SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR SKI BOOT TIGHTENING, LOOSENING, AND CUSTOMIZATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ski boot devices and adjustment mechanisms, and more particularly, to ski boot tightening and loosening mechanisms and processes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional ski boots are tight fitting, difficult to walk in, and have tightening/loosening mechanisms which are cumbersome to operate. A ski boot has a fairly rigid outer structure that helps prevent a skier's foot from moving within the ski boot while the skier is skiing. When putting on or taking off a ski boot, a skier often needs to forcefully push or pull his or her foot into or out of the ski boot, and to try different positions (e.g., sitting, standing, and switching between sitting and standing) while attempting to put on or remove the ski boot. Additionally, mechanical straps used to tighten or loosen the ski boot tend to require a lot of force to disengage and/or reset them. The skier generally needs to stretch, bend, and manually manipulate the ski boot straps every time he or she wishes to adjust the fit of the ski boot

While adjustable straps can be manipulated to change the fit of the ski boot, they are sometimes set in a configuration which is either too loose or too tight for walking or skiing. This can occur when initially putting on the ski boot or while skiing as pressure inside the boot changes. Straps that are too tightly set can cause shin pain when the skier walks around in the ski boots because the shin portion of the outer rigid structure of the boot presses against the skier's shin. Straps that are too loosely set can cause the skier's foot to slide around within the boot while walking or skiing. Incrementally changing conventional ski boot strap settings to the next highest or lowest setting to increase or decrease the pressure of the fit of the ski boot about the skier's foot/leg may inadvertently overlytighten or overly loosen the ski boot. In other words, the incremental change in the strap may undershoot or overshoot a skier's desired pressure level. A skier who is outside and wishes to adjust a ski boot often has to stretch, bend, and manually manipulate these straps while standing on snow, ice, or other slippery surfaces, which can be dangerous. Putting on, removing, and adjusting conventional ski boots can thus be an arduous process, whether inside or outside, and particularly for older, handicapped, disabled, and/or injured people with limited flexibility and range of motion.

Over the course of a day, a skier may need to repeatedly put on, tighten, loosen, and take off ski boots. When temperature and pressure within the ski boot change during use, the skier may wish to further tighten or loosen the ski boot, but may be unable to do so without first travelling to the lodge at the ski resort due to frigid temperatures and/or a lack of outdoor seating. These difficulties can take away from the skier's overall enjoyment of skiing, and may dissuade some individuals from even participating. Improvements are thus needed in the art which simplify the processes of putting on, tightening, loosening, and taking off ski boots, and which provide customized options that facilitate easier adjustments, greater flexibility, and make for a better overall skiing experience.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is not intended to identify or point to essential features or limit the scope of the subject matter claimed herein. The present invention relates to ski boot adjustment mechanisms and methodologies with at least the following objectives:

To allow for manual tightening or loosening of ski boots in either standing or sitting positions with minimal application of force and without excessive bending or stretching;

To facilitate automated tightening and loosening of ski boots using different types of tightening and loosening mechanisms;

To provide different types of triggering devices which actuate ski boot tightening and loosening mechanisms;

To provide customized tightening and loosening capabilities within different regions of a ski boot;

To allow a skier to instantly reset pressure configurations within different regions of a ski boot;

To allow a skier to modify ski boot pressure using a remote computing device; and

To enhance a skier's overall skiing experience with remote triggering devices which trigger automatic ski boot tightening and loosening at or adjacent parking lots and ski lodges.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a ski boot adjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism configured to tighten and loosen a portion of a ski boot, at least one triggering device configured to selectively actuate the adjustment mechanism, and a controller mounted within the ski boot and configured to monitor pressure in the portion of the ski boot during operation of the adjustment mechanism.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a ski boot adjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism configured to tighten and loosen a portion of a ski boot, and a triggering device configured to actuate the adjustment mechanism. The triggering device is operatively disposed in a mat adjacent at least one of an entrance to a building or a parking location.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method for tightening and loosening a ski boot includes setting, by a remote computing device in wireless communication with a controller in a ski boot, a trigger which actuates the controller to actuate an adjustment mechanism in the ski boot that tightens and loosens the ski boot.

Various other objects, advantages, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of related structural elements, and the combination of parts and economies of development and manufacture, will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. Accordingly, a further understanding and a more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant aspects thereof may be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a ski boot adjustment system in accordance with the invention, including a tightening/loosening mechanism, a triggering device for actuating the tightening/loosening mechanism, and an optional power supply for powering any associated electrical and/or mechanical components;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ski boot system of FIG. 1A, showing the triggering device as a remote triggering device outside of the ski boot;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot adjustment system in accordance with the invention, in which the power supply is a battery, the tightening/loosening mechanism includes an air bladder equipped with a pump, a release valve, and a pressure sensor, and the triggering device includes manually operable push buttons that respectively actuate a pump and a release valve to tighten and loosen the ski boot about a foot of the skier;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the air bladder of FIG. 2 in a deflated condition;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the air bladder of FIG. 2 in an inflated condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the ski boot adjustment system accordance with the invention, in which the tightening/loosening mechanism includes a plurality of air bladders disposed in front, ankle, rear leg, and shin regions of the ski boot and equipped with pressure sensors, automated pumps, automated release valves, and gyroscopes, and in which the triggering device is a remote computing device in operative communication with the tightening/loosening mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the ski boot adjustment system in accordance with the invention, in which the tightening/loosening mechanism includes motorized/automated adjustable straps, and the triggering device includes a remote computing device in operative communication with the motorized/automated adjustable straps;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operative arrangement of a battery power supply, a controller, and the tightening/loosening mechanism of the ski boot adjustment system of FIG. 5;

