Patent Application
20240423317
Generally, the inventive technology disclosed herein relates to the field of protective sporting footwear, and in particular a ski boot for alpine of telemark skiing.
Traditional rear-entry ski boots include a rigid shell shaped to accommodate the foot. In one example, a traditional rear-entry ski boot used for alpine skiing may include a rigid cuff and tongue which are shaped to surround the ankle and may be hinged on a midfoot portion so to be rotatable about a transversal reference axis across the instep. Compression of the rigid cuff, tongue and midfoot portion of a traditional ski boot around a user's foot and lower leg is typically accomplished by a series of large buckles and/or straps positioned on the front portion of the boot's tongue and midfoot. These buckles can be manually engaged to provide support based on the compression of the outer rigid-shell against the user's entire foot, ankle, and lower leg. Because this compressive force is uniform across the entire lower extremity, traditional ski boots can be difficult to fit and uncomfortable, especially when worn for extended periods of time.
As such, there exist a need for an improved ski boot that can provide sufficient support and stabilization required for skiing, while also providing a more comfortable and flexible ski boot frame that includes directed compressive forces that can be directed to specific portions of the user's lower extremities without requiring the compression of the entire rigid boot frame.
One aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot and method of use thereof.
Another aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot having one or more compression recesses adapted to secure one or more compression assemblies responsive to a compression cord and actuator. In this preferred embodiment, engagement of the actuator retracts the compression cord causing a responsive compression assembly to compress inward securing the user's lower leg, ankle, and foot in the frame.
Another aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot having an actuator responsive to a compression cord secured within a channel positioned on the tongue of the boot's frame. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is positioned to allow the compression cord to cross a plurality of compression recesses on the tongue of the disarticulated compression frame. In this preferred aspect, a compression assembly is positioned within each of the compression recesses on the tongue of the disarticulated compression frame and further secured to the compression cord, wherein engagement of the actuator retracts said compression cord causing the corresponding responsive compression assemblies to compress inward and secure a user's limb within the frame.
Another aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot having an actuator responsive to a compression cord secured within a channel of the midfoot. In a preferred aspect, the channel is positioned to allow the compression cord to cross a plurality of compression recesses on the midfoot of the disarticulated compression frame. In this preferred aspect, a compression assembly is positioned within each of the compression recesses on the midfoot of the disarticulated compression frame and further secured to the compression cord, wherein engagement of the actuator retracts the compression cord causing the corresponding responsive compression assemblies to compress inward and secure a user's limb within the frame.
Another aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot having an actuator responsive to a compression cord secured within a channel of the cuff. In a preferred aspect, the channel is positioned to allow the compression cord to cross a plurality of compression recesses on the cuff of said disarticulated compression frame. In this preferred aspect, a compression assembly is positioned within each of the compression recesses on the cuff of the disarticulated compression frame and further secured to the compression cord, wherein engagement of the actuator retracts said compression cord causing the corresponding responsive compression assemblies to compress inward and secure a user's limb within the frame.
Another aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot having a tongue, a cuff, and a midfoot. In a preferred embodiment, the frame includes an actuator responsive to at least one compression cord that may further be secured within a channel that is positioned on the frame to allow the cord to cross an interface joint between the tongue and the cuff. Engagement of the actuator retracts the compression cord causing the interface joint between the tongue and the cuff to be compressed together so as to secure a user's limb within the frame.
Another aspect of the inventive technology disclosed herein includes a novel disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot having a tongue, a cuff, and a midfoot, coupled by a flexible interface.
Further objects of the inventive technology will become apparent from the description and drawings below.
The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in a variety of different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.
The invention described herein include an improved ski boot, and in particular an improved disarticulated compression frame (1) for a rear-entry compression ski boot. As shown in the preferred embodiment of the Figures, a disarticulated compression frame (1) of a ski boot may include a tongue (2) positioned in front of a cuff (3) portion that when compressed together form a shell around the lower leg and ankle of a user. As shown in
As further shown in
The disarticulated compression frame (1) includes a tongue (2), a cuff (3), and a midfoot (7). In a preferred embodiment, the cuff (3) of the disarticulated compression frame (1) may be adjustable in a linear direction in-line with the midfoot (7) allowing a user to insert their foot and lower leg into the frame (1). In the preferred embodiment shown in
The disarticulated compression frame (1) of the invention includes an actuator (14) that may further be responsive to one, or more compression cords (15). In the preferred embodiment of
In a preferred embodiment, one or more channels (16) of the invention are positioned to allow a corresponding compression cord (15) to cross an interface joint (18) between the tongue (2) and cuff (3) of the disarticulated compression frame (1). In this configuration, engagement of the actuator (14) retracts the responsive compression cord(s) (15) causing the interface joint (18) between the tongue (2) and the cuff (3) to be compressed together thereby securing the user's lower leg, ankle and foot in the disarticulated compression frame (1).
