EP1247550A1 - Method of manufacturing of a snow-glider with a decoration and protection element - Google Patents

Abstract

A cut out (19) is formed according to a predetermined pattern, in the upper layers. Inserts (13) of appropriate dimensions are then located in the recess. A polymer barrier film (21) exceeding the size of the cut out is then added, to seal between insert and upper layers (6), blocking adhesive from reaching other surfaces of the layers, during later stages when the ski is molded. <??>An Independent claim is included for a corresponding: polymer film, protective decoration and ski.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a gliding board on snow with an element of decoration and protection.

The present invention also relates to a polymer film intended for the manufacture of a board for gliding on snow. The present invention also relates to an element of decoration and protection intended to form the decoration and superior protection of a snowboard. The present invention finally relates to a gliding board on snow obtained in accordance with the manufacturing process.

The decoration process is an important phase in the manufacture of a board for gliding on snow, such as downhill skiing, surfing, monoskiing, ... The element of decoration and protection intended to form decoration and superior protection must be of high quality, durable, resistant to external aggressions and inexpensive. This element must indeed resist scratches, UV, low temperatures, humidity, cleaning solvents, ...

In addition, it may be particularly interesting to insert in the element of decoration and protection one or more pieces of a material having different properties, so that the user can easily maintain his board glides with or without gloves, without feeling cold or smooth and slippery on the upper surface.

State of the art

We know from documents FR-2,313,953 and FR-2,366,039, a sheet of slides on snow comprising a decorative and protective element, intended to form the decoration and upper protection, with additional cut segments, in different colors and positioned one after the other according to the direction longitudinal with respect to the gliding board.

In the corresponding manufacturing process, the different cut segments are applied to a filling in the form of a trellis arranged at the areas of joint between the segments and allowing a pre-assembly of the upper element.

The main drawback of this process is the absence of reliable seals and watertight between the additional segments and the rest of the decorative element and protection. This will lead in particular to adhesive leaks during the subsequent stages. molding the board.

Also known from document FR-2,740,981, a method of manufacture of a snow gliding board, which notably includes a step consisting in making a decorative and protective element for the board. This element has at least one layer which is decorated or must be decorated on at least one of its faces.

This process consists in making at least one window by cutting out the layer superior, then to locally bring back a piece of transparent or translucent material, on the side of the inner face of the layer, at the location of the window to cover it fully. Finally, the insert is secured to the upper layer.

The main disadvantage of the process is that due to the overlap of the window and of the insert, the material of the part must be compatible and must ability to stick with the material constituting the upper layer. In addition, in order to ensure perfect cohesion, the material of the insert must be able to stick easily with the material or materials constituting the rest of the underlying structure of the board.

Summary of the invention

A first problem consists in implementing a method for manufacturing a snow gliding board with a superior protection and decoration element, comprising one or more inserts made of a material different from those constituting the element superior protection and decoration.

A second problem is to implement a method of manufacturing a snow gliding board to prevent rewinds, leaks and burrs adhesive during the later stages of molding the board.

A third problem consists in providing a board for gliding on snow with a means having sealing properties against any liquid or pasty adhesive used for the subsequent stages of molding the board.

A fourth problem is to develop a process integrating a means which either compatible with adhesives such as epoxy resins or polyurethane foams in their expansion phase.

A fifth problem is to design a means for a gliding board on snow developing adhesion properties both with the leaf (s) constitutive upper elements of the upper decorative and protective element and the inserts.

A sixth problem posed is to make a board for sliding on snow with a or more inserts made of a material allowing the user to pick up and handle his board without inconvenience.

A method of manufacturing a board for gliding on snow, comprises in particular a step consisting in producing a decorative and protective element, intended to form the decoration and the superior protection of the board for gliding on snow, presenting at least one top sheet made of at least one material or of a superposition of at least one material, said upper sheet being decorated or to be decorated on at least one of its faces.