FIG, 8 is a schematic diagram showing a remote computing device in operative communication with a controller that controls a motor to drive a plurality of air pumps, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D are graphical user interfaces of an app operating on the remote computing device, for adjusting pressure within each of the front, ankle, rear leg, and shin regions of the ski boot adjustment system, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10B are additional graphical user interfaces of the app operating on the remote computing device, for resetting pressure within a particular region of a ski boot to a preset pressure, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 11A-11D are yet additional graphical user interfaces of the app operating on the remote computing device, for configuring tightening and loosening actuation triggers based on pre-set skier movements, and for pre-setting various pressure configurations within the ski boot;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operative arrangement of a controller, a tightening/loosening mechanism, and a remote triggering device in the form of a mat that a skier can step on to trigger tightening or loosening of his or her ski boots, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a skier wearing ski boots having the ski boot adjustment system of FIG. 6, showing the remote triggering mat containing transmitters which communicate with a controller in the ski boot to trigger tightening and loosening; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a ski resort which utilizes the mat of FIG. 13 at or adjacent parking lots and/or entrances/exits of a ski lodge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention allows a skier to easily tighten, loosen, and customize ski boots or snowboard boots with minimal effort, while standing or sitting, indoors or outdoors, and with little to no stretching, awkward bending, or pulling. While the invention may be utilized for different types of boots, it is particularly useful for both ski boots and snowboard boots because these types of boots are tight-fitting during use. Rather than bending and reaching toward ski boots in physically awkward or uncomfortable positions and manually manipulating rigidly applied straps, the skier is instead able to tighten and/or loosen different sections of his or her ski boots using localized or remote triggers which actuate tightening and loosening mechanisms within the ski boots.

Different types of tightening and loosening mechanisms are utilized, including, for example, inflatable and deflatable air bladders, motorized adjustable straps, and the like. Various types of triggering mechanisms are also utilized, including, for example, manually operated push buttons on the ski boot, an app running on the skier's mobile device, a mat the skier can step onto, and particular orientation(s) or movement(s) of the ski boots which the skier can pre-set. The ski boot tightening and loosening devices, techniques, triggering mechanisms, and control features of the invention make skiing and snowboarding easier and more enjoyable for skiers of all ages and abilities.

By equipping the tightening/loosening mechanisms with gyroscopes or motion sensors in communication with a controller to monitor the ski boot's movement and orientation, the invention provides the skier with the ability to easily make pressure adjustments by simply moving the ski boot with his or her foot in particular preset motion(s) and/or orientation(s) to trigger tightening and loosening operations. By utilizing an app running on the skier's mobile device, the skier is able to individually control and adjust pressure in different regions of the ski boot through graphical user interfaces, view data in real-time (e.g., existing pressure readings in the boot and/or pre-set pressure configurations), and control different ski boot functionalities. The skier can make adjustments while skiing throughout the day as temperature and/or pressure conditions change within the ski boot. The external triggering devices such as the step-on mat make it easier for the skier to loosen or tighten ski boots upon entering or exiting a ski lodge, or upon returning to his or her car. By providing skiers with a variety of these customizable options, settings, and techniques to fit, initially configure, adjust, and remove ski boots, the present invention simplifies and enhances a skier's skiing and snowboarding experiences.

As schematically shown in FIG. 1A, a ski boot adjustment system 10 in accordance with the invention includes a tightening/loosening mechanism 20 mounted to or within a ski boot 30, and a triggering device 40 for actuating the tightening/loosening mechanism 20. A power supply 50 may be provided to power various mechanical and electrical devices which form a portion of or operate in conjunction with tightening/loosening mechanism 20. Power supply 50 may include one or more batteries and associated circuitry routed within ski boot 30 for connecting power supply 50 with the various mechanical and electrical devices. As further described below, tightening/loosening mechanism 20 is configured to tighten and loosen ski boot 30 by changing the pressure applied to a skier's foot and/or leg in one or more regions of ski boot 30.

Triggering device 40 is accessible by the skier and operatively associated with tightening/loosening mechanism 20. In this manner, the skier can use triggering device 40 to actuate tightening/loosening mechanism 20. As schematically shown in FIG. 1B, in certain embodiments, a remote triggering device 41 may be additionally or alternatively provided outside of ski boot 30. Remote triggering device 41 may be configured for one-way or two-way communication with tightening/loosening mechanism 20 in ski boot 30. For example, in certain embodiments, remote triggering device 41 may be configured as a standalone device which emits a signal that, when received and interpreted by tightening/loosening mechanism 20, is used as a trigger for tightening/loosening mechanism 20. In other embodiments, remote triggering device 41 may be a standalone remote computing device operable by the skier. The skier can thus utilize remote triggering device 41 to directly or indirectly actuate tightening/loosening mechanism 20 without even touching ski boot 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment of the invention, a ski boot adjustment system 100 includes a tightening/loosening. mechanism 120, triggering devices 140a, 140b, and optional power supply 150 mounted to a ski boot 130. Ski boot 130 includes a front foot region 112, an ankle region 114, a rear leg region 116, a shin region 118, and an outer boot wall or shell 121 made of a sturdy rigid material that encapsulates boot regions 112, 114, 116, 118. Ski boot 130 also includes a slightly compressible interior molded portion 122 on an interior side 123 of an outer boot shell 121. Interior molded portion 122 is configured to contact and flex to conform to a user's leg and foot. Outer boot shell 121 and interior molded portion 122 of ski boot may be formed from any suitable materials known in the art.

Tightening/loosening mechanism 120 includes an air bladder 119 that may extend around ankle region 114 of ski boot 130 or on one side of ankle region 114, or be formed as two connected air bladders on opposite sides of ankle region 114. Air bladder 119 may be disposed between outer shell 121 and interior molded portion 122 of ski boot 130, whereby inflation of air bladder 119 is accommodated by slight radially inward movement of interior molded portion 122 to increase the volume of air bladder 119 from a deflated state (FIG. 3) to an inflated state (FIG. 4). It will be appreciated that as air bladder 119 is inflated, continued airflow into air bladder 119 will cause interior molded portion 122 to press against and increase the pressure on a skier's foot or leg. Air bladder 119 may be constructed in any suitable shape, size, or form, and made from any suitable material known in the art, such as, for example, thermal polyurethane.

Triggering devices 140a, 140b may be used for respectively inflating and deflating air bladder 119. Triggering device 140a may be, for example, a convex push button of a manually actuated pump 127 fluidly coupled with an interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119 for pumping air into air bladder 119 from the deflated state to the inflated state as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. Pump 127 may extend through outer shell 121, and be used to manually inflate air bladder 119 responsive to repeated depression of convex push button 140a by the skier. Pump 127 may be configured with a duckbill one-way valve, whereby depression of push button 140a forces air into interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119, but does not allow air to exit interior chamber 131. Convex push button 140a may be spring biased toward the convex position of FIG. 3, such that when the skier releases push button 140a, it springs back from the configuration of FIG. 4 to the configuration of FIG. 3 without allowing air to escape from interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119.

