US20150068068A1

US20150068068A1 - Ski boot accessory

Info

Publication number: US20150068068A1
Application number: US14/541,591
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert E. Lawler
Original assignee: VALLEY VISTA SKI PRODUCTS LLC
Current assignee: VALLEY VISTA SKI PRODUCTS LLC
Priority date: 2010-11-15
Filing date: 2014-11-14
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Also published as: US20120117829A1

Abstract

A ski boot accessory includes a multi-piece body adaptable to mate with the sole of a range of sizes of ski boots via an adjustment mechanism, wherein the bottom surface of the multi-piece body provides a walking surface including a first sloping surface located at a heel portion of the walking surface and a second sloping surface located at a toe portion of the walking surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory. More specifically, the present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole.
Ski boots are traditionally fabricated from rigid synthetic material in a form designed to rigidly support the user's ankle in a fixed position relative to the sole of the foot to enable the skier to exercise positive control over the action of the skis. Anyone that has walked in ski boots knows the inflexible sole and the ankle support makes walking an uncomfortable experience and knows that ski boots greatly restrict mobility. Loosening the boot clamps enables the foot to move within the boot, but walking with the clamps loosened can cause chafing and blistering of the foot if extended walking is required. In addition, walking in ski boots can cause wear and other damage to the sole of the ski boot as well as to the flanges on the front and back of the boots. Wear and damage to the flanges can impact the safety and performance of the ski boot, particularly with respect to the boots stability within the ski's bindings.
Previous attempts have been made to provide a solution to the problems presented by walking in ski boots. However, existing solutions have all fallen short. Representative examples are described as follows.
Walking blocks have been used for attachment to shoes. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,213 semi-cylindrical blocks have been attached to street shoes for purposes of amusement, because the peculiar walking action that results from use of the semi cylindrical blocks.
Similarly, walking blocks have also been adapted for use with downhill ski boots as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620, in which generally rectangular blocks are secured to the central portion of the sole of the ski boot which enables the skier to walk with a type of rocking motion. However, the small walking blocks taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620 are relatively unstable, making walking difficult, particularly in slippery areas, and require frequent attachment and dis-attachment.
In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,037, a ski boot appliance for improved traction and wear protection is provided. The disclosed appliance includes heel and to portions with treaded soles. However, while the appliance addresses some of the concerns of protecting the ski boot flanges and sole, the appliance does not improve comfort and mobility, nor is the appliance adapted for use with various boot sizes.
In addition, each of the attempts by existing attempts to solve the problems discussed herein rely on large and bulky materials or appliances that are not easily carried with the skier when not in use. A user would make greater use of such devices if the device could more easily be carried and stored, particularly if a user is able to contain the device within a pocket or such.
Accordingly, there is a need for a ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole, particularly one that is easily stored when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter addressed herein addresses these issues by providing an adjustable ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole. In addition, the ski boot accessory may be easily stored when not in use. For example, in certain contemplated embodiments, the ski boot accessory may be folded and stored in the pocket of a ski garment when not in use.
In one contemplated embodiment, the ski boot accessory includes two soles, one sole for each ski boot. Each sole includes two pieces that are uniquely joined by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes. The surfaces of the sole pieces that interface with the walking surface are generally curved to enable the skier to walk with a rocking type of motion. In addition, the soles are constructed of a material that dampens the impact of the boot bottom as it collides with the ground when walking The combination of the rocking motion along with the dampening makes the downhill ski boot much easier to get around in. In addition, the sole surface may be ribbed to enhance traction when walking.
Particularly, the benefits of the claimed subject matter are provided by the unique combination of elements described herein, including: (1) the curved sole; (2) the elastomeric binding catch mechanisms; (3) the boot protector end pieces; (4) the adjustable length strap; (5) the traction ribbing and (6) the manner in which the two soles fit together in a relatively compact form enabling the easier storage and transportation. An example of a ski boot accessory incorporating these elements is described as follows.
The ski boot accessory includes two soles, each of which includes two pieces; a front piece and a back piece. The front and back pieces of each sole combine to form a walking surface, which interfaces the ground when the skier is walking The shape of the bottom of the sole pieces (i.e., the walking surface) has a large effect on the comfort and mobility of the device in use. Accordingly, the bottom of the sole pieces that form the walking surface are generally curved (i.e., convex) at the outer portions and flat towards the center portions to enable the skier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe type of motion
In addition, each of the pieces (e.g., each front piece and each rear piece) has a unique binding catch mechanism to fit around and secured to the binding catch portion of the downhill ski boot. In a contemplated embodiment, the binding catch mechanism is formed integral with the sole pieces from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretch of the elastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms keep the soles snugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot when walking.
