FI126617B

FI126617B - Fiber sole for ski boots

Info

Publication number: FI126617B
Application number: FI20145009A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Erik Røring Høyem; Erik Alexander Høyem
Original assignee: Helle Høyem Holding As
Priority date: 2011-07-08
Filing date: 2014-01-07
Publication date: 2017-03-15
Also published as: WO2013008079A2; FI20145009A; RU2622836C2; SE1450121A1; AT515325B1; WO2013008079A3; NO20110995A1; NO20140156A1; AT515325A1; RU2014103340A; SE540613C2; NO333949B1

Description

A FIBRE SOLE FOR A SKI BOOT

The invention relates to a fibre sole for a ski boot. More precisely, the invention relates to a fibre sole for a ski boot for cross-country, classic style, ski skating/freestyle, touring and Telemark skiing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

At present two dominating ski binding systems exist for use in crosscountry and touring skiing. These ski binding systems are based on the same principle, illustrated in figs. 1a-d, where a ski boot sole 1 is shown with axis of rotation 2 fixed in the front part of the sole 1, and where a binding 3 comprises a locking mechanism for locking the axis of rotation 2 to the binding 3, thereby securing the ski boot sole to the ski. The ski boot sole 1 is rotatable around the axis of rotation’s 2 axial centre. In fig. 1b it can be seen that the axis of rotation is located in the front of the big toe 4 and approximately 2.5 cm under the big toe 4. The axis of rotation is located approximately 1.4 cm above the upper surface of the ski.

The ski boot used here has a relatively thick, strong sole, also in the big toe part and the front part of the metatarsal area of the foot, resulting in a relatively rigid front part of the sole. This, however, is in conflict with the foot’s anatomy during the execution of a kick when walking and running, where the flexible and pliable part of the foot is exactly in this metatarsal and toe area. During walking and running the foot is flexed in a continuous curve in the last part of the kick, where inter alia the calf muscles assist in pressing the toes down and backwards — a vital phase of the kick which increases the length of the stride and the acceleration. Jogging and running shoes, for example, are therefore made with an extremely flexible and pliable sole in the metatarsal and toe area, in harmony with the anatomy of the foot.

The above-described movement during the last part of the kick is not possible with the said ski boot sole and ski binding. As shown in figs. 1c and 1 d, there is too little flexibility in the front part of the sole to enable the achievement of a running type of movement in the front part of the metatarsal area and the whole toe area during execution of the kick. Consequently, during the initial phase of the execution of the kick, the ski boot will begin to rotate about the axis 2, as illustrated in fig. 1c. From that moment and until the completion of the kick, as illustrated in fig. 1 d, the ski boot will be lifted up from the ski due to its rotation about the axis 2, thereby losing its contact and force against the ski and the surface, which means that the resultant force is pointing upwards relative to the ski.

Furthermore, with the aid of the ski’s inbuilt spring, the ski’s grip-waxing portion is lifted up from the snow, i.e. the grip in this crucial part of the kick disappears. This means that the last and important part of the kick, which could have provided increased acceleration and increased length of stride by means of the major muscle groups of calf, thigh and gluteal musculature, cannot be utilized. In short, the kick becomes less efficient since the movement is not completed, as is natural during walking and running.

The term “to complete the movement” is widely used in sport. It is commonly understood that in order to achieve the best possible effect from a movement it must be completed in a natural way and not interrupted prematurely. Well-known examples are running and walking, golf, tennis, throwing, shot put, boxing, kicking a football, etc.

The above description of a truncated kick in today’s cross-country sport indicates that it is a contributory factor to the steadily increasing use of the arms in cross-country skiing, and long touring events are often won today by racers who do not perform a single kick, despite the fact that arm strength normally constitutes only about 20% of the total leg strength. For the average skier who is not able or willing to develop extreme arm strength, this kind of extensive use of the arms is not an alternative.

The object of the invention is to provide a fibre sole for a ski boot which offers the skier the possibility of a longer and more powerful kick. This will result in a more efficient technique, greater speed and a longer glide and rest phase per stride during diagonal stride and ski skating. This entails a more efficient use of the major muscle groups, with the calf muscles also coming into play.

The object of the invention is furthermore to provide a sole for a ski boot which gives the skier good control of the skis under all conditions, particularly downhill.

Similarly, it is an object of the invention to provide a ski boot sole which provide a robust and reliable connection between ski binding and ski boot sole.

It is also an object of the invention to reduce the weight of ski boot.