Triggering device 140b may be a spring-loaded push button of a manually actuated release valve 126 for releasing air from interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119 to deflate air bladder 119. Push button 140b allows a skier to manually deflate (partially or fully) air bladder 119 by pressing and holding push button 140b to open release valve 126. Push button 140b may be spring biased toward a closed position such that when the skier releases push button 140b, release valve 126 reseals air bladder 119 and stops deflation thereof. Manual push button 140b of manually actuated release valve 126 may also function as an override to various automated controls for inflation/deflation further described herein.

As further described below with respect to FIGS. 5-11, automated and/or motorized pumps and release valves may additionally or alternatively be utilized. Other suitable air bladders, pumps, liners, and air release valve assemblies may be utilized in conjunction with tightening/loosening mechanism 120, triggering devices 140a, 140h, and power supply 150 in ski boots and other footwear. Such additional air bladders, pumps, liners, air release valve assemblies, and communications therebetween are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,655,050; 6,189,172; 5,987,779; 4,845,338; and 4,712,316, all of which patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The features disclosed therein may be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the ski boot adjustment systems, triggering mechanisms, and methodologies described herein.

In certain embodiments, power supply 150 may be provided in the form of a battery and associated circuitry (not shown) mounted within ski boot 130. Tightening/loosening mechanism 120 may include a controller 128 in communication with a pressure sensor 129 and a light 132. Pressure sensor 129 is mounted within ski boot 130 in operative association with air bladder 119, and is configured to read and communicate the pressure thereof to controller 128. Controller 128 may be configured to actuate light 132 when measured pressure reading of pressure sensor 129 falls within a predetermined/preset range. Battery 150 may supply power to controller 128, pressure sensor 129, and light 132. All components may be mounted internally within ski boot 130 as shown.

During operation, when a skier initially puts on ski boot 130, he or she can simply unbuckle straps 152, 154, 156, 158 (which can be any type or form of adjustable ski boot strap known in the art), and then press and hold down push button 140b, which opens release valve 126 and manually deflates air bladder 119. The skier can then place his or her foot into ski boot 130, which now easily accommodates the skier's foot. The skier then reset straps 152, 154, 156, 158 to a particular tightness setting, and fine tunes the pressure setting of the fit by repeatedly depressing convex push button 140a of manually actuated pump 127 to inflate interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119, and/or repeatedly depressing push button 140a to deflate interior chamber 131 if the pressure gets too tight. The skier may repeat these operations until a desired, more fine-tuned pressure level is reached for a given strap setting. Alternatively, the skier can first place his or her foot into ski boot 130 with air bladder 119 initially in an inflated condition, and then repeat the same process.

It will be appreciated that depending on the size and pressure of air bladder 119 utilized, one or more of straps 152, 154, 156, 158 could potentially be eliminated from ski boot 130 as air bladder 119 will help to maintain the skier's foot stationary with respect to ski boot 130. It will also be appreciated that a region of shell 121 of ski boot 130 could be used to form the air bladder, and utilize a soft radially inner side rather than a separate air bladder 119 within outer boot shell 121 and a separate interior molded portion 122. In other words, in certain embodiments, triggering devices 140a, 140b can simply be fluidly coupled with an interior region of shell 121, and not with an air bladder separate and apart from outer boot shell 121. Over the course of a day, if ski boot 130 begins to feel too tight or too lose, the skier can simply press triggering push buttons 140a, 140b to inflate or deflate air bladder 119 to increase or decrease the pressure of the fit of ski boot 130.

In certain embodiments, controller 128 may be included with ski boot 130, and programmed to monitor whether pressure readings from pressure sensor 129 fall within a preset range. If the pressure readings fall within the preset range, then controller 128 may be configured to actuate light 132 (powered by power source 150) to signal to the skier that the pressure level is appropriate for skiing. Light 132 may be configured to shine in different colors, and be controlled by controller 128 to blink and/or show different colors depending on whether the pressure level set by the skier is too high, too low, or within preset acceptable ranges. Controller 128 may be set with these present ranges either remotely or through one or more mechanical switches (not shown) electrically coupled to controller 128 and disposed on light 132 or mounted on an outer wall of ski boot 130. It will be appreciated that this embodiment allows the skier to easily customize and adjust the pressure setting in ski boot 130 without undoing or resetting straps 152, 154, 156, 158, and without extensive stretching, bending, or application of forces thereto.

Automated Pressure Adjustment

Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the invention, a ski boot adjustment system 200 includes a tightening/loosening mechanism 220 having a plurality of inflatable and deflatable air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D fluidly isolated from one another, and operatively disposed in, respectively, front foot region 212, ankle region 214, rear leg region 216, and shin region 218 of a ski boot 230. Air bladders 224A-224D may each be respectively equipped with automated release valves 226A, 226B, 226C, 226D for releasing air out of air bladders 224A-224D. Manually operated valves 226A′, 226B′, 226C′, 226D′ may also be provided, similar to valve 126, for manually deflating air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D.

In certain embodiments, two or more of air bladders 224A-224D may be fluidly coupled with one another whereby raising or lowering air pressure in one air bladder raises or lowers the air pressure in the other air bladder(s) fluidly coupled thereto. Air bladders 224A-224D may be positioned between outer shell 221 and an internal molded portion 222 (not shown) of ski boot 200, similar to ski boot 100 as described above.

Tightening/loosening mechanism 220 also includes automated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 226D, which are operably coupled to automated release valves 226A, 226B, 226C, 226D on outer shell 221 of ski boot 230, and used to inflate air bladders 224A-224D in response to various triggers by the skier as further described below. Manually operated pumps similar to pump 127 may additionally or alternatively be provided for air bladders 224A-224D. Any suitable pumps and air release valve assemblies may be utilized for the air bladders, including those discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,655,050; 6,189,172; 5,987,779; 4,845,338; and 4,712,316 as indicated and incorporated by reference above.

