US20230069114A1 - Ski boot having cantable sole - Google Patents
Ski boot having cantable sole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230069114A1 US20230069114A1 US17/461,522 US202117461522A US2023069114A1 US 20230069114 A1 US20230069114 A1 US 20230069114A1 US 202117461522 A US202117461522 A US 202117461522A US 2023069114 A1 US2023069114 A1 US 2023069114A1
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- United States
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- mating surface
- ski
- ski boot
- sole block
- traction
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- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 88
- 230000027455 binding Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 238000009739 binding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 20
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000009194 climbing Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000003041 ligament Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/0807—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings for both towing and downhill skiing
-
- 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
- A43B5/0415—Accessories
- A43B5/0417—Accessories for soles or associated with soles of ski boots; for ski bindings
- A43B5/0421—Accessories for soles or associated with soles of ski boots; for ski bindings located underneath the sole
-
- 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
- A43B5/0466—Adjustment of the side inclination of the boot leg; Canting
-
- 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
- A43B5/0468—Adjustment of the angle of the boot to the ski
-
- 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
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0427—Ski or like boots characterised by type or construction details
- A43B5/0484—Ski or like boots characterised by type or construction details permitting easy replacement of parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/084—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings with heel hold-downs, e.g. swingable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/086—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings using parts which are fixed on the shoe of the user and are releasable from the ski binding
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to ski boots and ski binding systems.
- Ski boots can be coupled to a ski via a ski binding system.
- One binding system known as an alpine touring binding system, ‘low tech’ binding system, or simply ‘tech’ binding system, allows the heel of the skier’s ski boot to be anchored to a ski for sliding downhill in a “downhill mode” and allows the heel to be released for walking and climbing in a “touring mode.”
- a ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system includes a rigid foot enclosure including a bottom wall having a first mating surface.
- the ski boot also includes a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure.
- the sole block includes a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane.
- the sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane.
- the sole block is further configured to support an insert fitting, the insert fitting defining at least one of a) a pair of opposed sockets or b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions. A non-zero cant angle is defined between the mating surface plane and the traction surface plane.
- a ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system includes a rigid foot enclosure including a toe portion and a bottom wall having a first mating surface adjacent the toe portion.
- the ski boot also includes a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure.
- the sole block includes a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane.
- the sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane.
- the sole block is configured to support an insert fitting such that the insert fitting defines a pair of opposed sockets, the opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot relative to the ski binding system, the pivot axis extending parallel to the traction surface.
- a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pivot axis and the mating surface plane.
- a sole block for a ski boot having a first mating surface configured to engage the sole block, the sole block including a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane.
- the sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane.
- the sole block is configured to support an insert fitting such that the insert fitting defines one of a) a pair of opposed sockets, the opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot, the pivot axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pivot axis and the mating surface plane, or b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions located on opposite lateral sides of the insert fitting, the arcuate cut-away portions defining a pin axis of the ski boot, the pin axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pin axis and the mating surface plane.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are side and plan views, respectively, of a prior art ski, a prior art ski boot, and a prior art binding system.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are side and plan views of the ski, ski boot, and binding system of FIGS. 1 and 2 arranged in a touring mode.
- FIG. 5 is a partial end view of a heel portion of the ski boot of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a toe portion of the ski boot of FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a ski boot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a partially exploded side view of the ski boot of FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a foot enclosure of the ski boot of FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a heel sole block of the ski boot of FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a toe sole block of the ski boot of FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 15 A and 15 B schematically show partially exploded partial cross-sectional views of the ski boot of FIG. 7 positioned over a ski.
- FIGS. 16 A- 16 F are a series of rear elevation views showing several variants of the toe sole block of FIGS. 13 and 14 having different cant angles.
- FIGS. 17 A and 17 B are front elevation views of two variants of the heel sole block of FIGS. 11 and 12 having different cant angles.
- FIG. 18 A is a cross-sectional view of the toe sole block of FIGS. 13 and 14 , taken through lines 18A-18A of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 18 B is a rear elevation view of the heel sole block of FIGS. 11 and 12 .
- FIGS. 1 - 6 show a prior art “low tech” or “tech” ski binding system 10 (sometimes referred to as a DYNAFIT® binding system), including a toe unit 12 and a heel unit 14 mounted on an upper surface 40 of a ski 16 .
- the toe unit 12 includes jaws 18 supporting opposed pins (not shown) that pivotally engage with sockets 20 defined by a toe insert fitting 22 ( FIG. 6 ) embedded in a toe portion 24 of a ski boot 26 .
- the heel unit 14 includes a pair of pins 28 that engage a heel insert fitting 30 ( FIG. 5 ) affixed to a heel portion 32 of the ski boot 26 .
- the heel unit 14 includes a base plate 34 affixed to the upper surface 40 of the ski 16 by multiple fasteners 36 .
- the heel unit 14 also includes an upper portion 38 that supports the forward-directed pair of pins 28 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show the prior art tech binding system 10 arranged in a downhill mode with both the toe portion 24 and the heel portion 32 of the boot 26 engaged by the binding system 10 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show the prior art tech binding system 10 arranged in a touring mode, in which the toe portion 24 of the ski boot 26 remains pivotally engaged with the toe unit 12 but the heel portion 32 is released from the heel unit 14 and free to pivot away from the upper surface 40 of the ski 16 .
- the pins 28 are released from the heel insert fitting 30 of the heel portion 32 .
- the upper portion 38 of the heel unit 14 is rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the upper surface 40 of the ski 16 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show the heel unit 14 rotated so that the pins 28 face away from the heel portion 32 , which prevents the pins 28 from re-engaging the heel insert fitting 30 in the touring mode.
- the upper portion 38 may be further rotated (not shown) such that the pins 28 face rearward of the ski 16 and an upper surface of the upper portion 38 resides underneath the heel portion 32 . This allows the heel portion 32 to come to rest on the upper surface of upper portion 38 , reducing stress on the user’s legs while climbing steep hills.