In another preferred embodiment, one or more buckles (27) or other fastener are positioned so as to cross an interface joint (18) between the tongue (2) and cuff (3) of the disarticulated compression frame (1). In this configuration, engagement of the buckle (27) causes the interface joint (18) between the tongue (2) and the cuff (3) to be compressed together thereby securing the user's lower leg, ankle and foot in the disarticulated compression frame (1).
The actuator (14) of the invention, in a preferred embodiment may be locked, manually or automatically, in the desired position based on the degree and number of turns executed by the user to retract the responsive compression cord(s) (15). Releasing the actuator (14) causes the responsive compression cord(s) (15) to release the compression force applied to the interface joint (18) between the tongue (2) and the cuff (3) thereby allowing the user to separate the cuff (2) and tongue (3), for example by engaging the swivel joint (13) on the rear of the cuff (3) thereby allowing the user to remove the compression exerted on their lower extremity.
As shown in
The inventive technology may include a compression assembly (21), which as shown in
A variety of matrix configurations or materials may be contemplated in this invention. For example, in certain alternative embodiments, the compression matrix (23) may include a solid compressible material, such as a gel or soft plastic or other elastic material. In additional embodiments, a collapsible scaffold matrix may include a series of springs or other supports that are positioned between, or coupled with the internal and/or external surfaces (22, 24) respectively, and further configured to be compressed in response to an externally applied force, such as applied by contact with a user's foot or lower leg in one embodiment. Notably, the internal or external surfaces (22, 24) and compression matrix (23) may comprise a single integral component. In this preferred embodiment, the compression assembly (21) may be formed by a 3D printing process, however additional methods of manufacture are also contemplated within the scope of the invention, including various molding techniques, such an injection, compression, blow, or rotational molding and the like.
As shown in
In another embodiment, the invention may include one or more disarticulated compression assemblies (21) each positioned within a compression recess (20) and further responsive to a actuator (14) through one or more compression cords (15). In a preferred embodiment, a compression assembly (21) of the invention may include an extended compression matrix (23) that may be between ⅛ and 4 inches in thickness. In this embodiment, engagement of the actuator (14) causes retraction of a compression cord (15) which causes the coupled compression assemblies (21), having an extended compression matrix (23), to contract generating an inward compressive force. This compressive force may work to secure a user's limb within disarticulated compression frame (1). In this preferred embodiment, one or more compression cords (15) may be configured to be positioned within a channel (16) within, or on the disarticulated compression frame (1). Such a channel (16) may include a hollow aperture where a compression cord (15) may be positioned such that it may be extended and/or retracted in response to an actuator (14). In this embodiment, one or more portions of the compression cord (15) may be anchored or represent an anchor cord (19) position-such components being, in some cases the same. The compression cord (15) of the invention may be coupled with a compression actuator (14) and further positioned within a channel (16) that traverses a compression recess (20), such that the compression cord (15) can engage and secure one or more disarticulated compression assemblies (21) within the recess.
In still other embodiments, a compression cord (15) of the invention may be coupled with an actuator (18) and further positioned within a channel (16) that extends horizontally or laterally across a compression recess (20), such that the compression cord (15) can engage and secure a disarticulate compression assembly (21) within the recess laterally or horizontally, a combination of the same, or even at one or more angles. As show in
In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, an actuator (14) may be coupled with a compression assembly (21) in such a manner as to secure it within the compression recess (20). This actuator (14) may further be configured to position and/or secure the compression assembly (21) such that it is freely tractable in one, or multiple directions in response to the action of the actuator (14). It should be understood that for purposes of this invention an actuator (14) encompasses any apparatus that may be configured to adjust the movement of another portion of a compression assembly (21). In a preferred embodiment, an actuator (14) may be any apparatus that may be configured to adjust the movement of the disarticulated compression frame (1), such as the tongue (2) and cuff (3) in relation to one another, and/or an actuator (14) may be any apparatus that may be configured to adjust the movement of both. Examples of such compression actuators may include a strap compression actuator; an air pressure compression actuator; an automatic compression actuator; a twist compression actuator; and a detachable compression actuator.
As noted above, an actuator (14) may be coupled with the compression assembly (21) through one or a plurality of compression cords (15). Again, as shown in the
As further shown in
In one embodiment, the compression assemblies (21) may be configured to have sufficient width that when the user's limb is positioned within the internal cavity of the frame (1) the compression assemblies (21) are pushed outward forming the staggered alignment between the channels (16) and the surface of the frame (1) and slots (25). In this embodiment, the compression cord (15) may initially be configured to be sufficiently loose to allow the expansion of the compression assemblies (21) in response to the insertion of the user's limb into the frame (1). As noted above, the actuator (14) may be adjusted by the user to increase or decrease compression of the tongue (2) and cuff (3), as well as the compression assemblies (21) needed.
