US20070256331A1 - Ski boot - Google Patents
Ski boot Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070256331A1 US20070256331A1 US11/744,325 US74432507A US2007256331A1 US 20070256331 A1 US20070256331 A1 US 20070256331A1 US 74432507 A US74432507 A US 74432507A US 2007256331 A1 US2007256331 A1 US 2007256331A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- elongated hollow
- support structure
- hollow region
- coupling
- region
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims 1
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011257 shell material Substances 0.000 description 48
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 15
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 7
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 230000027455 binding Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009739 binding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003562 lightweight material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- CJFOKWNHNZBRRU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Base A Natural products CC1CC2NC(C)NC3NC(C)CC(N1)C23 CJFOKWNHNZBRRU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001255 hallux Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000001872 metatarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0427—Ski or like boots characterised by type or construction details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0427—Ski or like boots characterised by type or construction details
- A43B5/0482—Ski or like boots characterised by type or construction details made from materials with different rigidities
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0486—Ski or like boots characterized by the material
- A43B5/049—Ski or like boots characterized by the material with an upper made of composite material, e.g. fibers or core embedded in a matrix
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0496—Ski or like boots boots for touring or hiking skis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
- A43B5/1641—Skating boots characterised by the sole ; characterised by the attachment of the skate
Definitions
- the invention generally relates to ski boots.
- the invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support.
- Boots are a type of footwear that encase both the foot and a portion of the lower leg of a user. Boots are generally manufactured for a particular purpose or activity and therefore are designed to include characteristics consistent with the intended purpose. For example, a hiking boot is designed to support the ankle of a user while minimizing the overall weight. Likewise, a ski boot is designed to maximize a user's performance at a particular skiing activity.
- Boots generally include a shell, a compression system, and a sole.
- the shell and compression system operate to encase and support the foot and lower leg of a user.
- Various well-known shell and compression systems are utilized to allow users to insert and remove their foot in an open boot configuration and compress the shell around the foot in a closed boot configuration.
- the sole of a boot is disposed on the bottom surface of the shell.
- the sole is generally composed of a rubber or plastic material.
- the sole may be composed of a single piece or multiple blocks.
- the general activity of skiing includes many subsets including but not limited to alpine touring, telemark, and downhill.
- Each subset of skiing generally corresponds to a unique system of specialized equipment.
- the boot, ski, and binding systems used for telemark skiing are significantly different from those used for alpine touring.
- a skiing system may include a standard type of boots, skis, and bindings.
- Each type of skiing also corresponds to unique boot characteristics for optimal performance.
- particular terrain and skier preference may require an even more specific set of performance characteristics.
- Boots for particular skiing activities must be compatible with the remainder of the system.
- telemark skiing boots have generally been required to conform to the 75 mm standard to allow for compatibility with telemark type bindings.
- One of the problems with existing boot systems is related to supporting the lower leg of a user for particular skiing activities.
- Support characteristics include impeding a user's lower leg from articulating about a particular orientation and minimizing flexibility of the boot along a particular axis.
- almost all boots provide a level of dorsiflexion support to allow a user to lean forward without significantly articulating the ankle.
- support between a boot and a user's lower leg is critical for effective force transfer, absorption, and performance.
- Most conventional skiing boots adequately support a user's lower leg in a lengthwise axis through a series of releasable clamping devices in operation with the overall shell design.
- lateral and torsional support generally refers to impeding dorsiflexion of the ankle and minimizing flexibility of a boot along a lengthwise axis.
- lateral and torsional support refers to impeding inversion and eversion of the ankle and minimizing flexibility of a boot along a lateral axis.
- Conventional clamping devices and shell designs do not adequately impede lateral flexion of the shell material.
- the present invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell.
- the elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling.
- the lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell.
- An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support.
- the elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region.
- a second embodiment of the present invention is a method for increasing the torsional support of a ski boot, including the act of rigidly coupling a rigid member to a plantar-oriented U-shaped region on the base of the shell.
- Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in ski boot technology.
- Torsional support is a critical component of ski boot performance for both Telemark and Alpine Touring boots. During the act of pivoting or rotating the rear of a ski boot, the improved torsional support characteristics will maintain proper boot orientation with respect to a corresponding binding and/or ski.
- FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a profile and bottom view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a series of perspective cross-sectional cutaway views of the secondary support structure of FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective cross-sectional cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a secondary support structure in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded profile component view of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, including upper and lower portions of a primary support structure and the secondary support structure illustrated in FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate sagittal cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of elongated hollow regions disposed within a lower portion of a base.
