EP1911364B1

EP1911364B1 - Shoe particularly for sports practice

Info

Publication number: EP1911364B1
Application number: EP07116087A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giorgio Baggio; Michele Pellizzon
Original assignee: Head Technology GmbH
Current assignee: Head Technology GmbH
Priority date: 2006-10-09
Filing date: 2007-09-11
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2027-09-11
Also published as: EP1911364A1; ITTV20060175A1

Description

The present invention relates to a shoe particularly for sports practice, in particular for ski mountaineering or downhill skiing.
Currently, particularly for the practice of ski mountaineering and downhill skiing, boots are known which have a shell made of rigid plastic material which wraps around the foot of the user and to which an appropriately provided quarter is pivoted which covers the leg partially; these known types of boot typically have an innerboot, made of soft material, which is adapted to increase comfort while wearing the boots.
However, these known types of boot have a drawback: in fact, to offer adequate protection to the foot during skiing and allow the foot to transmit in an optimum manner to the ski the forces required to maneuver it, the shell and sole are generally very rigid, particularly in an axial direction, locking the foot in a fixed position.
This is a drawback when using the boot disengaged from the ski, when the skier is forced to walk unnaturally indeed because it is impossible to articulate the foot.
This drawback is felt more in the practice of ski mountaineering, in which the skier, before beginning to ski, travels long distances on foot while wearing these known types of boot.
US 4 839 972 teaches a ski boot with hinged, two-part shell that has good flexibility during walking.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a shoe, particularly for sports practice, which protects the foot adequately during skiing and further allows to achieve easy flexing of the shell to facilitate walking.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a shoe, particularly for sports practice, which in addition to allowing easy flexing is capable at the same time of providing great wearing comfort and support for the foot of the user both during skiing and during walking.
Another object of the invention is to provide a shoe which ensures adequate contact between the foot and the shell so as to allow correct control of the ski.
Another object is to provide a shoe which is structurally simple and has low production costs.
This aim, these objects and others which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a shoe, particularly for sports practice, according to the invention, that has the features set forth in claim 1.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a particular but not exclusive embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the shoe of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional view, taken along the line III-III of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an exploded side view of the shoe of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken along the line V-V of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a partially sectional side view of the shoe of Figure 1 in the flexing condition;
Figure 7 is a partially sectional schematic perspective view of a detail of the shell of a shoe according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiments that follow, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a shoe, particularly for sports practice, in particular for ski mountaineering or downhill skiing, which comprises a shell 2 which covers the foot and ankle of the user and to which at least one quarter 4 is coupled which extends so as to cover part of the tibia.
In the region of the sole 5 and partially of the sides 6a, 6b of the shell 2 there are one or more transverse notches or openings, designated by the reference numeral 7, which are adapted to facilitate flexing.
Conveniently, the one or more notches or openings 7 are formed in a region which is adjacent to, or affects, part of a standardized tip 11, which is preferably constituted by a rigid body 11 a which interacts with a binding which is coupled to a ski and is formed monolithically with the shell 2; an outsole 28 made of plastic material is associable or coupled in a lower region with respect to the body 11a.
In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, a single opening 7 is provided in the shell 2 and has a first portion 12, which is approximately rectangular in plan view, is provided transversely to the shell 2, and partially affects the body 11a of the tip 11 in a region which is adjacent to the metatarsus of the foot of the user.
The first portion 12 is contiguous to a second portion 13a, 13b, which is formed at each side 6a, 6b of the shell 2 and is approximately cusp-shaped, with the tip directed away from the sole 5.
Advantageously, the second portions 13a, 13b have, at their lower end, a bevel 21 which is formed on the sides 6a, 6b of the shell 2 starting from the bottom 17 thereof.
Advantageously, proximate to the vertex of the second portions 13a, 13b of the opening 7 there are respectively two first through holes 22a, 22b on the sides 6a, 6b of the shell 2.
Advantageously, on the outer surface of the sides 6a, 6b of the shell 2 there are two grooves 23 which are provided so as to follow externally the perimetric edges of the second portions 13a, 13b of the opening 7 and are therefore cusp-shaped; advantageously, the extension of the grooves 23 is such that the first holes 22a, 22b are arranged inside them.
The one or more notches or openings 7 are closed by means of at least one removable insert 14, which is advantageously made of elastically deformable plastic material.
