ALPINE SKI OR SKI TOURING BOOT WITH IMPROVED CLOSING AND SKIING-WALKING SELECTION MECHANISM

Abstract

 An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) comprising a lower part or shell (8), adapted to enclose the foot of the user, and an upper part or cuff (12), adapted to enclose the lower part of the leg of the skier,
- wherein the cuff (12) is hinged to the shell (8) so as to rotate, with respect to the shell (8), about hinges (16) defining a rotation axis (X-X), forward, towards a tip (20) of the boot (4), and backward, towards a heel (22) of the boot (4),
- wherein the cuff (12) comprises a closing lever (32) adapted to selectively lock and/or unlock the rotation of the cuff (12) with respect to the shell (8), depending on whether the user wishes to switch from the skiing configuration to the walking configuration, respectively, characterized in that
- the closing lever (32) is mechanically connected to at least one closing cable (36) of the cuff (12) which at least partially wraps the cuff (12) to allow the closing and opening thereof,
- the cuff (12) is provided with at least one fastening pin (40), which is integral with the cuff (12) itself,
- the closing cable (36) is provided with a hooking plate (48) at least partially counter-shaped with respect to the fastening pin (40) so as to achieve a mechanical coupling to the fastening pin (40).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an alpine ski or ski touring boot provided with an improved closing and skiing-walking selection mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Alpine ski or ski touring boots must allow the skier to switch from the skiing configuration to the walking configuration alternatively and repeatedly, in an easy, fast, and comfortable manner.

[0003] In particular, such boots comprise a cuff, which embraces the tibial portion of the leg of the user and is hinged to a shell which instead contains the foot of the user and is provided with a sole.

[0004] In the skiing configuration, the cuff is perfectly integral with the shell, i.e., it does not rotate with respect thereto, allowing a precise and safe skiing.

[0005] In the walking configuration, the cuff is unlocked with respect to the shell: the rotation of the cuff with respect to the shell thus ensures a better and more comfortable walk, compared to conventional boots, since it follows the natural rotation of the ankle.

[0006] As seen, the rotation of the cuff may be locked and unlocked by fastening the cuff to the shell, in a reversible manner.

[0007] Switching from the walking configuration to the skiing configuration should be as fast and as easy as possible since the skier, during alpine skiing, has to switch between the two configurations many times, depending on the route to be tackled.

[0008] The main solutions of the prior art provide for the cuff being hinged to the shell and the rotation movement thereof being guided by at least one rod.

[0009] The rod, at a first fixed end, is in turn hinged to the shell, while, at a second free end, it slides inside a guide fastened to the cuff.

[0010] In the walking configuration, the free end of the bar may slide inside the guide fastened to the cuff; furthermore, in the walking configuration, the rod may rotate about the first end so as to follow the rotation of the cuff.

[0011] In the skiing configuration, the free end of the rod is fastened to the guide and then to the cuff.

[0012] The closing or locking of the rod may be achieved by means of a pin entering a hole positioned on the rod.

[0013] This type of solution has some drawbacks.

[0014] In fact, in case of selecting walking, despite the unlocking of the rotation of the cuff, the latter does not allow an easy walk for the user, since the locking cables of the cuff remain under tension. To facilitate an easy walk, the user, after having unlocked the cuff, often opens the locking levers of the cuff, so as to allow a greater tibial movement and a more ergonomic walk.

[0015] It is clear that this operation is particularly uncomfortable, also because it is often performed with gloves. In addition, to return to the skiing configuration, the user must again perform the two operations of locking the rotation of the cuff and closing the lever or levers of the cuff previously opened and/or loosened.

[0016] In order to simplify such operations at least partially, boot solutions are also known in the art in which the locking/unlocking mechanism of the cuff, i.e., for the skiing/walking selection, is operatively connected to the locking levers of the cuff and/or the shell. Thereby, by opening the lever it is possible not only to unlock the rotation of the cuff but also to loosen the closure of the cuff and thus make walking easier for the user.

[0017] Nevertheless, such solutions have some drawbacks.

[0018] In fact, in the open configuration of the locking/unlocking lever, and after having loosened the locking levers, it is necessary, in order to lock the cuff rotation again, to reposition the cuff levers in the close configuration. This operation is not easy because it often requires hooking the buckle ladder commonly used for closing the cuff.

[0019] Therefore, even these solutions of the prior art are not particularly easy for the user who usually uses gloves and has to switch from the skiing to the walking configuration even tens of times per hour.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It is the object of the present invention to provide an alpine ski/ski touring boot which solves the drawbacks mentioned above with respect to the prior art.

[0021] These drawbacks and these limitations are solved by an alpine ski or ski touring boot according to claim 1.