- the present invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support.
- One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell.
- the elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling.
- the lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell.
- An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support.
- the elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region.
- a second embodiment of the present invention is a method for increasing the torsional support of a ski boot, including the act of rigidly coupling a rigid member to a plantar-oriented U-shaped region on the base of the shell. Also, while embodiments of the present invention are directed at ski boots, it should be known that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other fields, including but not limited to other types of boots.
- Ski Any type of skiing apparatus that allows a user to translate on a snow surface, including but not limited to cross country skis, alpine skis, powder skis, telemark skis, downhill skis, snowboards, splitboards, skiboards, etc.
- the shell may be composed of a flexible lightweight plastic composite material.
- the shell may include multiple support structures commonly referred to as “dual density” or “multi-density”.
- Base A lower portion of the shell disposed between a corresponding engaged foot and the sole or bottom most surface of the boot system.
- Sole One or more objects coupled to the bottom most surface of the boot system. For example, a rubber sole footprint is often attached to boot systems to improve traction.
- Medial An anatomical term referring to the big toe lengthwise side of an engaged foot within a ski boot.
- Lateral A term that is used in two ways in this application anatomically and horizontally.
- the term “lateral” when used in “lateral rigid triangular coupling” refers broadly to the side of the secondary support structure including both the lateral and medial anatomical sides of a corresponding engaged foot. Whereas, “balance the lateral and medial” uses “lateral” in the anatomical sense of the pinkie/small toe lengthwise side of an engaged foot within a ski boot. These usages are not inconsistent with one another but are necessary for proper explanation of three dimensional positioning.
- Sagittal An anatomical term referring to a vertical plane bisecting an object in a manner corresponding to a standing corresponding human.
- a sagittal plane of a ski boot is illustrated in FIG. 1B as element 110 .
- Dorsal An anatomical term referring to the upper/top surface of an engaged foot within a ski boot.
- Plantar An anatomical term referring to the lower/bottom surface of an engaged foot within a ski boot.
- Elongated hollow region A substantially enclosed hollow region integrated within the base of a shell or shell component.
- a cross-section of the elongated hollow region includes two sides or layers separated by at least one hollow region. The two sides or layers are integrally formed or coupled to one another to form the at least one internal hollow region.
- the elongated hollow region may include various curvatures, tapers, slopes, and shapes to provide specific weight and support characteristics.
- Torsion A measure of support related to the lateral or rotational flexibility of a rear portion of the boot with respect to a substantially fixed toe region location.
- FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a profile and bottom view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, designated generally at 100 .
- the secondary support structure 100 is part of a boot system as illustrated and explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 .
- Embodiments of the present invention relate to increasing the torsional support of the rear or heel portion 130 of the boot in relation to the front or toe portion 120 .
- the sole or bottom 105 of the support structure is disposed on the bottom most surface.
- the secondary support structure 100 includes a support structure 150 and an elongated hollow region 170 .
- the support structure 150 is composed of a material that includes a particular minimal flexural rigidity so as to support the shape of the boot system.
- the support structure 150 includes a base 158 , a toe shell 156 , a rear support 152 , a lateral articulation location 164 , and a side region 154 .
- the components of the support structure 150 are designed to include the minimal surfaces and densities necessary to properly support a lower portion of the boot system so as to minimize overall weight.
- the lateral articulation location or lateral location 164 is located in the vicinity of an engaged foot ankle and is one of the coupling location between the different components of the shell, which will be described and illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the elongated hollow region 170 is disposed within the base 158 of the illustrated secondary support structure 100 . As illustrated in FIG. 1B , the elongated hollow region 170 is substantially sagitally disposed so as to be within the lengthwise middle of the base 158 .
- Various methods of creating an elongated hollow region may be utilized including but not limited to pre-molding the secondary support structure 100 around a hollow region and capping/coupling a rigid member over a U-shaped region to form an internal hollow region.
- FIGS. 5A-5C further illustrate techniques and systems for forming the elongated hollow region.
- An enclosed hollow region inherently has more torsional support than a filled, gapped, or solid region of similar dimensions.
- torsional rotational forces must deform both sides of the hollow region, therein making it torsionally more rigid and significantly lighter than a solid or gapped object of substantially the same material.
- the torsional rigidity of the base is significantly increased.
- the torsional rigidity of the system is even further increased without unnecessarily increasing the overall weight. Therefore, the use of both an elongated hollow region and a coupling to the secondary support structure produces an efficient torsional support system and method of improving upon conventional boot architecture.
