WO2013058658A1

WO2013058658A1 - Outer sole for ski boot

Info

Publication number: WO2013058658A1
Application number: PCT/NO2012/050201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Even Wøllo; Aksel Pettersen; Are SAGA
Original assignee: Rottefella As
Priority date: 2011-10-17
Filing date: 2012-10-17
Publication date: 2013-04-25
Also published as: NO20111408A1; NO334100B1

Abstract

A ski shoe sole (1) comprising a sole core, outer sole portions (7), wholly or partially surrounding lip portions (8), and binding attachment means (11). The invention is characterised in that the ski shoe sole (1) comprises a sole core that forms a frame structure (3) and at least one further sole element (2) which is designed to interact with the frame structure (3).

Description

OUTER SOLE FOR SKI BOOT

The present invention relates to an outer sole for a ski boot or shoe, intended in particular for cross-country and other types of ski touring and skiing.

The sport of skiing has undergone a rapid evolution as a result of the technological development of equipment, manufactured waxes, materials, equipment for preparing ski tracks etc. In addition, the change in rules, the development of new competition forms, the springing up of new styles and increasing publicity have contributed to a change in needs and requirements as regards equipment.

Regardless of the level skied at or the style used, an efficient propulsion on skis is based on an interaction between skis, ski boots/shoes, bindings, waxes, technique, the surface being skied on and many other factors. Ski shoes are to meet many different

requirements, as, for instance, protecting the feet from the external elements, providing comfort and not least contributing to a maximally optimal transfer of forces from a skier to the surface. For example, the various styles place different demands on the ski shoes. In the classical style, where diagonal stride is a key element, the ski shoe should preferably be quite flexible in the longitudinal direction, whilst there is no great need for torsional rigidity or ankle support. Most skiers want a light and flexible shoe, which provides good contact with and feeling of the surface. In the style known as skating or ski skating, the relationship is almost the reverse. The skating motion requires the ski shoe to be rigid and provide good ankle support. Of particular importance is torsional rigidity, but rigidity in the longitudinal direction is also desirable. These two extremes illustrate the major differences in properties that are found between the different ski shoes. In addition, there are touring shoes that ought to be warm and give good ankle support, but still be soft and comfortable both when skiing and when walking in the woods or indoors without skis, or, for example, combination shoes which are designed to be used for both classical skiing and ski skating. No matter what style or what properties are appreciated the most, the properties and structure of the shoe will have a great effect on how the skier subjectively and objectively finds the ski shoe functions, and how efficiently it helps the skier to create maximum propulsion in the ski track or over the terrain.

An aspect of the present invention relates precisely to the maximally optimal transfer of forces from a skier, via his skis, to the surface. Traditionally, ski shoes have been made in the same way as ordinary shoes or boots, that is to say, they have been made on a last and with a sole consisting of, inter alia, an outer sole, inner sole, mid-sole and heel, an upper, a tongue, and lacing, the shoe or boot having been joined together by means of sewn seams, adhesive and/or rivets. The resulting ski shoe is thus endowed with properties that, to a large extent, are the sum of the properties of the individual parts that have been put together. Although the manufacturing methods have undergone considerable developments and have become more rational in that synthetic materials are used that are easier and more expedient to handle and process and in that the manufacturing is primarily mechanical, this traditional method of manufacture is often time-consuming, costly and inefficient.

Another aspect of the present invention is to facilitate and improve the manufacturing methods in the production of ski shoes, such that a better result can be achieved more easily.

As mentioned, the properties of the ski shoe consist largely of the sum of the properties of the individual parts that are put together. As there are many different areas of application for and requirements with respect to different ski shoes, a shoe manufacturer wishing to offer a wide range, must provide and store a great number of different parts which then have to be put together in a particular way in order to be able to fabricate ski shoes of different sizes for different use and in different price classes. All the different property requirements, sizes and applications therefore make the logistics around to the production of ski shoes demanding and costly.

A third aspect of the present invention is to facilitate and improve the manufacturing methods in the production of ski shoes such that the logistics around the production of ski shoes are simplified and the number of production machines for the manufacture of ski shoes is reduced.

A fourth aspect of the invention is to gain greater control of the quality and properties of the end product. The applicant is primarily a manufacturer of ski binding systems, but has recognised that the consumer's impressions and opinions of the applicant's products are based on the experience of the whole end product. The skis and ski shoes are a part of this end product, in addition to the bindings. It is therefore of importance for the applicant that all parts function optimally individually and together, and in addition can be quality assured by the applicant. The object of the present invention is to provide a sole, which contributes to improving the properties of a ski shoe, or boot, which makes it easier and less costly to provide a ski shoe having the desired properties and/or which simplifies the logistics around the production of ski shoes.