These objects are achieved by a fibre sole for a ski boot according to claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a ski boot sole which is as pliable as the sole in a jogging shoe in the longitudinal direction at the toe portion and the metatarsal area of the sole, while it provides at the same time the sole a sufficient torsional and transversal stability in order to give the skier good control over the skis under all conditions and particularly downhill.

Sole for a ski boot

The invention comprises a fibre sole as illustrated in fig. 3, with a transversal extension in the front part of the tip of the fibre sole. The extension may be between 200% and 800% thicker than the described sole and it protrudes on each side of the sole’s front part. The fibre sole substantially determines the ski boot’s mechanical properties. The fibre sole covers the whole length of the boot and is the boot’s bearing element, on which the boot’s upper part is attached or glued. Hence, when reading this document it should be understood that when one mentions the ski boot’s sole, reference is made to the ski boot’s fibre sole. The ski boot will preferably also have a wear sole, but this is thin and will be so pliable that it will not contribute to any significant extent to the ski boot sole’s mechanical properties. The wear sole should therefore be regarded as an addition to the ski boot sole according to the present invention.

The sole’s front portion has a complementary shape of the binding's guide channel 22, fig. 4. The fibre sole goes directly into the binding’s attachment device, and the fibre sole therefore determines the mechanical connection between ski boot and binding.

The invention exploits a property of oriented fibre layers. In an oriented fibre layer, all the fibres lie in one direction and the modulus of elasticity is generally twice as large along the fibres compared to across the fibres. In combination with a variation of the number of fibre layers in the sole’s different zones, this can be exploited in the construction of a ski boot sole where the desired moduli of elasticity are modelled in the sole’s different zones both in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) and transversal direction (y-direction) illustrated in fig. 3.

The fibre sole may also be constructed with a layer of braided fibres, or designed as a combination thereof. In a braided fibre layer, the fibres are lying braided with the fibres at an angle of for example 15, 45 or 90 degrees to one another. Layers of braided fibres have slightly more rigid properties than oriented fibres.

The fibre sole is relatively flexible in the sole’s longitudinal direction, from the ball of the toe up to the portion in front of the toes, while it is relatively stiff from the heel and up to the ball of the toe. At the same time the sole is relatively rigid towards torsion. These relative terms are defined in greater detail under the section “Embodiments of the invention”. A relatively thin and flat wear layer of rubber or synthetic material without guide channels is glued on to the bottom of the fibre layer, fig. 10.

The invention provides a reduction of the sole’s weight of between 65% and 80% in measured proportion to today’s known boot soles, fig. 1. For a complete ski boot, use of the fibre sole for classic cross-country skiing will give a weight reduction of between 25% and 50% compared to today’s known boots.

In the following a ski binding is described where the binding has a guide channel which has a complementary shape to the fibre sole’s front portion. The guide channel 22, which is hatched in fig. 4a, has a front wall and two side walls which may be arranged conically or in parallel, or they may have another geometrical shape which prevents the boot from moving forwards or to the side. In the front part of the guide channel’s side walls transversal slots are made for receiving the sole extension’s end pieces. These prevent the boot from moving backwards relative to the binding. A clamping bar in the binding’s construction drops down when the binding is closed and clamps on to the rear edge of the boot tip’s extension along the whole length of the extension, thereby securing the sole in the binding’s guide channel. This provides a robust connection between sole and binding. The clamping bar can be lowered from the side across (i.e. in the y—direction) the ski, as illustrated in the binding variant in fig. 13, or it may be lowered from the front edge of the binding along (i.e. in the x-direction) the ski, as illustrated in fig. 4.

The guide edges on the side of the binding are so high that they provide a lateral support for the attachment of the sole on completion of the kick.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The scope and nature of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to attached, drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a illustrates a previously known sole fora ski boot in connection with a ski in position at the start of a kick;

Fig. 1b is an enlarged view of the front part of fig. 1a, where the big toe is illustrated in relation to a ski binding and a ski boot;

Fig. 1c illustrates the previously known ski boot sole’s position relative to a ski during the initial phase of the execution of the kick just before it lifts from the ski and begins to rotate about the axis of rotation;

Fig. 1d illustrates the last part of a kick with the known ski boot sole and a ski;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side projection of a ski boot;

Fig. 3 illustrates a projection of the sole viewed from above;

Figs. 4a-c illustrate the ski binding in open condition;

Figs. 5a-c illustrate the ski binding in closed condition;

Fig. 6 illustrates a projection of the ski binding with boot viewed from above;

Fig. 7 illustrates a heel friction layer across the ski;