- the side region 154 extends from the lateral location 164 and is rigidly coupled to the elongated region at the distal 174 and proximal 172 ends.
- the rigid coupling may include extending a pre-molded portion of the side region 154 to and/or around the elongated hollow region 170 .
- the connection between the side region 154 , the lateral location 164 , and the elongated hollow region 170 forms a lateral rigid triangular coupling 176 illustrated by the dashed triangular shape.
- the dashed triangular lines are meant to illustrate the triangular nature of the coupling between the elongated hollow region 170 and the lateral location 164 ; in no way do they imply a particular shape, structure, or composition.
- the lateral rigid triangular coupling 176 dramatically improves torsional support by utilizing the flexural rigidity of both the side region 154 and the elongated hollow region 170 .
- the dorsal extension of the side region 154 to the lateral location 164 enables torsional forces to be distributed through both the primary and secondary support structure, therein further increasing stability without increasing weight.
- an optional recess may be formed within the lateral rigid triangular coupling 176 to further minimize material and overall weight.
- the nature, shape, and orientation of the lateral triangular coupling 176 may include non-linear, curved, and webbed rigid connections between the proximal 172 and distal 174 ends of the elongated hollow region 170 and the lateral location 170 .
- An optional second lateral rigid triangular coupling 196 may be created by similarly extending and coupling a corresponding side region on the opposite side of the boot, as illustrated in FIG. 1B .
- the inclusion of the optional second lateral triangular coupling 196 balances the torsional support characteristics so as to efficiently resist both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the rear portion 130 of the secondary support structure 100 with respect to the front portion 120 .
- the inherent rigid nature of the first lateral triangular coupling 176 will provide an increase in torsional support in both rotational directions because it is rigidly coupled to the shell framework.
- FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a series of perspective cross-sectional cutaway views of the secondary support structure of FIG. 1A , each designated generally at 100 .
- FIG. 2A illustrates a coronal cross-section illustrating the extension of the elongated hollow region 170 to the rear portion of the secondary support structure 100 .
- the proximal coupling 174 between the side region 154 and the elongated hollow region 170 is formed by extending the elongated hollow region 170 along the lengthwise substantially sagittal axis of the secondary support structure.
- the side region 154 extends dorsally to the lateral location 164 .
- the lateral rigid triangular coupling 176 is illustrated for reference purposes.
- the elongated hollow region 170 is formed by encircling a hollow region with pre-molded material. Alternative methods of creating an elongated hollow region may also be utilized, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C .
- FIG. 2B also illustrates the distal coupling 172 between the side region 154 and the elongated hollow region 170 .
- FIG. 2C illustrates a complete perspective view of the secondary support structure for reference purposes.
- FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective coronal cross-sectional cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a secondary support structure in accordance with the present invention, designated generally at 200 .
- the cross section illustrates the rear portion of a boot including an elongated hollow region 270 , a side region 254 , and the proximal coupling therebetween 274 .
- the elongated hollow region may incorporate curved widthwise regions and/or curved lengthwise regions to facilitate efficient disposition within the shell and/or various support characteristics.
- the elongated hollow region may be wider at the rear of the base than at the front so as to minimize material weight.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded profile component view of a shell portion of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, including upper and lower portions of a primary support structure and the secondary support structure illustrated in FIG. 1A .
- the secondary support structure 100 is designed to include a minimal shape necessary to create the necessary support characteristics.
- the secondary support structure 100 may be composed of a more dense material that has a higher flexural rigidity.
- the primary support structure includes both a lower portion 250 and an upper portion 300 .
- the lower portion 250 interfaces with the secondary support structure 100 to enclose an engaged foot.
- the lower portion 250 and secondary support structure 100 are moveably coupled to the upper portion at a lateral location so as to enable articulation of an engaged ankle.
- Various alternative shell systems may also be utilized.
- Various additional components including but not limited to clasps, buckles, inserts, etc. may be included and remain consistent with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, designated generally at 400 .
- the secondary support structure 400 includes a support structure 450 and an elongated hollow region 470 .
- the support structure 450 is composed of a material that includes a particular minimal flexural rigidity so as to support the shape of the boot system.
- the support structure 450 includes a base 458 , a toe shell 456 , a rear support 452 , a lateral articulation location 464 , and a side region 454 .
- the elongated hollow region includes a proximal 472 and distal 474 rigid coupling to the side region 454 , therein forming a lateral triangular coupling 476 between the elongated hollow region 470 and the lateral location 464 .