Automated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D may each be equipped with a respective pressure sensor 229A, 22913, 229C, 229D for reading the pressure of the particular air bladder with which the pump is associated. A controller or circuit board 228 is mounted to or disposed within outer shell 221 of ski boot 230 or in an interior portion of ski boot 230. Controller 228 is in operative communication with pumps 225A-225D and valves 226A-226D. Ski boot 230 may also include one or more motion sensors and/or gyroscopes G1, G2, G3, G4 mounted to or within outer shell 221, or within an interior portion of ski boot 230.

Gyroscopes G1-G4 may be wired to or communicate wirelessly with controller/circuit board 228. A combination and light sensor 232 may be provided in front foot region 212 of ski boot 230, and powered by a battery 250 disposed near controller/circuit board 228. Battery 250 may also power automated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D and motion sensors or gyroscopes G1-G4, Gyroscopes G1-G4 may utilize one or more known gyroscope technologies and/or accelerometer technologies, and be used to detect particular motions of ski boot 230 and output readings of such motions to controller 228. Controller 228, based on the inputs from gyroscopes G1-G4, can be configured to determine whether or not the motions are consistent with pre-set motion configurations, and thus indicative of an intention by the skier to inflate, deflate, or modify a pressure level of one or more of air bladders 224A-224D prior to, during, or after skiing.

The particular motion sensors/gyroscopes, accelerometers, pressure sensors, controllers, and remote computing devices disclosed herein and the particular means of communication (e.g., electronic, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.) therebetween may be accomplished using any suitable technologies known in the art, including, for example, those discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,968,840; 10,401,243; 8,784,350; and 7,771,371; and U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2018/0199669 and 2018/0289096, all of which patents and patent publications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Such features may also be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the invention described herein.

Ski boot 230 is thus configured to allow a skier to inflate or deflate his or her ski boots 230 without having to reach down and manually modify outer straps 252, 254, 256, 258 of ski boots 230 or press push buttons associated with pumps and valves. Instead, the skier can simply move his or her foot to a particular inflation orientation (e.g., with ski boot 230 tilted upward such that front foot region 212 points toward the skier's shin), and hold that configuration for a predetermined period of time. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed with ski boot 230 held in the inflation orientation (as indicated by various of motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4), controller 228 can instruct automated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D to begin further inflation of one or more air bladders 224A-224D.

If the skier moves ski boot 230 away from the inflation orientation during the inflation, then controller 228 can be configured to instruct pumps 225A-225D to cease inflation, and to reset a timer to check whether or not the skier is signaling additional instructions further inflation or deflation). Alternatively, the skier can move ski boot 230 to a particular deflation orientation, such as one where ski boot 230 is tilted downward with front foot region 212 pointing away from (e.g., relatively parallel to) the skier's shin. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed with ski boot 230 held in the deflation configuration, controller 228 can instruct one or more of valves 226A-226D to open to deflate air bladders 224A-224D.

Controller 228 may additionally or alternatively be configured to sense when the skier instructs inflation or deflation by moving ski boot 230 through pre-set motions. By way of example, an inflation movement may be a clockwise circular motion of ski boot 230 for a predetermined period of time, such as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or up to 30 seconds. Other time periods may be utilized. Similarly, a deflation movement may be a counter-clockwise motion of ski boot 230 for a predetermined period of time. Once the skier has moved ski boot 230 in a clockwise motion for the predetermined period of time, controller 228 can instruct pumps 225A-225D to inflate. When the skier ceases the clockwise inflation motion, controller 228 can instruct pumps 225A-225D to cease inflation.

In accordance with certain embodiments, communication of controller/circuit board 228 with valves 226A-226D, pumps 225A-225D (P1-P4), pressure sensors 229A-229D (PS1-PS4), motion sensors/gyroscopes and light/light sensor 232 may be accomplished in accordance with the schematic illustration of FIG. 7. As shown, controller 228 receives inputs from motions sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 disposed on or about front foot region 212, ankle region 214, rear leg region 216, and/or shin region 218 (FIG. 5), as well as from light 232 and pressure sensors 229A, 229B, 229C, 229D (PS1-PS4). Based on these inputs, controller 228 determines whether to operate pumps P1-P4, valves 226A-226D, and/or light 232 As described above, controller 228 preferably includes a timer for use in conjunction with inputs from motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 to determine the time periods (e.g., the relatively continuous time periods frogs start to finish) associated with particular configurations or motions as the skier moves ski boot 230.

It will be appreciated that the pre-set orientations and motions of ski boot 230 associated with inflation and deflation are preferably orientations and motions not typically using while skiing or performing skiing related activities (e.g., skiing downhill, uphill, or horizontally, riding a chairlift, swinging legs on a chairlift, sitting down on a ski slope, falling down while skiing, walking, etc.), so that the skier does not inadvertently trigger inflation or deflation of ski boot 230, and only triggers inflation or deflation when intended.

One way to ensure that controller 228 correctly understands a skier's specific intention to inflate or deflate the air bladders (e.g., so as not to falsely inflate or deflate) is to set a relatively large time period (e.g., ten to fifteen seconds or thirty seconds) for holding a particular orientation of the ski boot 230, and/or requiring that the ski boot 230 be moved through one or more unusual motions as the trigger for starting inflation or deflation. For example, rapidly turning the ski boot 230 clockwise, then counterclockwise, and then repeating these intermittent clockwise and counterclockwise motions for a predetermined period of time, may signal to controller 228 an intention to inflate or deflate the air bladders. Other orientations and motions may be utilized.

Motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 and controller 228 may be configured to detect rapid and/or repeating accelerations (speed and/or directional changes), whereby the controller 228 can ascertain an intention by the skier to inflate or deflate based on the unusual motions of the ski boot 230. Exemplary motions detected by motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 may include, for example, leg lifts, relative movements of the front foot region 212, ankle region 214, rear leg region 216, and shin region 218, tapping together two of such ski boots in rapid succession, etc. It will be appreciated that configurations may also be utilized where the orientations and/or movements of the ski boots relative to one another may be utilized to trigger tightening or loosening thereof. In other embodiments (further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 11A-11B), the skier may be able to set or customize the particular orientations and motions associated with inflation and deflation during an initial setup.

