WO1981002508A1

WO1981002508A1 - Ski boot

Info

Publication number: WO1981002508A1
Application number: PCT/US1980/000315
Authority: WO
Inventors: F Caeran
Original assignee: Questor Corp
Priority date: 1980-03-10
Filing date: 1980-03-10
Publication date: 1981-09-17

Abstract

Improvement in ski boot construction wherein the sole portion (30) of the outer ski boot or shell (16) is joined with a ski-engaging portion (34) of the ski boot by a flexible or deformable connecting means or connection (44) of a character providing for lateral lilting movement of the outer shell or foot containing portion of the ski boot relative to the ski-engaging portion (34) thereby enabling the skier by shifting his weight to deform or tilt the connecting means or connection to maneuver changes of direction of the ski with a minimum of twisting, straining and lateral movement of the knees or the torso of the skier. The disclosure of the invention further includes the use of removable means or inserts (70, 72) of compressible material which may be disposed between the sole portion (30) of the outer shell and the ski-engaging portion (34) at the sides of the flexible or deformable connecting means or connection (44) for varying the resistance to tiltability or deformability of the connecting means or connection (44) so that the ski may be rendered adaptable to the requirements best suited for a particular skier.

Description

S P E C I F I C A T I O N

SKI BOOT

Technical Field

This invention relates to improvements in ski boots and more especially to a ski boot construction which functions in a manner facilitating better control of the skis and more especially enables the skier to maneuver or turn the skis with a minimum stress of the foot, the legs and the torso of the skier.

Background of the Invention

In skiing, the skier negotiates change in direction or turning of the skis by shifting his weight so that the pressure of his weight on the skis is transferred to either the inside or outside edges of the skis. This transfer or shift of the skier's weight and hence the pressure on the edges of the skis causes an unbalanced effect on the skis and the skis are thus turned in the direction of the edges under the increased pressure.

In ski boots of the prior art, the ski boot is securely held to the ski in such a manner that the ski boot cannot move in any direction without effecting a corresponding movement of the ski. In such ski boots, the foot and ankle of the skier are firmly held so that movement of the skier's feet without moving his legs is practically impossible, and in the use of such prior, art boots the skier turns the skis by twisting his entire torso. The knees of the skier are laterally moved in the direction of a turn, bending his lower legs outwardly causing the ski boot and the ski to tilt thereby shifting weight to one edge or the other of a ski. In prior ski boots, the ankle and the foot are substantially held in place as there was no provision for movement of the foot or ankle with respect to the ski and hence maneuvering the skis placed severe stresses on the ankles, the knees and the torso.

Flexible inserts placed within the ski boots have recently come into use which are configurated to permit lateral tilting movement of the skier's foot within the boot. Such inserts are of a character which permit the skier to shift his weight by tilting his foot iήsαde the boot which causes a corresponding tilt of the insert. This weight shift through inverting and everting of the foot within the boot effects a shifting of the body weight to the edge of the skis vith substantially less movement of the knees or twisting of the torso.

Disclosure of Invention The present invention involves an improvement in ski boot construction wherein the sole portion of the ski boot is joined with a ski-engaging portion of the ski boot by flexible or defoπnable connecting means or connection or a character providing for lateral tilting movement of the outer shell or foot-containing portion of the ski boot relative to the ski-engaging portion of the ski boot.

This arrangement enables the skier to shift his weight by deforming or tilting the connecting means between the outer shell of the ski boot construction and the ski-engaging portion to maneuver change of direction or turning of the ski with a minimum of twisting, straining and lateral movement of the knees and torso of the skier and without appreciable relative movement of the skier's foot within the ski boot. The invention has for an object the provision of an improved ski boot construction wherein the weight shift by the skier to the edges of the skis is accomplished by relative movement of the outer shell or foot-containing portion o'f the ski boot with respect to the ski-engaging portion of the ski boot without inversion or eversion of the foot of the skier and with a minimum of twist or strain or lateral movement of the knees and twisting of the torso whereby the skier is enabled to better control the ski with improved comfort for the skier's foot.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a ski boot construction wherein the outer shell of the ski boot is joined to the ski-engaging portion of the ski boot by tiltable or deformable connecting means which may be of a character or dimensioned to vary the resistance of the connecting means whereby the ski boot construction may be initially designed with the desired resistance to lateral relative tilting movement rendering the boot adaptable to skiers of various weights and sizes and those having different degrees of skill in skiing.