- the illustrated secondary support structure further includes a bellows region 485 commonly used on telemark ski boots to allow articulation about the metatarsal region of an engaged foot.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a system 500 comprising a shell 520 , rigid member 515 , hollow region 525 , coupling plate 510 , coupling recesses 530 , and coupling members 505 .
- the shell 520 includes a dorsal oriented U-shaped region which forms an un-enclosed gapped region dorsally exposed and extending sagittally.
- the rigid member 515 is rigidly coupled over the U-shaped region so as to cap or enclose the region, thereby forming the hollow region 525 .
- the rigid coupling between the rigid member 515 and the shell 520 includes at least four coupling points so as to provide sufficient force transfer necessary for torsional rigidity.
- the rigid member 515 may be composed of a lightweight material such as carbon-fiber that exhibits the desired support and weight characteristics.
- the coupling plate 510 , coupling recesses 530 , and coupling members 505 illustrate a system for rigidly coupling to the shell 520 that sufficiently distributes coupling forces so as not to damage the shell 520 material.
- FIG. 5B illustrates a system 550 including an inner shell 555 , an outer shell 560 , a rigid member 570 , a coupler 575 , and a hollow region 565 .
- the inner shell 555 includes a plantar-oriented U-shaped region, which forms an un-enclosed gapped region extending sagittally.
- the rigid member 570 is rigidly disposed over the U-shaped region so as to cap or enclose the region, thereby forming the hollow region 565 .
- the rigid member 515 may be composed of a lightweight material such as carbon-fiber that exhibits the desired support and weight characteristics.
- the outer shell 560 is positioned adjacent to the rigid member 570 in order to provide side support and alignment coupling.
- the coupler 575 is rigidly coupled to the inner 555 and/or outer shell 560 so as to rigidly couple the rigid member 570 to the inner shell 555 .
- FIG. 5C illustrates a system 600 including a shell 605 , a rigid member 610 , and lower shell portion 615 .
- the rigid member 610 is three dimensionally enclosed by the lower shell portion 615 . This may be accomplished by positioning the rigid member 610 into the sagittal orientation during the molding process so as to mold the shell 605 around the rigid member 610 .
- a small air gap 620 is disposed around the rigid member 610 , therein forming an elongated hollow region within the lower portion of the shell 615 consistent with the definition discussed above.
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- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
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- Composite Materials (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/746,574 filed May 5, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
- The invention generally relates to ski boots. In particular, the invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support.
- Boots are a type of footwear that encase both the foot and a portion of the lower leg of a user. Boots are generally manufactured for a particular purpose or activity and therefore are designed to include characteristics consistent with the intended purpose. For example, a hiking boot is designed to support the ankle of a user while minimizing the overall weight. Likewise, a ski boot is designed to maximize a user's performance at a particular skiing activity.
- Boots generally include a shell, a compression system, and a sole. The shell and compression system operate to encase and support the foot and lower leg of a user. Various well-known shell and compression systems are utilized to allow users to insert and remove their foot in an open boot configuration and compress the shell around the foot in a closed boot configuration. The sole of a boot is disposed on the bottom surface of the shell. The sole is generally composed of a rubber or plastic material. The sole may be composed of a single piece or multiple blocks.
- The general activity of skiing includes many subsets including but not limited to alpine touring, telemark, and downhill. Each subset of skiing generally corresponds to a unique system of specialized equipment. For example, the boot, ski, and binding systems used for telemark skiing are significantly different from those used for alpine touring. A skiing system may include a standard type of boots, skis, and bindings. Each type of skiing also corresponds to unique boot characteristics for optimal performance. In addition, particular terrain and skier preference may require an even more specific set of performance characteristics. Boots for particular skiing activities must be compatible with the remainder of the system. For example, telemark skiing boots have generally been required to conform to the 75 mm standard to allow for compatibility with telemark type bindings.
- One of the problems with existing boot systems is related to supporting the lower leg of a user for particular skiing activities. Support characteristics include impeding a user's lower leg from articulating about a particular orientation and minimizing flexibility of the boot along a particular axis. For example, almost all boots provide a level of dorsiflexion support to allow a user to lean forward without significantly articulating the ankle. In skiing activities, support between a boot and a user's lower leg is critical for effective force transfer, absorption, and performance. Most conventional skiing boots adequately support a user's lower leg in a lengthwise axis through a series of releasable clamping devices in operation with the overall shell design. However, many of the boot systems fail to also adequately provide the lateral and torsional support that is essential for skiing activities. Lengthwise support generally refers to impeding dorsiflexion of the ankle and minimizing flexibility of a boot along a lengthwise axis. Likewise, lateral and torsional support refers to impeding inversion and eversion of the ankle and minimizing flexibility of a boot along a lateral axis. Conventional clamping devices and shell designs do not adequately impede lateral flexion of the shell material.
- Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a boot support system that provides a sufficient level of both lengthwise and lateral support without dramatically affecting the overall weight characteristics of the boot.
- The present invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support. One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region. A second embodiment of the present invention is a method for increasing the torsional support of a ski boot, including the act of rigidly coupling a rigid member to a plantar-oriented U-shaped region on the base of the shell.
- Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in ski boot technology. Torsional support is a critical component of ski boot performance for both Telemark and Alpine Touring boots. During the act of pivoting or rotating the rear of a ski boot, the improved torsional support characteristics will maintain proper boot orientation with respect to a corresponding binding and/or ski.
- These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
- The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. The Figures presented in conjunction with this description are views of only particular-rather than complete-portions of the systems and methods of making and using the system according to the invention. In the Figures, the physical dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity.
-
FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a profile and bottom view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a series of perspective cross-sectional cutaway views of the secondary support structure ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective cross-sectional cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a secondary support structure in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded profile component view of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, including upper and lower portions of a primary support structure and the secondary support structure illustrated inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate sagittal cross-sectional views of alternate embodiments of elongated hollow regions disposed within a lower portion of a base. - The present invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support. One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region. A second embodiment of the present invention is a method for increasing the torsional support of a ski boot, including the act of rigidly coupling a rigid member to a plantar-oriented U-shaped region on the base of the shell. Also, while embodiments of the present invention are directed at ski boots, it should be known that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other fields, including but not limited to other types of boots.
- The following terms are defined as follows:
- Ski—Any type of skiing apparatus that allows a user to translate on a snow surface, including but not limited to cross country skis, alpine skis, powder skis, telemark skis, downhill skis, snowboards, splitboards, skiboards, etc.
- Shell—The portion of the boot that extends around the lower leg, ankle, and the upper and lower surfaces of a user's foot. The shell may be composed of a flexible lightweight plastic composite material. The shell may include multiple support structures commonly referred to as “dual density” or “multi-density”.
- Base—A lower portion of the shell disposed between a corresponding engaged foot and the sole or bottom most surface of the boot system.
- Sole—One or more objects coupled to the bottom most surface of the boot system. For example, a rubber sole footprint is often attached to boot systems to improve traction.
- Medial—An anatomical term referring to the big toe lengthwise side of an engaged foot within a ski boot.
- Lateral—A term that is used in two ways in this application anatomically and horizontally. The term “lateral” when used in “lateral rigid triangular coupling” refers broadly to the side of the secondary support structure including both the lateral and medial anatomical sides of a corresponding engaged foot. Whereas, “balance the lateral and medial” uses “lateral” in the anatomical sense of the pinkie/small toe lengthwise side of an engaged foot within a ski boot. These usages are not inconsistent with one another but are necessary for proper explanation of three dimensional positioning.
- Sagittal—An anatomical term referring to a vertical plane bisecting an object in a manner corresponding to a standing corresponding human. A sagittal plane of a ski boot is illustrated in
FIG. 1B aselement 110. - Dorsal—An anatomical term referring to the upper/top surface of an engaged foot within a ski boot.
- Plantar—An anatomical term referring to the lower/bottom surface of an engaged foot within a ski boot.
- Elongated hollow region—A substantially enclosed hollow region integrated within the base of a shell or shell component. A cross-section of the elongated hollow region includes two sides or layers separated by at least one hollow region. The two sides or layers are integrally formed or coupled to one another to form the at least one internal hollow region. The elongated hollow region may include various curvatures, tapers, slopes, and shapes to provide specific weight and support characteristics.
- Torsion—A measure of support related to the lateral or rotational flexibility of a rear portion of the boot with respect to a substantially fixed toe region location.