The binding catch mechanisms also function to protect the front and rear ends of the boot and the binding catch portions. Due to the elastomeric material used, the binding catch mechanisms may act as bumpers or shock absorbers to lessen the impact on the boots from contact to the ski boot accessory.
Each of the two soles includes two pieces, a front piece and a rear piece, that are joined together by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strap enables the two pieces to be moved longitudinally relative to each other, thereby increasing or decreasing the overall length of the sole. The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes. In one contemplated embodiment, the adjustable strap is a one-piece element formed unitarily with one of the sole pieces (e.g., the front piece or the rear piece) that mates with any one of a plurality of receiving holes in the corresponding sole piece. By selecting amongst the plurality of receiving holes, the length may be appropriately varied. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the number of receiving holes and the distance between the receiving holes affects the adjustability of the device.
As noted, the ski boot accessory may be formed of an elastic, resilient polymeric material. The properties of the material used to form the ski boot accessory may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walking In addition, the sole bottom may be provided with ribs or other types of surface irregularities to provide traction when used to walk.
The ski boot accessory is carefully designed to be able to be folded, each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzle pieces. This unique design feature enables the ski boot accessory to be folded in such a way as to maximize it compactness so it can be easily stored and transported, for example in the pocket of a ski jacket.
It is therefore It an advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to enable a user greater comfort and mobility when walking in ski boots.
It is another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to protect the sole and binding catch elements of the ski boot from wear and damage.
It is yet another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to be stored compactly.
It is still another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to be adjustable to a wide range of ski boot sizes.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a ski boot accessory.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the ski boot accessory shown in FIG. 1, wherein the front and back portions are disassembled from each other.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the ski boot accessory shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the ski boot accessory shown in FIG. 1, wherein the ski boot accessory is attached to a ski boot.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ski boot accessory of FIG. 1 wherein the front and back portions are folded into each other for compact storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a ski boot accessory 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the ski boot accessory 10 includes a front piece 12 and a rear piece 14, which may be joined together via an adjustment mechanism 16 to form a body including a walking surface 18 including traction elements 20 along the bottom of the body. As further shown, each of the front piece 12 and the rear piece 14 further include a binding catch mechanism 22 and boot protector end pieces 24.
The example of the ski boot accessory 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. However, it is contemplated that the ski boot accessory 10 may be formed from any number of materials and that the various elements of the ski boot accessory 10 may be formed from varied materials. For example, certain elements, such as the walking surface 18 and the boot protector end pieces 24 may particularly benefit from being formed from resilient materials. The binding catch mechanisms 22 may particularly benefit from being formed of an elastic material. The properties of the material used to form the ski boot accessory 10 and particularly that of the walking surface 18 may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walking For example, it is considered that the ski boot accessory 10 may be formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyurethane plastic beneficial for its elasticity and resistance to oil, grease and abrasion. Alternatively, thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic rubbers or other synthetic materials may be appropriate.
As shown in FIG. 1, the front piece 12 and a rear piece 14 are adjustably joined together by the adjustment mechanism 16. In the example shown, the adjustment mechanism 16 is an adjustable strap 16 including an elongated body 26 which terminates in a catch 28 that mates with any one of a plurality of receiving holes 30. The catch 28 is passed through a selected receiving hole 30 to secure the front piece 12 and rear piece 14 together. The geometry of the catch 28 creates a secure, yet releasable, engagement between the adjustable strap 16 and the selected receiving hole 30. By varying the receiving hole 30 with which the catch 28 is associated, the length of the ski boot accessory 10 may be adjusted to mate with various sized boots 32. Accordingly, the adjustable strap 16 provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes 32. In such an embodiment, the number of receiving holes 30 and the distance between the receiving holes 30 affects the adjustability of the ski boot accessory 10.
In embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable strap 16 is a one-piece element formed unitarily with the rear piece 14 and the plurality of receiving holes 30 are located in the front piece 12. However, it is understood that the adjustable strap 16 may be integrally formed with the front piece 12 and the receiving holes 30 may be located in the rear piece 14. Alternatively, the adjustable strap 16 may be provided as an independent element. For example, the adjustable strap 16 may be formed from an adjustable length of fabric (e.g., a fabric loop whose size may be varied) with receiving holes 30 in both the front piece 12 and rear piece 14. It is further contemplated that the adjustable strap 16 and receiving holes 30 are only one example of means for adjusting the size of the ski boot accessory 10. For example, the adjustable strap 16 and receiving holes 30 may instead be replaced by an elastic element connecting the front piece 12 and rear piece 14 together. Alternatively, the adjustable strap 16 and receiving holes 30 may be replaced by another adjustable or telescoping element providing adjustment of the overall length of the ski boot accessory 10. For example, the functions of the adjustable strap 16 and receiving holes 30 may be accomplished using slide, buckle or other hook and eye mechanism.