Another object of the invention resides in a ski boot construction having a laterally deformable or tiltable connecting means or connection between an outer shell portion of the ski boot and a ski-engaging portion of a ski boot whereby the connection facilitates easy displacement of the mass or weight of the skier in efficiently transferring pressure to the edges of the skis in maneuvering the direction σf movement in skiing and attaining an easier control in skiing.

Another object of the invention resides in the ski boot construction of this character which promotes a flat position of the ski on the snow or terrain. Another object of the invention resides in the use of additional removable means or inserts which may be disposed between the sole portion of the outer shell of the ski boot construction and the ski-engaging portion at one or both sides of a flexible or deformable means connecting the sole portion of the outer shell and the ski-engaging portion. The additional means or inserts may be of different thicknesses, stiffness or hardness thereby providing means for varying the resistance to tiltability or deformability of the connecting means whereby pressure on the edges of the skis may be further controlled so that the ski may be rendered adaptable to the requirements best suited for a particular skier.

The invention further embraces the use of an inner sole or member which may be inserted in the outer shell of the ski boot construction, the inner sole being of such configuration that a cavus or curved foot position may be attained if such foot position is deemed desirable by a skier.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts , elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

The details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a ski boot embodying the invention, the ski boot illustrated being for the right foot of a skier; FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the boot construction, the section being taken substantially on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detail transverse sectional view through the boot construction, the view being taken substantially on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 4 showing the sole .portion and the outer shell of the ski boot in a tilted position with respect to the ski-engaging portion of the ski boot;

FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 illustrating a modified form of means conii.ecting the sole portion of the outer shell of the ski boot with the ski- engaging portion of the boot;

FIGURE 7 is a transverse sectional view similar to FIGURE 4 illustrating the connecting means shown in FIGURE 6, the view being taken substantially on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 illustrating a modified form of connecting means between the sole portion of the outer shell of the ski boot with the ski-engaging portion of the boot; FIGURE 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional view illustrating the connecting means of FIGURE 8, the view being taken substantially on the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a longitudinal sectional view through the boot construction similar to FIGURE 3 and illustrating removable insert means disposed between the sole portion of the outer shell and the ski-engaging portion of the ski boot, the inserts being at the respective sides of the connecting means between the sole portion of the outer shell and the ski-engaging portion; FIGURE 11 is an enlarged plan view of the insert for one side of the connecting means;

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged plan view of the insert for the other side of the connecting means;

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged transverse sectional view illustrating the inserts assembled at the sides of the connecting means as shown in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged transverse sectional view similar to FIGURE 13 showing the action of the insert means upon tilting movement of the outer shell portion of the ski boot relative to the ski-engaging portion when a skier negotiates a turn or change in direction of the ski;

FIGURE 15 is a transverse sectional view illustrating a modified form of connecting means between the sole portion of the outer shell of the ski boot and the ski-engaging portion;

FIGURE 16 is a transverse sectional view illustrating another form of connecting means between the sole portion of the outer shell of the- ski boot and the ski-engaging portion;

FIGURE 17 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIGURE 2, this form of ski boot embodying a removable flexible member interiorly of the outer shell in engagement with the sole portion of the shell, and

FIGURE 18 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIGURE 17 illustrating the configuration of the flexible member in producing a cavus or curved foot configuration under the influence of the weight of a skier. Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to FIGURE 1 there is illustrated one embodiment of the ski boot according to the invention. The ski boot 10 comprises an outer boot 12 having a removable insulated inner boot or liner 14 of conventional construction.The outer boot 12 includes an outer shell 16 preferably molded of resinous material or plastic such as polyurethane or other polymer. Anchored to the outer shell 16 are flexible members 18 and 20 having strap portions 22 and 24 and buckles 26 and 28 of conventional construction for attaching the ski boot construction to the skier's foot. The outer shell 16 is fashioned with a sole or sole portion 30 molded integral with the outer shell 16 .

