EP1178744B1 - Sports shoe, especially for downhill skiing, ski-touring, cross-country skiing, snowboarding - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sports shoe, especially for downhill skiing, ski-touring, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, roller-skating or ice-skating. The inventive shoe essentially comprises a rigid underframe (11), which is located below the ankle of the wearer, two connecting links (30, 31) between the underframe and the leg of the wearer, and two casings (14, 15), which are arranged in such a way that they can firmly link the leg of the wearer to the connecting links. The underframe (11) comprises a front housing (18) and a rear housing (19). The housings are arranged in such a way that they can receive a soft inner boot (12). The underframe (11) also comprises shoulders (17, 17'), which enable the shoe (10) to be fixed in a conventional binding. The inner boot (12) is able to move inside the underframe. These movements can be a vertical movement of the heel and/or be made about a longitudinal axis in relation to the foot of the wearer, in such a way that the leg of the wearer can move naturally during the sporting acitivity.

Description

The present invention relates to a sports shoe, especially a ski boot alpine, hiking, cross-country or snowboard, with a chassis rigid disposed below the ankle of the user and defining at least a housing in which is placed a shoe receiving the foot of the user and cooperating with this chassis, at least one link arm between the chassis and the user's leg, and at least one housing arranged to tie so closes the user's leg to the link arm.

The vast majority of ski boots have a rigid shell extending widely above and enclosing the ankle. so that practically completely block his movements when practicing sport.

• lésions des ligaments du genou et de la cheville,
• appuis tibiaux douloureux, atteinte du muscle jambier postérieur,
• bursite sur les pieds, (maladie de Haglund),
• inflammation du tendon d'Achille,
• état douloureux des malléoles internes et externes,
• périostites,
• déplacements et lésions des ménisques du genou,
• compression des métatarses (maladie de Morton),
• engourdissement du membre inférieur dû à sa compression,
• atrophie des muscles du pied de la cheville et du mollet en fin de saison,
• froid aux pieds, gelures partielles et complications circulatoires associées.

This kind of shoes has a number of drawbacks. In particular, the use of such shoes, because of their rigidity, often causes various traumas such as in particular:

• knee and ankle ligament injuries,
• painful tibial support, involvement of the posterior leg muscle,
• bursitis on the feet, (Haglund's disease),
• inflammation of the Achilles tendon,
• painful condition of the internal and external malleoli,
• shin splints,
• displacement and lesions of the knee menisci,
• compression of the metatarsals (Morton's disease),
• numbness of the lower limb due to its compression,
• atrophy of the muscles of the foot of the ankle and the calf at the end of the season,
• cold feet, partial frostbite and associated circulatory complications.

Other ski boots have a rigid shell that stops in below the ankle and supposed to release it were performed. These shoes have the characteristic of blocking the foot in the shell by means of straps arranged at the instep.

The techniques used to design shoes have evolved to provide better comfort, but this holding and locking action of the lower leg still causes a lot of trauma and discomfort users often exposed to lower leg twists especially during falls. With rigid shoes, the time to maximum resistance of the leg in torsion is considerably shortened by the rigidity of the shoes which do not allow the whole of the articular and muscular chain of the leg segment. A violent twist during a fall back is accentuated by the lack of joint mobility and posterior leg muscle which has the effect of suddenly returning torsional forces at the knees. The leg is blocked by the rigid collar of the shoe. This type of fall widely described in particular in works of Professor Johnson in the United States highlights the risk of ski boots too rigid during rear torsional falls. On the other hand, blockage of the foot and ankle joints appears to be responsible for resting the leg muscles. These muscles don't are then more correctly used to react in the event of a fall or unexpected change of direction and therefore do not properly protect the knee and ligaments. In addition, the sensitivity of the foot is reduced by this same locking of the foot and lower leg to which we add a external global compression to obtain hold and precision. This has the effect of limiting sensory activities. This partly explains the balance problems for many skiers.

Some developments have been made in an attempt to resolve the problems with shoes with rigid shells. One of these developments is illustrated in American patent US-A-3,747,235. This document describes a ski boot comprising a rigid boot attached to the ski and surrounding the foot, a lever fixed to the liner and extending practically up to knee level, a stirrup attached to the lever and intended to prevent movement side of the leg relative to the lever, and a strap that prevents longitudinal movement of the leg relative to the lever. The rigid liner. stops under the ankle and therefore does not seem to block its movement. In reality, when the boot is held in a ski binding, the foot is blocked in the shoe and the ankle joint is blocked. The link between the leg and the ankle is materialized by the lever which transmits the efforts to the skis so as to allow the user to direct them.

The purpose of this shoe is to avoid a number of related problems shoes with rigid shells, in particular those linked to the compression of the foot in the shoe (bursitis, painful malleolus, ...). Unfortunately, this system does not allow you to use the. locking muscle and joint of the whole leg. So a number problems persist and others appear.

The connection between the leg and the ski is made just below the knee. This implies a risk of displacement "in the drawer" of the knee. This "drawer" effect is very common in people with laxity or ligament injuries knee. This can also cause inflammation of the ligaments in the knee level as well as compression of the glands and bundles hindquarters. This connection creates compression and crushing of the artery posterior tibial, limiting irrigation of the lower leg. This flange is also directly resting on the fibula. It blocks the movement of the latter which, with each movement of the leg, is normally displaced, both in rotation and in translation.