Figs. 8a-8d illustrate the ski boot’s different phases during the execution of a kick relative to the ski/binding;

Fig. 9 illustrates a modulus of elasticity curve in longitudinal direction (x—direction) for the various zones of the ski boot sole;

Fig. 10 illustrates an example of the composition of the number of layers in the sole;

Fig. 11 illustrates an example of the attachment of an extension in the front part of the ski sole tip and the woven fabric round it;

Figs.12a-b illustrate alternative solutions for a ski binding;

Figs. 13a-13b illustrate an alternative binding for the invention in open and closed condition;

Fig. 14 illustrates an alternative ski binding;

Figs 15a-b illustrate an alternative binding in open and closed position respectively;

Figs. 16a-b illustrate a section through figures 15a and 15b respectively;

In figures 1a-d an existing solution on the market is illustrated.

In figure 2 a ski boot 10 is illustrated comprising the boot’s upper part 11 and a ski boot sole 12. The ski boot sole 12 is assumed to be attached to a ski binding attached to a ski 2 which will be described in detail below. As mentioned above, when reading this document it should be understood that when the ski boot’s sole- or ski boot sole 12 is mentioned, it refers to the ski boot’s fibre sole. The ski boot will preferably also have a wear sole 13, but this is thin and will be so pliable that it will not contribute to the ski boot sole’s 12 mechanical properties to any significant extent. The wear sole 13 is therefore regarded as an addition to the ski boot sole 12.

The ski boot sole 12 is divided into several zones or parts as illustrated in fig. 2; a toe part TP under the foot’s toe area, a metatarsal part MP under the metatarsal area of the foot, a front part FP and a rear part RP.

The metatarsal area MP is adjacent to the toe part TP. The rear area RP extends from the metatarsal area MP to a rear end R of the ski boot sole 12. The rear part RP of the boot comprises a boot heel or heel area 14. The front part FP extends from the toe part TP to the tip F of the ski boot sole 12. The front part FP comprises a ski binding attachment 20 which is attached to a ski binding, which will be described in detail below.

In fig. 3 it is shown that the ski binding attachment 20 comprises a plate-shaped sole tip 21 with a transversal extension 15 (y-direction). The ski binding attachment 20 protrudes on the front of the boot’s upper part 11 and has a width W20 which is less than the width of a ski track. The width of a ski track is normally from 60 mm to 80 mm.

The ski binding attachment 20 comprises a transversal extension which is normally made of metal, carbon fibre plastic, polycarbonate, POM, FEM, PET, aluminium or composite materials. The object of the extension is to position and hold the ski boot sole’s plate-shaped sole tip 21 securely in exactly the correct position with regard to the ski binding in a simple manner. Moreover, the extension 15 provides support and stability for the sole when it is attached in the ski binding. The extension 15 is preferably located in the front edge of the sole 12 and is preferably centred relative to the ski sole 12. The extension 15 may for example be in the form of a transversal element mounted relative to the front part FP of the ski boot sole 30 and protruding slightly on the sides of the ski boot sole’s 12 front part PP. The length of the extension 15 may for example be between. 5 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm. The diameter of the extension 15 on the outside of the plate shaped sole tip 21 may for example be between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm. The thickness of the extension in the ski boot sole between the guide channel’s side walls may for example be between 1 mm and 16 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm.

The extension 15 and the plate-shaped sole tip 21 will provide stability for the sole when it is fixed in the ski binding, particularly with regard to backward and lateral movement of the sole relative to the ski binding. In an alternative embodiment the plate-shaped sole tip 21 may have an oval hole located on or near the sole’s 12 longitudinal centre axis 1.

The sole 12 comprises a material in which the longitudinal elasticity in the x-direction, the transversal elasticity in the y-direction and torsional rigidity in the sole 12 are determined by the properties of the fibre layer 12. The deciding factor for the sole’s 12 rigidity and/or flexibility in the x-direction and y-direction is determined by the number of fibre layers in the construction of the sole 12, together with the fibres’ orientation in the sole’s various parts/zones. The ski boot sole’s geometrical shape in the different zones of the ski boot sole is also a deciding factor for the flexibility and rigidity.

In general, the rule for fibres is that the E-modulus along the fibres is double that of those across the fibres.

The ski boot sole’s outer sole is preferably designed without grooves and preferably comprises a thin wear layer 13 of rubber or the like, with a modulus of elasticity E between 10 MPa and 200 MPa. A typical range of values for the E-modulus for various fibres is:

Carbon composite, oriented and woven prepreg 45 degrees with modulus of elasticity between 20 GPa and 190 GPa and glass fibre between 60 GPa and 80 GPa.

