US3561139A - Ski boot and stay therefor - Google Patents

Ski boot and stay therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
US3561139A
US3561139A US852787A US3561139DA US3561139A US 3561139 A US3561139 A US 3561139A US 852787 A US852787 A US 852787A US 3561139D A US3561139D A US 3561139DA US 3561139 A US3561139 A US 3561139A
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United States
Prior art keywords
ankle
load distribution
distribution member
ski boot
strap
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US852787A
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English (en)
Inventor
Donald W Stillman
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of US3561139A publication Critical patent/US3561139A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
    • A43B5/04—Ski or like boots

Definitions

  • a ski boot including a sole and an upper attached to the sole and adapted to receive the foot of a wearer.
  • the upper includes an ankle embracing portion, a foot embracing portion and at least one strap.
  • a semi-rigid load distribution member is retained between the strap and the ankle of the wearer to distribute the load applied by the strap to the forward portion of the ankle.
  • a ski boot typically includes a sole and an upper with the upper extending above the ankle of the wearer.
  • One or more straps extend circumferentially of the ankle embracing portion of the upper. Such straps are relatively narrow and can be connected or buckled to the upper to tighten the boot around the ankle of the wearer.
  • the present invention solves this problem by providing a ski boot with new and improved means for distributing the load imposed by the straps against the ankle.
  • a semi-rigid load distribution member is provided on the ankle embracing portion of the upper.
  • the load distribution member is sandwiched between the straps of the boot and the ankle of the skier.
  • the load distribution member has a greater dimension axially of the ankle of the skier than do the straps. Accordingly, the force applied by the strap to the ankle is distributed over a relatively large area of the ankle by the load distribution member with consequent reduction in stress on the ankle.
  • the load distribution member In order that the load distribution member can distribute the force, it is necessary that it possess at least some rigidity. Although a completely rigid member would serve to distribute the load, for improved comfort the load distribution member is preferably semi-rigid. As the load distribution member will be used at relatively low temperatures, it is desirable to maintain the semi-rigid nature thereof at low temperatures. Any suitable plastic material possessing these properties can be effectively utilized with nylon being preferred.
  • the load distribution member may be permanently or releasably attached to the ski boot. In either event, the load distribution member must not hamper loosening of the upper to permit insertion or withdrawal of the foot of the wearer from the ski boot. Similarly, the load distribution member must be made operative upon tightening of the upper around the ankle of the wearer to provide the necessary load distribution function.
  • this is accomplished by permanently mounting the load distribution member on a ski boot fastening strap which lies in front of the ankle.
  • a ski boot fastening strap which lies in front of the ankle.
  • the load distribution member is releasably mounted on the fastening strap.
  • the load distribution member may be in different forms, preferably it is elongated in a direction axially of the ankle.
  • the upper end portion of the load distribution member preferably extends away from the ankle to avoid uncomfortable contact therewith.
  • the load distribution member is preferably curved over a major portion of the length thereof in a manner so as to generally conform to the curvature of the ankle of th wearer.
  • the load distribution member of this invention distributes the load applied by the straps to the wearer of the ski boot. Whether this distribution function occurs only at the ankle or at the ankle and lower leg regions is a function of the particular boot and strap design. Accordingly, reference herein to distribution of load applied to the ankle should be construed to cover distribution of loads applied to the ankle and/or the lower leg regions by the strap or straps of the boot.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ski boot embodying the concepts of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the load distribution member
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a second form of load distribution member installed on a ski boot.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the load distribution member of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.
  • reference numeral 11 designates a ski boot constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention.
  • the ski boot 11 generally includes a sole 13, an upper 15 and a load distribution member 17 which is retained by the upper 15 to provide support for the ankle of the wearer.
  • the load distribution member 17 is usable with many different kinds of boots and the boot 11 is purely illustrative.
  • the sole 13 is a thick heavy member and the upper 15 is also of substantial construction.
  • the upper 15 generally includes a foot-embracing portion 18 and an ankle-embracing portion 19 for receiving and embracing the foot and ankle, respectively, of the wearer.
  • the upper 15 includes a pair of flaps 21 and 23 which can be held snugly together or released by releasable fasteners 25.
  • Each of the fasteners 25 includes an eye portion 27 mounted on the flap 21 and a pivotable buckle 29 mounted on the upper adjacent the flap 23.
  • the buckles 29 can be pivoted between locking and releasing positions in a conventional manner to permit tightening or releasing of the flaps 21 and 23.
  • the eye portion 27 is mounted on the flap 21 by a screw 31 which is received by a nut 33.
  • the nut 33 is mounted on a base plate 35 which in turn is rigidly mounted on the flap 21.
  • the ankle-embracing portion 19 includes a tongue 37 and a strap or web 39 terminating in two relatively narrow, axially spaced straps 41 and 43.
  • the ankle-embracing portion 19 is split axially at the forward region thereof. This allows the ankle-embracing portion 19 to expand circumferentially to permit insertion and withdrawal of the foot of the user.
  • the web 39 is connected to ankle-embracing portion 19 and extends across the axially split region thereof to provide for tightening or releasing of the ankle-embracing portion.
  • a pair of fasteners 45 which are identical to the fasteners 25 are provided for tightening or releasing of the straps 41 and 43. When the fasteners 45 are fastened the straps 41 and 43 apply force to the ankle of the wearer and such force increases when the lower leg bends forwardly during skiing.