- Reference is initially made to
FIGS. 1A-1B , which illustrate a profile and bottom view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, designated generally at 100. Thesecondary support structure 100 is part of a boot system as illustrated and explained in more detail with reference toFIG. 3 . Embodiments of the present invention relate to increasing the torsional support of the rear orheel portion 130 of the boot in relation to the front ortoe portion 120. The sole orbottom 105 of the support structure is disposed on the bottom most surface. Thesecondary support structure 100 includes asupport structure 150 and an elongatedhollow region 170. Thesupport structure 150 is composed of a material that includes a particular minimal flexural rigidity so as to support the shape of the boot system. Thesupport structure 150 includes abase 158, atoe shell 156, arear support 152, alateral articulation location 164, and aside region 154. The components of thesupport structure 150 are designed to include the minimal surfaces and densities necessary to properly support a lower portion of the boot system so as to minimize overall weight. The lateral articulation location orlateral location 164 is located in the vicinity of an engaged foot ankle and is one of the coupling location between the different components of the shell, which will be described and illustrated inFIG. 3 . - The elongated
hollow region 170 is disposed within thebase 158 of the illustratedsecondary support structure 100. As illustrated inFIG. 1B , the elongatedhollow region 170 is substantially sagitally disposed so as to be within the lengthwise middle of thebase 158. Various methods of creating an elongated hollow region may be utilized including but not limited to pre-molding thesecondary support structure 100 around a hollow region and capping/coupling a rigid member over a U-shaped region to form an internal hollow region.FIGS. 5A-5C further illustrate techniques and systems for forming the elongated hollow region. An enclosed hollow region inherently has more torsional support than a filled, gapped, or solid region of similar dimensions. As will be described in more detail below, torsional rotational forces must deform both sides of the hollow region, therein making it torsionally more rigid and significantly lighter than a solid or gapped object of substantially the same material. By positioning the elongatedhollow region 170 within thebase 158, the torsional rigidity of the base is significantly increased. Further, by properly coupling the elongatedhollow region 170 to thesecondary support structure 100, the torsional rigidity of the system is even further increased without unnecessarily increasing the overall weight. Therefore, the use of both an elongated hollow region and a coupling to the secondary support structure produces an efficient torsional support system and method of improving upon conventional boot architecture. - The
side region 154 extends from thelateral location 164 and is rigidly coupled to the elongated region at the distal 174 and proximal 172 ends. The rigid coupling may include extending a pre-molded portion of theside region 154 to and/or around the elongatedhollow region 170. The connection between theside region 154, thelateral location 164, and the elongatedhollow region 170 forms a lateral rigidtriangular coupling 176 illustrated by the dashed triangular shape. The dashed triangular lines are meant to illustrate the triangular nature of the coupling between the elongatedhollow region 170 and thelateral location 164; in no way do they imply a particular shape, structure, or composition. The lateral rigidtriangular coupling 176 dramatically improves torsional support by utilizing the flexural rigidity of both theside region 154 and the elongatedhollow region 170. In addition, the dorsal extension of theside region 154 to thelateral location 164, enables torsional forces to be distributed through both the primary and secondary support structure, therein further increasing stability without increasing weight. As illustrated, an optional recess may be formed within the lateral rigidtriangular coupling 176 to further minimize material and overall weight. The nature, shape, and orientation of the lateraltriangular coupling 176 may include non-linear, curved, and webbed rigid connections between the proximal 172 and distal 174 ends of the elongatedhollow region 170 and thelateral location 170. - An optional second lateral rigid
triangular coupling 196 may be created by similarly extending and coupling a corresponding side region on the opposite side of the boot, as illustrated inFIG. 1B . The inclusion of the optional second lateraltriangular coupling 196 balances the torsional support characteristics so as to efficiently resist both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of therear portion 130 of thesecondary support structure 100 with respect to thefront portion 120. However, the inherent rigid nature of the first lateraltriangular coupling 176 will provide an increase in torsional support in both rotational directions because it is rigidly coupled to the shell framework. - Reference is next made to