The sole’s fibre layer 12 can be adapted to suit the shape of the foot and the user’s weight.

In the invention the fibre layer 12 is a composite material comprising layers of carbon fibre, for example oriented carbon fibre or woven carbon fibre of the prepreg type where the layers are placed on top of one another and glued together or fixed with a resin, such as epoxy. Typical suppliers of oriented carbon fibre layers and woven carbon fibre prepreg are: Zoltek (http://www.zoltek.com/) and Hexcel (http://www.hexcel.com/).

Alternatively, the fibre layer 12 may comprise glass fibre, for example oriented glass fibre or a combination of carbon fibre and glass fibre, or natural fibre and various types of artificial fibre.

In the present invention the rear part RP is rigid in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) and transversal direction (y-direction) and also torsionally rigid in the longitudinal direction (about the x-axis). The front part FF is flexi-ble/pliant in the longitudinal direction and rigid in the transversal direction and also torsionally rigid in the longitudinal direction. The metatarsal area MP is flexible in the longitudinal direction (x-direction), rigid in the transversal direction (y-direction) and also torsionally rigid in the longitudinal direction. The toe part TP is flexible in the longitudinal direction (x-direction), rigid in the transversal direction (y-direction) and also torsionally rigid in the longitudinal direction (about the x-axis). A rigid ski boot sole will therefore be considered rigid in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) by an adult of around 75 kg if the sole has the following rigidity: A force of 12 Newton with 20 mm deflection and a force of 120 Newton with 85 mm deflection and a torque of 1 Nm with a torsional angle of 5 degrees and a torque of 20 Nm with a torsional angle of 40 degrees.

Correspondingly, a pliable ski boot sole will be considered pliable in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) by an adult of around 75 kg if the sole has the following rigidity: A force of 1 Newton with 20 mm deflection and a force of 32 Newton with 85 mm deflection and a torque of 0.4 Nm with a torsional angle of 5 degrees and a torque of 10 Nm with a torsional angle of 40 degrees.

The deflections and the torsional angles indicated above are found by taking force/deflection measurements according to standard procedures for measuring deflection which will be know to a person skilled in the art. The deflection results indicated above were found by a sole being clamped to a bench and a force applied to the sole at a length L = 140 mm from the clamping point, and the deflection caused by the force at L = 140 mm was measured. Similarly, the torsional angle was found by a sole being clamped to a bench and a torque applied to the sole at a length L = 140 mm from the clamping point, and the torsional angle of the sole caused by the torque at L = 140 mm was measured.

It should be mentioned that whether a ski boot sole is considered rigid or pliable is also a subjective assessment which in addition is dependent among other things on the skier’s weight and whether the ski boot/binding is used on skis for skating, classic cross-country, Telemark skiing etc. In spite of the indicated absolute physical measurements as a definition of pliability and rigidity, it should therefore be noted that the terms “rigid” and “flexible” as used herein should be interpreted as “perceived as rigid” and “perceived as flexible”, depending on the skier’s weight, the size of the ski boot, the type of ski discipline, etc.

The same result as indicated above can be obtained using woven carbon fibre or woven glass fibre, or in combinations thereof. There are different weave configurations and angles between the fibres, where for example a 45 degree angle may be employed between the fibres.

It should also be mentioned that flexurally rigid/flexible in the longitudinal direction should be understood as flexurally rigid/flexible on deflection about an axis in the transversal y-direction. Correspondingly, flexurally rigid/flexible in the transversal direction should be understood as flexurally rigid/flexible on deflection about an axis in the longitudinal x-direction. Torsionally rigid in a longitudinal direction-should also be understood as torsionally rigid about a longitudinal axis in the x-direction.

In table 1 below there is an example of the orientation of the fibre layers 12. The fibres may be oriented in the longitudinal direction, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal centre axis I in the transversal direction, i.e. perpendicular to the centre axis I or in a diagonal direction, i.e. at an angle normally of 30°, 45° or 60° towards the I axis.

Table 1: Example of number of layers and orientation of fibre layers 12 in a sole.

As an alternative to oriented fibres as in the above table, woven fibres may be employed, for example prepreg with a 45 degree angle between the fibres. These are somewhat stiffer and may result in overall fewer layers than appear in the above table. Depending on the thickness of a layer supplied by the producer, the above-mentioned number of layers in the different layers may have to be increased, retained or reduced.