[0022] Other embodiments of the boot according to the invention are described in the following claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred, non-limiting embodiment, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an alpine ski or ski touring boot according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a locking or skiing configuration;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the enlarged detail II in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the boot in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the boot in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a rear view of the boot in Figure 1;

Figures 6-7 show side views of the boot in Figure 1;

Figures 8-10 show perspective views, from different angles, of parts of the boot in Figure 1 in the unlocking or walking configuration.

[0024] Elements or parts of elements in common between the embodiments described will be indicated hereinafter using the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] With reference to the above Figures, numeral 4 indicates an alpine ski or ski touring boot comprising a lower part or shell 8, adapted to enclose the foot of the user, and an upper part or cuff 12, adapted to enclose the lower part of the leg of the skier.

[0026] It should be noted that the definition of ski boot must be considered in a general and non-restrictive manner: therefore, the term "ski boot" indicates an alpine ski boot, a ski touring boot or even a ski boot of the 'Telemark' type.

[0027] Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to a specific type of ski boot.

[0028] Furthermore, the definitions of shell and cuff must also be considered in a general and non-restrictive manner: the present invention has no type of limitation with respect to shape, size, material, type of cuff and shell, and therefore types of cuff and shell which at least partially embrace the foot and the lower part of the leg, in particular the shin of the skier, also fall within the invention.

[0029] The cuff 12 is hinged to the shell 8 so as to rotate with respect to the shell 8 about hinges 16 which define a rotation axis X-X.

[0030] In particular, the cuff may rotate forward, towards a tip 20 of the boot 4, and backward, towards the heel 24 of the boot 4.

[0031] The type of hinge 16 may be different, preferably there are two hinges 16 arranged on opposite sides with respect to the cuff 12.

[0032] The hinges 16 identify a rotation axis X-X which may, in an embodiment, be horizontal, i.e., parallel to the sole 28 of the boot 4.

[0033] The cuff 12 comprises a closing lever 32 adapted to selectively lock and/or unlock the rotation of the cuff 12 with respect to the shell 8, depending on whether the user wishes to switch from the skiing configuration to the walking configuration, respectively.

[0034] In the skiing configuration, the cuff 12 will be locked with respect to the boot 4, while in the walking configuration the cuff 12 will be free to rotate forward and backward, about the corresponding hinges 16, so as to follow, as much as possible, the natural rotation of the ankle of the user.

[0035] Advantageously, the closing lever 32 is mechanically connected to at least one closing cable 36 of the cuff 12 which at least partially wraps the cuff 12 to allow the closing and opening thereof.

[0036] Furthermore, the cuff 12 is provided with at least one fastening pin 40, which is integral with a first flap 44 of the cuff 12 itself.

[0037] The closing cable 36 is provided with a hooking plate 48 at least partially counter-shaped with respect to the fastening pin 40 so as to achieve a mechanical coupling to the fastening pin 40.

[0038] According to an embodiment, said closing cable 36 at least partially crosses the hooking plate 48.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the closing cable 36 at least partially surrounds said hooking plate 48, so as to seamlessly have an inlet branch 52 and an outlet branch 56 with respect to the hooking plate 48.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the hooking plate 48 has a semicircular shape having an inlet opening 60 and a curved portion 64 so as to embrace at least partially said fastening pin 40.

[0041] Preferably, the curved portion 64 at least partially widens or opens up towards the fastening pin 40.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the hooking plate 48 comprises at least one recess 68 which is coupled to a perimeter edge 72 of the fastening pin 40 so as to create an undercut and thus oppose the release of the hooking plate 48 from the fastening pin 40.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the hooking plate 48 comprises a base 76 adapted to cover the closing cable 36 and to interface with the cuff 12.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the hooking plate 48 comprises a path or seat 80 for accommodating said closing cable 36.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the hooking plate 48 comprises a plurality of loops 84 for said closing cable 36.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the hooking plate 48 comprises an attachment 88 to facilitate the gripping and tensioning thereof by a user.

[0047] Said attachment may be in one piece with the hooking plate 48.

[0048] According to an embodiment, said attachment 88 is provided with a strap.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the cuff 12 is provided with a pair of loops 84 arranged between the closing lever 32 and the fastening pin 40.

[0050] Preferably, said loops 44 are spaced apart from each other by a pitch 92 which is shorter than the distance between the inlet branch 52 and the outlet branch 56 of the closing cable 36 with respect to the hooking plate 48.

[0051] As mentioned above, the closing cable 36 is mechanically connected to the closing lever 32 so as to be tensioned when the closing lever 32 is arranged in a position for the selective locking of the rotation of the cuff 12.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the closing lever 32 is provided with a locking attachment 96 shaped so that, in such selective locking position, it engages in a seat 100 of the shell 8.

[0053] The closing cable 36 is preferably made of metal; for example, the closing cable is a metal cable comprising a plurality of metal strands wound together.

[0054] The hooking plate 48 is preferably made of plastic or metal material.