Blocking the movement of the fibula creates pain and removes natural joint and muscle locking of the leg. Another problem related to the use of a flange is that of the transmission of leg movements when skiing. If the flange is loose, this transmission gets hurt and skis are difficult or impossible to steer. So that the transmission takes place reliably, the leg must not be able to move everything in the clamp. This implies that the strap must be very tight. he may result in pain of the same type as that which appears with the use of rigid shoes.

In addition, an essential problem with this shoe and this binding comes the fact that the bootie is firmly fixed in the binding. Although the ankle is not locked by the shoe itself, rigid support of the shoe in the binding prevents natural movement of the foot, as explained in detail below.

There are other documents describing ski boots designed for release the ankle joint. Among these documents, we can cite the German publication DE-A-27 18 939.

This describes a ski boot that can be used with a bootie conventional. This shoe has a shell in which the slipper is immobilized by means of air cushions. The goal of this invention is to keep the foot firmly in the shell while avoiding constraint areas. Maintaining the foot prevents movement natural leg.

As described in detail below, the leg movements involve a coordinated movement of the ankle, knee and hip. Prohibiting movement of one of the joints, even in one direction destroys coordination of movement and prevents the leg to perform a physiological shift.

The ski boots of the prior art all have the objective of hold the foot firmly, either in a rigid shell or by straps at the instep, either by airbags, and as characteristic of preventing displacement of the ankle at least in one direction. This is particularly the case in the ski boot object of the publication EP-A-0 471 955. This shoe is provided with an upper rigid buttress which is extended upwards by a rigid collar intended for belt the ankle and keep it transversely.

As a result, none of the inventions described in art documents allows a physiological movement of the leg in the practice of the sport concerned, even if the ankle joint seems free.

The present invention proposes to overcome the drawbacks of shoes of the prior art by offering a shoe allowing movement physiological of the leg in general and of the ankle and knee in particular, in particular by allowing movement of the sole of the foot by compared to skiing.

As mentioned earlier, the rotation of the leg in its together can be separated into a knee rotation, a rotation of the ankle and hip rotation.

The knee rotation is controlled by two groups of muscles. The first group consists of external rotator muscles which, when they are actuated, have the effect of rotating the tibial plateau so as to direct tiptoe outwards. The second group consists of internal rotator muscles which tend to point the toes towards inside. Overall, the group of internal rotators is slightly more powerful than the group of external rotators. Knee flexion leads an inward rotation of the tibia as well as a displacement of the fibula in rotation and translation around its longitudinal axis.

The ankle can be rotated around three axes. An axe practically horizontal and transverse X which passes substantially through both malleoli, a vertical axis Y located in the extension of the leg and an axis horizontal longitudinal Z.

The rotational movement of the pin around the transverse horizontal axis X is called "extension" when the tip of the foot goes down, and "flexion" in the opposite case. The rotational movement around the vertical axis Y is called "adduction" when the tip of the foot is carried inside, towards the plane symmetry of the body, and "abduction" when the tip of the foot moves away plane of symmetry. Finally, the movement around the horizontal axis longitudinal Z is called "supination" when the sole of the foot turns towards the inside and "pronation" when it is oriented outwards.

During the natural rotation of the ankle, the movements around the three axes are always linked. Adduction is necessarily accompanied by supination and extension. The position reached by this movement is called reverse position. If the extension is compensated by an equivalent bending, we obtain the so-called varus attitude.

In the other direction, the abduction is necessarily accompanied by a pronation and bending. The position reached is called the eversion position. If the bending is canceled by an equivalent extension of the ankle, we obtain the attitude in valgus.

The eversion position is obtained essentially under the action of two muscles namely the short lateral peroneal and the long lateral peroneal. These are inserted at the level of the sole of the foot on the front half, respectively on the outside edge and on the inside edge of the foot.

All prior art shoes hold the foot firmly against the support. In addition, they prevent rotation of the ankle around of the longitudinal horizontal axis Z. The blocking of this movement breaks the articular chain formed by the ankle, the knee and the hip. This has also has the effect of preventing the natural muscle lock obtained by physiological use of muscles.

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of shoes prior art ski and allow natural movement of the assembly of the leg by allowing a synergistic work in chain of the joints of the leg, as described above. Another object of the invention is to increase user proprioception. This goal is achieved by the fact that the member lower is free, therefore sensitive.

These goals are achieved by a sports shoe as defined in preamble and characterized in that the shoe further comprises at minus a longitudinal protuberance disposed between the sole of the shoe and the chassis and arranged to allow movement of the shoe relative to the frame, around the longitudinal axis of the foot, when using the shoe.

According to a first embodiment, the longitudinal protuberance can be integral with the sole of the shoe or the chassis.

According to an alternative embodiment, said longitudinal protrusion comprises two protrusions arranged in the extension of one another and each formed of a platform linked to the sole of the shoe by through a semi-rigid planar rib aligned with said axis longitudinal of the foot.

The longitudinal protuberance arranged between the shoe and the chassis defines spaces on either side of this protuberance, these spaces being advantageously filled with a flexible material.