  • a concept of this invention is to reduce the unit loading of the ankle by the strap or straps of the ski boot.
  • the load distribution member 17 is constructed of plastic sheet material such as nylon, although other materials may be used.
  • the load distribution member 17 is semi-rigid, i.e., sufficiently rigid to provide a load distributing function.
  • the load distribution member 17 is elongated axially of the ankle-embracing portion 19 and is curved axially (FIG. 3) and circumferentially (FIG. 4) of the ankle-embracing portion so as to conform generally to the curvature of the ankle.
  • the curvature of the load distribution member 17 provides the load distribution member 17 with some rigidity.
  • the load distribution member 17 has an outer face 47 and a complementary inner face 48.
  • the load distribution member 17 has an aperture 49 adjacent the lower end of the load distribution member.
  • the load distribution member 17 is permanently mounted on the strap 43 by a rivet 51 which extends through the aperture 49.
  • the load distribution member 17 is sandwiched between the straps 41 and 43 and the forward region 53 of the ankle-embracing portion 19.
  • the straps 41 and 43 hold the load distribution member 17 tightly against the forward region 53.
  • the load distribution member 17 extends for substantially the full axial length of the ankle-embracing portion 19.
  • the load distribution member 17 extends from the lower edge of the strap 43 to a location above the upper strap 41 at the top of the boot.
  • the load distribution member has an upper end portion 54 which curves away from the adjacent portion of the ankle so as to avoid uncomfortable contact therewith while skiing.
  • the fasteners 25 and 45 are released to loosen the upper 15. This permits easy insertion of the foot of the wearer into the ski boot.
  • the fasteners 25 and 45 are then moved to the tightened or looking position to cause the upper 15 to more tightly embrace the foot and ankle of the wearer.
  • the tightening of the fasteners 45 brings the load distribution member 17 into the position shown in FIG. 1 in which it is sandwiched between the straps 41 and 43 and the forward region 53. In this position, the load distribution member distributes the force from the straps 41 and 43 over a relatively large area of the forward portion of the ankle with consequent increased comfort to the skier.
  • the straps 41 and 43 hold the load distribution member in position.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a ski boot 11a which is identical to the ski boot 11 of FIG. 1 except that the former utilizes a load distribution member 17a of different construction and the rivet 51 has been eliminated. Portions of the ski boot 11a corresponding to the positions of the ski boot 11 are designated by corresponding reference numerals followed by the letter a.
  • the load distribution member 17a is semi-rigid longitudinally and may be constructed of the same material as disclosed hereinabove with reference to the load distribution member 17.
  • the load distribution member 17a is elongated in a direction axially of the ankle-embracing portion 19a and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a curved outer surface 47a and a complementary curved inner surface 48a.
  • the load distribution member 17a is curved as it extends circumferentially and axially of the ankle-embracing portion 19a in a manner corresponding to the load distribution member 17.
  • the load distribution member 17a has an upper end portion 54a which curves away from the adjacent portion of the ankle.
  • the load distribution member 17a differs from the load distribution member 17 in that the former has no aperture 49 but does have a pair of spaced, upwardly opening books 55 and 57 at the lower end of the load distribution member.
  • the hooks 55 and 57 are formed integrally with the main portion of the load distribution member 17a.
  • the load distribution member 17a In use of the load distribution member 17a, the load distribution member is positioned as shown in FIG. 5 with the hooks 55 and 57 embracing the lower edge portion of the strap segment 43a. In this manner, the hooks 55 and 57 prevent upward movement of the load distribution member 17a relative to the ankle-embracing portion 19a.
  • the curved portion 54a assists in preventing downward movement of the load distribution member 17a relative to the ankle-embracing portion 19a.
  • the straps 41a and 43a hold the load distribution member 17a tightly against the forward region 53a to thereby further assist in retaining the load distribution member 17a against movement relative to the ankle embracing portion 19a.
  • the hooks 55 and 57 may clampingly embrace the lower edge portion of the straps 43a.
  • the load distribution member 17a extends axially and circumferentially of the ankle-embracing portion 19 as described hereinabove with reference to the load distribution member 17 (FIG. 1).
  • An advantage of the load distribution member 17a is that it can be used with existing ski boots without any structural modification thereto. In addition, the load distribution member 17 can be easily removed from the ski boot 19a.
  • a ski boot having a sole, an upper and at least one strap with the upper being adapted to receive the foot of a wearer and to embrace at least a portion of the ankle of the wearer and with the strap being adapted to extend across the forward portion of the ankle of the wearer, the improvement comprising:
  • load distribution memher being at least semi-rigid
  • said means to retain includes means for releasably attaching the load distribution member to the strap.
  • a ski boot comprising:
  • an upper attached to the sole and adapted to receive the foot of a wear said upper including an ankleembracing portion and a foot-embracing portion with the foot-embracing portion projecting outwardly from the ankle-embracing portion, said upper including at least one strap extending generally circumferentially of the ankle of the wearer and across the forward portion of the ankle of the wearer, said upper including means to tighten the strap circumferentially of the ankle;
  • load distribution member being at least substantially semi-rigid
  • a ski boot as defined in claim 4 wherein said means to retain includes a hook on said load distribution member, said hook embracing a portion of said strap.
  • said ankleembracing portion includes upper and lower axially spaced straps at the forward region of the ankle-embracing portion and said load distribution member extends between said straps.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US852787A 1969-08-25 1969-08-25 Ski boot and stay therefor Expired - Lifetime US3561139A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US85278769A 1969-08-25 1969-08-25

