JPH06209802A - Ankle joint bend restraining device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To restrain and hold the ankle at an appropriate angle by jointing the tongue to the upper foot support face and getting rid of excessive bend rearward on pulling up a heel of the upper foot support face. CONSTITUTION: A cuff 4 is put to a lower shell 2 free to turn through a pair of pivot fixture metal fittings 5. Straps 16, 17 extend over a tongue 15, one end of them is put on to the bottom 3 while the other end is put to turn free to the end of a link 18 and jointed to an adjustment mechanism 21 by means of a cable 20. An insole 25 is substantially stiff and capable of turning up around the hinge 26 close to the tiptoe of the boot. The cable 27 is connected to a heel edge of the movable insole 25 while a buckle 29 is pivoted around a hinge 32 to pull up the cable 27, consequently the heel edge of the movable insole 25. Ankle bending rearward would cause the cuff 4 to turn around the pivot fixture metal fittings 5 and raise up the movable insole 25. Angle formation between to a minimum or get rid of excessive bending rearward over the appropriate angle.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention enables forward bending of a leg above a predetermined angle with respect to a sports movement surface of a sports shoe, while dorsiflexion of the foot of the user with respect to the leg of the user exceeding a predetermined optimum angle. To prevent, or at least minimize, the problems typically associated with sports shoes. The invention is particularly suitable for use in skiing in downhill ski boots, but also in other sports shoes where it is desired to limit dorsiflexion to some optimum angle during sports exercise. is there.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Sports shoes are used for the competition of athletes and sports surfaces, for example skis and mountain slopes in the case of skiing, sports such as soccer, football or tennis. Form a connection between a field or a road or a road on which a runner runs.
The main movement of the athlete requires the transmission of forces between the runner's legs and the ground through the sports shoes. These movements are accomplished by the conscious immobility or movement of the athlete's ankle joints, ie the work of the muscles that immobilize or move the foot relative to the leg. Compared with other main body joints, when dorsiflexion, the muscle control of the foot is weak and its movement is limited.

In order for a sports shoe to frequently and effectively transmit significant forces, the sports shoe must have adequate support to the ankle joint. At the same time, sports shoes must be designed such that the athlete does all the necessary ankle movements, and when doing so, the most effective use of the athlete's muscle strength.

Although a general description of the function of sports shoes applies to virtually all sports uses, the extent of exercise and the amount of force required to perform various exercises at the lowermost end of the body is: This is especially apparent in downhill skiing. As a result, downhill ski boots are the most elaborate of all shoes. Briefly, downhill ski boots include an outer shell for the foot and an outer cuff for the leg that extends well above the ankle joint. Such boots, respectively, allow for anterior-posterior flexion of the leg relative to the foot from a preselected "normal" position, or dorsiflexion and plantar flexion for the leg, which are in the mid and side of the foot relative to the leg. The entire boot is relatively stiff, preventing significant movement, i.e. adduction and abduction, i.e. in all other directions. in the past,
A downhill ski boot with a lower foot portion and typically an upper leg portion pivotally mounted to the lower foot portion 2
This was accomplished by constructing a fully rigid boot defined in parts. A relatively soft liner is also applied to the inside of the shell, and in use, the boot and, in particular, the sole forming part of the lower foot portion are engaged by the ski-mounted fasteners, whereby , Firmly connect the boots to the skis.

During skiing, one or more buckles that clamp the boot to the foot and lower leg typically surround the boot athlete's foot and leg. Due to the large movements and forces exerted during the rolling movements often performed by downhill skiers, the boot must fit fairly well on the foot and leg. However, in many cases, this necessary tightening is uncomfortable, can lead to diminished blood circulation and lead to pain and fatigue. On the other hand, any slack in the boots results in a lack of conduction of power from the legs to the skis, thus greatly compromising the ability of the skier to operate the skis.

To overcome this problem, Applicants have invented a ski boot having a dynamic attachment system. This attachment system allows for a relatively snug, comfortable fit of the boot on the athlete's leg.
However, the fit is adapted to momentarily tighten in response to relative movement between the leg, typically the athlete's foot and leg. Usually this is accomplished by providing an instep strap on the shoe, a movable sole, an adjustable tongue, etc., as they are operably connected to the lower shell and upper cuff. , During relative movement between them, the tightness of the boot's fit increases in proportion to the distance the upper cuff moves away from the "normal" position relative to the lower shell. In ski boots, the "normal" position of the upper cuff typically includes some forward tilt of the upper cuff relative to the lower shell. Any special forward flexion of the lower leg will increase the tightness of the fit. The tightness of the fit is also reduced when the upper cuff returns to its normal position.