- the upper portion 38 may further comprise a heel lift extension (not shown) or foldable heel lifts (not shown) to permit the user to further elevate the heel portion while climbing steep hills.
- FIG. 5 shows part of the heel portion 32 of the prior art boot 26 .
- the heel insert fitting 30 is embodied as a metallic heel insert 30 affixed to the heel portion 32 by a fastener 42 .
- the heel insert 30 defines arcuate cut-away portions 44 on opposite lateral sides thereof to accommodate the pins 28 of the heel unit 14 .
- the arcuate cut-away portions 44 are located adjacent cavities 46 in the heel portion 32 which receive the ends of the pins 28 .
- FIG. 4 shows part of the toe portion 24 of the prior art boot 26 .
- the toe insert fitting 22 is embodied as a metallic toe insert 22 embedded in the toe portion 24 and defining a pair of sockets 20 (one on each side) shaped to receive the opposed pins of the jaw 18 of the toe unit 12 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a ski boot 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the ski boot 50 includes a pliable inner boot or liner 52 supported within a rigid outer shell 54 .
- the shell 54 includes a cuff element 58 pivotably coupled to a separate rigid foot enclosure 56 .
- the foot enclosure 56 includes a bottom wall 60 , a bifurcated top wall 62 that extends upward from the bottom wall 60 , and an ankle wall 64 upstanding from the top wall 62 .
- the top wall 62 defines a toe enclosure 66 and a heel enclosure 68 .
- the cuff element 58 is connected to the ankle wall 64 by rivets 70 that permit a small degree of rotation of the cuff element 58 relative to the foot enclosure 56 .
- the ski boot 50 also includes a buckle arrangement 72 that selectively draws the segments of the bifurcated top wall 62 together to clamp the boot 50 about a user’s foot.
- the bottom wall 60 is adapted to selectively couple to a removable and replaceable heel sole block 74 and a removable and replaceable toe sole block 76 .
- the heel and toe sole blocks 74 , 76 are formed as separate components in the illustrated embodiment but may be formed integrally as a single sole block in other embodiments (not shown).
- a heel portion 78 of the heel sole block 74 defines a heel insert receptacle 80 that receives the metallic heel insert 30 ( FIG. 5 ), which may be affixed to the heel portion 78 by a fastener such as a threaded screw (not shown).
- the heel insert 30 defines arcuate cut-away portions 44 on opposite sides thereof to accommodate the pins 28 of the heel unit 14 of the tech binding system 10 .
- the arcuate cut-away portions 44 of the heel insert 30 are located adjacent cavities 84 in the heel portion 78 which receive the ends of the pins 28 .
- the toe sole block 76 includes the metallic toe insert 22 ( FIG. 6 ) embedded therein and defining the pair of sockets 20 (one on each side).
- the sockets 20 are shaped to receive the opposed pins of the jaw 18 of the toe unit 12 of the tech binding system 10 .
- the heel and toe sole blocks 74 , 76 define respective heel and toe traction surfaces 86 , 88 that face toward and contact a ground surface (or a top surface of a ski or a ski binding).
- the bottom wall 60 of the foot enclosure 56 includes a heel mating surface 90 adjacent the heel enclosure 68 and a toe mating surface 92 adjacent the toe enclosure 66 .
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 provide an adjusted canting of the traction surfaces 86 , 88 with respect to the heel and toe mating surfaces 90 , 92 of the foot enclosure 56 .
- the heel sole block 74 includes, in addition to the heel traction surface 86 , an upper mating surface 94 adapted to mount flush against the corresponding heel mating surface 90 ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) of the bottom wall 60 .
- the toe sole block 76 is similarly adapted with an upper mating surface 96 for mounting against the corresponding toe mating surface 92 ( FIG. 8 ) of the bottom wall 60 .
- Each of the sole blocks 74 , 76 also includes a plurality of mounting apertures 98
- the bottom wall 60 includes a plurality of threaded bores (not shown) corresponding to the mounting apertures 98 .
- the mounting apertures 98 receive threaded fasteners 100 ( FIG. 8 ), which tighten into the threaded bores in the bottom wall 60 to affix the sole blocks 74 , 76 to the foot enclosure 56 .
- each of the sole blocks 74 , 76 includes a rigid body 102 formed of a rigid material (e.g., plastic) and one or more pliable anti-slip members 104 (e.g., rubber pads) affixed to a lower portion of the rigid body 102 and defining a portion of the corresponding traction surface 86 or 88 .
- the anti-slip members 104 improve walkability of the ski boot 50 as well as performance of the boot in the touring mode of the tech binding system 10 .
- each of the traction surfaces 86 , 88 defines a traction surface plane 108 that is generally parallel to a bottom surface plane 110 defined by a bottom surface 112 of the ski 16 .
- skiers possess anatomical irregularities that cause their weight to be unevenly concentrated on the medial or lateral side of the ski 16 (i.e., a lateral side or a medial side relative to the skier’s leg). This can result in one edge of the ski 16 being pressed more deeply into the snow than the opposite edge of the ski 16 during use, hindering the skier’s performance and heightening the risk of injury to the knee as the skier is forced to over-angulate their knees to engage the ski’s edge.
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 provide an adjusted canting of the traction surfaces 86 , 88 with respect to the heel and toe mating surfaces 90 , 92 of the foot enclosure 56 .
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 effect a rotation of the ski 16 relative to the mating surfaces 90 , 92 of the foot enclosure 56 (typically about 1° to about 5°) about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ski 16 .
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 improve a distribution of the skier’s weight across the lateral width of the ski 16 .
