked to the first and second outer ends of the cover, as well as elements for guiding the cable located on the outer edge of the device.  
     
     
         13 . A retaining device according to    claim 1    in combination with said sports article.  
     
     
         14 . A retaining device and sports article according to    claim 13   , wherein said sports article is a snowboard.