EP2400868A2

EP2400868A2 - Ski boot that can support at least part of a skier's weight and associated ski boot/ski assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2400868A2
Application number: EP10714913A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hubert Fievet
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-27
Filing date: 2010-03-01
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Also published as: FR2942587A1; WO2010097560A2; WO2010097560A3; FR2942587B1; US8714567B2; US20120056391A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a ski boot (1) including an inner boot (1.1) intended to receive the skier's foot and a shell (1.2) surrounding the inner boot (1.1) and supporting the skier's ankle. According to the invention, the boot (1) also includes a calf support (3) which is attached to the shell (1.2) and intended to receive the skier's calf and a thigh support (5) forming an angle (α) with the calf support (3) and intended to receive the skier's thigh when the latter is flexed. Preferably, the boot includes a damping means (8, 23, 27) disposed between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5), as well as means (25, 26) for adjusting the angle (α) between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5).

Description

Ski boot for supporting at least part of the weight of a skier and associated ski boots and skis

[001]. The present invention relates to a ski boot for supporting at least part of the weight of a skier and a set of ski boots and skis associated. The invention particularly aims to provide a ski boot to assist the skier's legs to support his weight.

[002]. The invention is particularly intended for people who have difficulties to support their weight using their legs, such as people suffering from at least partial paralysis of the lower limbs, such as paraplegics, or quadriplegics, the elderly , or people suffering from multiple sclerosis. However, the invention can also be used by valid persons wishing to protect their lower limbs.

[003]. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application with downhill ski boots, but it could also be implemented with monoski or surf shoes or any material for sliding on snow-covered tracks. The invention could also find an application in the nautical field.

[004]. The invention is based on the observation that people who have difficulty supporting their weight with their legs can not practice downhill skiing with the current shoes. Indeed, these shoes usually comprise a boot covered with a plastic shell having overmolded protuberances intended to enter into cooperation with ski bindings. These shoes going up to the middle third of the leg are only intended to protect the skier's ankle, but do not support his weight when he is resting on his skis.

[005]. There is therefore a need for a ski boot assisting the disabled skier's legs to support his weight when he is resting on his skis. [006]. The invention fills this need by providing a shoe comprising a calf support fixed to the shell of the boot for holding the calf and a thigh support forming an angle with the calf support for receiving the thigh of the skier when the skier is in the bending position. Preferably, the calf support is connected to the thigh support by means of a damping means which, in addition to damping shocks, compensates for the difference in height of the legs when the skier is perpendicular to the slope.

[007]. Thus, when the skier's leg is positioned within the calf and thigh supports, a portion of the weight of the body is supported by the thigh support and the calf support, which relieves the skier's legs. In addition, the thigh and the calf being held within their respective support, they can not move excessively relative to each other so that the knee of the skier is preserved.

[008]. Preferably, the damping means is adjustable in height to allow adjustment of the bending angle between the calf support and the thigh support.

[009]. The invention therefore relates to a ski boot having a boot for receiving the skier's foot and a hull surrounding the boot to maintain the ankle of the skier characterized in that it further comprises:

a calf support fixed on the hull intended to accommodate the calf of the skier, and

a thigh support forming an angle with the calf support intended to receive the thigh of the skier when the latter is in the bending position,

- The calf support and thigh support being arranged between them so as to support a part of the body of the skier.

[010]. According to one embodiment, the thigh support being linked in movement relative to the calf support, it further comprises a damping means installed between on the one hand the shell of the shoe or the calf support and on the other hand the thigh support. [011]. According to one embodiment, it further comprises means for adjusting the bending angle between the calf support and the thigh support.

[012]. According to one embodiment, the damping means is formed by a double-acting jack having an end connected in rotation with the calf support or the shell of the boot and an end connected in rotation with the thigh support, this jack being powered by a compressed air distribution circuit.

[013]. According to one embodiment, the control means of the distribution circuit are control buttons or voice recognition means.

[014]. According to one embodiment, the damping means is formed by a single-acting jack for lifting the thigh support by the compressed air inlet, the jack then being lowered by the weight of the body of the skier who expels air from the air. cylinder.

[015]. According to one embodiment, the damping means is formed by a cylinder inflated beforehand at a predetermined pressure with nitrogen or any other gas.

[016]. According to one embodiment, the means for adjusting the angle between the calf support and the thigh support are formed by a series of holes formed along the length of the calf support and / or along the length of the thigh support, the ends of the cylinder being able to engage each in one of the holes.

[017]. According to one embodiment, the damping means is formed by an air tube or other flexible rod fixed on the one hand to the calf support and on the other hand to the thigh support.