As shown in FIG. 2, the front piece 12 and the rear piece 14 may be separated from each other by disengaging the catch 28 from the receiving hole 30. FIG. 2 also illustrates the specific design of the adjustable strap 16 of the embodiment pictured. Although shown as separable into distinct elements, it is understood that other embodiments of the ski boot accessory 10 may not be provided with separable portions, such as the front portion 12 and rear portion 14.
Turning now to FIG. 3, the walking surface 18 of the ski boot accessory 10 is shown. In addition, an elongated receiving slot 34 is shown located in the bottom surface of the front piece 12 and oriented in a longitudinal direction indicated by double arrow 35. The elongated body 26 of the adjustable strap 16 seats within the receiving slot 34 such that the elongated body 26 may be recessed so as to not interfere with the walking surface 18. As shown, elongated body 26 may be substantially entirely received within receiving slot 34.
The geometry of the walking surface 18 has a substantial effect on the comfort and mobility of the ski boot accessory 10 in use. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the bottom of the walking surface 18 is generally curved (i.e., convex) at the outer portions (e.g., at the heel portion and at the toe portion) and flat towards the center portions to enable the skier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe, type of motion. More particularly, front portion 12 includes a front bottom surface 18 a having a substantially flat center portion 19 a and a convexly curved front portion 21 a. Rear portion 14 includes a rear bottom surface 18 b having a substantially flat center portion 19 b and a convexly curved rear portion 21 b. This overall convex curvature of walking surface 18 may be best seen in the profile view of FIG. 4. As a result, the walking surface 18 is described as including a first sloping surface at the toe and a second sloping surface at the heel, even when the two sloping surfaces are formed by a continuously curved surface.
In the example provided, the middle of the walking surface 18 is a flat surface which may rest flatly on the ground while the outer edges of the walking surface 18 slope away from the ground. For example, the flat center surface may be approximately one inch wide and the sloping portions may angle up from the ground at an angle of approximately five to fifteen degrees. The angled portion of the walking surface 18 may be angled linearly at a single angle or may include several segments angled at different angles (e.g., an inner section angled at five degrees, a middle section angled at ten degrees and an outer section angled at fifteen degrees). Alternatively, the entirety of the sloping portions, or any one or more segments thereof, may be radiused or otherwise curved. It is also to be understood that the entirety of the walking surface 18 may be sloping or curved.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the walking surface 18 includes a plurality of traction elements 20. The fraction elements 20 may be ribs or other types of surface irregularities that provide traction along the walking surface 18 to improve user stability and safety. The location, geometry, pattern, etc. of the traction elements 20 may be varied to meet the expected conditions in which the ski boot accessory 10 will be used. For example, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the traction elements 20 may include ice spikes or nodules to provide improved traction on hard snow and ice.
Turning now to FIG. 4, the ski boot accessory 10 is shown in cooperation with a ski boot 32. As shown, the binding catch mechanisms 22 fit around and secure the ski boot accessory 10 to the binding catch portions 36 of the ski boot 32. In the embodiment shown, the binding catch mechanisms 22 are formed integrally with the front piece 12 and the rear piece 14 from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretch of the elastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms 22 keep the ski boot accessory 10 snugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot 32. A grasping portion 38 (shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5) is provided along the outer edge of the rear piece 14 to provide the user with a convenient place to grasp the ski boot accessory 10 during attachment and removal from a ski boot 32.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the binding catch mechanisms 22 also provide boot protector end pieces 24 to help buffer the binding catch portions 36 of the ski boot 32 from shock and damage. Accordingly, the ski boot accessory 10 provides the user with a more comfortable walking surface 18 while protecting the ski boot 32, both the ski boot sole 39 and the binding catch portions 36, from wear and tear.
As shown in FIG. 5, the ski boot accessory 10 is designed to be able to be folded, each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzle pieces. This unique design feature enables the ski boot accessory 10 to be folded in such a way as to maximize its compactness so it can be easily stored and transported, for example in the pocket of a ski jacket. As shown in FIG. 5, the binding catch mechanisms 22 of the ski boot accessory 10 fold one into the other, to secure the ski boot accessory 10 in the folded position, wherein substantially flat center portion 19 a of front bottom surface 18 a is substantially parallel to and non-coplanar with substantially flat center portion 19 b of rear bottom surface 18 b. The flexibility of the adjustment strap 16 enables the ski boot accessory 10 to be folded while the front piece 12 and the back piece 14 are joined.
It is contemplated that in embodiments in which the elastomeric materials are used to form the ski boot accessory 10, various elements of the ski boot accessory 10 may be reinforced by metal cabling or wires to increase the ski boot accessory's 10 resistance to wear and degradation. For example, the adjustable strap 16 and/or the binding catch mechanisms 22 may be reinforced. It is further understood that other materials may be used for reinforcement, such as, for example, other polymeric materials, resilient fabrics or fibers, etc.
Various embellishments and adornments may be provided in the ski boot accessory 10. For example, it is contemplated that one or more miniature diode lights may be provided around the edge of the ski boot accessory 10 such that the diodes may light on impact or, alternatively, be activated by a switch.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A ski boot accessory comprising:

a multi-piece body including a front piece and a rear piece connected by a flexible adjustment strap having an elongated body and a catch;

wherein the adjustment strap protrudes from one of the front piece and the rear piece and the other of the front piece and the rear piece includes a plurality of receiving holes;

wherein the adjustment strap removably mates with one of the plurality of receiving holes; and

wherein a bottom surface of the multi-piece body provides a walking surface including a first convexly curved portion located at a heel portion of the walking surface and a second convexly curved portion located at a toe portion of the walking surface.

2. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the walking surface includes an approximately flat surface located between the first convexly curved portion and the second convexly curved portion.

3. The ski boot accessory of claim 2 wherein the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface form an angle with the approximately flat surface of between approximately five degrees and fifteen degrees.

4. The ski boot accessory of claim 2 wherein the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface are generally curved.

5. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the multi-piece body includes a first binding catch mechanism associated with the front piece and a second binding catch mechanism associated with the rear piece.

6. The ski boot accessory of claim 5 wherein the second binding catch mechanism associated with the rear piece includes a grasping portion.

7. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the walking surface includes a plurality of traction elements, and the multi-piece body includes a plurality of diode lights.

8. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the multi-piece body is formed from thermoplastic polyurethane.

9. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the multi-piece body is foldable into a folded position such that the heel portion and the toe portion of the walking surface are brought closer together.

10. The ski boot accessory of claim 9 wherein the multi-piece body includes a first binding catch mechanism associated with the front piece and a second binding catch mechanism associated with the rear piece, and wherein the multi-piece body is securable in the folded position by folding one of the first binding catch mechanism and the second binding catch mechanism into the other of the first binding catch mechanism and the second binding catch mechanism.

11. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein the other of the front piece and the rear piece which includes the plurality of receiving holes further includes a bottom surface and a receiving slot in the bottom surface, the receiving slot being sized and configured to receive a majority of the elongated body of the adjustment strap.

12. The ski boot accessory of claim 11 wherein the receiving slot is sized and configured to receive substantially all of the elongated body of the adjustment strap.

13. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second convexly curved portions are continuously curved.

14. The ski boot accessory of claim 1 wherein an entirety of the bottom surface is curved.

15. A ski boot accessory comprising:

a front piece including a first binding catch mechanism and a first bottom surface having a substantially flat first center portion;

a rear piece including a second binding catch mechanism and a second bottom surface having a substantially flat second center portion; and

a flexible adjustment strap for connecting the front piece to the rear piece in any one of a plurality of positions such that the front piece and the rear piece form a body that is securable to the sole of a ski boot by the first binding catch mechanism and the second binding catch mechanism;

wherein the first and second bottom surfaces of the front piece and rear piece form a walking surface including a first sloping surface and a second sloping surface;

wherein the front piece and the rear piece are movable relative to each other into a folded position wherein the substantially flat first center portion and the substantially flat second center portion are substantially parallel to each other and non-coplanar; and

wherein the flexible adjustment strap is configured to bend to thereby maintain connection between the front piece and the rear piece in both the folded position and an unfolded position.

16. The ski boot accessory of claim 15 wherein the walking surface further includes an approximately flat surface located between the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface wherein the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface form an angle with the approximately flat surface of between approximately five degrees and fifteen degrees.

17. A ski boot accessory comprising:

a front piece including a first walking surface and a first binding catch mechanism;

a rear piece including a second walking surface, a second binding catch mechanism and a grasping portion;

a plurality of receiving holes and an elongated receiving slot on one of the front piece and the rear piece, the elongated receiving slot being oriented in a longitudinal direction; and

an adjustment strap oriented in the longitudinal direction on the other of the front piece and the rear piece, the adjustment strap including an elongated body and a catch, the elongated body being configured to be substantially entirely received in the elongated receiving slot, and the catch being configured to releasably engage one of the plurality of receiving holes to thereby connect the front piece to the rear piece.

18. The ski boot accessory of claim 17 wherein the front piece and rear piece are foldable into a folded position, and are secured in the folded position via engagement between the first binding catch mechanism and the second binding catch mechanism.

19. The ski boot accessory of claim 18 wherein the flexible adjustment strap is configured to flex to thereby maintain connection between the front piece and the rear piece in both the folded position and an unfolded position.

20. The ski boot accessory of claim 17 wherein the first walking surface and the second walking surface include a plurality of traction elements, the elongated body being substantially entirely received in the elongated receiving slot, and the catch releasably engaging one of the plurality of receiving holes to thereby connect the front piece to the rear piece.