FIGS. 2A-2C , which illustrate a series of perspective cross-sectional cutaway views of the secondary support structure ofFIG. 1A , each designated generally at 100.FIG. 2A illustrates a coronal cross-section illustrating the extension of the elongatedhollow region 170 to the rear portion of thesecondary support structure 100. It can be seen that theproximal coupling 174 between theside region 154 and the elongatedhollow region 170 is formed by extending the elongatedhollow region 170 along the lengthwise substantially sagittal axis of the secondary support structure. Theside region 154 extends dorsally to thelateral location 164. The lateral rigidtriangular coupling 176 is illustrated for reference purposes. In the illustrated embodiments, the elongatedhollow region 170 is formed by encircling a hollow region with pre-molded material. Alternative methods of creating an elongated hollow region may also be utilized, as illustrated inFIGS. 5A-5C .FIG. 2B also illustrates thedistal coupling 172 between theside region 154 and the elongatedhollow region 170. Likewise,FIG. 2C illustrates a complete perspective view of the secondary support structure for reference purposes. - Reference is next made to
FIG. 2D , which illustrates a perspective coronal cross-sectional cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of a secondary support structure in accordance with the present invention, designated generally at 200. The cross section illustrates the rear portion of a boot including an elongatedhollow region 270, aside region 254, and the proximal coupling therebetween 274. It will be appreciated that the elongated hollow region may incorporate curved widthwise regions and/or curved lengthwise regions to facilitate efficient disposition within the shell and/or various support characteristics. For example, the elongated hollow region may be wider at the rear of the base than at the front so as to minimize material weight. - Reference is next made to
FIG. 3 , which illustrates an exploded profile component view of a shell portion of a boot system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, including upper and lower portions of a primary support structure and the secondary support structure illustrated inFIG. 1A . Thesecondary support structure 100 is designed to include a minimal shape necessary to create the necessary support characteristics. Thesecondary support structure 100 may be composed of a more dense material that has a higher flexural rigidity. The primary support structure includes both alower portion 250 and anupper portion 300. Thelower portion 250 interfaces with thesecondary support structure 100 to enclose an engaged foot. Thelower portion 250 andsecondary support structure 100 are moveably coupled to the upper portion at a lateral location so as to enable articulation of an engaged ankle. Various alternative shell systems may also be utilized. Various additional components including but not limited to clasps, buckles, inserts, etc. may be included and remain consistent with the present invention. - Reference is next made to
FIG. 4 , which illustrates a profile view of a secondary support structure of a boot system in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention, designated generally at 400. Thesecondary support structure 400 includes asupport structure 450 and an elongatedhollow region 470. Thesupport structure 450 is composed of a material that includes a particular minimal flexural rigidity so as to support the shape of the boot system. Thesupport structure 450 includes abase 458, atoe shell 456, arear support 452, alateral articulation location 464, and aside region 454. Likewise, the elongated hollow region includes a proximal 472 and distal 474 rigid coupling to theside region 454, therein forming a lateraltriangular coupling 476 between the elongatedhollow region 470 and thelateral location 464. The illustrated secondary support structure further includes abellows region 485 commonly used on telemark ski boots to allow articulation about the metatarsal region of an engaged foot. - Reference is next made to
FIGS. 5A-5C , which illustrate coronal cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of elongated hollow regions disposed within a lower portion of a shell.FIG. 5A illustrates asystem 500 comprising ashell 520,rigid member 515,hollow region 525,coupling plate 510, coupling recesses 530, andcoupling members 505. Theshell 520 includes a dorsal oriented U-shaped region which forms an un-enclosed gapped region dorsally exposed and extending sagittally. Therigid member 515 is rigidly coupled over the U-shaped region so as to cap or enclose the region, thereby forming thehollow region 525. The rigid coupling between therigid member 515 and theshell 520 includes at least four coupling points so as to provide sufficient force transfer necessary for torsional rigidity. Therigid member 515 may be composed of a lightweight material such as carbon-fiber that exhibits the desired support and weight characteristics. Thecoupling plate 510, coupling recesses 530, andcoupling members 505 illustrate a system for rigidly coupling to theshell 520 that sufficiently distributes coupling forces so as not to damage theshell 520 material. -
FIG. 5B illustrates asystem 550 including aninner shell 555, anouter shell 560, a rigid member 570, acoupler 575, and ahollow region 565. Theinner shell 555 includes a plantar-oriented U-shaped region, which forms an un-enclosed gapped region extending sagittally. The rigid member 570 is rigidly disposed over the U-shaped region so as to cap or enclose the region, thereby forming thehollow region 565. Therigid member 515 may be composed of a lightweight material such as carbon-fiber that exhibits the desired support and weight characteristics. Theouter shell 560 is positioned adjacent to the rigid member 570 in order to provide side support and alignment coupling. Thecoupler 575 is rigidly coupled to the inner 555 and/orouter shell 560 so as to rigidly couple the rigid member 570 to theinner shell 555. -