Practical testing of such boots has revealed that they have achieved a significant improvement over conventional ski boots lacking a dynamic attachment system. In particular, the discomfort, pain, poor circulation and fatigue often associated with prior art ski boots have been substantially eliminated. The tight fit needed to perform rotational movements and the like during skiing is achieved during the rotational movements, and at other times the fit is tight and more comfortable.

Despite the significant improvements provided by the dynamic attachment system described above, sports shoes in general, and ski boots with such systems in particular, can be improved. In particular, such a dynamic attachment system affects the tightness of the weight if there is any movement between the lower shell and the upper cuff. This is where the ski boots were discovered by the applicant.
For example, it is not always desirable to give a sufficient range of motion to the ankle joint in a certain skiing condition. That is, this range of motion can provide a stable foundation for the athlete to subtly change the center of gravity of his body. An appropriate range of ankle motion is also highly desirable to accommodate the thin muscle movements that occur during the maneuvering movements of a ski in some cases. In other sports such as soccer, baseball and tennis, sudden stops, starts, rapid accelerations and quick turns while playing these sports provide stability of the center of gravity and control of muscles to the athlete. To ensure this, the ankle joint is required to have such mobility.

It should be noted that the sports shoes must be capable of allowing the athlete to make maximum use of their muscle strength. Most high-power exercises occur during dorsiflexion. When skiing, for example, the main direction change is
For center of gravity movement, prediction, angulation and edging,
Requires effective muscle control of the foot during dorsiflexion.
In order to obtain optimal muscle control of the ankle joint in this dorsiflexion position, there are specific positions to achieve and hold from which various force related exercises can be performed. This position is called the optimal dorsiflexion angle, and the existence of the optimal dorsiflexion angle can be confirmed by observing the muscle physiological characteristics of the legs and feet and the anatomical configurations of the flexor and extensor muscles. Some of the properties of muscle that need consideration are: (1) The strength of the whole muscle is highest when the muscle is close to its maximum length (Cleibam et al., Biomechanism,
Qualitative approach to human movement research, Burgess Publishers, p. 123, p. 124) (2) Total muscle strength decreases with increasing contraction rate (Piscopo & Burley, Kinesiology, Science of Motion, (Joan Willy and Sons, pp. 150-151) (3) The strength of the whole muscle depends on the tension angle with respect to the stress center distance of the bone (Cooper et al., Kinesiology,
C. V. Furthermore, the strength of the whole muscle is maximum when there is no contraction (Cooper et al., Kinesiology, C.V. Mosby, page 109). And the relative angular tilt between the leg and
It has been found that an optimal force for skiing is achieved when the dorsiflexion is approximately 12 degrees. However, a dorsiflexion angle of 12 degrees does not provide correct body ballasting and center of gravity position on every step of the ski. When descending, past the maximum slope, it is often necessary to bend the leg forward for skis greater than the optimal dorsiflexion angle. This forward bending is necessary to withstand the skis' side slip caused by the curved track and gravity pull. As the edge angle increases while skiing down this line of maximum slope, the ski will have more resistance to side slips, increasing the reverse warp and increasing the holding power at the front and rear. . The arc of turns, the speed of movement, and the approach to the maximum slope are
It determines the angulation or forward flexion of the legs required to resist the side slip caused by centrifugal forces. Nonetheless, prior art dynamic attachment systems that incorporate a movable sole provide a defined angle between the sole and the cuff. If that angle is chosen for optimal performance, for example 12 degrees, the correct balance will not be achieved over time, while on the other hand the relative anterior angulation of the cuff with respect to the sole will be achieved. , A small value, i.e. chosen for a typical anterior angulation between 7 and 9 degrees, the optimum force cannot be achieved.

