Patent Application
20120117829
The present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory. More specifically, the present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole.
Ski boots are traditionally fabricated from rigid synthetic material in a form designed to rigidly support the user's ankle in a fixed position relative to the sole of the foot to enable the skier to exercise positive control over the action of the skis. Anyone that has walked in ski boots knows the inflexible sole and the ankle support makes walking an uncomfortable experience and knows that ski boots greatly restrict mobility. Loosening the boot clamps enables the foot to move within the boot, but walking with the clamps loosened can cause chafing and blistering of the foot if extended walking is required. In addition, walking in ski boots can cause wear and other damage to the sole of the ski boot as well as to the flanges on the front and back of the boots. Wear and damage to the flanges can impact the safety and performance of the ski boot, particularly with respect to the boots stability within the ski's bindings.
Previous attempts have been made to provide a solution to the problems presented by walking in ski boots. However, existing solutions have all fallen short. Representative examples are described as follows.
Walking blocks have been used for attachment to shoes. For example in U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,213 semi-cylindrical blocks have been attached to street shoes for purposes of amusement, because the peculiar walking action that results from use of the semi cylindrical blocks.
Similarly, walking blocks have also been adapted for use with downhill ski boots as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620, in which generally rectangular blocks are secured to the central portion of the sole of the ski boot which enables the skier to walk with a type of rocking motion. However, the small walking blocks taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620 are relatively unstable, making walking difficult, particularly in slippery areas, and require frequent attachment and dis-attachment.
In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,037, a ski boot appliance for improved traction and wear protection is provided. The disclosed appliance includes heel and to portions with treaded soles. However, while the appliance addresses some of the concerns of protecting the ski boot flanges and sole, the appliance does not improve comfort and mobility, nor is the appliance adapted for use with various boot sizes.
In addition, each of the attempts by existing attempts to solve the problems discussed herein rely on large and bulky materials or appliances that are not easily carried with the skier when not in use. A user would make greater use of such devices if the device could more easily be carried and stored, particularly if a user is able to contain the device within a pocket or such.
Accordingly, there is a need for a ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole, particularly one that is easily stored when not in use.
The subject matter addressed herein addresses these issues by providing an adjustable ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole. In addition, the ski boot accessory may be easily stored when not in use. For example, in certain contemplated embodiments, the ski boot accessory may be folded and stored in the pocket of a ski garment when not in use.
In one contemplated embodiment, the ski boot accessory includes two soles, one sole for each ski boot. Each sole includes two pieces that are uniquely joined by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes. The surfaces of the sole pieces that interface with the walking surface are generally curved to enable the skier to walk with a rocking type of motion. In addition, the soles are constructed of a material that dampens the impact of the boot bottom as it collides with the ground when walking. The combination of the rocking motion along with the dampening makes the down hill ski boot much easier to get around in. In addition, the sole surface may be ribbed to enhance traction when walking.
Particularly, the benefits of the claimed subject matter are provided by the unique combination of elements described herein, including: (1) the curved sole; (2) the elastomeric binding catch mechanisms; (3) the boot protector end pieces; (4) the adjustable length strap; (5) the traction ribbing and (6) the manner in which the two soles fit together in a relatively compact form enabling the easier storage and transportation. An example of a ski boot accessory incorporating these elements is described as follows.
The ski boot accessory includes two soles, each of which includes two pieces; a front piece and a back piece. The front and back pieces of each sole combine to form a walking surface, which interfaces the ground when the skier is walking. The shape of the bottom of the sole pieces (i.e., the walking surface) has a large effect on the comfort and mobility of the device in use. Accordingly, the bottom of the sole pieces that form the walking surface are generally curved (i.e., convex) at the outer portions and flat towards the center portions to enable the skier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe, type of motion
In addition, each of the pieces (e.g., each front piece and each rear piece) has a unique binding catch mechanism to fit around and secured to the binding catch portion of the downhill ski boot. In a contemplated embodiment, the binding catch mechanism is formed integral with the sole pieces from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretch of the elastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms keep the soles snugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot when walking.
The binding catch mechanisms also function to protect the front and rear ends of the boot and the binding catch portions. Due to the elastomeric material used, the binding catch mechanisms may act as bumpers, or shock absorbers, to lessen the impact on the boots from contact to the ski boot accessory.
Each of the two soles includes two pieces, a front piece and a rear piece, that are joined together by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strap enables the two pieces to be moved longitudinally relative to each other, thereby increasing or decreasing the overall length of the sole. The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes. In one contemplated embodiment, the adjustable strap is a one-piece element formed unitarily with one of the sole pieces (e.g., the front piece or the rear piece) that mates with any one of a plurality of receiving holes in the corresponding sole piece. By selecting amongst the plurality of receiving holes, the length may be appropriately varied. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the number of receiving holes and the distance between the receiving holes affects the adjustability of the device.
As noted, the ski boot accessory may be formed of an elastic, resilient polymeric material. The properties of the material used to form the ski boot accessory may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walking. In addition, the sole bottom may be provided with ribs or other types of surface irregularities to provide traction when used to walk.
The ski boot accessory is carefully designed to be able to be folded, each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzle pieces. This unique design feature enables the ski boot accessory to be folded in such a way as to maximize it compactness so it can be easily stored and transported, for example in the pocket of a ski jacket.
It is therefore an advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to enable a user greater comfort and mobility when walking in ski boots.
It is another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to protect the sole and binding catch elements of the ski boot from wear and damage.
It is yet another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to be stored compactly.
It is still another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to be adjustable to a wide range of ski boot sizes.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
The example of the ski boot accessory 10 shown in
As shown in
In embodiment shown in
As shown in
Turning now to
The geometry of the walking surface 18 has a substantial effect on the comfort and mobility of the ski boot accessory 10 in use. In the example shown in
In the example provided, the middle of the walking surface 18 is a flat surface which may rest flatly on the ground while the outer edges of the walking surface 18 slope away from the ground. For example, the flat center surface may be approximately one inch wide and the sloping portions may angle up from the ground at an angle of approximately five to fifteen degrees. The angled portion of the walking surface 18 may be angled linearly at a single angle or may include several segments angled at different angles (e.g., an inner section angled at five degrees, a middle section angled at ten degrees and an outer section angled at fifteen degrees). Alternatively, the entirety of the sloping portions, or any one or more segments thereof, may be radiused or otherwise curved. It is also understood that the entirety of the walking surface 18 may be sloping or curved.
As further shown in
Turning now to
In the embodiment shown in
As shown in
It is contemplated that in embodiments in which the elastomeric materials are used to form the ski boot accessory 10, various elements of the ski boot accessory 10 may be reinforced by metal cabling or wires to increase the ski boot accessory's 10 resistance to wear and degradation. For example, the adjustable strap 16 and/or the binding catch mechanisms 22 may be reinforced. It is further understood that other materials may be used for reinforcement, such as, for example, other polymeric materials, resilient fabrics or fibers, etc.
Various embellishments and adornments may be provided in the ski boot accessory 10. For example, it is contemplated that one or more miniature diode lights may be provided around the edge of the ski boot accessory 10 such that the diodes may light on impact or, alternatively, be activated by a switch.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.
