EP3153047B1 - Ski boot - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a ski boot, in particular alpine or touring ski boot, according to claim 1.

From the prior art, a variety of different shell ski boots is known in which a comparatively flexible liner in a shell consisting of a comparatively hard plastic material is added.
In most cases, in conventional alpine ski boots, the lower shell part is substantially divided along the longitudinal axis of the shoe in the instep area, wherein in the instep area, lateral and medial portions of the lower shell part are overlapped and define a manhole. Usually, buckles are provided both in the instep area and in an upper shell part which encloses the user's tibia and shin, which allow the space enclosed by the shell to be changed to enable the user to customize the ski boot.
From the EP 1 319 346 A1 already a ski boot of the initially mentioned type is known, in which a substantially rope-shaped traction means is provided to reduce a substantially extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the shoe manhole.

The EP 1 112 697 A1 also discloses a ski boot with a high shaft, in which a manhole is provided. The manhole is provided with a more flexible insert, to which a crossing guided lacing system is added.

From the EP 2 881 004 A1 is already a ski boot, especially touring ski boot, the initially mentioned type is known in which in an instep area of the lower shell part is recessed to form a manhole. In this instep area, a pull rope is provided for tightening the shoe, which can be tightened by means of a closure element, in particular in the form of a rotary closure.

In this touring ski boot, the pull rope is over long distances on the manhole, which is defined by the recessed area in the shell out, and the pull rope is crossed in this area, so this disadvantageously the user uncomfortable pressure points in this open area of the shell may occur. In order to prevent entry of snow or water through the manhole into the interior of the shell, the recessed area of the shell is completely covered by a protective tongue.

From the DE 10 2013 112 017 A1 Furthermore, a ski boot is known, in which in the instep area a meandering traction rope is provided, the clamping force of which is adjustable by means of a fastening means and an adjustable deflecting point.

The DE 10 2010 030 975 A1 relates to a shoe, in particular a mountaineering shoe, trekking boot or hiking boot, with a flexible sole which allows unrolling of the user's foot while bending the sole. The shoe has at least one tab with at least one hook and / or loop element in the forefoot area on each side of a tongue gap. The tab is made independently of the shank and made of a more flexible material compared to the upper of the shank. The execution reduces this by the deformation of the upper material caused dorsal pressure on a user's foot when rolling the foot, and does not affect a ski boot.

The US 2002/0163146 A1 relates to skates, skates and in particular skates, with an elastic body which is attached to an upper shoe portion on both sides of a manhole of the shoe. The elastic body extends over at least a portion of the manhole above the instep of a user's foot. The pressure exerted by the elastic body pressure acts on the tongue of the shoe and is hereby distributed over the full width of the manhole. The elastic body allows a quick donning of the shoe. The shoe may also have a lacing system, in which case the laces are fastened in a known manner on the edge of the manhole. Also this construction does not concern a ski boot.

From the DE 93 02 677 U1 is a shoe, in particular a sports shoe known, with a flexible shaft having in the instep region two with a shoelace relative to each other braced shaft parts, and which has on the shaft a specially designed rotary clamping closure for the shoelace. A ski boot is not apparent from this.

The DE 197 10 702 A1 refers to a clip for a lace-up shoe, which, when a user pulls a shoe strap in the closing direction, fixes this automatically. The clamping device is also designed for easy release of the shoe strap.

The AT 253984 B discloses a sports shoe, in particular a ski boot, whose single or double shaft can be closed in a known manner by means of one or two laces. For the quick tightening of an already laced shoelace at least one additional, engaging in the shoelace, tensioning device, for example, with a clamping lever, is provided.
From the EP 0 923 886 A1 In addition, a sports shoe is known in which the edges of the shaft bordering an entry opening have a wave-shaped course.

The video SCARPA: "F1 EVO tutorial" further includes a sports shoe, in which a comparatively flexible section is provided in the instep area, which is connected to the rest of the shaft by means of rivets.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a ski boot of the type mentioned, in which an individual, infinitely variable adaptation of the lower shell or of the shell trapped volume is possible, while ensuring that the shell under the Clamping force in the instep area adapts well to the user's foot without compromising on the user comfort.

This is achieved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 according to the invention.