According to the present invention, at least one of the aforementioned objects is achieved by means of a skiing sole according to attached claim 1. Other advantageous or alternative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the independent claims. Below follows a detailed description of the present invention with reference to the attached figures, wherein

Fig. 1 is a side view of a skiing sole according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows the underside of the skiing sole in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows the tip of the skiing sole in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4 shows the heel portion of the skiing sole in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the skiing sole in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section of the skiing sole in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 shows a frame structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 shows a shank/stiffening plate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 shows moulded outer sole portions and surrounding lip portions capable of fitting the frame structure in Fig. 7;

Figs. 10 and 1 1 show a shank/stiffening plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 1 -1 1 show a skiing sole 1 where several properties are incorporated into the sole during production. These properties correspond to or exceed the properties which the individual, traditional ski shoe parts give to a finished ski shoe, such as, inter alia, longitudinal rigidity/flexibility, torsional rigidity, wear resistance and grip. In this way, the construction of the ski shoe upper can be simplified greatly, whilst there is little increase in either the complexity or costs of production of the sole. By means of a few measures and decisions, the production parameters can be altered in existing production apparatus, thereby changing the properties of the end-produced soles and intended areas of application.

The production parameters that can be altered include the rigidity of the moulded sole elements, the composition and properties of the material used in moulding/injection moulding and the addition or subtraction of certain structural details in different parts of the sole, such as weakness zones or lines, stiffening, lattice-like ribs in lugs and moulded sole elements, and slats or lattice-like ribs between different parts of or zones in the sole structure. In addition, the choice may be made to provide an integral heel cap or other caps or anchorage points around the sole in order to provide certain properties.

All in all, a sole according to the present invention will help to simplify the manufacture of the whole ski shoe, as properties which traditionally have been added by shoe elements other than the outer sole per se, such as stability ( heel cap, shank), rigidity in the longitudinal direction (shank, intermediate sole, mid-sole, inner sole), torsional rigidity (shank, intermediate sole, mid-sole, inner sole) may now be built into the sole at the outset, without the same need for adding or introducing elements having certain properties when the sole according to the present invention is joined to the shoe upper.

It will be understood that the present invention will enable substantial savings to be made in the production of ski shoes. By making a number of preliminary choices concerning the end properties of the skiing sole, production can be started on a batch of soles having the desired properties. For example, it can be decided that the sole should be size 42 and be designed for use in connection with skating. The production equipment comprising sole moulds, injection moulding equipment, mixing vessels for different injection moulding agents and supply means for different stiffening elements that are to be moulded into the sole, is prepared and started up. After the sole with the specified properties has been made, the upper can be mounted thereon, but since the sole according to the present invention is made with such attention to detail and provided with properties, this subsequent operation will be easier and less costly than has traditionally been usual. According to the present invention, it is possible, for example, not to provide a separate shank, intermediate sole and/or heel cap, because the properties of these sole elements are already built into the sole according to the present invention.

An important element in the sole according to one embodiment of the present invention is an integral shank/stiffening plate, ref. Fig. 8. The shank/stiffening plate 2 has a form that fits into a predetermined position in a frame structure 3, ref. Figure 7. Independent of the specific properties that different selectable shanks/stiffening plates 2 have, each shank/stiffening plate 2 can be combined with any frame structure 3, both as regards sole size, sole configuration and other properties that it is desired to build into the end sole.

The shank/stiffening plate 2 is adapted to the intended area of application, and can be provided with diagonal stiffeners 4, ribs 5 and other elements that affect the bending properties in a desired manner. The shank/stiffening plate 2 can be made of plastic materials, carbon fibre, glass fibre, metal or combinations thereof. In Figure 7, the diagonal stiffeners 4 and ribs 5 are shown integrated into the frame structure 3, but according to another embodiment of the present invention, they may be incorporated into the shank/stiffening plate 2.