In view of the above, there is currently a need for an improved dynamic attachment system that includes a movable plantar configured to provide some ankle joint freedom of movement without tightening the fit. Is clear. In addition, the relative angular tilt between the foot and leg provides comfort to the athlete,
Moreover, when maximum force is required, the relative angle tilt is readjusted to allow the leg to flex further with respect to the plane of movement of the shoe, so that the athlete can deliver the maximum possible force at that moment. , Currently needs a dynamic fitting system.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Broadly speaking, the present invention provides a predetermined optimum during sports while allowing forward bending of the legs above a predetermined optimum angle with respect to the plane of motion of the sports shoe. The invention relates to a device attached to a user at the intersection of the user's foot and leg to prevent dorsiflexion over an angle. The device is particularly useful when used in sports shoes or incorporated into the construction of sports shoes. This sports shoe is usually
Includes a sole, a shell extending from the sole for accommodating the user's foot, and a movable tongue or cuff attached to the shell, the sole, shell and tongue or cuff being defined by the user's foot. Is relatively free to move over a limited dorsiflexion angle. However, any large further dorsiflexion of the foot against the leg is prevented. As used in the present application, dorsiflexion means posterior flexion of the foot or anterior flexion of the leg with respect to the foot. Dorsiflexion is measured from the position where the leg is perpendicular to the foot.

The sole comprises an upper foot support surface or sole, and the rear or heel portion of the upper surface is movable upward, while the lower surface of the sole is approximately forward of the bulge of the big toe of the foot. Area is configured to lay flat on a ski, stadium, floor or track.

In one set of embodiments, the tongu
In e), the dorsiflexion exceeding the optimal dorsiflexion angle is positioned so as to move the tongue forward. This tongue is such that the forward bending of the user's leg is relatively unrestrained from the initial resting angle to the optimal dorsiflexion angle, and further dorsiflexion of the foot beyond the optimal angle is prevented by the upper foot support surface. It is coupled to the upper foot support surface so that it is substantially removed by lifting at least the heel portion.

In one particular embodiment, Applicants' invention is incorporated into a downhill ski boot having a rigid lower sole, the bottom of which is securely connected to the ski.
A movable, relatively rigid sole or upper foot support surface of the sole above the lower sole, and at least its heel portion,
It is configured to be pivotable upward about a pivot point relative to the lower sole. This pivot point is typically located in the metatarsal bone region, i.e., the region underneath the bulge of the shank of the user's toe. Thus, the pivotable sole is either completely rigid along its entire length, or substantially rearward of the pivot point. Substantially rigid means that the sole of the foot is sufficiently rigid to allow the user's foot to be raised in the area posterior to the bulge of the big toe.

In the ski boot, the aforementioned movable tongue is defined by the cuff, or at least the front part of the cuff,
The cuff is then secured to the ski boot shell to move about a pivot axis near the user's ankle joint. The cuff is attached to the plantar so that the dorsiflexion between the initial dorsiflexion angle and the optimal angle does not raise the sole. As a result, the skier is relatively free to move his foot between the initial dorsiflexion angle and the optimal angle. A dorsiflexion attempt beyond the optimal angle raises the heel portion of the plantar, thereby keeping the angulation between the sole and cuff constant, thus minimizing dorsiflexion beyond the optimal angle. Suppressed or eliminated. Further bending of the sole to the sole, and thus to the ski, is possible with further angulation, edging or lowering of the center of gravity. Further flexion causes the ski boot's fit to become tighter as pressure is exerted on the foot when the sole is raised due to the increased upward force on the medial side of the shell. Nevertheless, the relative angle between the user's foot and the lower leg is kept in the optimum range.

In another embodiment, the present invention is used in sports shoes having a semi-rigid sole. In that case, the sole has a substantially rigid portion between the heel and the bulge of the toe of the big toe and a flexible portion in front of the bulge of the big toe of the foot of the foot. Incorporates a movable upper foot support surface or sole. The heel portion of the sole of the foot so that the relatively rigid tongue extending upwards causes the flexion of the leg against the sporting plane of the shoe beyond the optimum angle to pivot the tongue forward, thereby raising the sole. Is bound to. Further forward flexion of the leg may change the dorsiflexion angle, as the tongue stop and pressure on the upper medial side of the shell prevent further dorsiflexion after the plantar has been raised to some extent. No, bend the bottom of the sole.