(a) on ménage au moins une partie découpée selon un motif déterminé de la ou des feuilles supérieures ;

(b) on positionne ensuite, dans la ou les parties découpées de la ou des feuilles supérieures, un ou plusieurs inserts de dimensions inférieures ou égales à celles de la ou des parties découpées ; et

(c) on recouvre chaque insert avec une ou plusieurs portions d'un film polymère barrière ayant des dimensions supérieures à celles de la ou des parties découpées, afin d'assurer l'étanchéité entre le ou les inserts et la ou les feuilles supérieures pour empêcher le passage d'un adhésif vers au moins une autre des faces de la ou des feuilles, lors des étapes ultérieures de moulage de la planche de glisse sur neige.

According to a first aspect of the invention, in this step:

(A) cleaning at least a portion cut according to a determined pattern of the top sheet or sheets;

(b) one or more inserts of dimensions or less than those of the cut part or parts are then positioned in the cut part or parts of the upper sheet or sheets; and

(c) each insert is covered with one or more portions of a barrier polymer film having dimensions greater than those of the cut part or parts, in order to ensure sealing between the insert (s) and the upper sheet (s) for prevent the passage of an adhesive towards at least one other of the faces of the sheet or sheets, during the subsequent stages of molding the board for gliding on snow.

(a) on ménage au moins une partie découpée selon un motif déterminé de la ou des feuilles supérieures ;

(b) on positionne ensuite la ou les feuilles supérieures découpées en plaçant la ou les parties découpées sur une ou plusieurs portions de film polymère barrière ayant des dimensions supérieures à celles de la ou des parties découpées, pour empêcher le passage d'un adhésif vers au moins une autre des faces de la ou des feuilles, lors des étapes ultérieures de moulage de la planche de glisse sur neige ; et

(c) on positionne dans la ou les parties découpées de la ou des feuilles supérieures, un ou plusieurs inserts de dimensions inférieures ou égales à celles de la ou des parties découpées.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in this step:

(A) cleaning at least a portion cut according to a determined pattern of the top sheet or sheets;

(b) the cut upper sheet (s) is then positioned by placing the cut part (s) on one or more portions of barrier polymer film having dimensions greater than those of the cut part (s), to prevent the passage of an adhesive towards at least one other of the faces of the sheet or sheets, during the subsequent stages of molding the snow gliding board; and

(c) one or more inserts of dimensions less than or equal to those of the cut part or parts are positioned in the cut part or parts of the upper sheet or sheets.

• une première couche en un adhésif thermofusible ;
• une couche centrale en un polymère thermoplastique présentant des propriétés d'étanchéité à tout adhésif liquide ou pâteux de type résines époxy, ou mousses de polyuréthannes dans leur phase d'expansion ; et
• une troisième couche en un adhésif thermofusible, analogue à l'adhésif thermofusible utilisé pour la première couche.

The upper sheet (s), the insert (s) and the barrier polymer film (s) can be joined together by hot pressing. Preferably, the barrier polymer film can be a three-layer film. The three-layer polymer film can then favorably comprise:

• a first layer of hot melt adhesive;
• a central layer of a thermoplastic polymer having sealing properties against any liquid or pasty adhesive of the epoxy resin or polyurethane foam type in their expansion phase; and
• a third layer of hot-melt adhesive, similar to the hot-melt adhesive used for the first layer.

Advantageously, the first and third layers of the film can have a thickness substantially between 10 μm and 40 μm, preferably equal to 25 µm. Advantageously, the central layer can have a thickness substantially between 45 µm and 100 µm, preferably equal to 70 µm.

Thermoplastic polymer having sealing properties against any adhesive liquid or pasty of the central layer can be a polyurethane. The adhesive hot melt of the first and third layers may have a point of softening preferably substantially less than or equal to 80 ° C. Polyurethane thermoplastic core layer may have a softening point of preferably substantially greater than or equal to 150 ° C.

The hot-melt adhesive may be a copolyamide compatible with adhesives of type epoxy resins, or polyurethane foams in their expansion phase. The adhesive hot-melt can be a copolyamide developing adhesion properties with the or the upper leaves and the insert (s).