With the aid of the section of the lower shell part provided in the instep area, which has a higher flexibility than the shell part in the section adjacent to the instep area, the cable-shaped traction element can thus be guided in a crossing manner in the instep area and due to the comparatively high flexibility of the shell part in FIG This section a particularly thorough and user-friendly adaptation of the lower shell part to the foot of the user can be achieved, but without having to guide the rope-shaped tension member over a comparatively large manhole, in which the lower shell part is recessed.

The increase in the flexibility of the lower shell part in the region of the instep adjacent to the manhole is achieved here in a simple manner in that the lateral and medial sections of the lower shell part essentially each have an edge running essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shoe for forming the manhole, wherein the lateral and / or medial section in order to increase the flexibility in the instep area essentially have material recesses extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shoe.

Due to the transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shoe Material recesses thus result in the instep area substantially tab-like projections which - compared to a lateral and / or medial section with a continuous, straight edge - have a higher mobility to adapt to the individual foot of the user.

If the edge of the lateral and / or medial section of the lower shell part delimiting the access opening has in each case an essentially wave-shaped course, wherein the material recesses form wave troughs, a harmonious transition thus results between those areas in which no material recesses are provided and such areas, which essentially remain in the instep area as a kind of wave crests and therefore have a relatively small distance from each other - under limitation of the access opening - and which are provided to increase the flexibility of the lower shell part in the instep area.

In order to avoid as far as possible the attachment of the rope-shaped traction device to the foot of the user, which could possibly lead to pressure points on the user, it is provided according to the invention that the points of intersection of the traction device are substantially overlapping with those regions in which there are no material recesses.

In order to achieve a different flexibility of the lower shell part adjacent to the manhole against a provided outside the instep area portion, different materials can be used in different portions of the lower shell part. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the lower shell part to increase the flexibility in the instep area has a portion of a material which has a lower rigidity, in particular bending stiffness, than a material of the lower shell part in the area adjacent to the instep area.

Basically, a two-component production is conceivable here. In terms of cost-effective production, however, it is advantageous if the portion of lower rigidity than the rest of the lower shell part separate part is formed and is connected to the other lower shell part.

In order to achieve a reliable connection between the part of lower rigidity and the remaining lower shell part, it is advantageous if a connection between the part of lower rigidity and the remaining lower shell part via positive and / or non-positive connection elements, in particular pin-like connecting elements, preferably rivets or screws is provided.

Conventional ski boots in particular have overlapping edges in the region of the manhole in order to prevent, among other things, an entry of snow or water into the interior of the outer shell. In order to reliably prevent snow entering the ski boot according to the invention with a manhole, it is therefore advantageous if the manhole is continuously covered with a flexible insert element.

With regard to a structurally simple embodiment, it is advantageous in this case if the flexible insert element is connected in a liquid-tight manner to the section of higher flexibility defining the entry opening.

To prevent the user's entire foot from penetrating To protect snow or water, it is particularly advantageous if the flexible insert element is designed as a one foot of the user preferably to over the ankle enclosing, sock-shaped element.

In order to minimize frictional resistance in the intersecting guidance of the rope-shaped traction means in the instep area, it is favorable if at least partially, preferably exclusively, rotatably mounted rollers are provided as deflecting means. Due to the thus extremely low frictional resistance results for the user a particularly smooth way of tightening the rope-shaped traction device.

With regard to a structurally simple storage of the rollers, it is advantageous if the rollers are each rotatably mounted on an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is preferably pivotally mounted. By the preferably pivotable mounting of the axes of rotation thus an optimal adjustment of the orientation of the rollers to the course of the rope-shaped traction means can be achieved and thus any frictional losses are further reduced.

In order to enable individual adaptation of the individual deflection points to the foot, it is furthermore advantageous if the axes of rotation are respectively received in a bearing block having two holding fingers.

If the bearing blocks in the higher flexibility portion of the lower shell part, preferably each via a pin-shaped connecting element, in particular a rivet or screw, are fixed, the bearings of the deflection can also better adapt to the individual foot shape of the user, so that the fit is further improved ,

With regard to a high ease of use when tightening or applying a clamping force on the rope-shaped traction means, it is advantageous if a rotary or ratchet fastener is provided as a clamping element. Such screw caps are known in particular by the company Boa Technology Inc. for many years. Such closures are for example in the patent application US 5,934,599 A , of the US 6,202,953 B and numerous other applications of Boa Technology Inc. in detail.