One aspect of the present invention contemplates limiting dorsiflexion to an optimal angle during sporting exercises without the use of a movable sole. In an embodiment of a sports shoe made according to this aspect, the upper surface of the shoe, having a single, semi-flexible sole, supports the user's foot. The shoe is used to mount a tongue assembly having an upwardly extending tongue in contact with the front of the user's lower leg just above the foot. The tongue assembly includes a stop that limits forward movement of the tongue beyond the point corresponding to the optimal dorsiflexion angle. Once the optimal dorsiflexion angle is reached, further forward flexion of the user's leg relative to the sporting plane does not change the dorsiflexion angle. Instead, such further forward flexion results in flexion of both the sole of the shoe and the foot in the metatarsal region of the user's foot.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in which the preferred embodiment is described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019]

1 and 2 disclose a sports shoe in the form of a ski boot 1 which comprises a shell 2 which is firmly connected to the ski during skiing and which extends from a rigid sole 3. is doing. The cuff 4 is pivotally attached to the lower shell 2 via a pair of pivot attachment fittings 5. The cuff 4 overlies the front of the ski boot 1 at 12. A liner 6 covers the interior of the boot 1 and includes a front portion 7 and a rear portion 8 and a sole liner 6 '. The front and rear parts 7, 8 are
The liners 9 and 10 overlap each other.

The tongue 15 is located at the front part 7 of the shoe upper.
Between the lower shell and the lower shell 2. Leather belt 16,1
7 extends over the tongue 15 and is used to achieve the initial desired fit. One end of each leather belt is the sole 3
And the other end is pivotally attached to the end of the link 18. The link 18 is connected to the adjusting mechanism 21 by a cable 20. Typically the shaft 22
The axis of rotation 22 of the adjusting mechanism 21 achieved by inserting a screwdriver or coin into the slot at the end of the
This allows the user to adjust the tightness of the boot.

The sole 3 is an upper sole or a movable sole 2.
A shoe sole liner 6'comprising 5 on which the upper foot-bearing surface of the boot 1 is defined is mounted. The sole 25 is substantially rigid and can pivot upwardly about a hinge 26 near the toes of the boot.

A cable 27 is connected to the heel end of the movable sole 25 and extends through a cable slot 28 in the ski boot 1. The cable 27 passes around the opening of the cuff 4; around the roller guide 31 and through one of several hooks 30 on the buckle 29. The buckle 29 is pivoted around the hinge 32 and allows the cable 27, and thus the movable sole 25, to move.
Pull the heel end of the upward. Dorsal flexion of the foot causes cuff 4 to pivot about pivot mount 5 and raise movable sole 25. This reduces the space within the ski boot 1 and dynamically tightens the boot on the user's foot which is in close contact.

The present invention is firstly that in that a certain amount of dorsiflexion of the foot is possible without raising the upper foot-bearing surface of the sole, so that the dorsiflexion angle can be varied over a limited range. , The disclosure and teaching of the parent application. Second, the upper foot support surface need not be held by a movable sole and can be a single, semi-flexible sole top surface.
This difference is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 3 also discloses the main aspect of the invention whereby dorsiflexion is restricted without the need for a movable plantar sole. In all of the disclosed embodiments, the legs can bend forward beyond the optimal dorsiflexion angle with respect to the sporting surface of the sports shoe.

FIG. 3 shows a shell 36 on a semi-flexible sole 38.
A sports shoe in the form of a tennis shoe 34 including a. The shell 36 is typically made of a flexible material such as leather or nylon. The sole 38 is flexible at the metatarsophalangeal joint, generally below the bulge of the toe of the user's big toe, but behind it, ie towards the thick heel 42 of the shoe 34, is flexible. Few. Sole 38 may be somewhat flexible along its entire length, although flexion of the sole occurs approximately in area 40 due to flexion of the user's toes in that area.

A tongue assembly 44 is mounted between the user's foot and the upper portion of the shell 36 underneath the lace 47 in its normal configuration. The tongue assembly 44 includes a relatively stiff lower tongue 50 extending forward on the upper surface of the foot and a pair of adjustable straps 52 connecting the upper and lower tongues.
A hinge 54 with which the upper and lower tongues can pivot when the strap is adjusted. Wedge 43 has 4 rivets
It is rotatably fixed to the upper tongue 48 by means of 5 tongues. A strap 49 secures the upper tongue to the user's foot. The lower tongue 50 may be permanently fixed to the instep portion 46,
Alternatively, it may be removably placed between the instep of the user and the portion 46.