Advantageously the means for authorizing a vertical movement of the rear of the shoe relative to the chassis may have a shoulder disposed on the shoe and a stop formed in the chassis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the shoe according to the invention comprises a posterior casing arranged to be adapted to the morphology of the calf of the user, and a front casing arranged to be adapted to the morphology of the tibial plateau of said user, at least one of the casings being linked to the arm of link.

The front casing may include a support element for the knee the user, arranged to be in contact with said knee.

The casing fixed to the link arm is rotatable in a range angular given around said link arm and includes means for volume adjustment between the rear housing and the front housing and means for adjusting the height of the front housing and / or of the housing posterior.

According to a particular embodiment, one of the link arms has a extremity arranged near the extremity of the peroneal muscles of the user.

One of the link arms may also have one end disposed at proximity to the user's heel.

According to a particular embodiment, the shoe has two arms link.

In a first embodiment of the invention, one of the link arms is arranged towards the back of the shoe.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the two link arms are arranged on the sides of the shoe.

In a particular embodiment, the link arm is arranged between the shoe and the chassis.

The link arm can also be formed from at least two blades superimposed.

According to an advantageous variant, the shoe is removable in the chassis.

According to a particular embodiment in which the shoe is used as a ski boot, the shoe is placed in the chassis in such a way that when the two skis of a pair of skis are parallel, the edge of the shoe attached to the first ski, arranged towards the plane of symmetry of the body of user forms an open angle forward with the corresponding edge of the second shoe linked to the second ski.

• les figures 1 et 2 illustrent deux formes de réalisation différentes de la chaussure de sport selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dos de la chaussure de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une variante de la chaussure de sport illustrée par la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue de face de la chaussure de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation particulier de la chaussure selon l'invention illustrée par la figure 2, '
• la figure 7 est une vue de face d'une variante de la chaussure selon i l'invention illustrée par la figure 3,
• les figures 8a, 8b et 8c sont des vues de face d'une partie des chaussures illustrées par les figures précédentes, dans trois positions différentes,
• les figures 9 et 10 illustrent également deux variantes permettant un mouvement du soulier dans le châssis de la chaussure,
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe d'une partie de la chaussure de la figure 10,
• la figure 12 illustre la position de la chaussure lors d'un virage à ski,
• la figure 13 illustre la répartition des forces sur un ski en utilisant une chaussure selon la présente invention,
• la figure 14 est une vue en coupe de profil d'une partie de la chaussure selon l'invention,
• la figure 15 est une vue similaire à la figure 14, d'un autre mode de réalisation de la chaussure,
• la figure 16 est une vue en coupe d'une variante de chaussure selon l'invention,
• la figure 17 illustre un mode de réalisation particulier d'un élément d'une chaussure selon l'invention,
• la figure 18 représente une partie d'une chaussure comportant l'élément de la figure 17, et
• la figure 19 illustre une forme de réalisation particulière d'une chaussure selon l'invention.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood with reference to different embodiments of the invention and to the accompanying drawings in which:

• FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two different embodiments of the sports shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 3 is a back view of the shoe of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 is a variant of the sports shoe illustrated in FIG. 1,
• FIG. 5 is a front view of the shoe of FIG. 4,
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of the shoe according to the invention illustrated by FIG. 2, '
• FIG. 7 is a front view of a variant of the boot according to the invention illustrated by FIG. 3,
• FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c are front views of part of the shoes illustrated by the preceding figures, in three different positions,
• FIGS. 9 and 10 also illustrate two variants allowing movement of the shoe in the chassis of the shoe,
• FIG. 11 is a sectional view of part of the shoe of FIG. 10,
• FIG. 12 illustrates the position of the boot during a ski turn,
• FIG. 13 illustrates the distribution of forces on a ski using a shoe according to the present invention,
• FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of part of the shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, of another embodiment of the shoe,
• FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a variant shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 17 illustrates a particular embodiment of an element of a shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 18 represents a part of a shoe comprising the element of FIG. 17, and
• FIG. 19 illustrates a particular embodiment of a shoe according to the invention.

The sports shoe according to the present invention is illustrated in the mode for making an alpine ski boot, although it can be used for other sports such as cross-country skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe 10 essentially comprising a chassis 11, a shoe 12, a link arm 13 and two holding housings, respectively a posterior casing 14 and an anterior casing 15.

The chassis 11 is a rigid part comprising a base 16 provided with two shoulders 17, 17 'arranged to allow the chassis to be held in a conventional ski binding (not shown). Said base 16 is further provided with a first housing 18a intended to maintain firmly the front of the shoe 12 in the frame 11 and a second housing 18b intended to hold the rear of the shoe 12 in said chassis.

The shoe 10 also has at least one protuberance longitudinal 19 disposed between the sole 9 of the shoe 12 and the frame 11 to allow movement of the shoe 12 relative to the chassis, around the longitudinal axis of the feet when using the shoe, like this will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. The chassis 11 is arranged below the ankle of the user so that in no case the ankle movements are not hindered by said chassis.

The shoe 12 is a flexible shoe such as a basketball or a shoe tennis, which does not lock the ankle joint. This shoe can be chosen in such a way that it offers special comfort. It can be up and stop above the level of the ankle, but in this case it should be flexible enough not to hinder the movements of said ankle.