Controller 228 may also be configured to prevent loosening (e.g., to keep air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D inflated to at least a certain level) if ski boot 230 is locked into a ski binding, regardless of the orientation of ski boot 230 or movement instruction by the skier. In such embodiments, once ski boot 230 is unlocked from the ski binding, deflation may be allowed. Such configurations of controller 228 would prevent inadvertent loosening of ski boot 230 while the skier is on a chairlift or in another seated position, and/or when a skier inadvertently makes an inflation or deflation motion or orientation with ski boot 230 in any other location. Controller 228 may also be wired to a switch 270 on the exterior of boot 230 to enable a skier to manually turn on and off automated inflation and deflation control by controller 228. Other manual overrides may be utilized, such as a child safety switch.

Light/light sensor 232 may be configured as an LED or other form of light, visible or invisible, with or without light sensing capability, and may be emitted from a portion of front foot region 212. Controller 228 may be configured to monitor inputs from light/light sensor 232. For example, if light 232 is covered for a predetermined period of time, such as by the skier placing front foot region 212 of ski boot 230 into snow, then light 232 may signal controller 228 that inflation or deflation is desired. Light/light sensor 232 can also function to provide visibility to the skier when skiing at night.

Mobile App for Controlling Ski Boot

As shown in FIG. 8, in certain embodiments, controller 228 may be configured in communication with a motor (M) for powering pumps P1-P4, and/or with a remote triggering device such as a wireless remote computing device 236. Wireless remote computing device 236 may be a cell phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, or any other form of remote computing device. In such embodiments, the skier can control controller 228 in ski boot 230 through a graphical user interface and/or through a mechanical button, knob, or the like on wireless computing device 236 to inflate or deflate one or more of air bladders 224A-224D. Wireless computing device 236 may include an app 238 launched from a home screen of wireless computing device 236 that provides various interactive graphical user interfaces and graphical displays to enable a skier to perform the various functionalities and methodologies associated with ski boot 230 as described herein.

Wireless computing device 236 and app 238 may be operatively associated with not only ski boot 230, but also other systems (e.g., other wireless networks) through a combination of hardware and software that operate on wireless computing device 236. App 238 may comprise preprogrammed features combined and integrated with components in other networks, including but not limited to, one or more servers, databases, mobile end applications, web portals, network settings, etc. For example, if ski boot 230 is rented, then app 238 may communicate with a ski lodge computer system configured to track pressure adjustments made by the skier to ski boot 230. In this manner, data may be collected regarding the skier's foot size, the particular ski boot used, and the adjustments made thereto by the skier.

This data may be analyzed to determine whether any of the air bladders are malfunctioning, and/or to ascertain common pressure settings or ranges that are most comfortable to skiers of a particular foot size using a particular ski boot size. Such pressure ranges can be programmed into controller 228 and used to output a light to the skier when the pressure in ski boot 230 is in range as described above with respect to controller 128 and light 132 (FIG. 2). Repeated adjustments by a number of skiers who rent a particular ski boot over the course of a couple of days or weeks may also provide data indicative of air bladder function or malfunction.

Location Tracking

Wireless remote computing device 236 may also be equipped with location tracking capability (e.g., UPS technology). App 238 may thus also be configured to utilize such location tracking to continuously communicate location information to controller 228, whereby controller 228 can ascertain, with or without inputs from motions sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4, whether or not the skier is skiing or stationary, on or off a chairlift, etc. Wireless computing device 236 can provide various of the ski boot 230 functionalities described herein through one or more user interfaces via a website and/or the mobile app 238, It will be appreciated that computer program instructions used by wireless computing device 236 and/or app 238 may include computer executable code in one of a variety of languages, including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, and the like.

Graphical User Interfaces for Pressure Customization

Various electronic/graphical user interfaces of app 238 may be used on wireless computing device 236 to accomplish numerous methodologies of Applicant's ski boot 230. When app 238 is launched, one graphical user interface may allow the skier to select one of the four air bladders 224A-224D or the light 232 by selecting one or more of pushbuttons ‘VB1,’ ‘VB2,’ ‘VB3,’ ‘VB4,’ or ‘light’ (FIG. 9A). VB1, VB3, and VB4 correspond to air bladder 224A and valve 226A (for air bladder #1), air bladder 224B and valve 226B (for air bladder #2), air bladder 224C and valve 226C (for air bladder #3), and air bladder 224D and valve 226D (for air bladder #4) as depicted in FIG. 5. If a skier believes, for example, that pressure in front foot region 212 of ski boot 230 is too tight, then the skier may select VB1 in FIG. 9A, The current pressure in this air bladder is then displayed on-screen, along with options to raise or lower the current pressure as shown in FIG. 9B.

Once the skier selects the ‘Lower’ pushbutton, the skier may then be presented with a downward pointing arrow and a pressure reading which changes as the skier taps or holds the downward pointing arrow on-screen (FIG. 9C). When the skier ceases holding or tapping the arrow, then wireless device 236 may display the graphical user interface shown in FIG. 9D, which allows the skier to accept or decline the new pressure or cancel the action. Once the new pressure is set by the skier, app 238, via wireless device 236, may then communicate with and provide the new pressure setting to controller 228. Controller 228 may then lower the pressure in air bladder 224A by controlling valve 226A to open until pressure readings from the pressure sensor 229A match the new pressure setting (FIG. 9D). It will be appreciated that app 238 may be configured to allow the skier to select one of the two ski boots 230 he or she is wearing (e.g., the left or the right), or both boots simultaneously, prior to entering the user interfaces of FIGS. 9A-9D.

Alternatively, app 238 may communicate with controller 228 during display of the graphical user interface of FIG. 9C, prior to the skier ceasing tapping or holding down the arrow or other electronic pushbutton. In this manner, pressure adjustments may be made in real time while the skier taps or holds the arrow in FIG. 9C. These real-time pressure changes may be displayed on-screen in FIG, 9C, and the new pressure setting may be affirmed in the graphical user interface of FIG. 9D. It will be appreciated that this methodology enables a skier to easily adjust his or her ski boot 230 using graphical user interfaces available at his or her fingertips, and that such adjustments may be made at any time, and without any physical transitions or relocations (e.g., without having to transition from an outdoor location to an indoor location, without having to remove clothing or boots, without having to sit, etc).