The examples of different layers in the sole are indicated in fig. 10 and in table 1. Here it can be seen that layer number 2 and 5 are common to all the zones of the sole, FP, TP, MP and RP, thereby providing a continuous sole. Furthermore it should be noted that the layers may be partially overlapping as indicated in fig. 10, i.e. some layers continue partly into the adjacent sole part, thereby giving a more gradual change in the flexibility of the sole.

The ski binding 30 will now be described with reference to figs. 4a-c, figs. 5a-b and fig. 6. The ski binding 30 comprises a base plate 31. The base plate 31 is attached to the upper surface of the ski in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. The base plate has spikes which increase the friction between the base plate 31 and wear layer 13 of rubber or similar material.

The ski binding 30 comprises a locking mechanism 35 which is attached to the base plate 31. The base plate’s locking mechanism 35 is located in front of the base plate 31.

The ski binding 30 further comprises a guide channel 22 which has a complementary shape to the ski binding attachment’s 20 plate-shaped sole tip 21 on the front of the ski boot sole. The guide channel 22 is limited by a front wall 24 and the two side walls 33, all of which protrude up from base plate 31. The guide channel 22 forming the area on the base plate 31 between front wall 24 and the side walls 33 to the end of the binding 30 under the ski boot sole 12 may have a friction pattern or friction surface.

The ski binding 30 further comprises two slots 32 in the guide channel’s respective side walls 33. The guide channel 22 has a shape which makes it suitable to receive the extension 15 in the front part of the ski binding attachment 20 in the sole 12.

The ski binding 30 further comprises a ski boot attachment 40. The ski boot attachment 40 comprises a clamping arm 41 and a clamping bar 27. This is rotatable and connected to the base plate 31. The ski boot attachment 40 may be moulded/made as one part. In an open position the locking plate 25 will be forwardly inclined, drawing with it lever arm 26 which in turn is attached to the clamping arm 41, thereby opening the clamping bar 27. Lever arm 26 is attached between clamping arm 41 and locking plate 25. Clamping arm 41 and locking plate 25 are attached in two rotational points independently of each other on the base plate 31. In the open position the plate-formed sole tip 21 on a flexible ski boot sole 12 with accompanying extension 15 will be able to be inserted in guide channel 22, and the ends of the extension 15 down into the slots 32 in the side walls 33 of the base plate 31 with the result that extension 15 is inserted in the same slot 32 as the clamping bar 27 subsequently employs for locking and closing the ski binding attachment 20 to the ski binding 30. Clamping arm 41 may have spanner slots 28 in which a distance piece may be inserted a which on completion of the kick will be clamped between the front part of the boot’s upper part 11 and the spanner slot 28 for individual fitting of the boot’s return point after the end of the kick. The distance piece is oblong in shape and may at most have the same length as the distance between the two side walls 33.

In fig. 6 the ski boot sole’s 12 ski binding attachment 20 is illustrated. It can be seen that side walls 33 with a laterally stabilising effect, the sole 12 and the ski binding attachment 20 fit into the indicated channel 22 and slot 32 on the ski binding 30. It should be noted that the side walls 33 in fig. 6 are located in front of the toe part TP on the sole (i.e. when the sole 12 is attached to the binding 30). Nevertheless it is conceivable that the side walls may extend slightly on the side of the boot, although not so far into the toe part TP of the ski boot sole 12 that the side wall 33 ends on the outside of the toes (i.e. the outside of the big toe and little toe respectively on each side of the foot) of a person wearing the ski boot.

The base plate 31 has side walls 33 with sufficient height to prevent lateral movement of sole/boot during execution of a kick, thereby providing good control over the ski. In the folded position, the locking plate 25 is recessed in the binding, ensuring that objects are unable to hit or open the lock, or preventing snow from coming into the binding mechanism. The clamping bar 27 will be recessed in a slot 32, thus providing transversal movements. The clamping bar 27 may be designed with the same diameter as extension 15 as illustrated in figure 8a.

In closed configuration the clamping bar 27 will be locked so that it cannot be opened. The locking plate 25 for the binding will be located in the front edge of the binding and preferably be centred, but this is not necessary. The locking plate 25 will normally be made of metal, aluminium, plastic materials, spring steel, carbon fibre, glass fibre, long glass fibre, thermoplastic, polymer, POM, PEM, PET, polyamides, polyamide composite, semi—aromatic materials, plastic fibre, rubber or composite materials. In a closed state the locking plate 25 will preferably be recessed in the binding, but not necessarily. The greater force applied to the clamping bar 27, the more the binding is locked.

