Device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus

Abstract

A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus, the device having a lateral flange, a medial flange, and at least one strap that connects the lateral flange to the medial flange. At least one of the flanges is flexible or semi-rigid.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus, the device comprising: 
 a lateral flange, a medial flange and at least one strap connecting the lateral flange to the medial flange, at least one of the flanges being flexible or semi-rigid.    
     
     
         2 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein both the lateral flange and the medial flange are flexible or semi-rigid.  
     
     
         3 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein a base is provided to attach each of the flanges to the apparatus.  
     
     
         4 . A retaining device according to  claim 3 , wherein each of the flanges is extended by an extension that is received in a longitudinal groove of the base.  
     
     
         5 . A retaining device according to  claim 4 , wherein each groove opens out transversely and toward the apparatus when the base is retained on the apparatus.  
     
     
         6 . A retaining device according to  claim 4 , wherein each extension is retained in the groove by a retaining mechanism.  
     
     
         7 . A retaining device according to  claim 3 , wherein retaining tabs originate from the core of the base, the straps being substantially in the area of the tabs.  
     
     
         8 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein each flange is extended by an extension, the extensions joining each other to form a unitary piece.  
     
     
         9 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an arrangement attaching each flange directly on the apparatus.  
     
     
         10 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the flanges is substantially inextensible.  
     
     
         11 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the flanges and/or extension is covered at least partially with one or several layers of textile material.  
     
     
         12 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the straps has a covering portion that forms a unitary piece with a flange.  
     
     
         13 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein a strap has a covering portion attached to an adjusting portion, the adjusting portion being attached to a flange.  
     
     
         14 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one strap has an arrangement for removably connecting the covering portion to a fastening portion, the fastening portion being attached to one of the flanges, the covering portion being attached to the other of the flanges.  
     
     
         15 . A retaining device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a rear support element and an abutment mechanism limiting rearward movement of the support element.  
     
     
         16 . A retaining device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus, the device comprising: 
 a lateral flange, a medial flange, and at least one strap connecting the lateral flange to the medial flange;    wherein at least one of the lateral and medial flanges is at least partially flexible or semi-rigid.    
     
     
         17 . A retaining device according to  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the lateral and medial flanges is made from a single material.  
     
     
         18 . A retaining device according to  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the lateral and medial flanges is made from several materials.  
     
     
         19 . A retaining device according to  claim 16 , wherein an inner surface of at least one of the lateral and medial flanges is demarcated by a lateral or medial pad.  
     
     
         20 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein a lateral pad demarcates the inner lateral surface of the lateral flange, and wherein a medial pad demarcates the inner medial surface of the medial flange.  
     
     
         21 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein at least one lateral pad and/or one medial pad extends upwardly beyond an outer lateral and/or medial portion of the flange.  
     
     
         22 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein one of the lateral and medial pads is higher than the other.  
     
     
         23 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the lateral and medial pads has a variable height.  
     
     
         24 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein the height of the lateral and/or medial pad is greater toward the rear.  
     
     
         25 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the lateral and/or medial pads has a substantially constant thickness.  
     
     
         26 . A retaining device according to  claim 16 , further comprising a base, the lateral and medial flanges extending upwardly from the base.  
     
     
         27 . A retaining device according to  claim 16 , further comprising a central pad at least partially covering the base.  
     
     
         28 . A retaining device according to  claim 27 , wherein the lateral, central, and medial pads form a unitary piece.  
     
     
         29 . A retaining device according to  claim 27 , wherein the central pad has an opening allowing accessing a disk for retaining the base.  
     
     
         30 . A retaining device according to  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the rear and front ends of the central pad is thicker than a central portion, the rear and/or front end projecting away from the base.  
     
     
         31 . A retaining device according to  claim 16 , wherein the lateral and medial flanges are connected to one another by an arch.  
     
     
         32 . A retaining device according to  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the lateral and medial pads is integrated with the lateral or medial flange.