During the production of the sole 1 , a suitable shank/stiffening plate 2 is chosen, which, according to an embodiment of the invention, forms the starting point for the further sole construction. The shank/stiffening plate 2 is placed in the predetermined position in the sole mould (not shown), after which a core material is injected into the mould around the shank/stiffening plate 2. This core material forms the frame structure 3. Other sole elements, such as diagonal stiffeners, ribs, lugs etc., may also be placed in the sole mould together with the shank/stiffening plate 2 before the core material is injected into the mould. Adjustments of the sole mould may also be made that will actuate the formation of weakness lines 6 or weakness zones. The core material that is then injected into the sole mould can be adjusted such that it has a specific stiffness. The properties of the sole core/frame structure 3 can be determined by the actual core material that is injected into the sole mould, its thickness and the way in which it interacts with other sole elements. An intermediate product is thus formed comprising a ready moulded sole core/frame structure 3 and an embedded shank/stiffening plate 2, which then can be moved to a new injection mould for further processing. This next processing step may, for example, involve the injection moulding on of a soft material, which will form a friction and traction surface 7 on the underside of the shoe (i.e., corresponding to the traditional outer sole) and form a sole bed on the upper side of the sole, optionally comprising one or more lips 8 around the edge of the sole structure, a toecap, a part of or a whole heel cap and one or more points of attachment for buckles/clips or other types of stabilising elements. The sole bed can be made so thick that it contributes to making the shoe more comfortable to walk on, has an insulating effect or makes space for other embedded structural sole elements that can further contribute to improving the function of the finished shoe. The softer materials that are injection moulded on the underside and upper side of the sole core may be the same material and be joined through suitable holes or lugs, or cover the entire sole core thereby rendering it invisible. Alternatively, the softer materials that are injection moulded on the underside and upper side of the sole core may be of different materials having different properties that are wholly or partially separated.

According to the present invention, the sole core forms a frame 3 that constitutes points of attachment for additional sole elements. A sole element may be the aforementioned shank/stiffening plate 2. Other sole elements may also be connected to the frame, such as a heel cap, tensioning means that project up from the sole on either side and which can be tied, locked or in some other way fastened on top of the instep or around the ankle, and, for example, a stiffening plate or plates in the forward part of the shoe sole (not shown). Some or all of these sole elements may either form a part of the frame 3 or be fastened to the frame 3. The sole core or frame 3 thus forms a chassis that is to fulfil most or all of the bearing and stiffening functions that a ski shoe has.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned

shank/stiffening plate 2 may be designed such that it is removable and replaceable, thereby allowing an athlete to tune or adapt the properties of the ski shoe to specific conditions, for example, the athlete's weight, changing snow conditions or different skiing techniques. The shank/stiffening plate 2 may, for example, be replaced from one of the sides, from the back, from the inside (as shown in Figures 7-9) or from the outside of the shoe sole. The alternative shank(s)/stiffening plate(s) 2 could then have other stiffnesses, be made of other materials or have other bending properties, depending on what is expedient. For example, a shank/stiffening plate 2 may be especially adapted to skating in hard conditions, another shank/stiffening plate 2 may be adapted to skating in soft conditions, a third shank/stiffening plate 2 may be adapted to diagonal stride etc.

Alternatively, the shank/stiffening plate 2 may be designed such that it can be inserted into the shoe core or frame 3 during or after the final assembly of the whole ski shoe. If a player other than the sole manufacturer mounts the upper on the skiing sole, this player can then mount the upper on the shoe sole, whilst selecting a shank/stiffening plate 2 that is well suited to the mounted upper and the intended area of application of the ski shoe.