When using the sports shoes 34, the user
Tighten the laces in the usual way, loosely secure the shell to the foot, and determine the desired optimal angle of dorsiflexion, or
Alternatively, the angle may be preset at the factory. Dorsal flexion is measured in the direction of arrow 55 from axis 56 that extends at a right angle from upper foot support surface 57 of sole 38. Axis 5
The strap 52 has an upper tongue 48 such that the angle 58 between the axis 56 and the upper tongue equates to an optimal dorsiflexion angle, such that the angle 58 between the 6 and the upper tongue equates to an optimal dorsiflexion angle. Is adjusted by engaging the appropriate holes 51 therein using pegs 53. Assuming that the initial dorsiflexion is angle 60, an additional dorsiflexion of angle 62 can be made before further dorsiflexion is prevented by tightening strap 52. Further forward bending of the user's legs does not cause further dorsiflexion, but rather causes the sole 38 to flex and the upper bearing surface 5
7 is swung upwards around the region 40 in the direction of arrow 64. Heel 42 that lifts surface 57 from the sporting surface
The pulling of the upper part of the shoe causes the shell 36 of the shoe 34 to Hra.
ugb. This bending of the sole also occurs in ordinary semi-flexible sports shoes. However, such ordinary shoes do not and do not limit dorsiflexion.

In fact, the tongue assembly 44 does not prevent any further dorsiflexion beyond the angle 58. However, when the lower leg of the user bends forward, the upper support surface 57 is pulled upward in the direction of arrow 64, which further minimizes or eliminates further dorsiflexion.
Therefore, the degree of dorsiflexion above the optimal dorsiflexion angle is reduced or eliminated. Allowing flexion of the sole 38 and thus raising the heel 42 from the sporting surface prior to reaching the optimal dorsiflexion angle 58 is included within this aspect of the invention. However, once that angle is reached, the sports shoe 34 substantially eliminates further dorsiflexion for optimal performance of the athlete.

Sports shoes 34 exemplify the main aspect of the invention. In short, the shoe 34 acts as a means of attaching the tongue assembly 44 adjacent the instep. Thus, the aspect of the present invention in which dorsiflexion is limited to a maximum angle may be achieved by using other structures for attaching the tongue 44. For example, the lower tongue 50
May be secured directly to the leg or foot.

In use, the string 47 is tightened and tied in the usual way to secure the shell to the user's foot, and then the wedge 43 is threaded under the string 47 to the front of the leg. When bent, the tongue 48 turns forward,
The string and shell are tightened further from their tight fit. Leather straps 4 when the legs are extended towards the "standard" position
9 pulls the loose shell behind the tongue tightly.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, yet another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment incorporates a dorsiflexion limiting device as described above having a movable sole in a sports shoe in the form of ski boot 66.
These devices allow extensive forward flexion of the user's legs relative to the sporting plane while maintaining optimal dorsiflexion combined with increased boot dynamic tightening during skiing for greater control. Combined to make it possible. The ski boot 66 includes a shell 68 attached to a rigid sole 70. The sole is firmly connected to the ski during the ski performance. The front and rear cuffs 72 and 74 are
The shell 68 is pivotally attached to the hibot 76. An adjustable buckle 78 engages the cable loop 80 to secure the front and rear cuffs 72, 74 around the lower leg of the user.

The sole 70 includes a rigid sole 82 and has a sole 84 that overlies the sole 70. All boots 66
Are lined with a liner 86. However,
The liner is not shown in the cutaway section for clarity.
The sole 84 extends substantially from the heel 88 of the boot 66 to the toe 90, but is not attached to the sole as the sole 25 shown in FIG. The sole 84 includes a downwardly extending bar 92 made in complementary sliding engagement within an opening 94 formed through the bottom 82 towards the exterior of the sole 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper surface foot support portion 96 of the sole 84 is shown.
The initial tilt angle of the can be adjusted by the set screw 98. For skis, surface 96 is typically heel 8
Set from 8 to the toe 90 to incline downward at an initial angle 100 with respect to the lower surface 102 of the sole 70. Angle 100 is typically about 9 degrees.

The U-shaped yoke 104 shown in FIG. 8 has its upper end 105 pivotally mounted to the pivot 76. The end 105 of the yoke 104 is also adjustably fastened to the front cuff 72 by a press bit rivet 106 so that the front cuff 72 and the yoke 104 pivot together about a pivot 76. The generally horizontal portion 108 of the yoke 104 underlies the sole 84. Arrow 1
Turning the front cuff 72 forward in the direction of 10 causes the yoke 104 to pivot upward in the direction of arrow 112. Therefore, the portion 108 is lifted from the recess 114 in the bottom 82 of the sole 70 for engaging the sole 84. The yoke 104 raises the upper surface 96 by the continuous forward movement of the front cuff 72. The lower edge 116 has a point 118 as shown in FIG.
When the shell 68 is contacted with, the forward movement of the cuff 72 is stopped. The rearward movement of the cuff 72 is stopped when the lower edge 116 contacts the upper extension of the shell (not shown).