The material used as an insert can advantageously have a hardness less than or equal to 85 Shore A, and a high coefficient of friction to give it soft touch qualities.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a polymer film is intended for the manufacture of a board for gliding on snow in accordance with the method described above.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an element of decoration and protection is intended for the manufacture of a snow gliding board in accordance with process described above.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a board for sliding on snow is characterized by the use of a decorative and protective element according to the method described above. The decorative and protective element can be joined during molding to other materials constituting the structure of the snow gliding board using epoxy resins or polyurethane foams in their expansion phase.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a board for gliding on snow has a decorative and protective element, intended to form the decoration and the superior protection of the snowboard, having at least one sheet upper made of at least one material or a superposition of at least one material. The top sheet being decorated or to be decorated on at least one of its faces, comprises at least one insert, positioned in at least one cut part of the upper sheet (s), and may have a hardness less than or equal to 85 Shore A, and a high coefficient of friction to give it soft touch qualities.

Description of the drawings

• la Figure 1 représente une vue du dessus d'un ski dont l'élément de décoration et de protection comprend plusieurs inserts ;
• la Figure 2 représente une coupe transversale selon le plan II - II de la Figure 1;
• la Figure 3 représente une coupe transversale partielle du ski selon le plan III - III de la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 4 représente une coupe transversale partielle d'un deuxième type de ski dont l'élément de décoration et de protection comprend des parties en insert ;
• la Figure 5 représente une coupe transversale partielle d'un troisième type de ski dont l'élément de décoration et de protection comprend des parties en insert ;
• la Figure 6 représente un synoptique partiel de l'étape consistant à réaliser un élément de décoration et de protection ; et
• la Figure 6A représente un agrandissement du détail A de la Figure 6.

The invention will be clearly understood and its various advantages and various characteristics will become more apparent from the following description, from the nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a top view of a ski whose decorative and protective element comprises several inserts;
• Figure 2 shows a cross section along the plane II - II of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 shows a partial cross section of the ski according to the plane III - III of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 shows a partial cross section of a second type of ski whose decoration and protection element comprises insert parts;
• Figure 5 shows a partial cross section of a third type of ski whose decoration and protection element comprises insert parts;
• Figure 6 shows a partial block diagram of the step of making a decorative and protective element; and
• Figure 6A shows an enlargement of detail A in Figure 6.

detailed description

A snow gliding board, for example an alpine ski (1), includes a gliding sole (2) bordered by two lateral edges (3, 4). The ski (1) includes a decorative and protective element (6) forming the decorative and protective superior of skiing. This decorative and protective element (6) is itself made up one or more upper leaves. In the case where a top sheet is used, it is itself made of one or more materials, in particular of the type polymer. If several upper sheets are used, these are formed by the superposition of a single material or by the superposition of a alternation of different materials.

In the case of a “Dualtec®” type ski (see more particularly Figures 2 and 3), the ski includes two partial side edges (7, 8), the decoration and protection 6 then forming a partial shell. In the case of a ski known as “with shell” (see Figure 4), the side edges are absent, the decorative and protective element (6) then forming an upper envelope. In the case of a ski called "section rectangular ”(see Figure 5), the edges (7, 8) extend from the side edges (3, 4) respectively, up to the decorative and protective element (6) which is flat.

According to the invention, the decorative and protective element (6) comprises at least one insert positioned on its upper surface. As an indicative example, we may have two inserts (9, 11) placed at the heel area (12). For exemple indicative, it is also possible to have a single insert (13) positioned towards the spatula (14).

The two inserts (9, 11), as well as the insert (13), are, in the embodiment example proposed, symmetrically arranged with respect to the median longitudinal axis of the ski. A asymmetrical arrangement would remain within the scope of the invention. The inserts shown (9, 11, 13) have, seen from above, an oval shape. However, all possibilities shape and positioning are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In order to allow easy handling of the ski (1), with or without gloves, the user will look for both a warm feeling and a correct function for grab. This is obtained with a specific material having a lower hardness or equal to 85 Shore A. In addition, this material has a high coefficient of friction in order to give it soft touch qualities (also called “soft” touch).

The particularly interesting materials for the inserts (9, 11, 13) are styrenes block copolymers. Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber materials, of which Santoprene®, have given particularly interesting results. As for example, the thickness of the inserts (9, 11, 13) is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, of preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

The decorative and protective element (6) is itself constituted, by way of example, a mixture of Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN) and polyurethane thermoplastic (TPU). This mixture is possibly transparent, which allows a decoration of the internal face, which proves to be more durable, thus protected by the thickness of the decorative and protective element (6). Depending on the case, the upper leaf (s) constituting this decorative and protective element (6) are decorated on at least one of their faces.