[0055] The operation of a boot according to the present invention will now be described.

[0056] In particular, in the open configuration of the closing lever 32, the cuff 12 is free to rotate freely about the respective hinges 16, along the rotation axis X-X. The rotation movement of the cuff will be guided by the rotation of the ankle of the user.

[0057] In such configuration, the hooking plate 48 may lie or engage on the fastening pin 40 or it may be completely separate from said fastening pin, to provide a greater mobility to the cuff 12 with respect to the shell 8.

[0058] In the closing configuration, the hooking plate 48 is fastened on the fastening pin 40 so as to allow the tensioning of the closing cable 36 when the closing lever 32 is moved to the closing configuration.

[0059] In such configuration, the closing lever, by virtue of the coupling between the locking attachment 96 and the seat 100, integrates the cuff 12 and the shell 8 with each other, as well as tensioning the closing cable 36.

[0060] As it may be appreciated from what has been described, the alpine ski/ski touring boot according to the invention allows to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0061] In particular, the locking and unlocking operations of the cuff are particularly easy and fast to perform even with a single hand and also by a user wearing gloves.

[0062] In fact, it is sufficient to grip the hooking plate or one of the attachments thereof to quickly engage it on the fastening pin, binding it firmly to the cuff, and close the closing lever.

[0063] The opening operation is also equally fast and simple to perform.

[0064] Furthermore, the given solution is also particularly cost effective to manufacture.

[0065] Furthermore, the given solution is particularly light, since it does not include any buckle ladder mechanism but a simple hooking plate which guides, covers, and protects, at least partially, the closing cable, and ensures the firm fastening thereof to the cuff fastening pin.

[0066] In order to meet contingent and specific needs, those skilled in the art can make several changes and variations to the boots described above, all falling within the scope of the invention defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) comprising a lower part or shell (8), adapted to enclose the foot of the user, and an upper part or cuff (12), adapted to enclose the lower part of the leg of the skier,

- wherein the cuff (12) is hinged to the shell (8) so as to rotate, with respect to the shell (8), about hinges (16) defining a rotation axis (X-X), forward, towards a tip (20) of the boot (4), and backward, towards a heel (22) of the boot (4),

- wherein the cuff (12) comprises a closing lever (32) adapted to selectively lock and/or unlock the rotation of the cuff (12) with respect to the shell (8), depending on whether the user wishes to switch from the skiing configuration to the walking configuration, respectively,

characterized in that

- the closing lever (32) is mechanically connected to at least one closing cable (36) of the cuff (12) which at least partially wraps the cuff (12) to allow the closing and opening thereof,

- the cuff (12) is provided with at least one fastening pin (40), which is integral with the cuff (12) itself,

- the closing cable (36) is provided with a hooking plate (48) at least partially counter-shaped with respect to the fastening pin (40) so as to achieve a mechanical coupling to the fastening pin (40).

2. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to claim 1, wherein said closing cable (36) at least partially crosses said hooking plate (48).

3. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said closing cable (36) at least partially surrounds said hooking plate (48), so as to seamlessly have an inlet branch (52) and an outlet branch (56) .

4. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the hooking plate (48) has a semicircular shape having an entrance opening (60) and a curved portion (64) so as to embrace at least partially said fastening pin (40).

5. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to claim 4, wherein said curved portion (64) at least partially widens or opens up towards the fastening pin (40) .

6. Alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hooking plate (48) comprises at least one recess (68) which is coupled to a perimeter edge (72) of the fastening pin (40) so as to create an undercut.

7. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hooking plate (48) comprises a base (76) adapted to cover the closing cable (36) and to interface with the cuff (12).

8. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hooking plate (48) comprises a path or seat (80) for accommodating said closing cable (36).

9. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hooking plate (48) comprises a plurality of loops (84) for said closing cable (36).

10. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hooking plate (48) comprises an attachment (88) to facilitate the gripping and traction thereof by a user.

11. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to claim 10, wherein said attachment (88) is in one piece with the hooking plate.

12. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said attachment (88) is provided with a strap.

13. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cuff (12) is provided with a pair of loops (84) arranged between the closing lever (32) and the fastening pin (40), said loops (84) being spaced apart from each other by a pitch (92) which is shorter than the distance between an inlet branch (52) and an outlet branch (56) of the closing cable (36) with respect to the hooking plate (48).

14. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing cable (36) is mechanically connected to the closing lever (32) so as to be tensioned when the closing lever (32) is arranged in a position for the selective locking of the rotation of the cuff (12), wherein the closing lever (32) is provided with a locking attachment (96) shaped so that, in such selective locking position, it engages in a seat (100) of the shell (8).

15. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing cable (36) is made of metal.

16. An alpine ski or ski touring boot (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hooking plate (48) is made of plastic or metal material.

Drawing