Disposed beneath the sole or sole portion 30 of the outer shell 16 is a ski-engaging portion 34 which is also referred to herein as a sole plate, lower sole or lower sole portion of the outer ski boot. As shown in FIGURE 1, the ski boot sole plate or portion 34 is engaged with a ski 36. The ski-engaging portion 34 is provided at its toe and heel regions with ledges or shoulders 38 engaged by bindings 40 of conventional construction for securing the portion 34 of the ski boot to the ski.

An important phase of applicant's invention resides in a flexible, distortable or tiltable means connecting the sole or sole portion 30 of the outer shell 16 with the ski-engaging portion or sole plate 34. As illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5, the connecting means is inclusive of a connector portion, bar portion or member 44 extending generally lengthwise of the ski boot and joined with the outer shell 16 and the ski- engaging portion 34 at the region of the metatarsal portion of As shown in FIGURE 3, the deformable connecting means 44 is preferably on an angle indicated at "A" with respect to the longitudinal center line of the ski-engaging portion 34, the deformable connecting means 44 slanting forwardly of the ski boot and toward the outer edge of the ski boot portion 34. As shown in FIGURE 3 the deformable connecting means 44 is offset from the center and is nearer to the inner edge 35 of the ski- engaging portion 34 which is adjacent the inner edge of the ski. The angle "A" of slant or angularity may be varied within wide limits. The angularity of the- connecting means 44 may be in a range of from about three degrees to ten degrees, and that for the average skier an angularity of about five degrees has been found to be usually satisfactory. It is to be understood that the angle "A" may be varied depending upon the size of the ski boot, the length of the connecting means 44, and the width or thickness of the means 44 in order to attain a resistance to deformation or flexure of the connecting means depending upon the requirements of the skier. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5 the outer shell 16, the sole portion 30, the connecting means 44, a heel portion 50 and a ski-engaging portion or sole plate 34 are molded together as an integral unit of resinous material or plastic such as polyurethane or similar polymer. The connecting means 44 is angularly arranged in order to provide stability enabling the skier to ski in a substantially straight line without any deformation or tilting of the outer shell of the ski boot relative to the ski-engaging portion 34. Thus, in straight line skiing, the mass or weight of the skier may shift slightly transversely but the angularity of the connecting means 44 substantially prevents turning movement of the ski by reason of the lateral resistance to deformation of the connecting means 44 so that such minor shifting of the weight of the skier does not effect change in direction of the ski.

However the skier, in negotiating a turn, transfers his weight substantially to the inner edge of the ski and the major transfer of the skier's weight toward the inner edge of the ski is effective to deform or flex the connecting means 44 so that turns may be readily effected by the skier and without any relative movement of the skier's foot within the ski boot. In skiing, the ski turns toward the side of the ski on which pressure is being exerted upon lateral movement of the skier's torso to transfer the skier's weight so as to cause increased pressure on one side or the other of a ski.

In the ski boot construction shown in FIGURES 1 through 3, the connecting means between the outer shell 16 and skiengaging portion 34 is inclusive of a heel portion 50 which is of generally annular configuration being defined by a recess52. The annular heel portion 50 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 3 is integrally molded with the outer shell 16 and the ski-engaging portion 34.

The annular portion 50 at the heel portion of the outer shell 16 is preferably offset slightly from the center of the longitudinal axis of the ski-engaging portion 34 to provide stability of the heel portion in conjunction with the stability provided by the angularity of the connecting means 44 to facilitate ease σf skiing in a straight line.

The annular portion 50 adjacent the heel of the ski boot construction is deformed or flexed when the skier transfers his weight laterally with respect to the ski and thus facilitates the skier negotiating turns by reason of the flexibility or deformability of the means joining the outer shell 16 of the ski boot with the ski-engaging portion 34. The space, indicated at 54, between the sole 30 of the outer shell 16 and the ski-engaging portion or sole plate 34 is of sufficient depth to facilitate the deformation or tilting of the outer shell 16 relative to the ski-engaging portion 34 and to provide sufficient height of the connecting means 44 and the annular heel portion 50 to facilitate maneuverability of the ski in making turns.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view illustrating the normal position of the sole 30 of the outer shell 16 with respect to the ski-engaging lower sole portion or sole plate 34 when the weight of the skier is in a normal position in skiing in a straight line path. In such condition the means 44 and heel portion 50 are not deformed or deflected.