As shown in Figure 5, the at least one insert 14 is approximately U-shaped in a sectional view taken along a plane which lies transversely to the shell 2, with a base 24 which is approximately flat and has a substantially rectangular plan shape.
Advantageously, the base 24 has, transversely to the shell 2, an extension which is approximately equal to the extension of the first portion 12 of the opening 7 and has, longitudinally to the shell 2, an extension which is slightly greater than that of the first portion 12; the base 24 further has a thickness which is approximately equal to the thickness of the bevels 21; the base 24 can therefore be arranged, during use, so as to close the first portion 12 of the opening 7 only after it has been compressed elastically in the longitudinal direction with respect to the shell 2.
During the flexing of the shell 2, the one or more notches or openings 7 widen in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shell 2 and the previously compressed base 24 expands elastically in the same direction, thus keeping the first portion 12 of the opening 7 constantly closed.
Advantageously but not necessarily, a raised portion, designated by the reference numeral 24a, protrudes from the base 14 toward the inside of the shell 2 and is arranged during use within the first portion 12 of the opening 7.
Two arms, designated respectively by the reference numerals 25a and 25b, protrude from the ends of the base 24 approximately at right angles thereto, and have, in a cross-section taken along a plane which lies transversely to the shell 2, an arc-like profile which follows the profile of the region of the shell 2 with which the arms 25a and 25b are associable.
Advantageously, the arms 25a and 25b of the insert 14 are approximately cusp-shaped in a side view; said shape follows substantially the shape of the second portions 13a, 13b of the opening 7 but is wider than such portions and is such that the arms 25a, 25b can be arranged with their perimetric edges within the grooves 23, so as to close respectively the two second portions 13a, 13b of the opening 7 only after they have been compressed elastically.
The base 24 and the arms 25a, 25b therefore tend to return elastically to their non-deformed condition, pushing against the perimetric edges of the one or more notches or openings 7 so as to widen them, facilitating the flexing of the shell 2.
Advantageously, proximate to the free ends of the arms 25a, 25b there are second holes 26a, 26b provided in such a position that during use they face respectively the first holes 22a, 22b; the at least one insert 14 can thus be coupled to the shell 2 so as to close the respective notch or opening 7 by inserting in the first and second holes appropriately provided first rivets or studs or screws 27a, 27b.
The shoe 1 comprises means for guiding and limiting its flexing, which are constituted advantageously by an outsole 28, which constitutes the tip 11, and from which one or more tabs 31 protrude axially with respect to the shell 2 and on the opposite side with respect to the tip 9 thereof, and extend beyond the opening 7, their ends being slidingly associable with the bottom 17 of the shell 2.
Advantageously, the outsole 28 and the one or more tabs 31 are made of a rigid plastic material, so as to remain in their condition of optimum contact against the ground, at the same time allowing the flexing of the shell 2 in the direction of increasing the width of the one or more notches or openings 7.
As an alternative, the outsole 28 and the one or more tabs 31 are made of a semirigid plastic material, such as to allow a minimal flexing thereof.
The presence of the outsole 28 and of the one or more tabs 31 further compensates the reduction of the torsional strength of the shell 2 caused by the presence of the one or more notches or openings 7.
In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, two mutually parallel tabs 31 protrude respectively from the outsole 28, and two third holes 32 are formed respectively on the free ends of the tabs and face, during use, appropriately provided through slots 33 which are formed in the bottom 17 of the shell 2 along a direction which is longitudinal to the shell; advantageously, in the inactive condition, in which the shoe 1 is not subjected to flexing, the third holes 32 face the end of the slots 33 that is directed away from the tip 11.
Advantageously, the tabs 31 are slidingly coupled to the shell 2 by means of appropriately provided second screws 34 which are fixed in the third holes 32 and the stem 35 of which is inserted slidingly in the slots 33 and is conveniently riveted at its end 35a, which lies inside the shell 2, to prevent the exit of the stem 35 from the slots 33; the flexing of the shoe 1 entails the sliding of the stems 35 within the respective slots 33 to a stroke limit position, shown in Figure 6, in which they abut against the end of the slots 33 which is directed toward the tip 11, limiting the degree of flexing of the shoe 1 to the chosen extent.