[018]. According to one embodiment, it is made in one piece with the thigh support and the calf support without hinge between the two supports so as to form a thigh, the material of this block playing the role of hinge and damper.

[019]. In one embodiment, the calf support and the thigh support are provided with at least one fabric strap for holding the skier's tibia and thigh respectively in position within the supports.

[020]. In one embodiment, the calf support mounts closer to the articular center of the knee.

[021]. In one embodiment, the calf support is overmolded on the shell of the shoe or molded together with the shell.

[022]. In one embodiment, it further comprises a lumbar belt connected to the thigh support or the calf support.

[023]. The invention further relates to an assembly characterized in that it comprises shoes according to the invention and skis comprising means, such as a rope or a chain, to limit the spacing between the skis.

[024]. The invention also relates to a ski comprising a sliding blade on which are mounted a front binding and a rear binding intended to receive respectively the front part of the ski boot and the rear part of the ski boot characterized in that the front binding is connected by a hinge or patella type mobile system to the shoe to allow the recovery of the person.

[025]. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These figures are given for illustrative but not limiting of the invention. They show :

[026]. Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

[027]. Figure 2: a schematic representation of the control circuit the jack implemented with the shoe of Figure 1;

[028]. Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a shoe according to the invention;

[029]. Figure 4: a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention for supporting the upper body of the skier;

[030]. Figure 5: a schematic representation of skis according to the invention comprising means for limiting the spacing between the skis

[031]. Figures 6a-6b: a side and top view of a ski according to the invention equipped with a hinge connected to the shoe according to the invention.

[032]. Identical elements retain the same reference from one figure to another.

[033]. Figures 1 and 3 show a ski boot 1 comprising a liner 1.1 for receiving the skier's foot and a plastic shell 1.2 surrounding the liner with 1.3 protuberances intended to enter into cooperation with ski bindings. This hull 1.2 is rising to protect the skier's ankle.

[034]. The boot 1 according to the invention comprises a support 3 of vertical calf fixed on the shell 1.2 for receiving the calf of the skier. This calf support 3 mounts closer to the articular center of the knee. This support 3 is for example formed by a bar 3.1 of metal (for example aluminum) fixed on the shell 1.2 by means of fixing means 4 and arches 3.2 extending transversely to the bar 3.1, these 3.2 hoops having a shape complementary to the calf of the skier. This support 3 may further include fabric straps 3.3 to maintain the skier's tibia in position in the arches 3.2. Alternatively, the support 3 may be made of plastic or composite material overmolded on the shell 1.2 of the shoe or molded together with the shell 1.2. [035]. The boot 1 further comprises a thigh support 5 connected in rotation with respect to the support 3 of calf along a horizontal axis 6 perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the ski. This support 5 intended to receive the thigh of the skier forms an angle α of flexion with the support 3 of calf. This support 5 is formed of a longitudinal bar 5.1 rotatable relative to the support 3 calf and transverse arches 5.2 having a shape complementary to the thigh of the skier. Alternatively, the support 5 is formed of two longitudinal bars movable in rotation relative to the calf support 3 and an arcuate gutter extending between the two longitudinal bars. The support 5 can be made of metal, for example aluminum which has the advantage of being lightweight, plastic or composite material. The support 5 may also be provided with fabric straps 5.3 making it possible to maintain the thigh of the skier inside the arches 5.2.

[036]. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a double-acting jack 8 is installed between the thigh support 5 and a fixed part of the shoe (the shell 1.2 or the support 3 calf). Here, the jack 8 has one of its ends 8.1 linked in rotation with respect to the shell 3.1 along an axis parallel to the axis 6 and the other of its ends 8.2 linked in rotation relative to the thigh support 5 along an axis parallel to the axis 6. Alternatively, the end 8.1 could be attached to the support 3 calf. This jack 8 is fed by a source 10 of compressed air installed for example at the heel of the shoe. This source 10 can be protected from shocks by means of a metal cage 12.

[037]. Figure 2 shows the circuit 15 for supplying compressed air to the two cylinders 8 and 8 'of the ski boots each having a body 13, 13' inside which a piston 14, 14 'moves in translation. This circuit 15 comprises a distributor 17 to which the source 10 of pressure is connected. The air outlet 17.1 of the distributor 17 allowing the simultaneous lowering of the cylinders 8, 8 'is connected to the upper part of the body of the two cylinders 8, 8'; while the air outlet 17.2 of the distributor 17 allowing the simultaneous rise of the cylinders 8, 8 'is connected to the lower part of the cylinders 8 and 8'. The distributor 17 is controlled by buttons 19, 20 of control (a for the climb, one for the descent) which are for example fixed at the top of the leg support.

[038]. Thus, in operation, when the skier is in a bending position, the calf support 3 and the thigh support support a part of the skier's body so that the skier's legs are relieved.