The shoe also includes a rear link arm 13. This one has a substantially horizontal part 20 inserted in the frame 11, and a substantially vertical part 21, extending roughly parallel to the part lower leg of the skier.

The horizontal part 20 of the link arm 13 stops substantially under the front end of the two lateral peronaries. This improves sensitive, the skier's proprioception, because the sensitive areas of the foot are close to one of the elements which allows the ski to be guided. other achievements could however be envisaged.

The rear linkage arm 13 is associated with the rear casing 14 which follows the shape of the skier's calf. This casing 14 is held by the arm of link and its precise positioning can be adjusted in a way conventional. This housing can be filled with anatomical foam or foam filling allowing each person to adjust these casings to the shape and volume of its legs. This housing cooperates with the link arm 13, in particular in rotation, during flexions of this arm. This allows the housing to remain stationary relative to the leg and to avoid friction on the leg.

The posterior link arm 13 may consist of a single rod 22, of a double or even triple rod, as illustrated for example by FIG. 3. The material constituting the link arm 13 is chosen in such a way that it has a certain predefined elasticity, in flexion and rotation. This material can for example be a metal, a synthetic material, a material composite, such as carbon or polyamide carbon, and comprise possibly additions of fibers or particles allowing to adapt the elasticity modules in flexion and in rotation. The shape of the arms is also chosen to allow forward bending, while limiting backward bending, but not completely preventing it.

As previously discussed, rotation of the knee results in rotation of the lower leg. The elasticity in rotation of the arm of link 13 authorizes on the one hand this rotation and, on the other hand, transmits forces generated by the skier on the skis in order to direct them.

The bending elasticity of the link arm 13 limits the movement of the arm towards the back of the ski. When bending the leg forward, the elasticity of the arm implies that a force is exerted on the front of the ski. This allows a very good ski direction control.

After a turn, when the skier straightens up, the elastic link arm releases the stored energy and facilitates recovery from the initial position. The elasticity of the bending arm also eliminates unnecessary overpressure of the ski on the ground when passing bumps. With the rigid boots of the prior art, when the skier hits a bump, the energy absorbed in part by the deformation of the ski is then transmitted to the skier by the shoe, which has the effect of creating effects harmful that can suddenly brake the skier in his developments.

For a beginner or average skier, the action of crossing a relief is made difficult because when the skis cross a bump, the energy is transmitted from skis in deformation to the boot which is rigid and which returns towards the skier's leg efforts and constraints. These crossings cause a back imbalance of the skier which can lead to a loss of control of skis and possibly a fall.

For the experienced skier, crossing an obstacle is often compensated by a resistance or a compensatory support on the tongue of the boot which has the effect of creating unnecessary overpressures under the ski whose direct effects are a brake on evolution. In a journey of competition, these overpressure brakes can be the subject of a cumulative detrimental to the skier's final performance.

With the shoe according to the present invention, the simultaneous deformations ski and boot are proportional, hence an advantage for the beginner or intermediate skier who no longer suffers from bumps and bumps landforms.

The competitive skier will see his performance increased thanks to the absence of overpressures under the skis thus facilitating sliding with a better distribution of ski and boot deformations simultaneously on the relief variations.

The front casing 15 of the shoe 10 is adapted to the morphology of the user's leg. It is associated with a support element 23 of the knee which partially surrounds the lower part of said knee. This support element 23 can pivot relative to this front casing 15, so as to support the knee without causing discomfort. Furthermore, said front casing 15 surrounds partially the leg and has two lateral zones 24 which protect the lower lateral part of the knee.

The posterior casings 14 and anterior 15 are interconnected by means of a 25 rigid or elastic strap or a Velcro ® strip for example. This bonding can be very flexible. The casings wrap the leg on a large area. The judicious arrangement of the supports, especially on the tibial bridge and the upper and lateral part of the tibia as well as on the internal faces and external of the base of the knee, allows precise support. It is therefore not the connection must be tight in order to transmit the movements that direct them, and this avoids any permanent compression of the leg tissue. The displacement of the bones of the leg and in particular of the fibula is not hindered.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 differs from that of the Figure 1 in that the shoe 10 comprises a frame 11 'having no housings for fitting the shoe 12. In this variant, the holding the shoe on the base 16 of the chassis is done by means of a screw fastening 26 screwed under the sole of the shoe. This shoe 10 comprises in in addition to an anterior link arm 27 associated with an anterior casing 15. More specifically, the front link arm 27 also acts as a casing previous 15. These two functions are in fact performed by the same part.

The position of the front link arm 27 is also adjustable so as to adapt as best as possible to the shape and morphology of the user. This arm front 27 has a lower area which is separated into two tabs 28 arranged on either side of the foot. These tabs are fixed so pivoting on the rear linkage arm 13.

As before, the posterior casings 14 and anterior 15 are connected between them by means of a rigid or elastic strap or a band Velcro ® for example. The rear casing position is adjusted at the by means of oblong holes 29, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

The embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 4 and 5 differs from that illustrated by Figure 1 in that this shoe 10 has a link arm posterior 30 and an anterior link arm 31. The posterior link arm 30 is directly linked to the chassis 11 without being linked to the front link arm 31. The end of this posterior arm 30 stops under the heel. The arm anterior separates into two tabs 32 which each penetrate on one side of the chassis 11 and which terminate under the front of the lateral peronaries. In this realization, the three sensitive areas of the sole of the foot, namely the heel and the ends of the two peroneums, are close to the areas end of the link arms. This allows proprioception particularly effective. The posterior link arm 30 is formed of two blades 30a, 30b, which allows a particularly good distribution of torsional and bending forces.