It should be noted that two separate angular orientations are possible. The first is the angular orientation between the user's foot and the lower leg. Forward flexion of the user's leg from a position perpendicular to the user's foot, called dorsiflexion, causes
Measured from a line perpendicular to. These angles are illustrated in FIG. For alpine skiing, an initial dorsiflexion of about 9 degrees is currently considered the most desirable. Since the upper support surface 96 is inclined upward and backward by about 9 degrees,
The user's leg is first flexed forward approximately 18 degrees from horizontal, ie from a line perpendicular to the surface 102 on the upper surface of the ski. The angle of the lower leg relative to the horizontal is shown in FIG.

When using the ski boot 66, the user first adjusts the initial tilt of the sole 84 with the set screw 98. As mentioned above, the angle 100 is typically about 9
It is degree. This adjustment results in a 9 degree forward tilt of the user's leg at zero dorsiflexion. The initial angle of the user's leg with respect to ski surface 102 is indicated by angle 119, and typically represents the first 9 degrees of surface 96 and the additional 9 degrees of cuffs 72,74. It is about 18 degrees. The length of the arm 105 of the yoke 104 is such that the portion 108 of the yoke 104 is a predetermined distance below the sole 84 when the user's leg and foot are at an initial dorsiflexion angle 120, typically 9 degrees. To be selected. The relationship between the pivoting of the front cuff 72 and the pivoting of the sole 84 is determined by the angle and length of the yoke 104, the position of the set screw 98 and the pivot point of the sole 84. Thus, additional dorsiflexion by the user may occur before portion 108 begins to lift sole 84 and surface 96. This angle has been empirically determined to be about 3 degrees, so a dorsiflexion angle of about 12 degrees must occur before the forward flexion of the user's leg begins to rise to the sole. This 12 degree dorsiflexion angle is considered optimal for downhill skiing competitions, and adjustments can be made taking into account personal preferences, skiing capabilities, and the like. The optimal dorsiflexion angle is shown as the angle 121 in FIG.
Is shown in. The angle 121 is a lower leg angle 123 of about 21 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane 102.

In accordance with the present invention, the user increases the angle of the movable sole by increasing the forward angulation of the cuffs 72, 74 by the user, thus allowing the user to perform forward leg bending relative to the ski surface. This optimal dorsiflexion angle can be maintained even during the increase. In other words, angle 1
Forward flexion above 23 does not result in any further increase in dorsiflexion. In fact, it has been found that some additional dorsiflexion is usually caused by the yield and shape of the material of the yoke 104. Accordingly, the optimal dorsiflexion referred to in this application should be understood to include the relatively narrow range of dorsiflexion that an athlete can perform at peak levels.

FIG. 7 shows the shell 68 at the point 118 at the edge 116.
Front cuff 7 at the foremost position when in contact with
2 is shown. In this position, the surface 96 has the yoke 104.
Front cuff 7 about 10 degrees after starting to be lifted by
Two additional pivoting movements are illustrated and correspond to a maximum lower leg angle 125 of about 31 degrees. However,
Due to the upward movement of the surface 96 in the direction of arrow 112, the dorsiflexion angle remained substantially constant.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a sports shoe in the form of a soccer shoe 122 is disclosed that incorporates some features of both sports shoes 34 and 66.
The sports shoe 122 includes a tongue assembly 124 similar to the tongue assembly 44 shown in FIG. Rigid brace 127
Can be pivotally attached to the lower tongue 128 and slidably connected to the upper tongue 126. The upper end 129 of the brace 127 has a semi-rigid upper tongue 126
Enlarged to fit within slot 130 therein. When the end 129 engages the outer end of the slot 130, its forward pivoting motion and thus further dorsiflexion is stopped.