FIGURE 5. illustrates the relative position of the outer shell 16 and its sole portion 30 with respect to the skiengaging portion or sole plate 34 in negotiating a turning of the ski in a left-hand direction. The outer shell of the ski boot and its sole portion are tilted with respect to the skiengaging, portion 34 when the skier transfers his weight laterally in a left-hand direction as viewed in FIGURE 5 resulting in deforming the connecting means or member 44 as illustrated in FIGURE 5.

The annular heel portion 50 is also deformed or distorted in the same direction when the outer shell 16 is in the rel a tive tilted position illustrated in FIGURE 5. The same condition occurs with the ski on the left foot of the skier, the outer shell tilting in a left-hand direction as shown in FIGURE 5 but at the outside edge,

FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate a modified form of the co n necting means adjacent the metatarsal area of the ski boot between the outer shell 16' and the lower sole, sole plate or ski-engaging portion 34' . In this form of the invention, the connecting means extending lengthwise of the ski boot comprises two distortable or deformable portions or members 58 and 60. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7 the deformable portions 58 and 60 are of resinous or plastic material and are integrally molded with the sole 30' of the outer shell 16' and the ski-engaging portion or sole plate 34'.

The sole portion 30' of the outer shell is also integrally joined with the ski-engaging portion 34' by the annularly-shaped heel portion 50'. The longitudinally extending connecting members 58 and 60 and the annular heel portion 50' are offset at opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the ski-engaging portion 34' to provide stability in skiing in a straight line path.

The longitudinally extending connection, connecting means or bars 58 and 60 at the metatarsal region of the sole 30' of the outer shell 16' are illustrated as in substantial parallel relation, but it is to be understood that the connecting means or bars 58 and 60 may be arranged at slightly different angles if it is desired to increase the resistance to lateral flexure, deformation or tilting between the sole 30 ' of the outer shell 16' and the ski-engaging portion 34'.

As in the form shown in FIGURES 1 though 5, a lateral shifting or transfer of the skier's body causes a lateral shifting of the skier's weight and hence increased pressure deforming the connecting members 58 and 60 and the heel portion 50' in the direction of shift of the skier's weight.

FIGURES 8 and 9 illustrate another modification of distortable, deformable or tiltable connecting means between the metatarsal region of the sole of the outer shell and the skiengaging portion. In this form the sole or sole portion 30" of the outer shell 16" is joined by connector means or members 64 and 66 with the sole plate or ski-engaging portion 34". As shown in FIGURES. 8 and 9, the connecting means or members 64 and- 66 are of circular cross section and are integrally molded of resinous or plastic material with the outer shell 16", sole portion 30", heel, portion 50" and the ski-engaging portion 34".

The members 64 and 66 and heel portion 50" are flexed bylateral shifting or transfer of the skier's weight and hence pressure on these members and the heel portion effect turning the skis in the same manner as the other connecting means of the invention hereinbefore described. While two members 64 and 66 are illustrated, it is LG be understood that other circular connecting members may be added if desired. The

or members 64 and 66 may be vari ed by airering the di ameters of the members depending upon eke degree of resistance to lateral pressure in negotiating turns to meet a particular skier's requirements . FIGURES 10 through 14 illustrate a ski boot of the general character shown in FIGURES 1 through 5 illustrating, in addition to the flexible or deformable means between the sole of the outer shell and the ski-engaging portion, removable insert means for the purpose of modifying the degree of resistance to deformation, deflection or tilting of the connecting means under pressure set up by lateral shifting of the skier's weight.

One form of construction of inserts is illustrated in

FIGURES 10 through 14 and involves the use of two inserts 70 and 72. The metatarsal region of the sole portion 30a of the outer, shell 16a is joined by connecting means 44a with the ski-engaging portion 34a, and the annular heel portion 50a is. also joined with the ski-engaging portion 34a, the connecting means 44a and 50a being of resinous or plastic material molded with the outer shell 16a and the ski-engaging portion 34a as an integral unit.