The front link arm 31 has an adjustment zone 33 which allows to precisely position the front casing 15. Its position and shape are chosen in such a way that they best fit the morphology of the user. The front 15 and rear 14 casings are also linked by a strap 25.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate two variants of the shoe illustrated by the Figure 2, in which the link arms are lateral arms, that is to say that they are linked to the chassis 11 ′ by the sides of the latter. In addition, these arms extend on the sides of the user's foot and lower leg:

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the two lateral arms 40, 41 are join on the front of the tibia and are connected at this level. The connection area 42 of the two arms supports an anterior casing 43 similar to the anterior casings previous embodiments. This front housing is linked by means of straps 25 to a rear casing 44. The connection between the lateral arms 40, 41 and the frame 11 ′ is produced by means of removable pins 45. This allows to completely separate the assembly comprising the link arms and the chassis housings. This achievement makes it possible to offer a comfortable shoe for ski touring. The user's leg is linked to the link arms 40, 41 and in casings 43 and 44. The shoe (not shown) is maintained only on the front of the chassis, for example by means of a screw or any suitable fastening device. The back of the shoe is not at all maintained, which authorizes walking. When this shoe is used for downhill skiing, the pins 45 are repositioned so as to ensure the connection of the shoe and the connection arms with the chassis.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the two lateral link arms 50, 51 do not meet and are arranged on the sides of the leg the user. Each of the arms supports one side of the front casing 43.

In the two embodiments described above, it should be noted that the link arms are not symmetrical. These two arms have functions slightly different and their shape is adapted to these functions. The arm of internal lateral link 41, 51 is intended to allow support to be taken during the driving the ski. It also serves to transmit the flexion and rotation of the leg of the user when skiing, so as to allow his driving. During the turns, it works mainly in compression. Therefore, it must be relatively rigid. The external lateral link arm 40, 50 is primarily intended to limit bending. He mainly works. in traction and can be relatively flexible and floating. The internal lateral arm could be compared to the leg tibia, while the external lateral arm could be compared to fibula.

Figures 8 to 11 illustrate in detail, the lateral movements shoe 12 possible in the chassis.

With reference to Figures 8a, 8b. and 8c, and as mentioned earlier, when bending the knee and ankle, the foot is placed naturally in an eversion or valgus position. In this position, the plant of the foot is not placed flat, but it is tilted slightly outwards. Conversely, when extending the knee, the foot moves into position inversion or varus, in which the foot is tilted inward.

In order to allow this movement, the longitudinal protuberance 19 of the shoe 10 allows the valgus / varus to be placed on the foot. For this purpose, the base 16 of the chassis 11 has a substantially planar upper face 61. The shoe 12 however has a slightly domed sole 9. This sole in fact comprises two inclined planes 63, 64 arranged on either side of the protrusion 19 along the longitudinal axis of the foot. The protrusion 19 and the two inclined planes define two spaces 66, 67 between the upper face 61 of the base of the chassis and the sole 9 of the shoe. These spaces can be whether or not filled with easily deforming foam. Protuberance longitudinal 19 acts as a hinge and allows movements of rocks around a longitudinal axis. It can consist of a bar of torsion, of a deformable blade, of one or more elastic elements such than Silentblocs ® or any other flexible connection system.

In the position illustrated in FIG. 8a, the spaces 66 and 67 under each inclined planes are substantially identical. This foot position corresponds to a neutral position of the skier. In FIG. 8b, the internal part foam is crushed. The foot is in the varus position. The shoe rests on the inclined plane 63 arranged towards the plane of symmetry of the skier. Finally, in FIG. 8c, the external part of the foam is crushed. The foot is in valgus position and the shoe rests on the inclined plane 64 arranged towards the opposite of the skier's plane of symmetry.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the sole 9 of the shoe 12 is flat, while the base 16 of the chassis 11 has an upper face 71 slightly domed defining the protuberance 19. The operation of this embodiment is identical to the embodiment illustrated by the Figures 8a to 8c. However, in the case of a removable shoe, the fact that the shoe sole is flat is an advantage.

By choosing the "rigidity" of the foam introduced into the defined spaces between the base of the chassis and the sole of the shoe, on either side of the longitudinal protrusion it is possible to adjust the force required to place the foot in the valgus or varus position. It is also possible to allow only the position of valgus or varus, excluding the other position. Similarly, the angle of valgus / varus can be adjusted by the shape of the protrusion or by that of the base of the chassis or the sole of the shoe.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of a shoe according to the invention, allowing movement in valgus / varus of the foot. In this variant the protrusion 19 is formed of two protrusions longitudinal 19 'arranged in the extension of one another along the axis longitudinal of the foot. Each protrusion 19 'has a platform 73' linked to the sole 9 of the shoe 12 via a semi-rigid rib 74 'allowing the shoe to pivot slightly relative to an axis longitudinal of the sole 9. The platforms 73 ′ can for example be screwed into the chassis. As before, a filling foam can be placed under the sole 9 so as to allow a good connection between the boot and the ski, and a good piloting of the skis, without downtime or floating.

