EP0237591A1

EP0237591A1 - After-ski boot with inflatable structure

Info

Publication number: EP0237591A1
Application number: EP86103551A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Setzu
Original assignee: Calzaturificio Tecnica SpA
Current assignee: Calzaturificio Tecnica SpA
Priority date: 1986-03-17
Filing date: 1986-03-17
Publication date: 1987-09-23
Also published as: DE8607321U1; FR2595922B3; FR2595922A3

Abstract

An after-ski boot comprising a pneumatic structure with air chambers (16), which are separated with inflatable by insufflation, an inner lining (18) and an outer covering (14) and a sole portion (10), shaped so as to fully encompass said structure after the air coming out whereby it can be transported with a minimu encumbrance.

Description

This invention relates to an after-ski boot having an inflatable structure comprising two or more hollow spaces provided within the outer covering of the boot and of the rubber sole.
Since some years after-ski boots are known and of widespread use comprising an upper water-repellant tissue, such as silicon treated nylon, a rubber or rubber like sole, provided with a particular gripping design, part of the upper being of leather of plastic material connecting the sole to the nylon upper and forming a rather high band encompassing the foot seating part of the boot.
The inside structure of the boot comprises an inner lining and an inside layer of polurethan foam.
These after-ski boots are also known as "Moon boot" manufactured and sold by Calzaturificio Technica Spa of Italy.
The main feature of this type of after-ski boots resides in their confort, light-weight and protection of the foot even at very low external temperatures.
However their rather encumbrant structure does not permit their use in the pauses when skying, in the mountain resorts and other stop areas a long the snow tracks and scents. In fact the skier, wearing the ski-boots can not bring with himself, when skying, also these after-ski boots, which would be highly appreciated during the breaks of the sport activity.
The main purpose of the present invention is that of providing an after-ski boot, mantaining the advantageous feature of the above mentioned "Moon boot" structure and at the some time being easily transportable during the skying activity.
To this end the present invention provides an after-ski boot of the afore said structure, namely comprising a rubber or rubber like sole and an upper of water-proof tissue, the sole being connected to the upper by a band of leather or plastic material, the boot further comprising an inner foot receiving part covering the sole, this part comprising a lining and a foamed material, such as polyurethane foam, characterized by comprising a pneumatic structure, comprising one or more hollow spaces forming the boot-leg and the foot portion of the boot, apart from the sole, said pneumatic structure being outwardly covered by said water proof tissue covering, each hollow space being provided with an inflation opening, valve or closure means being provided for each inflation opening.
As it will be appreciated from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, the after-ski boot structure according to the present invention is adapted both to be inflated e.g. by mouth insufflation when it is to be used, and to be deflated, thus being reduced to the size of the sole and to the height of the band connecting the sole of the upper, when it is to be transported or anyhow not used.
In the enclosed drawings showing, in non limiting sense, a preferred embodiment of the invention:

fig. 1 is a vertical cross-section of the after-ski boot of the invention in the fully inflated condition;
fig. 2 shows the same after-ski boot in a partially deflated condition, and
fig. 3 shows the after-ski boot in the fully deflated condition, adapted for transportation or non use.

For a more complete description of the kind of after-ski boots being improved by the present invention reference is made to the Italian Patent No. 940.328.
Referring to the drawings and particularly to fig. 1 the after-ski boot of the present invention comprises a sole portion 10, preferably of para rubber and especially designed so as to improve the grip onto slippery ground, such as snow, ice etc.
The boot-leg, indicated as a whole by the reference 12, comprises an outer covering 14 of water-proof tissue, such as silicone treated nylon, enclosing a pneumatic structure comprising three independent hollow spaces 16. An inner lining 18 completes the bootleg structure.
At the lower end the hollow spaces 16 terminate at the level of an inner insole 20, bearing a like inner lining 22, the inside being in a manner per se known of the self-modelling type.
Between inner insole 20 and the sole 10 an outer insole 24 may be provided of a foamed thermally isolating material, such as polyurethane foam. The reference 26 indicates an inside anatomic heel, whereas the reference 28 indicates a rubber or rubber like layer, serving as the bottom closure of the pneumatic structure and particularly of the hollow spaces 16.
Lastly the reference number 30 shows a leather or plastic band enclosing the entire bottom part of the boot, as it is usual in the subject after-ski boot.
As shown in fig. 1, the upper ends of the hollow spaces 16 are provided with inlet openings 32, possibly provided with small lengths of pipes 34 protruding inside the related hollow space, a closure 36 being provided in form of a cover 38 connected to the upper end of the structure comprising the hollow spaces 16, so as to the hingedly movable between a closed position, in which pins 40, integrally formed with the cover 38, enter the pipe lenghts 34 sealingly closing the hollow spaces 16, and an open position permitting the free access to the said hollow spaces, either for inflating or for deflating purposes for instance.
Of course the openings of the hollow spaces can be formed likewise the well known pneumatic mattresses or pillows used in swimming pools or at the seaside.
As shown in fig. 3 the after-ski boot according to the present invention in the fully deflated condition takes the shape of a rather flat, oval structure, having for instance the size of 30x15x10 cm (the last value being the height or thickness) which is clearly easily transportable in a marsupial belt or knapsack.
By insufflation through the openings 32 the pneumatic structure becomes inflated passing through the condition of fig. 2 and taking the final or use the condition of fig. 1, ready for being worn, of course by closing the cover 36.
As soon as the after-ski boot is no longer necessary, it is enough to deflate it by opening the cover 36, just like the above mentioned pneumatic pillows.
It is furthermore to be mentioned that the provision of three hollow spaces is just a caution against an accidental perforation, but for the purpose of the invention at least one pneumatic hollow space is necessary.
As regards the manufacturing of the hollow-spaces only one can be provided in which internal diafragms are sealingly located in a manner per se well known.
It is to be mentioned that changes and modifications of the illustrated structure are possible within the scope of the present invention as will appear to the skilled in the art persons.

Claims

1. After-ski boot, of the type comprising a rubber or rubber-like sole and an upper of water-proof tissue, the sole being connected to the upper by a band of reinforcing material, particularly leather or plastic material, the boot further comprising an insole of thermally isolating foamed material, characterized by comprising a pneumatic structure forming the boot-leg part of the boot, said pneumatic structure comprising at least one hollow space positioned between the said outer upper of water proof tissue and an inner lining, said at least one hollow space being sealed at the lower end and being provided with an inflating and deflating opening at the upper end, a closure at the upper end, a closure member being adapted to cooperate with said opening.

2. After-ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that said pneumatic structure comprises three independent and coaxial hallow spaces, each having an independent inflation and deflation opening, said closure member being a cover provided with integral pins adapted to enter said openings, said cover being hingedly connected to the upper part of the ski boot.

3. After-ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one hollow space is adapted to the inflated by mouth insuflation.

4. After- ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that said boot-leg part in the deflated condition is fully contained within the height of said band connecting the sole to the upper.