On the upper surface of the sliding sole (2), is positioned a first fibrous reinforcement (16), for example of the laminated type of fiberglass impregnated with resin epoxy. Under the decoration and protection element (6), is also positioned a other fibrous reinforcement (17), also for example of the glass fiber laminate type impregnated with epoxy resin. The ski (1) finally comprises a central core (18) which can possibly have one or more metallic type reinforcements.

In accordance with a more particularly interesting production process (see Figure 6), a step is provided for forming the insert (s) (9, 11, 13). This step is divides itself into substeps.

In the first sub-step, at least one part (19) is cleaned by cutting according to a determined pattern of the upper sheet or sheets. The pattern can be delimited like for example the one represented in Figure 1, or can really constitute a whole part, as for example according to the document FR-2.313.953. This part cutout (19) can also be positioned laterally in the case of the “hull” ski (see Figure 4).

In a second sub-step, we position in the cut part (s) (19) one or more inserts (13), according to arrow P. The insert (s) (13) may have dimensions equal to those of the cut-out part (19), so that there will be no interval between the top leaf (s). Another possibility is that the insert (s) have dimensions smaller than those of the cut part, revealing a or several intervals between the insert (s) and the sheet (s).

In a third sub-step, each of the inserts is covered according to the arrow R (13) with one or more portions of a film of polymer material (21). In this first example of the production process, the upper decorative and protective element (6) is positioned upside down at the bottom of a mold.

In a second alternative embodiment, the step of producing the element decoration and protection superior (6) includes the first substep of cutting of the upper sheet or sheets according to a determined pattern. In a second sub-step, we place the upper cut sheet (s) on one or more portions of polymer film with the cut parts directly placed at the portions of polymer film. Finally, in a third sub-step, we place in the cut parts one or more inserts can also have dimensions less than or equal to that of the cut part (s).

The polymer film (21) will play several roles. First of all, this film (21) is intended to form a physical barrier in order to prevent the creep of the epoxy resin being under the decorative and protective element (6). This film (21) will also play the role chemical barrier to prevent the epoxy resin from reaching the styrenic material constituting the insert (s) (9, 11, 13).

In addition, this film allows the insert or inserts (13) to be secured to the element. protection and decoration upper (6). Then, this film (21) adheres by its parts protruding from the underside of the decorative and protective element (6).

To do this, this film (21) is a three-layer film. The first upper layer (22) has a thickness substantially between 10 μm and 40 μm and will be preferably equal to 25 µm. The second central layer (23) will have a thickness substantially between 45 µm and 100 µm, and preferably will be equal to 70 µm. The third lower layer (24) will also have a thickness substantially equivalent to that of the upper layer (22), that is to say between 10 µm and 40 µm, and preferably equal to 25 µm.

The first upper layer (22) is made of a polymer material having a softening point substantially less than or equal to 80 ° C. In addition, this layer upper (22) is a hot melt adhesive, for example a hot melt copolyamide. The copolyamide is compatible with the styrenic material constituting the insert (s) (13).

The third lower layer (24) is also a hot-melt adhesive of the type copolyamide. The copolyamides retained are compatible, either with type of adhesives epoxy resins in the case where the ski (1) is molded by superposition of its elements components including the central core (18) already manufactured, either with foam polyurethane in their expansion phase in the case where the ski (1) is molded simultaneously by injecting the central core (18).

The material of the central layer (23) has a high point of softening, that is to say here greater than 150 ° C. A particularly material interesting is the polyurethane which allows both excellent lamination with the film copolyamide of the upper layer (22) and the copolyamide film of the lower layer (24), and also forms an excellent barrier to epoxy resins or foam polyurethane in their expansion phases, during the subsequent stages of molding and / or central core injection (18).

It will be noted that the film (21) can be inserted in the intervals formed between the element decoration and protection upper (6) and the dimensioned insert (s) (13) lower.

After this stage of realization of the upper element of decoration and protection (6), constituting the intermediate element, the ski manufacturing process will continue with the positioning in a mold of this element (6), then by molding the ski well said.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. Many modifications can be made, without going outside the scope defined by the scope of the set of claims.