Ratchet fasteners, however, are for example the company AM Teknostampi S.p.A or GI.DI. Meccanica S.p.A known.

With regard to a high ease of use, it is also advantageous if the clamping element is arranged laterally in an upper end portion of the instep area on the lower shell part. Of course, however, the clamping element can also be arranged at a different position on the lower shell part, for example in the middle in the upper instep area or also in the transition area between the toe and instep area, etc.

In order to distribute the tension forces introduced by the traction means as evenly as possible over the portion of higher flexibility, it is further advantageous if the tensioning element is fastened in the portion of higher rigidity of the lower shell part.

With regard to an individual adaptation to the tibia or calf of the user, it is favorable if the upper shell part has at least one buckle.

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Skischuhs;
• Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht auf den erfindungsgemäßen Skischuh;
• Fig. 3 eine Detailansicht auf den Ristbereich des unteren Schalenteils;
• Fig. 4 eine Ansicht von hinten mit einer verschwenkten Gelenksperre;
• Fig. 5 eine Seitenansicht mit einer in der Sperrstellung befindlichen Gelenksperre;
• Fig. 6 eine Detailansicht der oberen Schnalle des oberen Schalenteils;
• Fig. 7 eine Ansicht auf einen unteren Schalenteil mit verringerter Wandstärke in einem an die Einstiegsöffnung angrenzenden Abschnitt; und
• Fig. 8 eine Ansicht eines im Bereich der Einstiegsöffnung vorzusehenden Einsatzteils.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, wherein it should in no way be limited thereto. In detail in the drawings:

• Fig. 1 a perspective view of the ski boot according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a plan view of the ski boot according to the invention;
• Fig. 3 a detailed view of the instep area of the lower shell part;
• Fig. 4 a view from behind with a pivoted joint lock;
• Fig. 5 a side view with a located in the blocking position of the joint lock;
• Fig. 6 a detailed view of the upper buckle of the upper shell part;
• Fig. 7 a view of a lower shell part with reduced wall thickness in an adjacent to the manhole opening section; and
• Fig. 8 a view of an area to be provided in the entry opening insert.

In Fig. 1 is a ski boot 1, in particular a touring ski boot, with a lower shell part 2 and a hinged via a hinge 3 'with the lower shell part 2 upper shell part 3 shown.

In the shell composed of the two shell parts 2 and 3, a comparatively made of a flexible material inner boot 4 is added, as is basically known from so-called. Cup ski boots ago.

To improve the wearing comfort, in particular the possibility of individual adaptation to the foot of the user by means of reduction of an access opening provided in the instep area 5, a rope-shaped traction means 6 is guided crossing with the aid of rollers 7 in the instep area.

The access opening 5 is in this case defined by a separate part 8, which is connected via a rivet connection 8 'with the rest of the lower shell part 2. This insertion opening 8 bounding the entry opening 5 is preferably made of a material which has a lower rigidity or a higher flexibility than the material outside the instep area. For example, the inserted part 8 may consist of a thermoplastic elastomer, for example with a bending modulus of elasticity of 100-250 MPa, in particular 150 MPa or the like, whereas the lower remaining shell part 2 consists of a polyamide 12 Elastomer can be made with a bending modulus between 600 and 1000 MPa, in particular 800 MPa or the like. Of course, the insert part 8 and the lower shell part 2 can also consist of only one material or both components consist of materials of the same chemical material group, provided that the rigidity is different. Also, a production in a two-component injection molding process is possible.

An increased flexibility in the instep area is also due to the substantially wave-shaped course of the manhole 5 on both sides of a longitudinal axis L (see. Fig. 3 ) each limiting edge 5 'of the insert 8 achieved. In this case, the respective basically rectilinear, parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the ski boot extending edge 9, transverse to the longitudinal axis L (see. Fig. 2 ) extending material recesses 10 (see. Fig. 3 ), so that a wave or meander-shaped course of the edge 5 'results.

By this transverse to the longitudinal axis L extending material recesses 10 resulting in the direction of the manhole 5 projecting tabs 10 ', which have a higher flexibility over conventional designs, in which the lateral and / or medial portion of the ski boot 1 have a straight edge.