The insert 70 is illustrated in FIGURE 11 and the reciprocal insert 72 is shown in FIGURE 12. The inserts 70 and 72 are adapted to be snugly fitted in the space between the sole 30a of the outer shell 16a and the ski-engaging portion or sole plate 34a. The inserts 70 and 72 are configurated so that when they are in assembled position, as shown in FIGURES 10 and 13, they are interlocked together.

As particularly shown in FIGURES 10 and 11, the insert 70 has an inner longitudinal edge 74 which, in assembly, is adjacent one side of the connecting means 44a as shown in FIGURE 10. The insert 72, which is reciprocally shaped, is fashioned with an inner edge 75 which mates in assembly with the opposite side of the connector means or bar 44a.

The inner edges of legs 76 of the insert 70 are provided with recesses 78 and the end walls of the insert 72 provided with reciprocally shaped projections 80 which are received into the recesses 78 when the inserts are assembled as illustrated in FIGURE 10. The inserts 70 and 72 are formed or molded of resinous or plastic material so that, in assembly, the leg portions 76 of the insert 70 may be sprung outwardly so that the projections 80 are snapped into the recesses 78 to hold the inserts in assembled relation with the ski boot.

FIGURE 13 illustrates the inserts 70 and 72 in a normal position when the skier is skiing in a substantially straight line path. The inserts 70 and 72 substantially fill the space between the sole or sole portion 30a of the outer shell 16a and the ski-engaging portion 34a as shown in FIGURE 13.

When the skier is maneuvering a turn in a left-hand direction, the sole portion 30a of the outer shell 16a is tilted to the position illustrated in FIGURE 14. In this position, the transfer of the skier's weight in a left-hand direction compresses the insert 70 to facilitate turning the ski in a left-hand direction. The distortable connecting means 44a is flexed or deformed as shown in FIGURE 14.

When the skier turns the ski in a right-hand direction the insert 72 is compressed to facilitate a right-hand turning of the ski. The resinous or plastic material of which the inserts 70 and 72 are made may be varied in composition or hardness to vary the degree of compressibility or flexibility in turning the ski. Thus, through the use of inserts having different compressible or hardness characteristics, the ski boot may be adapted to a skier's requirements in maneuvering turning operations of the skis. While the interlocking recesses 78 and projections 80 hold the inserts in their assembled positions as shown in FIGURES 10, 13 and 14, the inserts may be additionally anchored by threaded members and nuts as shown in FIGURES 10, 13 and 14 or by other suitable means. As particularly shown in FIGURES 13 and 14 the ski-engaging member of sole plate 34a is provided with openings 82 to receive threaded members 83, the heads of which are accommodated in recesses 84.

Embedded by molding in the inserts are nuts 85 which receive the threaded members 83 in the manner shown in FIGURES 13 and 14. As shown in FIGURE 10 one member 83 extends into the insert 72 and the other two members 83 extend into the insert 70. It is to be understood that if it is desired to eliminate the interlocking recesses 78 and projections 80, the threaded members 83 may be used as an optional means of securing the inserts in assembled relation with the ski boot.

FIGURE 15 illustrates another form of distortable or flexible connection or connecting means at the metatarsal region of the ski boot. The sole 30b of the outer shell 16b is molded with spaced depending portions or projections 87 between which is disposed a flexible or distortable connecting means or member 88 which is angularly disposed with respect to the ski-engaging portion 34b in the manner of the connecting means 44 shown in FIGURES 2 and 3.

The connecting means or member 88 is snugly fitted between the depending projections 87 on the sole or sole portion 30b and is joined with the projections 87 by pins or members 89 extending through registering openings in the pro- jections and the connecting member 88, one of the pins 89 being illustrated in FIGURE 15. The ski-engaging portion 34b is provided with a longitudinally extending recess 91 which snugly receives the lower portion of the connecting means 88.

Embedded in the lower portion of the connecting means 88 are threaded nuts, one of which is shown at 93, which receive threaded members 95, one of which is shown in FIGURE 15. The head portions of the members 95 are disposed in a lower recess 97 in the ski-engaging portion 34b of the ski boot. Through this arrangement the connecting means or member 88 is securely held in engagement with the ski-engaging portion or lower sole portion 34b.