- the cant angle 106 is measured between the traction surface plane 108 (defined by the traction surfaces 86 , 88 ) and a sole block mating surface plane 114 (defined by the upper mating surfaces 94 , 96 ), or between the traction surface plane 108 and a boot mating surface plane 116 defined by the heel and toe mating surfaces 90 , 92 .
- a positive cant angle 106 is measured in a counterclockwise direction from the traction surface plane 108 and results in the ski boot 50 tilting toward an outside edge 118 of the ski 16 .
- a negative cant angle 106 is measured in a clockwise direction from the traction surface plane 108 and results in the ski boot 50 tilting toward an inside edge 120 of the ski 16 .
- FIGS. 16 A- 17 B illustrate a series of toe sole blocks 76 or heel sole blocks 74 with the mating surfaces 96 , 94 , respectively, oriented to a specified cant angle 106 relative to the traction surfaces 88 , 86 .
- Positive and negative cant angles are described for a right foot ski boot 50 in connection with FIGS. 16 A- 17 B , and would be reversed for a left foot ski boot.
- FIGS. 16 A, 16 B, and 16 C illustrate toe sole blocks 76 with positive cant angles 106 of 1, 2, and 3 degrees, respectively.
- FIGS. 16 D, 16 E, and 16 F illustrate toe sole blocks 76 with negative cant angles 106 of -1, -2, and -3 degrees, respectively, which tend to tilt the ski boot 50 toward the inside edge 120 of the ski 16 .
- FIG. 17 A illustrates a heel sole block 74 with a positive cant angle 106 that can be, e.g., 1, 2, or 3 degrees, which tends to tilt the ski boot 50 toward the outside edge 118 ( FIG. 15 A ) of the ski 16 .
- FIG. 16 D, 16 E, and 16 F illustrate toe sole blocks 76 with negative cant angles 106 of -1, -2, and -3 degrees, respectively, which tend to tilt the ski boot 50 toward the inside edge 120 of the ski 16 .
- FIG. 17 A illustrates a heel sole block 74 with a positive cant angle 106 that can be, e.g., 1, 2, or 3 degrees, which tends to tilt the ski boot 50 toward the outside edge 118 ( FIG. 15 A ) of the ski 16
- FIG. 17 B illustrates a heel sole block 74 with a negative cant angle 106 that can be, e.g., -1, -2, or -3 degrees, which tends to tilt the ski boot 50 toward the inside edge 120 of the ski 16 .
- the heel and toe sole blocks 74 , 76 can provide greater cant angles 106 (e.g., 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, etc., or -4 degrees, -5 degrees, -6 degrees, etc.) and can differ in cant angle 106 by smaller increments (e.g., by 0.5 degree increments, by 0.25 degree increments, etc.).
- the heel sole block 74 and/or the toe sole block 76 can be provided with a neutral cant angle 106 (i.e., 0 degrees).
- a precise cant angle 106 required for each foot of a particular skier may be determined by means of conventional equipment generally available. Different cant angles 106 may be required for each of a pair of ski boots 50 (i.e., left boot vs right boot). A proper set of precanted heel and toe sole blocks 74 , 76 may be selected based on the particular skier’s anatomic anomalies and the effected weight distribution under-ski. In other embodiments, the proper cant angle 106 may be applied to the mating surfaces 94 , 96 by post-manufacture methods.
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 can initially be provided in a neutral configuration (i.e., having a cant angle 106 of 0 degrees), and the cant angle 106 can be subsequently adjusted by providing a ramped insert or shim atop the uncanted mating surfaces 94 , 96 .
- neutral cant sole blocks 74 , 76 can also be re-shaped to achieve an adjusted cant angle 106 by removing material from the mating surfaces 94 , 96 .
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 are initially fabricated with the predetermined adjusted cant angles 106 (e.g., by injection molding) and do not require further shaping prior to being attached to the foot enclosure 56 .
- FIG. 18 A is a cross-sectional view of the toe sole block 76 taken through a plane intersecting both of the sockets 20 .
- the two laterally opposed sockets 20 define a pivot axis 122 about which the ski boot 50 rotates when the ski boot 50 is engaged in the tech binding system 10 in the touring mode.
- the pivot axis 122 extends generally parallel with the traction surface plane 108 , which itself is parallel to the bottom surface plane 110 of the ski 16 ( FIG. 15 B ).
- a pivot axis cant angle 124 is defined between the pivot axis 122 and the sole block mating surface plane 114 .
- the toe sole block 76 effects canting of the ski boot 50 relative to the pivot axis 122 , thereby relieving stress on the skier’s joints and ligaments during touring.
- the pivot axis cant angle 124 is equivalent to the cant angle 106 previously described herein.
- both the traction surface 88 and the pivot axis 122 are independently capable of effecting canting of the ski boot 50 . This is useful should the skier want to engage the ski boot 50 in another type of ski binding system (e.g., traditional alpine bindings) as will be further discussed herein.
- FIG. 18 B is a rear view of the heel sole block 74 having the heel insert 30 attached thereto.
- the arcuate cut-away portions 44 are defined on opposite lateral sides of the heel insert 30 and together define a pin axis 126 that intersects each of the pins 28 ( FIG. 4 ) when the ski boot 50 is engaged in the tech binding system 10 in the downhill mode.
- a heel pin cant angle 128 is defined between the pin axis 126 and the sole block mating surface plane 114 .
- the heel sole block 74 effects canting of the ski boot 50 relative to the pin axis 126 , thereby relieving stress on the skier’s joints and ligaments during touring.
- the heel pin cant angle 128 is equivalent to the cant angle 106 previously described herein.
- both the traction surface 86 and the pin axis 126 are independently capable of effecting canting of the ski boot 50 . This is useful should the skier want to engage the ski boot 50 in another type of ski binding system (e.g., traditional alpine bindings) as will be further discussed herein.
- another type of ski binding system e.g., traditional alpine bindings
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 are configured as traditional ‘DIN’ or ‘Alpine’ soles compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5355 standard.