And when the skier wishes to have a higher bending position, he actuates the button 19 so that air enters the bottom of the body of the cylinders 8 and 8 'simultaneously to raise the pistons 14, 14' and so incident increase the angle α between the thigh support 5 and the support 3 calf. As soon as the desired position is reached, the skier stops operating the button 19.

[039]. When the skier wishes to have a lower bending position, he actuates the button 20 so that air enters the upper body of the cylinders 8 and 8 'simultaneously to lower the pistons 14, 14' and incidentally reduce the angle α between the thigh support 5 and the calf support 3. As soon as the desired position is reached, the skier stops operating the button 20.

[040]. It is noted that the system with cylinders 8, 8 'double effect allows the person fallen to the ground to bring the legs to her to be able to get up more easily by lowering the pistons of the cylinders 8, 8' by actuating the button 20 of ordered.

[041]. Alternatively, for people with disabilities who have difficulty using their hands or to facilitate the control of the cylinders, the buttons 19, 20 are replaced by voice recognition means adapted to remotely control the distributor 17 via a radio link. Thus, in one example, by pronouncing the word "high" the skier can raise the cylinders 8, 8 '; while by pronouncing the word "down" the skier can lower the jacks 8, 8 '. Preferably, these voice recognition means may be installed around the person's shot.

[042]. The skilled person will have understood that the damping effect is obtained by the air of the pistons 8, 8 'which is compressed when the skier passes reliefs, so that the shocks are damped by the supports 3 and 5 leg of the skier.

[043]. Alternatively, the double-acting cylinder 8 can be replaced by a single-acting cylinder. The single-acting jack lifts the thigh support 5 by the compressed air inlet, the jack being lowered by the weight of the body of the skier who expels air from the jack.

[044]. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the double-acting cylinder 8 is replaced by a cylinder 23 inflated with nitrogen or any other gas. This type of cylinder is used in particular for car trunks. This jack 23 is calibrated in particular according to the weight of the skier and the ability of his legs to support part of his weight. This jack 8 makes it possible to obtain a damping effect by compressing the nitrogen it contains. The pressure of the cylinder 8 is modifiable at any time with the adapted apparatus.

[045]. Furthermore, the calf support 3 and the thigh support 5 are provided with a series of holes respectively 25 and 26 along their length in order to allow the adjustment of the angle α between the support 3 and the support 5, one of the holes 25, 26 of each series being intended to come into cooperation with one of the ends 23.1, 23.2 of the cylinder 23. Thus, to increase the angle α, the cylinder 23 is positioned between the holes 25, 26 positioned near the connection pivot between the support 3 and the support 5; while to reduce the angle α is positioned the cylinder 23 in the holes 25, 26 farthest from the pivot connection.

[046]. As a variant, only one of the supports 3, 5 is provided with a series of holes. In this case, the angle α is adjusted by moving one of the ends of the cylinder 23 in the various holes of the series.

[047]. As a variant, the jack 23 could be replaced by an air bead 27 shown in broken lines in FIG. 3 fixed on the one hand to the support 3 and on the other hand to the support 5. The angle α can be adjusted by adapting the amount of air inside the chamber 27. Thus, the angle α can be increased by inflating the flange 27 and decreased by deflating the flange 27.

[048]. Alternatively, any damping system may be used to flex the knee. Thus the flange 27 may be replaced by a piece of carbon or any other flexible material with or without a hinge. In a variant, the thigh support 5 and the calf support 3 and, where appropriate, the boot are made in a single block without hinge between the two supports (thigh type), the material of this block acting as a hinge and shock absorber at the joint between the calf and the thigh.

[049]. Figure 5 shows skis 29 used preferably with the shoe 1 according to the invention. These skis 29 are interconnected by means 30, such as a chain or rope, to limit the spacing between the skis, to avoid the risk of spacing skis.

[050]. Alternatively, in a simplified embodiment, the thigh support 5 forms an angle α fixed relative to the calf support 3 and is rigidly connected to the support 3 calf, the piston 23 may optionally be replaced by a rigid bar. Even in this simplified variant, the boot 1 according to the invention can withstand a portion of the weight of the skier, the latter can rest on the supports 3 and 5 attached to the shell of the shoe 1. In contrast, the effect of suspension is lost. In addition, it is observed that the maintenance of the skier's knee inside the supports 3 and 5 preserves a possible injury.