FIG. 5C illustrates asystem 600 including ashell 605, arigid member 610, and lower shell portion 615. In this embodiment therigid member 610 is three dimensionally enclosed by the lower shell portion 615. This may be accomplished by positioning therigid member 610 into the sagittal orientation during the molding process so as to mold theshell 605 around therigid member 610. However, as long as theshell 605 does not chemically bond to therigid member 610, asmall air gap 620 is disposed around therigid member 610, therein forming an elongated hollow region within the lower portion of the shell 615 consistent with the definition discussed above. - Various other embodiments have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part of the embodiments described above.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/744,325 US20070256331A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2007-05-04 | Ski boot |
EP07009120A EP1852025A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2007-05-07 | Improved ski boot |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US74657406P | 2006-05-05 | 2006-05-05 | |
US11/744,325 US20070256331A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2007-05-04 | Ski boot |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070256331A1 true US20070256331A1 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Family
ID=38326502
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/744,325 Abandoned US20070256331A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2007-05-04 | Ski boot |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070256331A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1852025A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120144703A1 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2012-06-14 | Atomic Austria Gmbh | Method for producing a shell part of a sports shoe and a shell part produced according to this method |
US20120311890A1 (en) * | 2011-06-09 | 2012-12-13 | Salomon S.A.S. | Footwear with improved upper |
US20130025160A1 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2013-01-31 | Atomic Austria Gmbh | Shell of a sports shoe, in particular a ski boot, and a method of producing such a shell |
US20140013630A1 (en) * | 2011-02-21 | 2014-01-16 | Salomon S.A.S. | Shoe for practicing sports involving gliding over the snow or for walking |
US20140033573A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-06 | Heeling Sports Limited | Heeling apparatus |
US8876123B2 (en) | 2011-04-05 | 2014-11-04 | Erik Gawain BRADSHAW | Exoskeleton and footwear attachment system |
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US3239952A (en) * | 1965-02-24 | 1966-03-15 | Robert B Lange | Ski boot |
US5595006A (en) * | 1994-01-12 | 1997-01-21 | Salomon S.A. | Reinforced ski boot |
US6119374A (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 2000-09-19 | Salomon S.A. | Boot with sole stiffener |
US6354610B1 (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 2002-03-12 | The Burton Corporation | Method and apparatus for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding |
US20020088146A1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2002-07-11 | Mark Joseph | Composite ski boot |
US6665960B2 (en) * | 2001-01-08 | 2003-12-23 | Calzaturificio S.C.A.R.P.A. | Ski boot |
US7231729B2 (en) * | 2001-05-23 | 2007-06-19 | Heierling I-Flex Gmbh | Ski boot providing longitudinal torsion |
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EP0672365A2 (en) * | 1994-03-15 | 1995-09-20 | DYNAFIT SKISCHUH GESELLSCHAFT m.b.H. | Skiboot |
FR2743990B1 (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1998-03-20 | Salomon Sa | SHOE WITH TORSIONAL STIFFENER |
AT408711B (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2002-02-25 | Atomic Austria Gmbh | SPORTSHOE, ESPECIALLY SKI SHOE |
ITTV20010050A1 (en) * | 2001-04-23 | 2002-10-23 | Tecnica Spa | ARTICULATED REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE AND FOOTWEAR EQUIPPED WITH SUCH STRUCTURE |
-
2007
- 2007-05-04 US US11/744,325 patent/US20070256331A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-05-07 EP EP07009120A patent/EP1852025A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3239952A (en) * | 1965-02-24 | 1966-03-15 | Robert B Lange | Ski boot |
US5595006A (en) * | 1994-01-12 | 1997-01-21 | Salomon S.A. | Reinforced ski boot |
US6354610B1 (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 2002-03-12 | The Burton Corporation | Method and apparatus for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding |
US6119374A (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 2000-09-19 | Salomon S.A. | Boot with sole stiffener |
US20020088146A1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2002-07-11 | Mark Joseph | Composite ski boot |
US6665960B2 (en) * | 2001-01-08 | 2003-12-23 | Calzaturificio S.C.A.R.P.A. | Ski boot |
US7231729B2 (en) * | 2001-05-23 | 2007-06-19 | Heierling I-Flex Gmbh | Ski boot providing longitudinal torsion |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120144703A1 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2012-06-14 | Atomic Austria Gmbh | Method for producing a shell part of a sports shoe and a shell part produced according to this method |
US20140013630A1 (en) * | 2011-02-21 | 2014-01-16 | Salomon S.A.S. | Shoe for practicing sports involving gliding over the snow or for walking |
US8876123B2 (en) | 2011-04-05 | 2014-11-04 | Erik Gawain BRADSHAW | Exoskeleton and footwear attachment system |
US20130025160A1 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2013-01-31 | Atomic Austria Gmbh | Shell of a sports shoe, in particular a ski boot, and a method of producing such a shell |
US20120311890A1 (en) * | 2011-06-09 | 2012-12-13 | Salomon S.A.S. | Footwear with improved upper |
US20140033573A1 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-02-06 | Heeling Sports Limited | Heeling apparatus |
US10945485B2 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2021-03-16 | Heeling Sports Limited | Heeling apparatus |
Also Published As
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