- the heel sole block 74 includes a heel flange 130 engageable with a heel unit of a traditional ‘Alpine’ binding system (not shown)
- the toe sole block 76 includes a toe flange 132 engageable with a toe unit of the ‘Alpine’ binding system.
- Heel and toe engagement surfaces 134 , 136 ( FIGS. 18 A and 18 B ) of the heel and toe flanges 130 , 132 extend parallel to the traction surface plane 108 .
- the heel and toe engagement surfaces 134 , 136 also extend at the cant angle 106 relative to the sole block mating surface plane 114 . As such, when the ski boot 50 is anchored in the ‘Alpine’ binding system, the heel and toe sole blocks 74 , 76 still effect canting of the ski boot 50 .
- the sole blocks 74 , 76 can alternatively be provided according to the ISO 9523 standard (Walk To Ride® (WTR) and GripWalk®), the ISO 23223 standard (GripWalk®), or other non-ISO ‘Alpine’ or ‘Touring’ sole standards, and can be compatible with GripWalk®, MNC, WTR, Sol.ID, or other binding systems while employing the canting concepts disclosed herein.
- the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “bottom,” “top,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular position or orientation.
- Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances or resolutions associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments and components.
Abstract
A ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system includes a rigid foot enclosure including a bottom wall having a first mating surface. The ski boot also includes a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure. The sole block includes a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane. The sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane. The sole block is configured to support an insert fitting, the insert fitting defining at least one of a) a pair of opposed sockets or b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions. A non-zero cant angle is defined between the mating surface plane and the traction surface plane.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to ski boots and ski binding systems.
- Ski boots can be coupled to a ski via a ski binding system. One binding system, known as an alpine touring binding system, ‘low tech’ binding system, or simply ‘tech’ binding system, allows the heel of the skier’s ski boot to be anchored to a ski for sliding downhill in a “downhill mode” and allows the heel to be released for walking and climbing in a “touring mode.”
- Individual skiers frequently require different adjustments or adaptations to ensure a proper cant between the ski boot and the bottom surface of the ski to maintain proper anatomical alignment.
- In one embodiment, a ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system includes a rigid foot enclosure including a bottom wall having a first mating surface. The ski boot also includes a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure. The sole block includes a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane. The sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane. The sole block is further configured to support an insert fitting, the insert fitting defining at least one of a) a pair of opposed sockets or b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions. A non-zero cant angle is defined between the mating surface plane and the traction surface plane.
- In another embodiment, a ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system includes a rigid foot enclosure including a toe portion and a bottom wall having a first mating surface adjacent the toe portion. The ski boot also includes a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure. The sole block includes a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane. The sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane. The sole block is configured to support an insert fitting such that the insert fitting defines a pair of opposed sockets, the opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot relative to the ski binding system, the pivot axis extending parallel to the traction surface. A non-zero cant angle is defined between the pivot axis and the mating surface plane.
- In another embodiment, a sole block for a ski boot, the ski boot having a first mating surface configured to engage the sole block, the sole block including a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane. The sole block also includes a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane. The sole block is configured to support an insert fitting such that the insert fitting defines one of a) a pair of opposed sockets, the opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot, the pivot axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pivot axis and the mating surface plane, or b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions located on opposite lateral sides of the insert fitting, the arcuate cut-away portions defining a pin axis of the ski boot, the pin axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pin axis and the mating surface plane.
- Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 are side and plan views, respectively, of a prior art ski, a prior art ski boot, and a prior art binding system. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 are side and plan views of the ski, ski boot, and binding system ofFIGS. 1 and 2 arranged in a touring mode. -
FIG. 5 is a partial end view of a heel portion of the ski boot ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a toe portion of the ski boot ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 7 is a side view of a ski boot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is a partially exploded side view of the ski boot ofFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective and bottom views, respectively, of a foot enclosure of the ski boot ofFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of a heel sole block of the ski boot ofFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a toe sole block of the ski boot ofFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 15A and 15B schematically show partially exploded partial cross-sectional views of the ski boot ofFIG. 7 positioned over a ski. -
FIGS. 16A-16F are a series of rear elevation views showing several variants of the toe sole block ofFIGS. 13 and 14 having different cant angles. -
FIGS. 17A and 17B are front elevation views of two variants of the heel sole block ofFIGS. 11 and 12 having different cant angles. -
FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of the toe sole block ofFIGS. 13 and 14 , taken throughlines 18A-18A ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 18B is a rear elevation view of the heel sole block ofFIGS. 11 and 12 . - Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