Claims (16)

Method for manufacturing a snow gliding board, comprising in particular a step consisting in producing a decoration and protection element (6), intended to form the decoration and the upper protection of the snow sliding board, having at least an upper sheet made up of at least one material or of a superposition of at least one material, said upper sheet being decorated or having to be decorated on at least one of its faces, step according to which: (A) cleaning at least a portion (19) cut according to a determined pattern of the upper sheet or sheets; (b) then positioning, in 1a or the cut parts (19) of the upper sheet or sheets, one or more inserts (9, 11, 13) of dimensions less than or equal to those of the cut part (s) (19) ; and (c) each insert (9, 11, 13) is covered with one or more portions of a barrier polymer film (21) having dimensions greater than those of the cut part or parts (19), in order to ensure the sealing between the insert (s) (9, 11, 13) and the upper sheet (s) (6) to prevent the passage of an adhesive towards at least one other of the faces of the sheet (s), during the subsequent stages of molding of the snowboard. Method for manufacturing a snow gliding board (1), comprising in particular a step consisting in producing a decoration and protection element (6), intended to form the decoration and the upper protection of the snow gliding board, having at least one upper sheet made up of at least one material or of a superposition of at least one material, said upper sheet being decorated or having to be decorated on at least one of its faces, step according to which: (A) cleaning at least a portion (19) cut according to a determined pattern of the upper sheet or sheets; (b) the cut upper sheet or sheets are then positioned by placing the cut part or parts on one or more portions of barrier polymer film (21) having dimensions greater than those of the cut part or parts (19), to prevent the passage of an adhesive towards at least one other of the faces of the sheet or sheets, during the subsequent stages of molding the snow gliding board; and (c) one or more inserts (9, 11, 13) of dimensions or less than those of the cut part (s) (19) are positioned in the cut part or parts of the upper sheet or sheets. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper sheet (s) (6), the insert (s) (9, 11, 13) and the barrier polymer film (s) are joined together, by hot pressing. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the barrier polymer film (21) is a three-layer film. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the three-layer polymer film (21) comprises a first layer (22) of a hot melt adhesive; a central layer (23) of a thermoplastic polymer having sealing properties against any liquid or pasty adhesive of the epoxy resin or polyurethane foam type in their expansion phase; and a third layer (24) made of a hot-melt adhesive, similar to the hot-melt adhesive used for the first layer. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer having sealing properties against any liquid or pasty adhesive in the central layer is a polyurethane. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive of the first and third layers (22, 24) has a softening point substantially less than or equal to 80 ° C, and in that the thermoplastic polyurethane of the central layer (23) has a softening point substantially greater than or equal to 150 ° C. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive is a copolyamide compatible with adhesives of the epoxy resin or polyurethane foam type in their expansion phase. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7 characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive is a copolyamide developing adhesion properties with the upper sheet or sheets and the insert (s) (9, 11, 13). Method according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the first and third layers (22, 24) of the film (21) have a thickness substantially between 10 µm and 40 µm, preferably equal to 25 µm, and in that the central layer (23) has a thickness substantially between 45 μm and 100 μm, preferably equal to 70 μm. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material used as an insert (9, 11, 13) has a hardness less than or equal to 85 Shore A, and a high coefficient of friction to give it soft touch qualities . Polymeric film (21) intended for the manufacture of a snow gliding board according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 11. Decorative and protective element (6) intended for the manufacture of a board slides on snow in accordance with the method according to one of claims 1 to 11. Snowboard, characterized in that it uses a decorative and protective element (6) produced in accordance with the method according to one of claims 1 to 11. Snow gliding board according to claim 14, characterized in that the decorative and protective element (6) is secured during molding with other materials constituting the structure of the snow gliding board using resins epoxy or polyurethane foams in their expansion phase. Snow gliding board having a decoration and protection element (6), intended to form the decoration and the upper protection, having at least one upper sheet made of at least one material or of a superposition of at least one material, said upper sheet being decorated or to be decorated on at least one of its faces, characterized in that it comprises at least one insert (9, 11, 13), positioned in at least one cut out part (19) or upper sheets (6), and having a hardness less than or equal to 85 Shore A, and a high coefficient of friction to give it qualities of soft touch.

Images