The ski binding’s base plate 31 comprises a base as well as a housing 34 for the binding which secures and protects internal components. The base plate 31 will typically be glued directly to the ski, mounted directly on a ski with 2-5 screws and screw holes or fixed to a plate which is glued or attached in another way to the ski. The base plate 31 may be made of a metal, preferably a light metal such as aluminium, strong and light plastic materials, carbon fibre, glass fibre, long glass fibre, thermoplastic, polymer, POM, PEM, PET, polyamides, polyamide composite, semi-aromatic materials, plastic fibre, rubber or composite materials which tolerate cold and wear. The materials in the binding will normally have a tensile strength up to 300 MPa and rigidity up to 30000 MPa. The binding’s components may be moulded or manufactured in one unit. The clamping bar 27, clamping arm 41 and locking plate 25 will typically be of plastic materials, carbon fibre, glass fibre, long glass fibre, thermoplastic, polymer, POM, PEM, PET, polyamides, polyamide composite, semi-aromatic materials, plastic fibre, rubber or composite materials. Between locking plate 25 and clamping arm 41 a lever arm 26 will be located to transmit force between locking plate 25 and clamp arm 41. The lever arm 26 may have a curvature which ensures locking of extension 15. The lever arm may be made of the same materials as the base plate 31, but also of metal.

The rotatable connection points between lever arm 26 and locking plate 25 and clamping arm 41 are connected by axis holes through which metallic cotter pins, for example, pass in order to ensure that they remain in the correct position. Other methods may also be envisaged for a connection between. these parts, such as clamp connections or click-in connections between them, which will be known to a person skilled in the art.

Figure 7 shows that the binding 30 will also comprise a heel friction layer 16 across the ski. The heel friction layer 16 supports the sole’s 12 heel 14. The heel friction layer 16 will create friction between ski 2 and rubber layer 13 and fibre layer 12, helping to keep the boot laterally stable. The heel friction layer 16 may come in several versions in order to satisfy the skier’s individual requirements. The height variations in the heel friction layer 16 may be between 0.1 mm and 1.5 cm.

The heel friction layer may be separated from base plate 31, or the base plate may cover the whole ski from front 31. to the heel portion. Under the foot, i.e. in the toe part TP and/or the metatarsal part MP, the base plate may be wider than the ski, for example protruding 0.23 cm on each side of the ski in order to improve the stability when skiing downhill.

The movement of the sole 12 relative to ski binding 30 is illustrated in figs. 8a-8d where the toes touch the base plate in every part of the kick process.

As illustrated in fig. 8b, during the initial phase of the execution of the kick the rear part RP is lifted from the binding 30 and ski, while most of the metatarsal part MP and the whole toe part TP and the Whole front end part FP of the sole are in contact with the binding 30. This movement is achieved on account of the flexibility of the metatarsal part MP.

In a subsequent part of the kick, as illustrated in fig. 8c, the rear part RP is lifted further. Here the whole or most of the metatarsal part MP is lifted from the base plate 3, but the toes are in contact with the ski and are pressing against the surface. This movement is achieved on account of the flexibility of the metatarsal part MP and the toe part TP.

In a final part of the kick, as illustrated in fig. 8d, the whole of the metatarsal part MP and the whole or most of the toe part TP are lifted from the base plate 31. This movement is achieved on account of the flexibility of the metatarsal part MP and the toe part TP, and also on account of the binding 30, since it presses the ski boot sole down in the front edge of the boot’s upper part 11. In fig. 8d it should be noted that the distance from the bottom of the toe in the boot’s upper part 11 to the base plate 31 has not increased, or has increased less than in the sole according to the prior art as illustrated in figs. 1a—d, since the sole in the toe area is securely clamped to the binding.

In figs. 8b-8d a dot is illustrated in the sole. This dot indicates the pressure point or the rearmost part of the sole which is in contact with the binding during the execution of a kick. It is clear that this pressure point moves continuously on the ski from the rear part of the metatarsal part MP all the way forward to the front part of the toe part TP during the execution of a kick.

We now refer to fig. 9. Here it can be seen that the flexibility in the longitudinal direction of the sole 12 is relatively low (i.e. the modulus of elasticity is high) for the front part FF and the rear part RP, while the flexibility in the longitudinal direction of the sole 12 is relatively high (i.e. the modulus of elasticity is low) for the toe part TP and the metatarsal part MP.