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FIGS. 1-6 show a prior art “low tech” or “tech” ski binding system 10 (sometimes referred to as a DYNAFIT® binding system), including atoe unit 12 and aheel unit 14 mounted on anupper surface 40 of aski 16. Thetoe unit 12 includesjaws 18 supporting opposed pins (not shown) that pivotally engage withsockets 20 defined by a toe insert fitting 22 (FIG. 6 ) embedded in atoe portion 24 of aski boot 26. Theheel unit 14 includes a pair ofpins 28 that engage a heel insert fitting 30 (FIG. 5 ) affixed to aheel portion 32 of theski boot 26. Theheel unit 14 includes abase plate 34 affixed to theupper surface 40 of theski 16 bymultiple fasteners 36. Theheel unit 14 also includes anupper portion 38 that supports the forward-directed pair ofpins 28. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 show the prior arttech binding system 10 arranged in a downhill mode with both thetoe portion 24 and theheel portion 32 of theboot 26 engaged by thebinding system 10.FIGS. 3 and 4 show the prior arttech binding system 10 arranged in a touring mode, in which thetoe portion 24 of theski boot 26 remains pivotally engaged with thetoe unit 12 but theheel portion 32 is released from theheel unit 14 and free to pivot away from theupper surface 40 of theski 16. To switch from the downhill mode shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 to the touring mode shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thepins 28 are released from the heelinsert fitting 30 of theheel portion 32. - In the illustrated prior art embodiment, the
upper portion 38 of theheel unit 14 is rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to theupper surface 40 of theski 16.FIGS. 3 and 4 show theheel unit 14 rotated so that thepins 28 face away from theheel portion 32, which prevents thepins 28 from re-engaging the heel insert fitting 30 in the touring mode. In some embodiments of the prior arttech binding system 10, theupper portion 38 may be further rotated (not shown) such that thepins 28 face rearward of theski 16 and an upper surface of theupper portion 38 resides underneath theheel portion 32. This allows theheel portion 32 to come to rest on the upper surface ofupper portion 38, reducing stress on the user’s legs while climbing steep hills. In further prior art embodiments, theupper portion 38 may further comprise a heel lift extension (not shown) or foldable heel lifts (not shown) to permit the user to further elevate the heel portion while climbing steep hills. -
FIG. 5 shows part of theheel portion 32 of theprior art boot 26. The heelinsert fitting 30 is embodied as a metallicheel insert 30 affixed to theheel portion 32 by afastener 42. Theheel insert 30 defines arcuate cut-away portions 44 on opposite lateral sides thereof to accommodate thepins 28 of theheel unit 14. The arcuate cut-awayportions 44 are locatedadjacent cavities 46 in theheel portion 32 which receive the ends of thepins 28.FIG. 4 shows part of thetoe portion 24 of theprior art boot 26. Thetoe insert fitting 22 is embodied as ametallic toe insert 22 embedded in thetoe portion 24 and defining a pair of sockets 20 (one on each side) shaped to receive the opposed pins of thejaw 18 of thetoe unit 12. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate aski boot 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theski boot 50 includes a pliable inner boot orliner 52 supported within a rigidouter shell 54. In the illustrated embodiment, theshell 54 includes acuff element 58 pivotably coupled to a separaterigid foot enclosure 56. Thefoot enclosure 56 includes abottom wall 60, a bifurcatedtop wall 62 that extends upward from thebottom wall 60, and anankle wall 64 upstanding from thetop wall 62. Thetop wall 62 defines atoe enclosure 66 and aheel enclosure 68. In the illustrated embodiment, thecuff element 58 is connected to theankle wall 64 byrivets 70 that permit a small degree of rotation of thecuff element 58 relative to thefoot enclosure 56. Theski boot 50 also includes abuckle arrangement 72 that selectively draws the segments of the bifurcatedtop wall 62 together to clamp theboot 50 about a user’s foot. - The
bottom wall 60 is adapted to selectively couple to a removable and replaceable heelsole block 74 and a removable and replaceable toesole block 76. The heel and toe sole blocks 74, 76 are formed as separate components in the illustrated embodiment but may be formed integrally as a single sole block in other embodiments (not shown). With reference toFIGS. 11-14 , aheel portion 78 of the heelsole block 74 defines aheel insert receptacle 80 that receives the metallic heel insert 30 (FIG. 5 ), which may be affixed to theheel portion 78 by a fastener such as a threaded screw (not shown). As discussed above, theheel insert 30 defines arcuate cut-awayportions 44 on opposite sides thereof to accommodate thepins 28 of theheel unit 14 of thetech binding system 10. The arcuate cut-awayportions 44 of theheel insert 30 are locatedadjacent cavities 84 in theheel portion 78 which receive the ends of thepins 28. The toesole block 76 includes the metallic toe insert 22 (FIG. 6 ) embedded therein and defining the pair of sockets 20 (one on each side). As discussed herein, thesockets 20 are shaped to receive the opposed pins of thejaw 18 of thetoe unit 12 of thetech binding system 10. Thus, when the heel and toe sole blocks 74, 76 are attached to thebottom wall 60, theski boot 50 is operable with the prior arttech binding system 10 to engage theski 16 in both the downhill and touring modes. - With reference to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , the heel and toe sole blocks 74, 76 define respective heel and toe traction surfaces 86, 88 that face toward and contact a ground surface (or a top surface of a ski or a ski binding). Thebottom wall 60 of thefoot enclosure 56 includes aheel mating surface 90 adjacent theheel enclosure 68 and atoe mating surface 92 adjacent thetoe enclosure 66. As described herein, the sole blocks 74, 76 provide an adjusted canting of the traction surfaces 86, 88 with respect to the heel and toe mating surfaces 90, 92 of thefoot enclosure 56. - With reference to
FIGS. 11 and 12 , the heelsole block 74 includes, in addition to theheel traction surface 86, anupper mating surface 94 adapted to mount flush against the corresponding heel mating surface 90 (FIGS. 8 and 9 ) of thebottom wall 60. With reference toFIGS. 13 and 14 , the toesole block 76 is similarly adapted with anupper mating surface 96 for mounting against the corresponding toe mating surface 92 (FIG. 8 ) of thebottom wall 60. Each of the sole blocks 74, 76 also includes a plurality of mountingapertures 98, and thebottom wall 60 includes a plurality of threaded bores (not shown) corresponding to the mountingapertures 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the mountingapertures 98 receive threaded fasteners 100 (FIG. 8 ), which tighten into the threaded bores in thebottom wall 60 to affix the sole blocks 74, 76 to thefoot enclosure 56. - With reference to
FIGS. 11-14 , each of the sole blocks 74, 76 includes arigid body 102 formed of a rigid material (e.g., plastic) and one or more pliable anti-slip members 104 (e.g., rubber pads) affixed to a lower portion of therigid body 102 and defining a portion of thecorresponding traction surface anti-slip members 104 improve walkability of theski boot 50 as well as performance of the boot in the touring mode of thetech binding system 10. - With reference to