When a skier desires to negotiate a turning of the ski attached to the portion 34b, the skier transfers his weight in one lateral direction or the other and the transferring of the weight effects a tilting of the outer shell 16b with respect to the ski-engaging portion 34b, thus deforming the connecting means or member 88 in much the same manner as the connecting means 44 is deformed as shown in FIGURE 5 in making a turn in a left-hand direction. The ski is turned in the right-hand direction by the skier shifting his weight in the opposite lateral direction whereby the pressure of the skier's weight causes deformation of the connecting means or member 88 in the opposite direction in negotiating a right-hand turn. The connecting means or member 88 is of resinous or plastic material and the composition of the resinous material may be varied to vary the resistance of the connecting means to deformation depending upon the requirements of the skier in this respect.

FIGURE 16 illustrates a modification of the arrangement shown in FIGURE 15. In FIGURE 16 the sole portion 30c of the outer shell 16c is provided with depending projections 87c extending generally longitudinally of the ski boot similar to the connecting means 44 shown in FIGURES 1 through 3. A connecting means or memeber 100 is disposed between the sole portion 30c and the outer siieil 16c and the ski-engaging portion, sole plate or lower sole portion 34c. The connecting member 100 is formed with a longitudinally extending tenon or tenon portion 102 snugly fitted between the projections 87c. Several pins 104 are received in aligned openings in the projections 87c and the tenon portion 102 for securing the connecting means or member 100 to the sole portion 30c. Formed on the lower portion of the connecting member 100 is a longitudinally extending tenon portion 106 which snugly fits into a longitudinal recess in the ski-engaging portion 34c.

A plurality of threaded nuts, one of which is shown at 108, is embedded during the molding operation in the resinous or plastic connecting means or member 100. The skiengaging portion 34c is secured to the connecting member 100 by threaded members or bolts, one being illustrated at 110, extending through openings in the ski-engaging portion 34 and threaded into the nuts 108. The heads of the threaded members are accommodated in a recess 112 formed in the lower region of the ski-engaging portion 34c. In the form shown in FIGURE 16, the deformable or flexible connecting means or member 100 is of greater width than the connecting means or member 88 shown in FIGURE 15, and the increased width of the connecting means or member 100 provides increased resistance to deformation or tilting when the skier's weight is transferred laterally in right or lefthand directions to maneuver turning the skis. The width of the connecting means or member 100 may be varied to suit the requirements of the skier. FIGURES 17 and 18 illustrate the use of a sole insert or foot pad 115 disposed adjacent the sole portion 30d of the outer shell 16d and an inner liner or inner boot l4d of the ski boot construction. The outer shell l6d, the skiengaging portion 34d and the connecting means 44d are similar to the ski boot construction shown in FIGURES 1 through 3.

The annular heel portion 50d defined by the recess 52d is integrally joined with the sole 30d and the ski-engaging portion 34d. The insert or foot pad 115 is provided at its heel region 116 with a depending portion or projection 117 which has a cylindrical recess snugly receiving a cylindrical post or cushion member 120. The post 120 projects into the circular recess 52d formed in the ski-engaging portion or sole plate 34d. The insert 115 is preferably made of flexible plastic material and the post 120 is fashioned of resinous or plastic material which is readily compressible so as to be compressed by the weight of the skier.

FIGURE 18 illustrates generally the configuration of the foot pad or insert 115 under the influence of the weight of the skier. As shown in FIGURE 18, the weight of theskier on the heel region 116 compresses the cushion member or post 120. The depression of the heel portion 116 of the foot pad 115 under the weight of the skier causes a cavus or curved position of the general configuration illustrated in FIGURE 18. The compressible post 120 may be made of materials of various hardness or the dimensions may be varied to attain a desired degree of resilience or compressibility of the post 120.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than as herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

Claims

C L A I M S

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion, deformable means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said deformable connecting means being configurated whereby lateral shifting of the weight of the skier exerts lateral pressure deforming the connecting means to effect movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion.