In this type of construction, the foot and the leg keep a great freedom natural movements, in flexion and rotation without there being of play between the leg and the casings.

FIG. 12 illustrates the displacement of the tibia of the leg of a skier during a bend with a shoe according to the present invention as well as the distribution forces during this turn.

When the skier tries to turn to the right for example, he bends his leg forward at the same time as he turns the tibia to the right. The axis of the tibia is illustrated by an arrow 90 directed in the direction that the skier seeks to reach. This rotational movement of the tibia is possible thanks to the protuberance of the shoe which allows movement around the longitudinal axis of the foot. These displacements generate a force F _x directed towards the front of the ski and a force F _y directed towards the side of the ski, towards the inside of the turn. The result of these two forces is directed in the direction that the skier seeks to reach. This creates a forward diagonal support force which facilitates the turn.

In the shoes of the prior art, the force F _x directed towards the front always exists. On the other hand, the lateral force is obtained by a side movement of the leg which makes it possible to obtain the setting on the edge of the ski. As the movements of the lower leg are not possible with the shoes of the prior art, this movement of the leg on the side is made out of balance.

Figure 13 illustrates the distribution of forces during a rear imbalance of the skier. The link arm allows a slight rear imbalance while generating a forward force which helps the skier to return to a position correct. The axis 90 of the tibia can also pivot at an angle which depends of the skier's position. In all cases, the position of the entire leg, and in particular of the foot and lower leg, is a position natural, which allows to exploit all the muscles. This facilitates catching up and largely avoids ligament and bone ruptures during torsional back falls.

Figure 14 is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the shoe illustrated by FIG. 1, in which the shoe 12 is movable in the chassis 11. In this case, the shoe 12 is provided on its rear part with a shoulder 80 and the protrusion 19 is only provided on the part of sole 9 which is always in contact with base 16 of chassis 11. This chassis 11, meanwhile, includes a stop 81 arranged to cooperate with the shoulder 80 of the shoe, so as to allow the vertical movement of the back of the shoe over a predefined distance, greatly enlarged on the figure, without it being completely free. This support with play allows the foot to perform a natural extension movement, as described above. The shoulder 80 or the stop 81 may also have a shape slightly curved so as to allow a small angular rotation of the foot relative to a longitudinal axis.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the shoe 10 represented by FIG. 2, in which the shoe 12 is fixed to the frame 11 ′, for example by means of two screws 85, 86. The chassis is not completely rigid, which allows the chassis and the shoe to "follow" the deformation of the ski 87 on which the shoe is attached. This avoids that, as during the use conventional rigid ski boots, the deformation of the ski exerts efforts on the bindings 88 of the boot on the ski, which can cause a drop in the binding even in the absence of a fall. Screw head rear 86 may have a certain play with respect to the housing in which it is placed, which also allows movement of valgus / varus from foot.

FIG. 16 illustrates another variant of the shoe according to the invention, similar to the shoe of FIG. 2. In this variant, the link arm 13 shown as an elastic blade is introduced into the frame 11 '. he is placed under the sole 9 of the shoe 12 and enters the chassis. The elasticity of the link arm 13 as well as its positioning relative to the frame and its method of attachment in this frame allow the heel perform a vertical movement following the deformations of the arm. This allows, as before, a natural movement of the leg the user. This embodiment is advantageous in that the displacements of the heel and those of the link arm and consequently casings are linked. The housings therefore always remain in the position whatever the heel movements.

It is also possible that the heel of shoe 12 is integral with the chassis. 11 ′ and does not accompany the movements of the link arm 13. In this case, a space must be preserved between the shoe and the arm fixed in the frame.

In both cases, the movement around a longitudinal axis of the foot is preserved.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a particular embodiment of an arm of connection 13 'of the shoe 10 according to the invention. This link arm divides in two branches 91 in its upper third. This arm solves problems with shoes having a link arm such as those cited in the prior art. In its maximum flexion, the thigh comes touch the calf muscles (triceps). If an item represented as a posterior lever extends above the lower third of the calf, there is a risk of element conflict between the triceps and the hamstring muscles of the thigh during maximum flexion. This type of flexion is common in rear imbalanced skiers, such as beginners and skiers apprehending the slope. Competitive skiers are also subject to this type of imbalance or catch-up position.

The present configuration of the link arm 13 'respects the principle of having a fulcrum above the middle part of the tibia. The link arms are end with two lateral branches 91 on which the casing is attached posterior 14 '. This housing can be mobile or integrated into the construction of the shoe.

The front casing 15 ′ is fixed directly to the external branches of the arm of link, or free and fixed to the link arms by means of a strap or a necklace. To avoid parallelogram effects which may interfere with the leg support during bending, the two casings or the holding collar of the leg are attached together on two axes 92, 93, arranged on the upper side parts of the link arm. They improve the mobility of the leg and casings in flexion without sacrificing its holding.