The shoe 122 also includes a two-piece sole 134 having a sole 136 and a movable sole 138 that overlies the sole in the shoe. Ciel 132 has sole 136
Mounted on. The upper foot support surface 140 of the sole 138 is
It is connected to a swivel upper tongue 126 by a length adjustable heel strap assembly 142. Assembly 142 raises heel end 143 of sole 138 in response to forward pivoting of upper tongue 126. A compression spring 144 is partially contained within an opening 146 formed in the sole 136. The spring 144 is attached to the end 14 of the sole 138.
3 is swung upward by the tongue 126, the shoe 12
It serves to keep the second heel 147 on the exercise surface.

With the use of sports shoe 122, the user can adjust when sole 138 begins to rise by appropriately changing the length of strap assembly 142. You can start a free dorsiflexion exercise. However, to drive the end 129 of the brace 127 against the outer end of the slot 130, further dorsiflexion motion will cease unless the upper tongue 126 is pivoted sufficiently. Alternatively, the strap assembly 142 can be used to limit the forward angulation of the upper tongue 126. Dorsal flexion stops when the foot exerts pressure on the upper shell 132. Further forward flexion of the user's leg relative to the sporting plane results in flexion of the metatarsal bone regions 148, 150 of the sole 136 and sole 138, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10,
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. These embodiments also incorporate a dorsiflexion limiting device and have the same numbered parts as the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. The ski boot 160 of FIG. 10 has front and rear cuffs 72 and 7
4 and includes a shell 68 attached to a rigid sole 70. The front and rear cuffs 72 and 74 have cutouts 16
It is pivotally and slidably mounted on the shell 68 by a pivot 76 at 1. In a similar manner, the front cuff 72 is pivotally and slidably attached to the shell 68 by a pivot 162 in the notch 163. The arcs of the notches 161 and 163 are located close to the bulge pivot of the toe of the big toe or the pivot point of the foot support surface movable sole 84. When the user puts on the boots and leans forward, the cuffs 72 and 74 are
Swivels forward and upwards and slides along the notches 161 and 163. In this embodiment, the U-shaped yoke 104 is pivotally and rotatably attached to the pivot 76 at its upper end 105. Cuffs 72 and 74
However, with the pivots 76 and 162, the notch 1 in the shell 68 due to the user's movement to tilt the boot forward.
As it moves forward and upwards along 61 and 163, the yoke 104 pivots the sole 84 close to the bulge of the big toe of the foot, maintaining the maximum angle of dorsiflexion.

FIG. 10 discloses yet another ski boot 170 embodiment, which includes front and rear cuffs 7.
2 and 74 and includes a shell 68 attached to a rigid sole 70. The front and rear cuffs 72 and 74 are
They are pivotally attached to each other by a pivot 76 that passes through both cuffs but not the shell 68. Furthermore, the pivot point of the cuff 72 that is close to the pivot point of the sole 84 of the boot 170 is formed, and the cuff 7 is formed.
A pivot 171 is shown passing through 2 and shell 68. A pivot 76 is provided to open the rear cuff 74 for putting the user's foot in the boot. When the user puts his foot in the boot, the cuffs 72 and 74
Is closed by a cable 80 by the movement of the buckle 78. The yoke 104 is pivotally and rotatably attached to the pivot 76 at its upper end 105. When the legs in the boot are flexed forward, the cuffs 72 and 74 move forward and upward together around the pivot 171 to lift the yoke 104 and close the sole of the toe to the bulge of the big toe. Pivot 84 to allow further forward flexion of the leg relative to the sole of the boot and the sporting surface, while maintaining the optimal dorsiflexion angle of the leg relative to the foot.

Changes and modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, tongue assembly 44 may be configured as a rigid, unitary member rather than a hinged, adjustable member.

[0043]

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a ski boot showing a movable sole.

2 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a sports shoe of the present invention having a semi-flexible shoe sole.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the sports shoe embodiment of the present invention showing the sole in the first rest position.

FIG. 5 illustrates respective dorsiflexion angles of the legs and forward flexion of the legs associated with the use of the sports shoe of FIG.

FIG. 6 illustrates respective dorsiflexion angles of the foot and forward flexion of the legs associated with the use of the sports shoe of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 with the raised sole and the cuff fully pivoted forward.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the yoke connected to the front cuff.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a sports shoe embodiment of the present invention having a semi-flexible sole and a movable sole.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the sports shoe embodiment of the present invention showing the pivot and yoke.

FIG. 11 is a side view of another sports shoe embodiment of the present invention showing a pivot and a yoke.