We refer to fig. 8c which illustrates other properties of the ski binding. Ski binding 30 may have a moulded friction pattern 29 in the base plate 31. This friction pattern 29 may either be moulded in the base plate 31 or be a friction pattern layer which is glued or fixed to the base plate 31. The friction pattern 16 with spikes may also be under the heel.

We refer to fig. 10 which illustrates fibre orientation and fibre layers in the sole 12.

We refer to fig. 11 which shows the attachment between extension 15 and ski boot sole 12. Extension 15 is covered by ski boot sole 12 and glued or fused together so that extension 15 is moulded into the ski boot sole 12. Woven fabric 17 may be attached on the bottom of the sole tip around extension 15 and to the top of sole 12. Woven fabric enveloping the front of the sole may be liquid crystal polymer, aromatic polyester, aramids, Kevlar, carbon fibre, synthetic fibre, polyester weave covered with thermoplastic polyurethane/PVC or another woven fabric which is enveloped in plastic materials.

Alternative solutions

In the description above a carbon extension 34 is indicated in front of the ski binding attachment 20. This extension 34 may for example be made of carbon fibre, nanocarbon fibre, plastic, metals, polymer, POM, PEM, PET, Teflon or composite materials.

Figs. 12a-12b illustrate another solution for a binding with a clamp device in an open and closed position. Guide channel 22 which fits together with the plate-shaped sole tip 21 stands out clearly in the diagram.

Fig. 13 shows a more complex solution of the clamp device for a binding which can be opened and closed by a ski pole.

Fig. 14 shows an open and closed mechanism for a clamping bar 27 on a ski binding which is intended to be operated by a ski pole for opening and closing the mechanism.

With reference to figures 15a-b and 16a-b a ski binding is illustrated with a locking device 42 comprising a transversal arm 44 and two side arms 43 attached at each end of the transversal arm 44. The side arms 43 are rotatably attached to the ski binding 30, whereby the whole locking device is rotatable relative to the base plate 31. The figures 15a and 16a Show the locking device 42 in an open position, while figures 15b and 161) show the locking device 42 in a position Where a ski boot will be securely locked to the ski binding (the ski boot is not shown in the figures).

The locking device 42 further comprises one or more cam elements 46 which will rotate together with the side arms 43 when the locking device 42 is rotated by a user. The cam elements 46 are mounted under one end of the rotatable clamping arm 41 with the result that when the locking device 42 is rotated in the direction of rotation R as indicated, in figure 16a, the cam element 46 will flip the clamping arm up so that the opposite end of the clamping arm’s 41 clamping bar 27 is clamped down against the front part FP on a ski boot sole 12 (not shown) which is located in the ski binding 30, thereby holding the ski boot sole 12 in place in the ski binding 30. When the locking device 42 is located in the locking position, the transversal arm will preferably be located in a groove 45 in the clamping arm 41, as indicated in the figures. In the locking device’s 42 looking position, the cam element 46 is preferably rotated past the position of equilibrium (i.e. the vertical position), so that if an attempt is made to flip up the clamping arm 41, and thereby the clamping bar 27, when the locking device 42 is located in the locking position, the force from the clamping arm 41 on the cam element 46 will attempt to rotate the cam element 46, and thereby the locking device 42, further in the direction of rotation R, i.e. the transversal arm 44 clamps down even harder on the clamping arm 41, and consequently the clamping bar 27 clamps harder on the ski boot sole which is securely locked in the ski binding 30.

As can be seen in the figures above, the ski boot sole 12 can be attached to the ski binding 30 by the clamping bar 27 clamping the ski boot sole’s 12 plate-shaped sole tip 21 against the base plate 31. In order to attach the ski boot’s ski boot sole 12 more securely in the ski binding 30, the ski boot sole 12 may in addition he provided with an extension 15 extending across the plateshaped sole tip and protruding so that the extension 15 fits into slots 32 in the ski binding’s 30 side walls 32. The clamping bar 27 also fits into the slots 32, thereby clamping the plate-shaped sole tip’s extension 15 against the base plate 31. I.ist of reference, numerals 2 ski 10 ski boot 11 boot upper part 12 ski boot sole 13 wear layer/rubber layer 14 heel area 15 extension 16 heel friction pattern 17 woven fabric 20 ski binding attachment 21 plate-shaped sole tip 22 guide channel 24 front wall 25 locking plate 26 lever arm 27 clamping bar 28 spanner slot 29 binding friction pattern 30 ski binding 31 base plate 32 slot in side walls 33 side walls 34 housing for binding 35 locking mechanism 40 ski boot attachment 41 clamping arm 42 locking device 43 side arm 44 transversal arm 45 groove 46 cam element 50 cotter pins FP front part of the boot RP r ear part of the boot R at the rear of the boot P the tip of the ski boot sole 12 TP the toe part MP metatarsal area x-direction longitudinal direction y-direction transversal direction