The ski boot according to claim 1 wherein the outer shell and its sole portion, the ski-engaging portion and the deformable connecting means are of moldable material.

The ski boot according to claim 1 wherein the outer shell and its sole portion, the ski-engaging portion and the deformable connecting means are of resinous material molded as an integral unit.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion, flexible means connecting an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, said flexible connecting means being configurated whereby lateral shifting of the weight of the skier exerts lateral pressure flexing the connecting means to effect movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion to promote maneuvering the ski in negotiating change in direction. A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion, flexible means connecting an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, a heel portion joining the heel region of the sole portion with the ski-engaging portion, said flexible connecting means being configurated whereby lateral shifting of the weight of the skier exerts lateral pressure deforming the connecting means to effect movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion to promote maneuvering of the ski in negotiating change in direction.

The ski boot according to claim 5 wherein the outer shell and its sole portion, the ski-engaging portion, the heel portion and the flexible connecting means are of resinous material molded as an integral unit.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole porton of the outer shell, means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means being of flexible material and configurated whereby lateral shifting of the weight of the skier exerts lateral pressure deforming the connecting means to effect tilting of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, a connection between the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said con nection including means joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, said connection including a portion joining a heel region of the sole portion with a rear-end region of the ski-engaging portion, said connection being of flexible material whereby the weight of the skier when shifted laterally effects deformation of the connection to promote maneuvering of the ski in changing directions.

The ski boot according to claim 8 wherein the heel portion. is of annular configuration.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means including an elongated portion extending longitudinally of the ski boot joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means including a heel portion spaced from said elongated portion joining the heel region of the sole portion with the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means being of deformable material whereby the weight of the skier when shifted laterally exerts pressure deforming the connecting means to effect tilting movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion. The ski boot according to claim 10 wherein the elongated connecting portion is offset to one side of the longitudinal central axis of the ski-engaging portion, and the heel portion joining the heel region of the sole portion with the ski-engaging portion being offset to the opposite side of the central axis of the ski-engaging portion.

The ski boot according to claim 10 wherein the elongated connecting portion is angularly arranged with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the ski-engaging portion.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a, sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means including longitudinally extending laterally spaced portions joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the skiengaging portion, said longitudinally extending portions of deformable material, and a heel portion joining the heel region of the sole portion with the ski-engaging portion.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means being of deformable material whereby the weight of the skier when shifted laterally exerts pressure deforming the connecting means to effect tilting movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion, and removable insert means of deformable material arranged to be disposed in the space between the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means being of deformable material whereby the weight of the skier when shifted laterally exerts pressure deforming the connecting means to effect tilting movement of the outer shell relative to the skiengaging portion, removable inserts arranged to be disposed at each side of the connecting means in the space between the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, means for retaining the inserts in assembled relation with the outer shell and the ski-engaging portion, said inserts being of compressible material, said inserts providing additional resistance to the tilting movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion. The ski boot according to claim 15 including interlocking configurations on the inserts for retaining the inserts in assembled relation with the ski boot.

The ski boot according to claim 15 including removable means for securing the inserts to the ski-engaging portion

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, means connecting the sole portion and the ski-engaging portion, said connecting means including a plurality of cylindrically-shaped portions of deformable material joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, said cylindrically-shaped portions being disposed whereby the weight of the skier when shifted laterally exerts pressure deforming the cylindrically-shaped portions to effect tilting movement of the outer shell relative to the ski-engaging portion.

A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, means comprising an elongated member of deformable material disposed between an intermediate region of the sole portion and an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, means securing the deformable member to the sole portion of the outer shell, and removable means securing the deformable member to the ski-engaging portion. A ski boot comprising an outer shell having a sole portion, a ski-engaging portion spaced from the sole portion of the outer shell, connecting means of flexible material joining an intermediate region of the sole portion with an intermediate region of the ski-engaging portion, a heel portion joining the heel region of the sole portion with a rear-end region of the ski-engaging portion, said heel portion having a recess, a removable insert sole of flexible material in the sole portion of the outer shell, a heel post of compressible material depending from said insert sole and extending into the recess, said insert sole being adapted to be deformed by the weight of the skier to approximate a cavus foot configuration.