Graphical User Interfaces for Customizing Pressure & Tightening/Loosening Protocols

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, app 238 may also be configured to provide the skier with a graphical user interface that allows for selection of one or more preset pressures, including the original pressure of an air bladder, a first preset pressure, or a second preset pressure. In this example, the skier has selected “Reset To Preset Pressure #2” (FIG. 110A), and is then presented with a confirmation in a new graphical user interface (FIG. 10B). The skier is asked whether the pressure is too high or low, A ‘home’ button is also provided, which may bring the skier back to one of the initial graphical displays. If the skier were to select the ‘Pressure too high/low?’ button in FIG. 10B, then app 238 may also present the graphical user interface of FIG. 9A where the user can select VB1 again.

In certain embodiments, app 238 may be configured to allow the skier to personally program controller 228 with the particular options or orientations of ski boot 230 the skier desires to correspond to the inflation and/or deflation instruction. As shown in FIG. 11A, app 238 may display a ‘Loosen Setup’ graphical user interface. The skier may select the ‘Start’ pushbutton, move ski boot 230 to a desired orientation, hold ski boot 230 in the desired orientation for a particular time period, and then press the ‘End’ pushbutton. Alternatively, the skier may move ski boot 230 in a particular motion that he or she would like to use to loosen ski boot 230, and then press the ‘End’ pushbutton.

It will be appreciated that during such initial setup or during general operation of app 238, input configuration signals received by controller 228 (e.g., from motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4, light/light sensor 232, and pressure sensors 229A-229D) may be transmitted from controller 228 to wireless device 236, whereby information associated with the signals may be stored and processed on wireless device 236 or another system or database in operative communication with app 238. In this manner, app 238 can configure wireless computing device 236 to function as a main controller which controls controller 228. Controller 228, once instructed by wireless computing device 236, may function to actuate inflation and/or deflation as described herein.

It will also be appreciated that various modules of systems, platforms, and methodologies described herein may be implemented using the interfacing mobile app 238 on an internet enabled mobile device's operating system, such as, for example, Android, iOS, or Windows Phone OS, and in part by using a web interface, and that different types of users may utilize different functionalities.

Continuing with FIG. 11B, app 238 may also display a ‘Tighten Setup’ graphical user interface. The skier may select the ‘Start’ pushbutton, move ski boot 230 to a desired orientation, hold the desired orientation for a particular time period (or move ski boot 230 through desired motion(s) for a particular time period), and then press the ‘End’ pushbutton.

Using these user interfaces and methodologies of FIGS. 11A-11B, a skier may set up his or her own tightening and loosening procedures, and essentially use motions or orientations of ski boot 230 which the skier will remember. Moreover, if a skier has limited mobility, then such functionality will enable the skier to choose a particular range of motion of ski boot 230 which the skier can easily perform, or a particular orientation of ski boot 230 which the skier can easily hold for the predetermined period of time.

In certain embodiments, a skier may additionally or alternatively select from one or more pre-set configurations for each of air bladders VB1-VB4 (FIGS. 11C-11D). In other words, configuration #1 may be a pre-set pressure amount for air bladder 224A (VB1) once the skier's foot is inside ski boot 230, configuration #2 may be a pre-set pressure amount for air bladder 224B (VB2), etc. Alternatively, each configuration may include a pre-set pressure assigned for all of the air bladders once the skier's foot is inside ski boot 230.

In certain embodiments, if the skier makes an adjustment to one of straps 252, 254, 256, 258 which he or she feels makes a region of ski boot 230 too tight, then the skier may utilize the pre-set configuration buttons to release air inside one or more of air bladders 224A-224D until the pressure inside the particular air bladders reaches the pressure initially set by the skier with one or more of the straps 252, 254, 256, 258 in a looser configuration. In other words, air bladders 224A-224D can be adjusted by controller 228 to offset pressure changes made by changes to outer strap settings (e.g., to increase or decrease pressure in the air bladders 224A-224D to return the pressure therein to what it was previously prior to the outer strap adjustment).

Alternative Triggering Devices

In accordance with certain embodiments, alternative or additional triggering or setting devices may be utilized in conjunction with Applicant's invention to trigger inflation or deflation of ski boot 230. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 12, the remote triggering device may be a mat 336 (with or without a remote computing device or app) in direct communication with controller 228 to inflate or deflate ski boot 230. Mat 336 may be placed, for example, in a walkway leading up to a door of a ski lodge, or inside the ski lodge, and equipped with a transmitter in communication with controller 228. In this manner, controller 228 and/or mat 336 may be configured to sense when ski boot 230 is on or within a certain distance (e.g., several feet) of mat 336. Mat 336 may emit electro-magnetic radiation detected by circuitry within ski boot 230 and signaled to controller 228. Exemplary circuitry of a mat which transmits a signal to a particular area, and receipt of the signal by another electronic unit, is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,284, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any other suitable communication means between mat 336 and controller 228 in ski boot 230 may be utilized. Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, a transmitter in mat 336 may communicate with the skier's wireless computing device 236, which in turn may communicate with controller 228 in ski boot 230 to effect inflation or deflation as described above.

Alternative Tightening Mechanism

It will be appreciated that various types of tightening/loosening mechanisms, triggering devices, controllers, remote triggering devices, pressure sensors, motion sensors/gyroscopes, release valves, and so on may be utilized in conjunction with the various systems and methodologies of the invention described herein. By way of example, as shown in FIG. 6, in yet another embodiment of the invention, a ski boot adjustment system 400 has a tightening/loosening mechanism 420 that includes one or more automated/motorized adjustable straps 452, 454 operatively disposed in, respectively, shin region 418 and front foot region 412 of a ski boot 430. Motorized adjustable straps 452, 454 can include tread portions 453, 455 which coil at least partially around shin region 418 and foot region 412, and are fed through ratchet mechanisms 457, 459 to tighten and loosen shin region 418 and foot region 412. Motorized adjustable straps 452, 454 may be fixed by metal or plastic end brackets 460, 462 mounted to outer shell 421 of ski boot 430, and driven at opposite ends thereof by motors 470, 472, also mounted to outer shell 421 of ski boot 430, through ratchet mechanisms 457, 459 for tightening/loosening. Alternatively, straps 452, 455 may be free at opposite ends thereof, coil completely around shin region 418 and foot region 412, and simply overlap in a rear region of ski boot 430, whereby translation of the straps in one direction tightens and translation in an opposite direction loosens.