Claims

A fibrous sole (12) for a ski boot having a fibrous sole (12) having a longitudinal and transverse direction, and a toe (F) and a rear end (R) in a longitudinal direction, comprising a toe portion (TP); a front portion (FP) extending from the toe portion (TP) longitudinally to the tip (F) of the fiber base; the toe (MP) adjacent to the toe; a rear portion (RP) extending from the ankle bone portion (MP) to the rear end (R) of the fibrous base (12) and at least one fiber layer having different degrees of stiffness (TP, MP, RP) applied longitudinally and / or transversely thereto; that the ankle bone portion (MP) is flexibly elongated in the longitudinal direction, or alternatively stiff in the transverse direction and rotationally stiff in the longitudinal axis; the toe member (TP) is flexibly elongated in the longitudinal direction, flexibly stiff in the transverse direction and rotationally stiff in the longitudinal axis; and the front part (FP) is flexibly elongated in the longitudinal direction, flexibly stiff in the transverse direction and rotationally stiff in its longitudinal axis; and that the front portion (FP) comprises a plate-shaped bottom walker (21) having a transverse projection (15) and the bottom tip (21) having a shape corresponding to a guide channel (22) in the ski binder (30).

Fiber sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the projection (15) is provided with a transverse element extending transversely to the fiber base (12).

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the projection (15) is mounted on the front of the plate-shaped walker (21).

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the projection (15) has a thickness which is 200% to 800% thicker than the fibrous sole (12).

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sole (12) of the mono extends around or surrounds the projection (15).

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fabric or fabric (17) surrounds the projection (15) and the fibrous sole (12).

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sole (12) of the mono comprises a wear layer (13) having an elastic modulus of between 10 MPa and 200 MPa.

Mono sole according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fiber layers in the fiber base (12) comprise at least one carbon fiber layer and / or at least one glass fiber layer.

Fiber sole according to Claim 8, characterized in that the number of fiber layers is: in the front part (FP) and in the toe part (TP) 0 longitudinally, 2 transversely 2 diagonally, the ankle part (MP) 1 longitudinally 1 transverse 2 longitudinal direction (RP) , 2 transversely, 2 diagonally, and wherein the transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and the diagonal direction may be at an angle of 30, 45 or 60 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the fiber base.

Fibrous sole according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one carbon fiber layer has an elastic modulus of between 20 GPa and 190 GPa.

Fibrous base according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one glass fiber layer has an elastic modulus between 60 GPa and 80 GPa.

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the rear part (RP) is longitudinally rigid, transverse rigid and rigidly rigid about its longitudinal axis.

Fiber sole according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fibrous sole (12) comprises a heel area (14) which is either molded or glued with a friction pattern.

The fibrous sole according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fibrous sole (12) is defined as being flexibly rigid when a 12 N force causes a 20 mm deflection and a 12 N force causes an 85 mm deflection, and wherein ) is defined as torque stiffness when a force of 1 Nm about the longitudinal axis produces a 5 ° rotation angle and a force of 20 Nm around a longitudinal axis produces a 40 ° torque at which this force is applied 140 mm from the point of attachment and measured at 140 mm at the point of attachment and the torque shall be applied 140 mm from the point of attachment and the resulting torque angle measured at 140 mm from the point of attachment.

Fibrous sole according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fibrous sole (12) is defined as flexibly flexible when a 1 N force causes a 20 mm deflection and a 32 N force causes an 85 mm deflection, and wherein ) is defined as torque-bending when a force of 0.4 Nm around a longitudinal axis produces a 5 degree rotation angle and when a force of 10 Nm around a longitudinal axis produces a 40 degree torque where this force is applied 140 mm from the anchorage and the resulting deflection is measured 140 mm from the point of attachment and the torsion is 140 mm from the point of attachment and the resulting torsion angle is measured at 140 mm from the point of attachment.

Use of at least one fiber layer in a fiber base (12) comprising a front (FP), a toe portion (TP), an ankle portion (MP) and a rear portion (RP) to achieve the desired stiffness in the fiber base portions (FP, TP, MP, RP). ) in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the fiber base (12).

Use according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one layer is a carbon fiber layer and / or a glass fiber layer.