How far in Fig. 1 can be seen in the direction of the manhole 5 projecting peaks or lugs 10 'and in the material recesses 10 wave troughs, wherein crossing points 6' of the pull rope 6 are arranged such that they are arranged substantially overlapping with the wave crests or lugs 10 ' are so that in the region of the crossing points 6 'in the closed state, in which the wave crests 10' are largely approximated to each other, the crossing points 6 'rest where possible in these areas and thus in these areas no direct contact with the foot recorded in the ski boot 1 User comes about.

How far in Fig. 3 the rollers 7 are rotatably mounted on axes of rotation 7 ', which in turn received in bearing blocks 11 are. The bearing blocks 11 are in this case connected via rivets or screws 11 'with the material higher flexibility 8, so that when applying a clamping force on the traction cable 6 by means of a clamping element 12, the lower shell part 2, in particular including the bearing blocks or points 11, particularly intimately can adapt to the individual shape of the user's foot.

As a clamping element 12, as in the Fig. 1 and 3 In particular, a rotary closure is provided, with which by turning a control element, the total length of the pull cable 6 can be shortened and thus a clamping force on the rollers 7 and the bearing blocks 11 can be applied to the lower shell part 2, so that the distance of the lateral and medial section of the shell part 2 to each other and the manhole 5 is reduced and thus the user recorded in the shoe 1 foot of the user is closely embraced.

How far in Fig. 3 can be seen, with the insert part 8, a flexible sock-shaped insert member 13 liquid-tight, in particular via an adhesive connection, connected. Thus, the manhole 5 is protected against ingress of snow or liquid via the inlet opening 5 in the direction of the liner 4. In this case, this insert element 13 can be guided high above the area of the ankle of the user, in particular in the manner of a sock, so that a penetration of liquid or snow to the foot of the user can be reliably prevented. The insert element 13 in this case consists of a liquid-tight material, in particular a liquid-tight textile fabric, for example of polyamide or polyester, or a soft elastic film, for example of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer or the like. A particular advantage is that - if the insert element 13 is made of a textile - on this textile on the inside of a waterproof and breathable membrane is additionally attached, for example, Goretex® the company Gore. This measure not only ensures watertightness, but also achieves breathability.

How far in the Fig. 5 and 6 can be seen, the touring ski boot 1 in a conventional manner on its rear side a pivotable locking lever 14. If this locking lever 14 as in Fig. 4 shown not with a bolt 15 which is provided in the heel region of the lower shell part 2, is engaged, the upper shell part 3 with respect to the lower shell part 2 via the joint 3 'is freely pivotable. This release position is particularly useful when climbing with touring skis.

To achieve the most direct power transmission from the ski boot 1 to the ski in the course of the descent is - as in Fig. 5 seen - the locking lever 14 in positive or non-positive engagement with the bolt 15, so that the joint 3 'between the lower shell part 2 and the upper shell part 3 is blocked in this blocking position.

In addition, in Fig. 6 It can still be seen that the circumference of the upper shell part 3, which is essentially cuff-shaped, can be fixed by means of a buckle 17.

The buckle 17 in this case has a guide 17 ', in which a bolt 18 is slidably mounted. The bolt 18 in turn is connected to an upper closure band 19, which is passed through an eyelet 20 and deflected and then by means of a hook and loop fastener in different extent in the region of the upper shell part 2 can be determined. In the open position of the buckle 17, therefore, a comparatively large circumference of the shell part 3 is defined, but without giving it completely free. This position is particularly advantageous for the ascent, whereas for the downhill the buckle 18 is closed, so that the upper shell part 3 encloses the foot of the user closely in the region of the tibia and the calf.