FIGS. 15A and 15B , when the sole blocks 74, 76 are fastened to thefoot enclosure 56 of theski boot 50, and both of these elements are anchored to theski 16 via thetech binding system 10, each of the traction surfaces 86, 88 defines atraction surface plane 108 that is generally parallel to abottom surface plane 110 defined by abottom surface 112 of theski 16. When a skier stands in a balanced neutral position wearing theski boot 50 as thus arranged, his weight should be transferred straight down from the soles of his feet to yield an even weight distribution across the width of theski 16. Many skiers, however, possess anatomical irregularities that cause their weight to be unevenly concentrated on the medial or lateral side of the ski 16 (i.e., a lateral side or a medial side relative to the skier’s leg). This can result in one edge of theski 16 being pressed more deeply into the snow than the opposite edge of theski 16 during use, hindering the skier’s performance and heightening the risk of injury to the knee as the skier is forced to over-angulate their knees to engage the ski’s edge. - As described herein, the sole blocks 74, 76 provide an adjusted canting of the traction surfaces 86, 88 with respect to the heel and toe mating surfaces 90, 92 of the
foot enclosure 56. This results in an adjusted non-zero cant angle 106 (FIGS. 15A and 15B ) by which theski boot 50 interfaces with theski 16, suited to the anatomical traits of the skier. More specifically, the sole blocks 74, 76 effect a rotation of theski 16 relative to the mating surfaces 90, 92 of the foot enclosure 56 (typically about 1° to about 5°) about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of theski 16. Thus, the sole blocks 74, 76 improve a distribution of the skier’s weight across the lateral width of theski 16. Thecant angle 106 is measured between the traction surface plane 108 (defined by the traction surfaces 86, 88) and a sole block mating surface plane 114 (defined by the upper mating surfaces 94, 96), or between thetraction surface plane 108 and a bootmating surface plane 116 defined by the heel and toe mating surfaces 90, 92. When facing in a forward direction of theski boot 50, apositive cant angle 106 is measured in a counterclockwise direction from thetraction surface plane 108 and results in theski boot 50 tilting toward anoutside edge 118 of theski 16. Anegative cant angle 106 is measured in a clockwise direction from thetraction surface plane 108 and results in theski boot 50 tilting toward aninside edge 120 of theski 16. -
FIGS. 16A-17B illustrate a series of toe sole blocks 76 or heel sole blocks 74 with the mating surfaces 96, 94, respectively, oriented to a specifiedcant angle 106 relative to the traction surfaces 88, 86. Positive and negative cant angles are described for a rightfoot ski boot 50 in connection withFIGS. 16A-17B , and would be reversed for a left foot ski boot.FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C illustrate toe sole blocks 76 with positive cant angles 106 of 1, 2, and 3 degrees, respectively. That is, thetraction surface plane 108 and the sole blockmating surface plane 114 form cant angles 106 of 1, 2, and 3 degrees, respectively, which tend to tilt theski boot 50 toward the outside edge 118 (FIG. 15B ) of theski 16.FIGS. 16D, 16E, and 16F illustrate toe sole blocks 76 with negative cant angles 106 of -1, -2, and -3 degrees, respectively, which tend to tilt theski boot 50 toward theinside edge 120 of theski 16. Similarly,FIG. 17A illustrates a heelsole block 74 with apositive cant angle 106 that can be, e.g., 1, 2, or 3 degrees, which tends to tilt theski boot 50 toward the outside edge 118 (FIG. 15A ) of theski 16.FIG. 17B illustrates a heelsole block 74 with anegative cant angle 106 that can be, e.g., -1, -2, or -3 degrees, which tends to tilt theski boot 50 toward theinside edge 120 of theski 16. In other embodiments, the heel and toe sole blocks 74, 76 can provide greater cant angles 106 (e.g., 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, etc., or -4 degrees, -5 degrees, -6 degrees, etc.) and can differ incant angle 106 by smaller increments (e.g., by 0.5 degree increments, by 0.25 degree increments, etc.). In further embodiments, the heelsole block 74 and/or the toesole block 76 can be provided with a neutral cant angle 106 (i.e., 0 degrees). - A
precise cant angle 106 required for each foot of a particular skier may be determined by means of conventional equipment generally available. Different cant angles 106 may be required for each of a pair of ski boots 50 (i.e., left boot vs right boot). A proper set of precanted heel and toe sole blocks 74, 76 may be selected based on the particular skier’s anatomic anomalies and the effected weight distribution under-ski. In other embodiments, theproper cant angle 106 may be applied to the mating surfaces 94, 96 by post-manufacture methods. - In some embodiments (not shown), the sole blocks 74, 76 can initially be provided in a neutral configuration (i.e., having a
cant angle 106 of 0 degrees), and thecant angle 106 can be subsequently adjusted by providing a ramped insert or shim atop the uncanted mating surfaces 94, 96. Similarly, in some embodiments, neutral cant sole blocks 74, 76 can also be re-shaped to achieve anadjusted cant angle 106 by removing material from the mating surfaces 94, 96. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole blocks 74, 76 are initially fabricated with the predetermined adjusted cant angles 106 (e.g., by injection molding) and do not require further shaping prior to being attached to thefoot enclosure 56. -
FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of the toesole block 76 taken through a plane intersecting both of thesockets 20. Together, the two laterally opposedsockets 20 define apivot axis 122 about which theski boot 50 rotates when theski boot 50 is engaged in thetech binding system 10 in the touring mode. As shown inFIG. 18A , thepivot axis 122 extends generally parallel with thetraction surface plane 108, which itself is parallel to thebottom surface plane 110 of the ski 16 (FIG. 15B ). A pivotaxis cant angle 124 is defined between thepivot axis 122 and the sole blockmating surface plane 114. As such, the toesole block 76 effects canting of theski boot 50 relative to thepivot axis 122, thereby relieving stress on the skier’s joints and ligaments during touring. The pivotaxis cant angle 124 is equivalent to thecant angle 106 previously described herein. As such, both thetraction surface 88 and thepivot axis 122 are independently capable of effecting canting of theski boot 50. This is useful should the skier want to engage theski boot 50 in another type of ski binding system (e.g., traditional alpine bindings) as will be further discussed herein. -