FIG. 19 represents a ski boot according to the invention, which protects the user of water, cold and shock and in which shoe 12 is a rising shoe 103. This shoe is mounted in the frame 11 in leaving a space 100 between the upper edge of the chassis and the shoe. In order to seal the whole, this space can be filled with foam easily deformable or covered with a strip of material ensuring sealing. This shoe also includes adjustment means 101 of the initial position of the link arm 13. The positioning of the link arm link makes it possible to adapt to the volume of the user's calf, in such a way whatever the volume of the calf, the leg is in a position . comfortable. The angle formed by the arm with respect to a vertical can by example to be 10 °, 13 ° and 16 ° in three possible positions of means of setting. These adjustment means 101 may for example include a eccentric. The shoe may also include a device 102 for release of the arm facilitating walking. This device allows a certain amount of play bottom of the link arm 13. It is for example also formed of a eccentric which can be placed in two positions as shown by Figure 19. The rising rod 103, which must imperatively be flexible so as not to impede the movements of the leg, can integrate protective devices against water and cold and excess thicknesses 104 to protect the user against shocks and cuts. The shoe can integrate these different components so as to form a homogeneous whole with the appearance of a boot.

The shoe can be attached to the chassis or simply placed in it, without rigid connection with him. In this case, the leg and the ski are only held by the link arms. This achievement has two advantages important. The skier can use almost any shoe that enters the chassis. He can therefore choose shoes in which he is particularly comfortable. On the other hand, the foot is not blocked in rotation. This allows the foot to rotate around the vertical axis Y which is naturally linked to a knee rotation.

In order to adopt a natural position, the inner edges of the two feet do not are not strictly parallel when the skis are parallel. At on the contrary, they are slightly moved forward so as to form an angle a few degrees outward. The purpose of this angle is to promote rolling movement of the calcaneus on the talus which facilitates the setting valgus / varus of the hindfoot area and therefore movement natural pronosupination.

The present shoe offers a perfect connection between the leg and the ski. This connection takes place without compression, over a relatively large area. She therefore does not cause pain as in the case of rigid shoes. On the other hand, this link allows all natural movements of the leg and foot. This has the advantage of limiting the risk of injury, to increase the comfort of the skier and to improve in an essential way the proprioception. The shoe forms a "self-supporting exoskeleton" which does not in any way hinder the movements of the user. Movements of the user are fully transmitted from the internal skeleton of the user to this "exoskeleton" which is linked to the ski in order to direct it.

The elasticity of the ski, the link arms and possibly the chassis provides complete freedom of flexion of the ankle. So with the shoe according the invention, the deformation of the ski on an obstacle, combined with the bending of the link arms no longer causes hard spots on the tibia, imbalances usually linked to the effect of support points and allows absorb the relief while providing maximum comfort. With shoes rigid conventional, when the ski hits an obstacle, it deforms and the energy is directly returned to the user's leg. The latter, from does hard braking and accelerates the body forward, then compensation backwards, is often unbalanced backwards. The shoe according to the invention has a shock absorbing function.

Such a shoe, thanks to the dynamic flexible effect of the link arm, helps the leg to tolerate great torsional forces during falls. In particular, during rear falls, travel, bending flexibility and tolerance controlled in rotation, offer the leg a better possibility to resist ligament injuries and ruptures, especially ligament ruptures knee injuries that occur in more than a third of ski accidents.

The resistance time of the maximum leg strength is extended and avoids the shear effects due to violent and sudden forces such as occur in prior art shoes.

The existence of a backward flexion allows to make contribution the hamstring muscle system and the leg muscle cells and of the foot, this muscular system being able to protect the structures passive ligaments during an imbalance or a fall.

Another recognized factor of ski injury is the torsional accident and / or frontal deviation. The reasoning concerning extension flexion (movement in the sagittal plane) and their control according to the type of shoe is also valid in the frontal plane (varus valgus).

In the horizontal plane, releasing the inversion eversion movements of the foot authorizes the rotation of the tibia on the fixed foot when this is not the case at all in prior art shoes. The slightest constraint in rotation of the femur relative to the ski boot system must be absorbed by knee or fixation.

If the knee is bent beyond 45 degrees, the freedom to rotate it is 30 to 40 degrees and the rotational component of the hamstrings is maximum. On the other hand, the closer we get to the extension, the higher the degree of freedom in knee rotation decreases to become zero in extension complete. The rotational component of the hamstring muscles decreases also, so their ability to prevent the femur from twisting on the tibia. Only the bone and ligament structures can fulfill this role or the frequency of lesions of the anterior cruciate ligaments, or spiroid tibia fractures.

With the shoes according to the present invention, the freedom of rotation of the complex ski boot below the knee is larger than with prior art shoes, and this movement is controlled by the muscles of the leg and foot (peroniers and legs). This factor is an element of i considerable protection of passive structures such as ligaments and bones of the inferior member.

As the shoe is made up of different independent elements, each of the elements can be adapted to the morphology of the skier as well as to his skills. It is therefore possible to choose each of the elements from a series of standard elements to form a custom shoe.

The use of link arms makes the shoe dynamic. The arm (s) can store energy and restore it during the movements of flexion and extension of the skier.

The shape of the link arms also makes it possible to store energy during torsional movements. When bending the knee, the part lower leg undergoes a twist which is transmitted to the link arms. This allows to store energy which is restored during a turn by example, which makes it easier to drive skis. The housings guarantee that the twisting movements of the leg are fully transmitted to the shoe, otherwise the skis would be difficult to steer and the ankle should compensate for the efforts not transmitted.

