Ski boot

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 746,574 filed May 5, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention generally relates to ski boots. In particular, the invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Boots are a type of footwear that encase both the foot and a portion of the lower leg of a user. Boots are generally manufactured for a particular purpose or activity and therefore are designed to include characteristics consistent with the intended purpose. For example, a hiking boot is designed to support the ankle of a user while minimizing the overall weight. Likewise, a ski boot is designed to maximize a user's performance at a particular skiing activity.[0004]Boots generally include a shell, a compression system, and a sole. The shell and compression system operate to encase and support the foot and lower...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention relates to a ski boot system with improved torsional support. One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region. A second embodiment of the present invention is a method for increasing the torsional support of a ski boot, including the act of rigidly coupling a rigid member to a plantar-oriented U-shaped region on the base of the shell.

[0009]Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in ski boot technology. Torsional support is a critical component of ski boot performance for both Telemark and Alpine Touring boots. During the act of pivoting or rotating the rear of a ski boot, the improved torsional support characteristics will maintain proper boot orientation with respect to a corresponding binding and / or ski.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with existing boot systems is related to supporting the lower leg of a user for particular skiing activities.

However, many of the boot systems fail to also adequately provide the lateral and torsional support that is essential for skiing activities.

Conventional clamping devices and shell designs do not adequately impede lateral flexion of the shell material.

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