FIG. 18B is a rear view of the heelsole block 74 having theheel insert 30 attached thereto. The arcuate cut-awayportions 44 are defined on opposite lateral sides of theheel insert 30 and together define apin axis 126 that intersects each of the pins 28 (FIG. 4 ) when theski boot 50 is engaged in thetech binding system 10 in the downhill mode. A heelpin cant angle 128 is defined between thepin axis 126 and the sole blockmating surface plane 114. As such, the heelsole block 74 effects canting of theski boot 50 relative to thepin axis 126, thereby relieving stress on the skier’s joints and ligaments during touring. The heelpin cant angle 128 is equivalent to thecant angle 106 previously described herein. As such, both thetraction surface 86 and thepin axis 126 are independently capable of effecting canting of theski boot 50. This is useful should the skier want to engage theski boot 50 in another type of ski binding system (e.g., traditional alpine bindings) as will be further discussed herein. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 11-14 , the sole blocks 74, 76 are configured as traditional ‘DIN’ or ‘Alpine’ soles compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5355 standard. As such, the heelsole block 74 includes aheel flange 130 engageable with a heel unit of a traditional ‘Alpine’ binding system (not shown), and the toesole block 76 includes atoe flange 132 engageable with a toe unit of the ‘Alpine’ binding system. Heel and toe engagement surfaces 134, 136 (FIGS. 18A and 18B ) of the heel andtoe flanges traction surface plane 108. The heel and toe engagement surfaces 134, 136 also extend at thecant angle 106 relative to the sole blockmating surface plane 114. As such, when theski boot 50 is anchored in the ‘Alpine’ binding system, the heel and toe sole blocks 74, 76 still effect canting of theski boot 50. - In further embodiments (not shown), the sole blocks 74, 76 can alternatively be provided according to the ISO 9523 standard (Walk To Ride® (WTR) and GripWalk®), the ISO 23223 standard (GripWalk®), or other non-ISO ‘Alpine’ or ‘Touring’ sole standards, and can be compatible with GripWalk®, MNC, WTR, Sol.ID, or other binding systems while employing the canting concepts disclosed herein.
- The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principles and practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.
- As used in this application, the terms "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "upwardly," "downwardly," "bottom," "top," and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances or resolutions associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments and components.
Claims (20)
1. A ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system, the ski boot comprising:
a rigid foot enclosure including a bottom wall having a first mating surface; and
a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure, the sole block including
a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane, and
a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane,
wherein the sole block is further configured to support an insert fitting, the insert fitting defining at least one of a) a pair of opposed sockets or b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions, and
wherein a non-zero cant angle is defined between the mating surface plane and the traction surface plane.
2. The ski boot of claim 1 , wherein the sole block is configured such that when the ski boot is anchored to the ski via the ski binding system, the traction surface plane extends parallel to a ground surface plane defined by a ground surface in contact with a bottom surface of the ski and the mating surface plane extends at the cant angle relative to the ground surface plane.
3. The ski boot of claim 1 , wherein the sole block is configured to be coupled to the rigid foot enclosure via threaded fasteners.
4. The ski boot of claim 1 , wherein the sole block comprises a rigid body and a pliable member affixed to the rigid body, the pliable member defining at least a portion of the traction surface.
5. The ski boot of claim 1 , wherein the insert fitting defines the pair of opposed sockets located on opposite lateral sides of the insert fitting, the pair of opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot, and wherein the sole block is configured to support the insert fitting such that the pivot axis extends at the cant angle relative to the mating surface plane.
6. The ski boot of claim 1 , wherein the insert fitting defines a pair of arcuate cut-away portions located on opposite lateral sides of the insert fitting, the arcuate cut-away portions defining a pin axis of the ski boot, and wherein the sole block is configured to support the insert fitting such that the pin axis extends at the cant angle relative to the mating surface plane.
7. The ski boot of claim 1 , wherein:
the sole block comprises a toe sole block, the mating surface plane comprises a first mating surface plane, the traction surface comprises a first traction surface, the traction surface plane comprises a first traction surface plane, and the insert fitting comprises a toe insert fitting that includes the pair of opposed sockets;
the rigid foot enclosure defines a third mating surface;
the ski boot further comprises a heel sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure, the heel sole block including
a fourth mating surface configured to mate with the third mating surface, the fourth mating surface defining a second mating surface plane, and
a second traction surface configured to engage the ground surface, the second traction surface defining a second traction surface plane;
the heel sole block is configured to support a heel insert fitting, the heel insert fitting defining the pair of arcuate cut-away portions; and
the second mating surface plane extends at the cant angle relative to the second traction surface plane.
8. A ski boot for anchoring to a ski via a ski binding system, the ski boot comprising:
a rigid foot enclosure including a toe portion and a bottom wall having a first mating surface adjacent the toe portion; and
a sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure, the sole block including
a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane, and
a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane,
wherein the sole block is configured to support an insert fitting such that the insert fitting defines a pair of opposed sockets, the opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot relative to the ski binding system, the pivot axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and
wherein a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pivot axis and the mating surface plane.
9. The ski boot of claim 8 , wherein the sole block is configured such that when the ski boot is anchored to the ski via the ski binding system, the traction surface plane extends parallel to a ground surface plane defined by a ground surface in contact with a bottom surface of the ski and the mating surface plane extends at the cant angle relative to the ground surface plane.
10. The ski boot of claim 8 , wherein the mating surface plane extends at the cant angle relative to the traction surface plane.
11. The ski boot of claim 8 , wherein the sole block further comprises a flange defining an engagement surface extending at the cant angle relative to the pivot axis.