Advantageously, it is possible to interpose between the riveted end 35a of the stem 35 of the second screws 34 and the bottom 17 of the shell 2 an appropriately provided washer, not shown in the accompanying figures, which is adapted to facilitate the sliding of the stem 35 and prevent the end 35a from being pulled out of the respective slot 33.
Operation is therefore as follows. With reference to Figures 1 and 4, in the inactive condition of the shoe 1 the shell 2 is not subjected to flexing and the one or more notches or openings 7 have their minimum extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shell 2; the base 24 and the arms 25a, 25b of the insert 14 are then compressed and push against the perimetric edges of the respective notches or openings 7, ensuring their perfect closure.
During walking, the shell 2 is brought repeatedly to the flexing condition shown in Figure 6; in this condition, the one or more notches or openings 7 are widened in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shell 2, and the base 24 and the previously compressed arms 25a, 25b of the insert 14 expand elastically in the same direction, keeping the respective notch or opening 7 still completely closed.
The abutment of the stems 35 of the second screws 34 against the ends of the slots 33 which are directed toward the tip 11 limits the flexing of the shoe 1 to a preset angle which depends on the length of the slots 33.
It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a shoe particularly for sports practice having been devised which, thanks to the presence of one or more notches or openings in the lower region of the shell, allows to achieve easy flexing of the shell, so as to facilitate walking.
Further, thanks to the possibility to remove the insert if it breaks, it is sufficient to replace the insert to restore use of the shoe.
Moreover, the region of the shell arranged above the notches or openings is intact and free; this allows to arrange thereon for example additional hooks for closure, so as to be able to adjust very effectively the degree of fastening of the shoe, improving foot comfort and support and ensuring adequate contact between the foot and the shell, so as to allow correct control of the ski.
Further, since the insert is associated with the shell after being compressed elastically, it pushes constantly against the perimetric edges of the notch or opening which tends to widen the latter, reducing the force required by the user to achieve the flexing of the shoe.
Further, the production costs of the shoe according to the invention remain low, since it is provided only by means of components which are easy to manufacture and/or assemble.
The invention is of course susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
Thus, the length of the slots and the size of the notches or openings 7 may be the most appropriate depending on the degree of flexing to be obtained.
The materials used, as well as the dimensions that constitute the individual components of the invention, may of course be more pertinent according to specific requirements.
The various means for performing certain different functions need not certainly coexist only in the illustrated embodiment but can be present per se in many embodiments, including ones that are not illustrated.
The characteristics indicated as advantageous, convenient or the like may also be omitted or be replaced with equivalents.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. TV2006A000175 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A shoe, particularly for sports practice, comprising a shell (2) with a bottom (17), a sole region (5) and sides (6a, 6b) thereof; at least one quarter (4) coupled to said shell (2), one or more transverse notches or openings (7) that are formed in the sole region (5) and partially in the region of said sides (6a, 6b) of said shell (2) to facilitate flexing, and at least one removable insert (14) made of elastically deformable material, characterized in that said insert (14) is made of plastic material, is U-shaped in a sectional view taken along a plane which lies transversely to said shell (2) with a base (24) which is flat and has a substantially rectangular plan shape, and completely closes said one or more transverse notches or openings (7), the region of the shell (2) arranged above said one or more transverse notches or openings (7) being intact and free.
The shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said shell (2) has a standardized tip (11).
The shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that said one or more notches or openings (7) are formed in a region which is adjacent to, or affects, part of said standardized tip (11).
The shoe according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said standardized tip (11) is constituted by a rigid body (11a) suitable to interact with a binding which is coupled to a ski, said rigid body (11a) being formed monolithically with said shell (2) with which an outsole (28) made of plastic material is monolithically associated in a lower region thereof.
The shoe according to claim 4, characterized in that a single opening (7) is provided in said shell (2) that has a first portion (12) which is rectangular in plan view, is formed transversely to said shell (2), and affects partially said body (11a) of said tip (11) in a region which is adjacent to the metatarsus of the foot of the user, followed, at each of said sides (6a, 6b) of said shell (2), by a second portion (13a, 13b) which is polygonal and preferably cusp-shaped, with the tip directed away from said sole (2).
The shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that said second portions (13a, 13b) have, at their lower end, a bevel (21) which is formed on said sides (6a, 6b) of said shell (2) starting from the bottoms (17) of said shell (2),
The shoe according to claim 6, characterized in that two first through holes (22a, 22b) are formed respectively on said sides (6a, 6b) of said shell (2), proximate to the vertex of said second portions (13a, 13b) of said opening (7).