Fig. 7 shows a particularly simple and economically producible embodiment. In this case, the lower shell part 2 adjacent to the manhole 5 each have a wave or meandering edge course 5 'on. In addition, the adjacent to the manhole 5 section 22 has a smaller wall thickness as the remaining lower shell part 2. An edge 22 ', which defines the transition to the rest of the shell part of greater wall thickness, here is also wave or meander-shaped. With the help of both measures, the flexibility of the section adjoining the access opening 5 relative to the remaining lower shell part 2 is increased (independently of one another).
In the recess 22 formed by the portion of lesser wall thickness, an insert part 8 with a wavy or meandering outer edge profile 23 corresponding to the edge 22 'can be used. The insert 8 may in this embodiment have a kind of frame 24, which is made of a relatively elastic plastic. This frame 24 is sprayed onto a sealing tab 25, in particular a textile, by injection molding.
As in Fig. 7 can be seen in the portion 22 of lesser wall thickness of the part 8, as in Fig. 8 are glued to the tray 2 using an adequate adhesive. The inserted part 8 also has recesses 27, which serve in particular as orientation or guidance points to make recognizable, where in a further step, the bearing blocks 11 can be riveted or screwed to the pulleys 7 on the shell 2.
How far in Fig. 8 the sealing flap 25 can also be provided with a central web 28, which is preferably also applied to the sealing tongue 25 by injection molding. The central web 28 therefore has similar or the same flexibility as the frame 24, but the central web 28 and frame 24 are less flexible with respect to the cover flap 25, so that the inserted part 8 automatically folds in the assembled state when closing the shoe like a water strap of a mountaineering shoe ,
In the embodiment according to the FIGS. 7 and 8th Accordingly, the variety of parts can be reduced and it can be a particularly simple installation.

Claims (13)

1. Ski boot (1), in particular an alpine or touring ski boot, comprising an inner boot (4) made of a flexible upper material and a shell surrounding the inner boot at least in portions, which shell comprises a bottom shell part (2) that encloses the foot at least in portions when in the use position and has an expandable access opening (5) that extends in an instep region substantially along a longitudinal axis (L) of the boot (1), and a top shell part (3) hingedly connected to the bottom shell part (2), a cord-shaped pulling means (6) being provided in the instep region and a tensioning element (12) for introducing a tensioning force being associated with the pulling means (6), and the bottom shell part (2) in the instep region comprising a portion (8, 22) that defines the access opening (5) and is more flexible than the region of the bottom shell part (2) adjoining the instep region, a lateral and medial portion of the bottom shell part (2) each substantially having an edge (9) that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis (L) of the boot in order to form the access opening (5), characterised in that the pulling means (6) is guided at least in portions so as to cross over the access opening (5) using deflection means (7) and the lateral and/or medial portion comprise(s) recesses (10) in the material which extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the boot in order to increase the flexibility in the instep region and the crossing points (6') of the pulling means (6) substantially overlap with the regions (10') in which there are no recesses in the material.
2. Ski boot according to claim 1, characterised in that the edge (5') of the lateral and/or medial portion of the bottom shell part (2) defining the access opening (5) has a substantially undulating shape in each case, the recesses (10) in the material forming troughs.
3. Ski boot according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the bottom shell part (2), in order to the increase the flexibility in the instep region, comprises a portion made of a material that has a lower stiffness, in particular bending stiffness, than a material of the shell in the region adjoining the instep region, the less stiff portion preferably being formed as a separate part (8) to the remainder of the bottom shell part (2) and being connected to the remainder of the bottom shell part.
4. Ski boot according to claim 3, characterised in that a connection is provided between the less stiff part (8) and the remainder of the bottom shell part (2) by means of positive and/or non-positive connecting elements (8'), in particular pin-like connecting elements, preferably rivets or screws.
5. Ski boot according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the access opening (5) is covered throughout by a flexible insert element (13), the flexible insert element (13) preferably being connected to the more flexible portion that defines the access opening (5) so as to be liquid-tight.
6. Ski boot according to claim 5, characterised in that the flexible insert element (13) is designed as a sock-shaped element which encloses a foot of the user preferably up to beyond the ankle.
7. Ski boot according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that rotatably mounted rollers are provided at least in part, preferably exclusively, as the deflection means (7).
8. Ski boot according to claim 7, characterised in that the rollers (7) are each rotatably mounted on a rotary shaft, the rotary shaft (7') preferably being pivotally mounted and the rotary shaft (7') preferably being received in each case in a bearing block (11) comprising two retaining fingers.
9. Ski boot according to claim 8, characterised in that the bearing blocks (11) are fastened into the more flexible portion (8, 22) of the bottom shell part (2), in particular in each case by a pin-shaped connecting element (11'), in particular a rivet or screw.
10. Ski boot according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a rotating closure or ratcheting closure is provided as the tensioning element (12).
11. Ski boot according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the tensioning element (12) is arranged laterally in a top end portion of the instep region on the bottom shell part (2).
12. Ski boot according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the tensioning element (12) is fastened in the stiffer portion of the bottom shell part (2).
13. Ski boot according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the top shell part (3) comprises at least one buckle (17).

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