[0044]

[Explanation of symbols]

 (01), (1) Ski boots (02), (2) Ciel (03), (3) Sole (04), (4) Cuff (05), (6) Liner (06), (15) Tongue Leather (07), (16,17) Leather belt (08), (18) Link (09), (21) Adjustment mechanism (10), (25) Sole (11), (29) Buckle (12), ( 32) Hinge

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A shoe sole, a shell extending from the sole, a means for tightening the shoe so that it fits tightly to the foot contained in the shoe, and the front of the leg relative to the foot contained in the shoe. Means for allowing flexion, means for limiting forward flexion of the leg with respect to the foot beyond a predetermined angle, and further forward front of the foot with respect to the sports shoe running surface while substantially maintaining the predetermined angle. And a means for automatically allowing bending. 2. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the forward bending limiting means includes an upwardly extending limiting member. 3. The forward bending limiting means includes adjusting means.
The sports shoe according to claim 1. 4. The means for automatically allowing further forward flexion further comprises a sole movable relative to the shoe.
Sports shoes described in. 5. The sole is coupled to the restriction member, the restriction member is movable with respect to the shoe, and the sole rises when the restriction member is moved a predetermined angle. Item 4. The sports shoe according to item 4. 6. The sports shoe of claim 5, wherein the sole increases the tightness of the fit of the shoe when the sole is raised. 7. The sports shoe according to claim 5, wherein the heel portion of the sole rises when the restricting member moves beyond a predetermined angle. 8. The sports shoe according to claim 5, wherein the sole is connected to the restriction member by a yoke. 9. A relatively rigid sole, a shell extending from the sole, a cuff incorporated into the shoe and movable relative to the shoe, and a sole, the front of the leg relative to the foot within the shoe. To allow bending,
The cuff is movable with respect to the shell, and further, to limit forward flexion of the leg with respect to the foot beyond a predetermined angle, means for limiting movement of the cuff with respect to the sole of the foot, and substantially maintaining the predetermined angle. However, a sports shoe, characterized in that it comprises means for connecting the cuff to the sole of the foot so as to allow further forward bending of the legs with respect to the sports movement surface of the sports shoe. 10. The performance surface includes a ski surface.
Sports shoes described in. 11. The sports shoe of claim 9, wherein the sole is joined to the cuff by an adjustable yoke. 12. A relatively flexible sole, a shell extending from the sole, and extending upwardly from the shell to allow forward bending of the leg relative to the foot within the shoe, and to the foot beyond a predetermined angle. A sports shoe, comprising: a relatively rigid tongue that prevents the leg from bending forward and allows the leg to further bend with respect to the sports movement surface of the sports shoe. 13. A shoe sole, a shell extending from the shoe sole, a means for tightening the shoe so that the foot in the shoe fits tightly, a movable sole placed in the shoe, and incorporated in the shoe. The foot, which moves along an arc close to the pivot of the movable sole of the foot, allows forward bending of the leg relative to the foot in the shoe, prevents forward bending of the leg above a predetermined angle, and sports shoes And a device that allows the legs to further bend forward with respect to the sports movement surface of the sports shoes. 14. A shoe sole, a shell extending from the shoe sole, and a state in which the foot is loose in the shoe before use and a state in which the foot fits snugly in the shoe and is in use. Means for tightening the foot that has entered into the shoe by movement to the shoe, and, in use, means for allowing the legs to flex forward relative to the foot in the shoe, in use A means for limiting forward flexion of the leg with respect to the foot beyond a predetermined angle by a tightening means; and a sports exercise surface of the sports shoe while substantially maintaining the flexion of the leg with respect to the foot at the predetermined angle. Means for automatically allowing further forward bending of the legs relative to the sports shoes. 15. A relatively rigid shoe sole, a shell extending from the shoe sole, a cuff and a sole incorporated into the shoe and movable with respect to the shoe, and by operating the fixing means, before use. And a means for fixing the foot in the shoe from the state of being used to the state of use, the cuff is movable to the shell when being used by the fixing means when the cuff is being used, and the leg can be bent forward with respect to the foot. Further, in order to limit the forward bending of the leg with respect to the foot beyond a predetermined angle, means for limiting the movement of the cuff with respect to the shell by the fixing means in the use state, and the leg with respect to the foot at the predetermined angle. Means for connecting the cuff to the sole of the foot so as to allow further forward flexion of the sporting shoe against the sporting surface of the sport shoe, while substantially maintaining the flexion.