The shoe according to claim 7, characterized in that two grooves (23) are provided on the outer surface of said sides (6a, 6b) of said shell, so as to follow externally the perimetric edges of said second portions (13a, 13b) of said opening (7), and have a polygonal and preferably cusp-like shape, their extension being such that said first holes (22a, 22b) are arranged inside them.
The shoe according to any of the claims 6-8, characterized in that said base (24) has, transversely to said shell (2), an extension which is substantially equal to the extension of said first portion (12) of said opening (7) and, longitudinally to said shell (2), an extension which is slightly greater than the extension of said first portion (12), said base (24) having a thickness which is substantially equal to the thickness of said bevels (21), said base (24) being arrangeable, during use, so as to close said first portion (12) of said opening (7) only after it has been compressed elastically longitudinally to said shell (2).
The shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a raised portion (24a) that protrudes toward the inside of said shell (2) from said base (24) and is arranged, during use, within said first portion (12) of said opening (7).
The shoe according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises two arms (25a, 25b) that protrude from the ends of said base (24) substantially at right angles thereto and have, in a cross-section taken along a plane which lies transversely to said shell (2), an arc-like profile which follows the profile of the region of said shell (2) with which said arms (25a, 25b) are associable.
The shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that said arms (25a, 25b) have, in a side view, a polygonal shape, which substantially follows the shape of said second portions (13a, 13b) of said opening (7) but is wider than said second portions (13a, 13b), so that said arms (25a, 25b) can be arranged with their perimetric edges within said grooves (23) so as to close respectively said second portions (13a, 13b) only after they have been compressed elastically.
The shoe according to one of the claims 11-12, characterized in that it further comprises second holes (26a, 26b) that are formed proximate to the free ends of said arms (25a, 25b), in such a position that said second holes (26a, 26b) face respectively said first holes (22a, 22b) during use, said at least one insert (14) being associable with said shell (2) so as to close the respective notch or opening (7), by insertion of first rivets or studs or screws (27a, 27b) in said first and second holes (22a, 22b, 26a, 26b).
The shoe according to any of the claims 4-13, characterized in that it comprises means (28) for guiding and limiting the flexing of the shoe.
The shoe according to claim 14, characterized in, that said flexing limiting means are constituted by said outsole (28), which constitutes said standardized tip (11), and from which one or more tabs (31) protrude axially with respect to said shell (2) and on the opposite side with respect to the tip (9) of the shell(2), said tabs (31) extending beyond said opening (7) and having tips that are slidingly associable with said bottom (17) of said shell (2).
The shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that said outsole (28) and said one or more tabs (31) are made of rigid plastic material, so as to remain in their condition of optimum contact against the ground, at the same time allowing the flexing of said shell (2) so as to increase the width of said one or more notches or openings (7).
The shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that said outsole (28) and said one or more tabs (31) are made of semirigid plastic material, such as to allow minimal flexing thereof.
The shoe according to any of the claims 4-17, characterized in that it comprises two mutually parallel tabs (31) that protrude from said outsole (28), two third holes (32) being formed respectively on the free ends of said tabs (31) so as to face, during use, suitable through slots (33) formed in said bottoms (17) of said shell (2) longitudinally thereto, said third holes (32) facing the end of said slots (33) which is directed away from the standardized tip (11) in an inactive condition, in which the shoe is not subjected to flexing.
The shoe according to claim 18 when dependent on claim 15, characterized in that said tabs (31) are coupled slidingly to said shell (2) by means of appropriately provided second screws (34) which are fixed in said third holes (32), the stems (35) of said second screws (34) being respectively inserted within said slots (33) slidingly between said inactive condition and a stroke limit position in which limit position said stems (35) abut against the end of said slots (33) which is directed toward said standardized tip (11), so as to limit the degree of flexing of the shoe, said stems (35) being suitably riveted at their ends (35a) located inside said shell (2) in order to avoid the exit of the stems (35) from said slots (33).
The shoe according to claim 19, characterized in that appropriately provided respective washers are interposed between said riveted ends (35a) of said stems (35) and said bottom (17) of said shell (2), said washers being adapted to facilitate the sliding of said stems (35) and prevent said riveted ends (35a) from being pulled out of the respective slot (33).