12. The ski boot of claim 8 , wherein the sole block comprises a rigid body and a pliable member affixed to the rigid body, the pliable member defining at least a portion of the traction surface.
13. The ski boot of claim 8 , wherein
the rigid foot enclosure includes a heel portion, the bottom wall includes a third mating surface adjacent the heel portion, the sole block comprises a toe sole block, the mating surface plane comprises a first mating surface plane, the traction surface comprises a first traction surface, the traction surface plane comprises a first traction surface plane, and the insert fitting comprises a toe insert fitting;
the ski boot further comprises a heel sole block configured to selectively couple to the rigid foot enclosure, the heel sole block including
a fourth mating surface configured to mate with the third mating surface, the fourth mating surface defining a second mating surface plane, and
a second traction surface configured to engage the ground surface, the second traction surface defining a second traction surface plane;
the heel sole block is configured to support a heel insert fitting such that the heel insert fitting defines a pair of arcuate cut-away portions located on opposite lateral sides of the insert fitting, the arcuate cut-away portions defining a pin axis of the ski boot; and
the pin axis extends at the cant angle relative to the second mating surface plane.
14. The ski boot of claim 13 , wherein the second mating surface plane extends at the cant angle relative to the second traction surface plane.
15. The ski boot of claim 13 , wherein:
the ski binding system comprises a first ski binding system;
the toe sole block further comprises a toe flange configured to engage a second ski binding system, the toe flange defining a toe engagement surface configured to contact the second ski binding system, the toe engagement surface extending at the cant angle relative to the pivot axis; and
the heel sole block further comprises a heel flange configured to engage the second ski binding system, the heel flange defining a heel engagement surface configured to contact the second binding system, the toe engagement surface extending at the cant angle relative to the pin axis.
16. A sole block for a ski boot, the ski boot having a first mating surface configured to engage the sole block, the sole block comprising:
a second mating surface configured to mate with the first mating surface, the second mating surface defining a mating surface plane; and
a traction surface configured to engage a ground surface, the traction surface defining a traction surface plane,
wherein the sole block is configured to support an insert fitting such that the insert fitting defines one of
a) a pair of opposed sockets, the opposed sockets defining a pivot axis of the ski boot, the pivot axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pivot axis and the mating surface plane, or
b) a pair of arcuate cut-away portions located on opposite lateral sides of the insert fitting, the arcuate cut-away portions defining a pin axis of the ski boot, the pin axis extending parallel to the traction surface, and a non-zero cant angle is defined between the pin axis and the mating surface plane.
17. The sole block of claim 16 , wherein the sole block is configured to be coupled to the ski boot via threaded fasteners.
18. The sole block of claim 16 , further comprising a rigid body and a pliable member affixed to the rigid body, the pliable member defining at least a portion of the traction surface.
19. The sole block of claim 16 , wherein the mating surface plane extends at the cant angle relative to the traction surface plane.
20. The sole block of claim 19 , further comprising a flange defining an engagement surface that extends at the cant angle relative to the traction surface plane.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/461,522 US20230069114A1 (en) | 2021-08-30 | 2021-08-30 | Ski boot having cantable sole |
CA3171106A CA3171106A1 (en) | 2021-08-30 | 2022-08-25 | Alpine touring ski boot having cantable sole |
EP22192574.6A EP4140547A1 (en) | 2021-08-30 | 2022-08-29 | Alpine touring ski boot having cantable sole |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/461,522 US20230069114A1 (en) | 2021-08-30 | 2021-08-30 | Ski boot having cantable sole |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20230069114A1 true US20230069114A1 (en) | 2023-03-02 |
Family
ID=83151811
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/461,522 Pending US20230069114A1 (en) | 2021-08-30 | 2021-08-30 | Ski boot having cantable sole |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230069114A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4140547A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3171106A1 (en) |
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US4945659A (en) * | 1987-09-28 | 1990-08-07 | Salomon S.A. | Ski boot having an interchangeable sole portion for controlling global wedging angle of the boot |
US5615901A (en) * | 1994-11-02 | 1997-04-01 | Piotrowski; David J. | Adjustable foot equipment |
US6065228A (en) * | 1998-01-30 | 2000-05-23 | Salomon S.A. | Sport boot having a sole adaptable to multiple standards |
US20020017772A1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-02-14 | Clifford Sosin | Method and apparatus for the customization of boot placement on skis |
EP1238686A1 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2002-09-11 | Calzaturificio S.C.A.R.P.A. S.p.A. | Ski mountaineering kit |
EP1559457A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-08-03 | Fritz Dipl.-Ing. Barthel | Bearing plate and shoe for the binding of a cross-country touring ski |
WO2009003904A1 (en) * | 2007-07-05 | 2009-01-08 | Ober Alp S.P.A. | Ski boot for alpine and touring ski |
US20130147160A1 (en) * | 2011-12-09 | 2013-06-13 | K-2 Corporation | Ski boot |
US20150135556A1 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2015-05-21 | Calzaturificio S.C.A.R.P.A. S.P.A. | Ski boot |
EP2829188B1 (en) * | 2013-07-25 | 2018-05-09 | Rossignol Lange S.R.L. | Ski boot |
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US4078322A (en) * | 1976-08-04 | 1978-03-14 | Engineered Sports Products, Inc. | Ski boot |
-
2021
- 2021-08-30 US US17/461,522 patent/US20230069114A1/en active Pending
-
2022
- 2022-08-25 CA CA3171106A patent/CA3171106A1/en active Pending
- 2022-08-29 EP EP22192574.6A patent/EP4140547A1/en active Pending
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EP1559457A1 (en) * | 2004-01-28 | 2005-08-03 | Fritz Dipl.-Ing. Barthel | Bearing plate and shoe for the binding of a cross-country touring ski |
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Also Published As
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EP4140547A1 (en) | 2023-03-01 |
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