The shank/stiffening plate 2 has a form that interacts and works well with the frame 3. The shank/stiffening plate 2 may be essentially planar or flat, but it can also have a three-dimensional shape. It may be equipped with slats, ribs, bars 9 or combinations thereof. These slats, ribs and/or bars can be formed in that the shank/stiffening plate 2 is moulded in one piece or made from one piece, or it can be formed of several individual parts that are joined together in a suitable way. If fibre materials are used, for example, carbon fibre or composite materials, the stiffening plate 2 can be made such that it has optimal bending properties in the longitudinal and the transverse direction. The stiffening plates 2 can be made in a non-symmetrical way such that the bending properties in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction are mirror-inverted for right and left shoes. Alternatively, the stiffening plates 2 can be configured such that they can easily be turned, and that the only difference between the stiffening plates 2 in the right and the left shoe is which way they face.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole element 2 can be fastened and replaced by the athlete from the outside of the shoe. If the snow conditions so dictate, if the athlete desires a different stiffness or characteristic in the shoe, or if the athlete is going to change technique or style, the element is fastened and replaced by the athlete from the outside of the shoe. An embodiment of this kind is, for example, shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the shank/stiffening plate 2 is fastened by means of screws. Other fastening mechanisms/methods are also possible. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the shank/stiffening plate 2 comprises a plate and slats, ribs or bars 9. The shank/stiffening plate 2 can be attached to the outer sole as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, either alone, or on top of another factory-mounted or fixedly mounted shank/stiffening plate 2. Figs. 10 and 11 show that the shank/stiffening plate 2 has been screwed in place, but other fastening methods, both temporary and more permanent, are conceivable. The embodiment shown in Fig. 11 comprises cut-outs or openings in the shank/stiffening plate 2. The embodiment in Fig. 11 is, for example, able to affect the torsional rigidity of the shoe without affecting the longitudinal rigidity to any great extent. The sole element 2 can be fastened to or inserted into the frame structure 3 by being snapped mechanically into place in the frame structure 3 with the aid of suitable mechanical fasteners, optionally it can be screwed in place. The sole element 2 can also be arranged in a closed chamber or space inside the frame structure 3, without it being secured in place per se. Such reversible fastening or arrangement methods will be particularly suitable for embodiments where it is a point that the sole elements 2 can be replaced or adapted by the user of the ski shoe. Alternatively, the sole element 2 can be glued, bonded or moulded in place on a more permanent basis.

Although the figures show that the stiffening plate 2 is arranged in the area under the arch of the foot, one or more stiffening plates or other sole elements may also be arranged on parts of the frame, for example, under the ball of the foot, the toes or the heel (not shown).

In one embodiment, the frame structure 3 comprises one or more shaped holes, pockets, channels or recesses 10, in which there may be inserted or placed one or more plates, slats, bars and/or other sole elements 2 that affect the properties of the ski shoe, for example, its longitudinal rigidity, torsional rigidity, balance or the like.

In another embodiment, other elements having other functions can be integrated with the frame structure 3, for example, a heel cap, toecap, tensioning means, fastening eyelet or combinations thereof. By integrating these elements in the frame structure 3, a more overall approach can be taken and substantial weight and materials savings made, whilst the end product and its properties are better and more predictable. This way of constructing a ski shoe could also have a positive effect on the design of the shoe, as shape and function will be linked together in a different way than before.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the sole elements 2 may be of uniform size across all shoe sizes or across several shoe sizes, such that it is not necessary to provide sole elements 2 of different sizes for each different shoe size. Alternatively, it is possible to adapt the size and properties of the sole elements 2 according to the shoe size. The last-mentioned case will be most suitable for ski shoes in the premium segment.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s

1. A ski shoe sole (1) comprising a sole core, outer sole portions (7), wholly or partially surrounding lip portions (8), and binding attachment means (11), characterised in that the ski shoe sole (1) comprises a sole core that forms a frame structure (3) and at least one further sole element (2) which is designed to interact with the frame structure (3)·

2. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the sole element (2) is a shank/stiffening plate.

3. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the outer sole portions (7) and the lip portions (8) are one part.

4. A ski shoe sole according to claim 3, wherein the outer sole portions (7) and the lip portions (8) are made such that they run through the sole core (3).

5. A ski shoe sole according to claim 2, wherein the shank/stiffening plate is made having a predetermined longitudinal rigidity and torsional rigidity, these properties being capable of being determined independent of one another.

6. A ski shoe sole according to claim 5, wherein the shank/stiffening plate is three- dimensional and comprises slats, ribs or bars of the same or different material as the shank/stiffening plate (2).

7. A ski shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the shank/stiffening plate, slats, ribs and bars are made of a plastic material, metal, fibre material or combinations thereof.

8. A ski shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the three-dimensional

shank/stiffening plate is moulded in one piece.

9. A ski shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the three-dimensional

shank/stiffening plate is composed of several separate parts.

10. A ski shoe sole according to claim 6, wherein the three-dimensional

shank/stiffening plate comprises a lattice-like structure.

1 1. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the sole element (2) comprises a stiffening plate, stiffening slat, stiffening rib, stiffening bar or combinations thereof.

12. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1 1 , wherein a sole element (2) comprising a plate, slat, rib or bar is designed to be insertable into a shaped pocket, channel, recess or hole (10) in the frame structure (3).

13. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the sole element (2) comprises a heel cap, toecap, tensioning means, fastening eyelet or combinations thereof.

14. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1 , wherein the size of the sole element (2) is uniform and independent of the size of the ski shoe.

15. A ski shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the size and properties of the sole element (2) depend on the size of the ski shoe.