Tightening/loosening, mechanism 420 also includes a controller 428 operably coupled to motors 470, 470, pressure sensors 429A, 429B at shin region 418 and foot region 412, as well as gyroscopes 474, 476. A remote computing device 436 may be provided as a remote triggering device, and configured for communication with controller 428, via use of an app as described above, to control actuation of tightening/loosening mechanism 420. A skier can thus perform all aspects of tightening and loosening described above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 7-11, except that the tightening/loosening mechanism uses adjustable straps rather than air bladders, valves, and pumps.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13, when a skier steps on mat 336 with ski boot 430, controller 428 may receive an input based on a sensed signal from one or more transmitters 370 in mat 336, and may proceed to actuate one or more of straps 452, 455. Similarly, when a skier steps on mat 336 with ski boot 230 (FIG. 5), controller 228 may receive an input based on a sensed signal from transmitters 370 and proceed to actuate air bladders 224A-224D to loosen ski boot 230. In other embodiments, various ski boot orientations and/or motions may be required while the skier is standing on mat 336 to cause controller 228 to deflate ski boot 230. Such boot orientations or motions may include, for example, quickly stomping on mat 336 for a predetermined number of times over a predetermined time period (e.g., 1-5 seconds), sliding boot 230 along mat 336, tapping ankle region 214 of ski boot 230 on mat 336, etc.

Controller 228 may alternatively be configured to inflate or deflate ski boot 230 if the skier steps on mat 336 and remains stationary on mat 336 for a predetermined period of time, thus signaling a desire to inflate or deflate. If air bladders 224A-224D are below a particular pressure threshold (as sensed by pressure sensors 229A-229D in ski boot 230 communicating with controller 228), then maintaining ski boot 230 stationary on mat 336 may signal controller 228 to trigger inflation of the air bladders 224A-224D. Conversely, if air bladders 224A-224D are above a particular pressure threshold, then maintaining ski boot 230 stationary on mat 336 may signal controller 228 to trigger deflation of the air bladders 224A-224D. Such functionality may be reset by stepping on and off mat 336.

Mat 336 may also be used to trigger inflation of ski boot 230 if the skier is leaving a ski lodge to ski. It will be appreciated that methodologies similar to those described above may be employed so that unintentional inflation or deflation do not occur when the skier is simply stepping onto, over, or walking across mat 336. Mat 336 may include pressure or light sensors 342 which sense when ski boot 230 is on mat 336, and transmit a signal in response to sensing ski boot 230 for a predetermined period of time at or about a location on mat 336. Thus, mat 336 may be configured to selectively transmit such signal in order to save power.

Referring to FIG. 14, a ski lodge area 500 is schematically illustrated along with a plurality of mats 536A, 536B, 536C, 536D, 536E which are similar or identical to mat 336, and arranged outside a ski lodge 502. Mats 536A-536E are strategically placed adjacent ski staging areas 552A, 552B (where skiers leave their skis or snowboard equipment prior to entering ski lodge 502), and adjacent parking areas 554A, 554B. It will be appreciated that skiers entering or exiting ski lodge 502 may use mats 536C, 536D, 536E to inflate or deflate the various ski boots described above (e.g., ski boot 230) in the manner described above. Mats 536A, 536B may be utilized by skiers to inflate or deflate ski boot 230 when the skiers arrive or leave by car.

The following is an example of a skier using exemplary methodologies of the embodiments of FIGS. 12-14, as well as various devices, systems, and methodologies of FIGS. 1A-11D, over the course of a day of skiing. A skier arrives at a ski resort or ski lodge area 500 in car 555 (FIG. 14) and puts on ski boots 230 (FIG. 5) at car 555. The skier rotates ski boots 230, now on her feet, in alternately clockwise and counterclockwise directions for five seconds. Ski boots 230 tighten as air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D automatically inflate in accordance with this previously set inflation motion (e.g., by the skier the last time she skied).

The skier then snaps tightened ski boots 230 into the bindings of a pair of skis, and skis on relatively flat ground toward ski lodge 502, perhaps carrying her purse, ski pants, and/or other belongings. As she arrives at ski lodge 502, the skier stops, takes off her skis, leaves them at staging area 552A, steps onto mat 536C, and maintains ski boots 230 stationary for five seconds on mat 536C. This causes ski boots 230 to loosen as air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D deflate in accordance with this previously set deflation protocol when controller 228 senses boot 230 on or adjacent mat 536C in a tightened condition. The skier then walks into ski lodge 502. with loosened ski boots 203. She then exits ski lodge 502 and checks on her skis at staging area 552A. As she walks out of ski lodge 502, she once again steps onto mat 536C, but because she does not keep ski boots 203 stationary on mat 536C for five seconds, ski boots 203 do not tighten. It will be appreciated that controller 228 may be configured to either tighten or loosen ski boots 203 when the skier remains stationary on mat 536C depending on the current state (e.g., loosened or tightened) of ski boot 203.

The skier then reenters ski lodge 502 without pausing for five seconds on mat 536, so her ski boots 203 again remain loose. Once inside ski lodge 502, she takes off her ski boots and changes into her ski pants, leaves personal belongings in a locker, and purchases a lift ticket. She puts her ski boots 203 back on in an untightened state (e.g., with the air bladders still deflated). Using her mobile device 236, she launches app 238 and resets the loosening and tightening setups for ski boots 230 (FIGS. 11A-11B).