The shoe according to the present invention is particularly comfortable, it makes it possible to direct the skis in an optimal way and it strongly limits the risks broken bones in the lower leg. In addition, the user keeps an excellent sensitivity, which facilitates the maintenance of balance. This also facilitates learning to ski.

The combined function of the valgus of the foot on the chassis and the rotation of the casings results in a diagonal support effect. This combined support forward and sideways strength is sought after by all skiers, but, with shoes of the prior art, the effort breaks down in two separate movements: one forwards to obtain a load on the front of the skiing when initiating the turn, a movement of the leg to the side to get the edge on the ski and thus hold on to the snow.

With the present invention, when the skier flexes, the movement of valgus or varus of the foot is combined with the natural rotation of the leg. It follows a forward diagonal support oriented towards the direction that the skier wish to achieve. As a result, turning is instantaneous and steering in curve is more precise. The skier is more ahead in his gestures and no longer needs to focus on both front support and in the same time on the lateral support.

Such a shoe is a considerable asset in the phases learning to ski. The pivoting efforts of the ski are facilitated by leverage and thanks to the respected physiological movements of joints and muscles of the foot, ankle and leg. So the modern skis with marked notches find with this shoe a real "steering wheel" or "power steering" to steer them.

The energy supplied by the skier and stored during the stress is restored in proportion to the effort of the latter. During small tight turns requiring good dynamics, the work of the material saves efforts. During large turns requiring a dynamics of restitution of the support forces more progressive and without time dead, the shoe also restores proportional energy.

Various embodiments of holding housings allow transfer forces directly from the leg to the ski through the link arm, these various embodiments are adjustable both in terms of leg volumes at the level of mobility in rotation by their connection with the arm.

Claims (21)

1. A sports shoe, in particular for alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing or sno_wboarding, comprising a rigid frame (11, 11') arranged under the ankle of the wearer and defining at least a housing (18a, 18b) in which is placed a shoe (12) receiving the wearer's foot and cooperating with said frame, at least a link extension (13, 13', 27, 30, 31, 40, 41, 50, 51) between the frame and the leg of the wearer, and at least one casing (14, 14', 15) designed to join the wearer's leg firmly to the link extension, characterized in that the sports shoe further comprises at least a longitudinal protuberance (19) arranged between the sole (9) of the shoe (12) and the frame (11, 11') and designed to allow movement of the shoe (12) in relation to the frame (11, 11') around the longitudinal axis of the foot during use of the sports shoe.
2. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal protuberance (19) is attached to the sole (9) of the shoe (12).
3. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal protuberance (19) is integral with the frame (11, 11').
4. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal protuberance (19) comprises two protuberances (19') disposed in prolongation one of the other and formed each one by a platform (73') attached to the sole (9) of the shoe by means of a flat semi-rigid rib (74') in line with said longitudinal axis of the foot.
5. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal protuberance (19) arranged between the shoe and the frame defines gaps (66, 67) on either side of this protuberance, these gaps being filled with a soft material.
6. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (11, 11') comprises means to allow a vertical movement of the back of the shoe (12) in relation to the frame.
7. The sports shoe according to claim 6, characterized in that the means to allow a vertical movement of the back of the shoe (12) comprises a shoulder (80) arranged on the shoe and a buffer stop (81) shaped in the frame (11).
8. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a back casing (14, 14', 44) arranged to be adapted to the morphology of the wearer's calf, and a front casing (15, 43) arranged to be adapted to the morphology of tibial plate of said wearer, at least one of the casings being attached to the link extension (13, 13'; 27; 30, 31; 40, 41; 50, 51).
9. The sports shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the front casing (15) comprises a bearing element (23) for the knee of the wearer, arranged to be in contact with said knee.
10. The sports shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the casing (14, 14', 15) fixed to the link extension is mobile in rotation over a given angular range, around said link extension.
11. The sports shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means for adjustment of the volume in between the back and front casings.
12. The sports shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means (33) for adjustment of the height of the front casing (15) and/or back casing (14).
13. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the link extension (13, 31) has an end piece arranged near the extremity of the peroneal muscles of the wearer.
14. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the link extension (30) has an end piece arranged near the heel of the wearer' foot.
15. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two link extensions (13, 13', 27, 30, 31, 40, 41, 50, 51).
16. The sports shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one of the link extensions (13, 13', 30, 31) is arranged towards the back of the shoe (12).
17. The sports shoe according to claim 16, characterized in that the two link extensions (40, 41, 50, 51) are arranged on the sides of the shoe (12).
18. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the link extension (13) is arranged between the shoe (12) and the frame (11).
19. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the link extension (30) is formed by at least two superimposed strips (30a, 30b).
20. The sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the shoe (12) is removable from the frame (11, 11').
21. The sports shoe according to claim 1, used as a ski boot, characterized in that, the shoe (12) is placed in the frame (11, 11') in such a manner that when the two skis of a pair of ski are parallel, the edge of the shoe integral with to the first ski, arranged towards the plane of symmetry of the wearer's body, forms an angle opening forwards as compared with the corresponding edge of the second shoe integral with the second ski.

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