[051]. Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the shoe 1 according to the invention for people with difficulties to move their abdominal part. More specifically, in this variant, the shoe 1 further comprises a lumbar belt 33 connected to the leg support 5 via a jack 34 for maintaining the upper body of the skier. In this embodiment, the entire upper body of the skier may be supported on the support 3 and / or the support 5. All the aforementioned systems implemented between the calf and the thigh are applied in the same way between the thigh and abdomen. [052]. FIGS. 6a and 6 show respectively a side and top view of a ski 29 comprising a sliding pad 29.1 on which are mounted a front binding 29.2 and a rear binding 29.3 intended to receive respectively the front portion 36 of the ski boot. and the back portion 37 of the ski boot.

[053]. In the ski according to the invention, the front binding 29.2 is connected by a hinge-type mobile system 39 having an axis 39.1 perpendicular to the ski elongation direction (this axis 39.1 is perpendicular to the sheet in FIG. 6a). Thus, a person having difficulty in getting up can, after unhitching his ski, bring back his skis 29 under his body at the same time as he brings his feet (since the skis are connected to the shoe via the hinge 39), to lean forward by placing his knees on the front of the skis 29 and push on his arms to get up so that the shoe 1 can pivot about the axis 39.1 and take place inside the fasteners 29.2, 29.3.

[054]. In some embodiments, the hinge 39 may be removable. For this purpose, its axis is formed by a pin or a rod having radial extensions mounted on springs, which makes it possible to separate the boot 1 from its ski 29.

[055]. Alternatively, the hinge 39 may be replaced by a ball joint. The use of a hinged or swivel system is of course independent of the use of the system to limit the spacing of the skis so that it can be used alone or in combination with this system.

Claims

1. A ski boot (1) comprising a liner (1.1) intended to receive the skier's foot and a hull (1.2) rising surrounding the liner (1.1) making it possible to maintain the skier's ankle, characterized in that it also comprises :

a support (3) of calf fixed on the shell (1.2) intended to accommodate the calf of the skier, and

a thigh support (5) forming an angle (α) with the calf support (3) intended to receive the thigh of the skier when the latter is in the bending position,

- The support (3) of the calf and the support (5) of thigh being arranged between them so as to support a part of the body of the skier.

2. Ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the thigh support (5) being linked in movement relative to the support (3) of calf, it further comprises a means (8, 23, 27) of damping installed between on the one hand the shell (1 .2) of the shoe or the support (3) of the calf and on the other hand the support (5) of thigh.

3. Ski boot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises means (25, 26) for adjusting the angle (α) of flexion between the support (3) of the calf and the support ( 5) thigh.

4. Ski boot according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the damping means is formed by a cylinder (8) double-acting having an end (8.1) rotatably connected with the support (3) of calf or the shell (1.1) of the boot and an end (8.2) rotatably connected to the support (5) of thigh, this jack (8) being fed by a compressed air distribution circuit.

5. Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means of the distribution circuit are buttons (19, 20) control or voice recognition means.

6. Ski boot according to claim 2, characterized in that the damping means is formed by a single-acting jack for lifting the support (5) thigh by the compressed air inlet, the jack then being lowered by the weight of the body of the skier who flushes the air from the jack.

7. Shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (23) for damping is formed by a jack (23) inflated beforehand at a predetermined pressure with nitrogen or any other gas.

8. Shoe according to claim 7 and 3, characterized in that the means for adjusting the angle (α) between the support (3) of the calf and the support (5) thigh are formed by a series of holes (25, 26) arranged along the length of the support (3) of the calf and / or along the length of the support (5) of thigh, the ends of the cylinder (23) being able to engage each in one of the holes (25, 26). .

9. Shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that the damping means is formed by an air bead (27) or any other flexible rod fixed on the one hand to the support (3) calf and on the other hand to support (5) thigh.

10. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is made in one piece with the support (5) of thigh and the support (3) of calf without hinge between the two supports so as to forming a thigh, the material of this block acting as hinge and damper.

11. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support (3) of the calf and the support (5) of thigh are provided with at least one strap (3.3, 5.3) fabric to maintain respectively the shin and the thigh of the skier in position inside the supports (3, 5).

12. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support (3) of the calf rises closer to the articular center of the knee.

13. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the support (3) of the calf is overmolded on the shell (1.2) of the shoe (1) or molded together with the shell.

14. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises a belt (33) lumbar connected to the support (5) of the thigh or support (3) calf.

15. A set characterized in that it comprises shoes according to one of claims 1 to 14 and skis (29) comprising means, such as a rope or a chain, to limit the spacing between the skis.

16. Skis (29) according to claim 15 comprising a slide (29.1) sliding on which are mounted a fixing (29.2) before and a fixing (29.3) back intended to respectively receive the portion (36) of the front of the ski boot and the rear portion (37) of the ski boot (1), characterized in that the front binding (29.2) is connected by a hinge-type or patella-type mobile system (39) to the boot (1) to enable the person to be raised. .