In particular, the skier changes the tightening set-up so that instead of moving ski boot 203 in alternately clockwise and counterclockwise directions to tighten ski boot 203 (e.g., like she did to tighten them at her car 555), rapid and repeated stomping of ski boot 203 for five seconds will inflate or further inflate air bladders 224A 224D. Additionally, she changes the loosening set-up such that pointing ski boots 203 toward one another and swinging them in an arcuate motion (e.g., while sitting) will deflate them. She picks this motion and orientation for loosening because she has a personal preference that ski boots 203 not loosen due to any movements she makes while she is standing, unless she is standing on one of the mats. She also selects preset configuration 41 for the air pressure in airbladders 224A-224D (See FIGS. 11C-11D).

As she steps outside to go skiing, she once again steps onto mat 536C, but this time, she keeps ski boots 203 stationary on mat 536C for five seconds. Ski boots 203 automatically tighten to the pressure corresponding to configuration #1 (e.g., controller 228, sensing both the signal emitted by mat 526C for five seconds and the pressure sensors indicating that her skis are in a loosened condition, triggers tightening to the pressure of configuration #1). She then decides to test her customized setup, steps on mat 536C again, and waits for five seconds while remaining stationary. Ski boots 230 loosen. She then stomps each ski boot 230 for five seconds, either on or off of mat 536C, and they each tighten to the pressure of configuration #1. She then picks up her skis from staging area 552A, steps into her skis with boots 203 still in a tightened configuration #1, and heads toward a ski lift.

After a couple hours of skiing, temperature and pressure conditions within her ski boots 203 have slightly changed. She begins to feel that pressure in shin region 218 of boot 203 is too tight, so while still outside, she launches app 238 on mobile device 236, selects VB4 (FIG. 9A), and lowers the pressure in this region in accordance with the methodologies discussed above with respect to FIGS. 9A-9D.

After another hour of skiing, the skier decides to take a break, and once again approaches ski lodge 502, but this time in the vicinity of mat 536E. She takes off her skis, steps onto mat 536E, and her ski boots 203 loosen. She leaves her skis at staging area 552B and walks into ski lodge 502. The skier then decides that she would like to leave for the day. She gathers her belongings, exits ski lodge 502, steps onto one of mats 536C-536E, and waits five seconds. Her ski boots 203 tighten. She then retrieves her ski equipment from staging area 552B, puts them on, and skis toward her car 555 at parking area 554A while carrying her belongings. Upon arrival at her car 555, she sits in the driver's seat of the car with her legs outstretched, places the boots 203 together, and moves them together in an arcuate motion (her new customized loosening motion which she has not yet had to use due to use of the mats to achieve the same purpose). The ski boots 203 loosen. She removes them and changes into other footwear for the drive home.

It will be appreciated that the customizations and options the skier can utilize in these methodologies make the entire day of skiing much easier, particularly for skiers who are older, handicapped, disabled, and/or have injuries or limited flexibility. Even simply using the ski boots described herein with the mats described herein, without operating a remote computing device, saves the skier steps and makes tightening/loosening much easier. Once the ski boots are on, the skier can make adjustments without sitting down or adjusting the outer straps. The ski boots, tightening/loosening mechanisms, triggering devices, and methodologies described herein also allow a skier to easily tighten and loosen multiple areas of his or her ski boots at any time, without removing clothing, without having to walk indoors or sit down, and without having to bend, stretch, or take off her boots. The triggering mechanisms and methodologies disclosed herein greatly enhance the skier's overall skiing or snowboarding experience, and provide far more customization and control.

It will be appreciated that the various systems, devices, and methodologies disclosed herein can be useful to additional users. For example, a second or third party such as a ski instructor or a person who is simply renting out ski equipment to the skier may be provided with access to the skier's boots and setup via the second or third party's own remote computing device. This can facilitate initial setup of the skier's ski boots and/or assisting the skier with subsequent changes in settings if needed. It will also be appreciated that while the technologies and methodologies described herein are described with respect o skiing and/or snowboarding, they may also be used for other types of footwear and activities, including, for example, hiking boots, snow boots, and the like. While particular technologies have been disclosed for tightening/loosening (e.g., air bladders and motorized adjustable straps) and for triggering tightening/loosening (e.g., push buttons, remote computing devices, and mats), other triggering devices may be utilized.

As described herein, the present invention relates to multiple embodiments of ski boots and variations thereof. However, such “ski boots” may be employed for other purposes, as appropriate, such as for snowboarding and other activities, as mentioned herein. Beyond, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, the present invention may be applied and used in many other forms of activity. Accordingly, the term “ski boot” as used herein (and like terms used herein) means sturdy footwear that covers the foot and that may cover the wearer's ankle and portions of the wearer's leg. The ski boot in certain embodiments includes suitable hardware to attach to a ski. In other embodiments, the ski boot includes hardware to attach to a snowboard. In yet other embodiments, the ski boot includes hardware to attach to other sport-related equipment. Still yet, in another embodiments, the ski boot includes (or is attachable to) blades (i.e., to be used as ice skates), wheels (i.e., to be used as rollerskates), or other known devices. In certain embodiments, the ski boot is not attached or attachable to other devices (e.g., to be used as hiking boots, work boots, etc.). Since the various types of hardware that are employed within ski boots, snowboarding boo skates, etc., that connect (either permanently or temporarily) to other equipment or components, such as a ski, a snowboard, etc., are well known, descriptions of such other hardware and connection techniques are not provided herein.

The present disclosure is thus not intended to be limited to the specific terminology selected, and it will be understood that each specific element referenced includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner. However, techniques, methods, systems, and operating structures in accordance with the invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiments. Consequently, the specific structural, functional and step-by-step details disclosed herein are merely representative. The embodiments herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that logical, mechanical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The detailed description disclosed herein is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Each step in methodologies disclosed herein may contain one or more sub-steps. For purposes of illustration, these steps, as well as all other steps identified and described, are presented in a certain logical order. However, it will be appreciated that any exemplary embodiments described herein can contain an alternate order of the steps adapted to a particular application of a technique disclosed, and that any variations and/or modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. The depiction and description of steps in any particular order is not intended to exclude embodiments having the steps in a different order, unless required by a particular application, explicitly stated, or otherwise clear from the context.

It will be understood that the above-described embodiments and arrangements are merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments which represent applications of the present invention, and that numerous and varied other arrangements and configurations can be readily devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and equivalents thereof.

SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR SKI BOOT TIGHTENING, LOOSENING, AND CUSTOMIZATION

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)