The invention may include an disarticulated compression frame (1), and preferably a disarticulated 3D printed disarticulated compression frame (1) generated by a rapid 3D printing/prototyping, configured to exhibit enhanced compression of the user's limb positioned within the frame (1). In this preferred embodiment, a 3D disarticulated compression frame (1) having a one or series of coupled compression assemblies (1) are positioned in an off-set or staggered configuration compared to a channel (16) on the external or internal frame (1) surface. In this preferred embodiment, activation of the actuator (14) may cause the compression cord (15) to retract causing the compression assembly (21) to compress against the user's limb positioned within the internal cavity of the frame (1), wherein the staggered configuration generates a longer transit distance of the compression assembly (21) generating enhanced compression against a limb positioned within the internal cavity of the frame (10), than if the channels (16) and compression assembly slots (25) were approximately aligned.
In the preferred embodiment shown in
In this embodiment, a second actuator (14), responsive to at least one second compression cord (15) positioned with second channel (16) positioned to allow the second compression cord (15) to cross a plurality of compression recesses (20) on the midfoot (7) of the disarticulated compression frame (1). A second compression assembly (21) can be positioned within each of the compression recesses (20) on the midfoot (7) of the disarticulated compression frame (1), and secured to the second compression cord (15), wherein engagement of the second actuator (14) retracts the second compression cord (15) causing the second compression assemblies (21) to compress inward and secure a user's foot within the frame in a synchronized manner.
Naturally, additional compression recesses (20) and compression assemblies (23) can be positioned in a number of positions on the disarticulated compression frame (1), and as such the above examples are exemplary only and not intended to be limiting on the broad scope of the invention generally.
In one embodiment the invention may include an improved 3D printed disarticulated compression frame (1). In one preferred embodiment, an evaluation of a user in need of a ski boot may be performed and the initial three-dimensional shape of the user's lower leg, ankle and foot may be manually or digitally generated. The digital generation of this 3D model may be captured by invasive, or non-invasive diagnostic techniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, this 3D model of the user's lower limb may be digitally captured and communicated to a computer system that may further process the 3D model and generate a digital output for a customized 3D printed disarticulated compression frame (1) configured to conform to the shape of the 3D model of the user's lower limb. In this embodiment, the digital output for a customized 3D printed disarticulated compression frame (1) may be transmitted to a fabrication component or may be outputted into a CAD or other file format for automated mechanical or manual production. In another preferred embodiment, the computer system may upload the 3D model and generate a digital output for a customized 3D printed disarticulated compression frame (1) configured to conform to the shape of the 3D model of the user's lower limb that may further be input into a 3D fabrication device, such as a 3D printer. The 3D printing device may execute the 3D model file and fabricate a disarticulated compression frame (1) configured to conform to the shape of the 3D model of the user's lower limb. Notably, the size, and position of the one or more compression recesses (20) can be adjusted in position as well as dimension to customize the adaptive compression provided by the disarticulated compression assemblies (21) as described herein. Generally, a disarticulated compression frame (1) may be generated by a rapid 3D printing/prototyping process may be made from a variety of materials, and preferably composites, generally known in the art.
Naturally, all embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technology consistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generally involves systems, methods, techniques as well as devices to accomplish an improved disarticulated compression frame for a ski boot. In this application, the methods and apparatus for the aforementioned systems are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the statements of invention. As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate system. In this application, the techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention may be described in some instances in method-oriented terminology, each element of the claims corresponds to a device and vice versa. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting any claims. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “support” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “supporting”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “supporting”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “supporting method and/or technique, and/or device” and even a “means for supporting.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent, such as in the specification or an IDS are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Finally, all references listed in the list of References To Be Incorporated By Reference In Accordance With The patent application or other information disclosure statement and the like filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the methods and/or apparatus for providing a disarticulated compression frame as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.
With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123 (2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. It should be understood that this application also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.
Any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The inventive subject matter is to include, but certainly not be limited as, a system substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the Figures and Description (including the following: for example, the process according to any claims and further comprising any of the steps as shown in any Figures, separately, in any combination or permutation).
Finally, Applicant reserves the right to seek additional design patent protections over the claimed invention; such that the drawings are fully enabled so as to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to know that the claimed design was in Applicant's possession at the time of filing. As such, it should be noted that any broken lines are to be included for the purpose of illustrating environmental matter and form no part of the claimed design should such become necessary.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/355,360, filed Jun. 24, 2022. The entire specification and figures of the above-referenced application are hereby incorporated, in their entirety by reference.