Publications (1)

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US3561139A true US3561139A (en) 1971-02-09

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US852787A Expired - Lifetime US3561139A (en) 1969-08-25 1969-08-25 Ski boot and stay therefor

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US (1) US3561139A (fr)
CH (1) CH528234A (fr)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3855716A (en) * 1974-02-21 1974-12-24 H Hutchinson Ski boot load distributor for lower leg
FR2394265A1 (fr) * 1977-06-13 1979-01-12 Garbuio Calzaturificio Dispositif de fermeture a levier arriere pour chaussure de ski
WO1981001644A1 (fr) * 1979-12-17 1981-06-25 R Spademan Chaussure de sport avec assemblage dynamique de languette
FR2506135A1 (fr) * 1981-05-22 1982-11-26 Salomon & Fils F Chaussure de ski a tige a double pivot d'articulation
US4406073A (en) * 1980-01-04 1983-09-27 Spademan Richard George Sport shoe with a dynamic tongue assembly
US4470206A (en) * 1981-12-24 1984-09-11 Dolomite S.P.A. Ski boot with an elastically inclinable forward leg portion
US4577419A (en) * 1984-01-13 1986-03-25 Adidas Fabrique De Chaussures De Sport High-top shoe
US4583306A (en) * 1983-10-19 1986-04-22 Salomon S.A. Alpine ski boot
US5111598A (en) * 1990-02-16 1992-05-12 Nordica S.P.A. Ski boot with mixed front entry and rear entry structure
US5370133A (en) * 1994-02-22 1994-12-06 Darco International, Inc. Lower leg, ankle and foot immobilization brace with uniform, adjustable compression
FR2706742A1 (en) * 1993-06-22 1994-12-30 Salomon Sa Ski boot with lower-leg bearing plate
EP0809948A1 (fr) * 1996-05-28 1997-12-03 Salomon S.A. Chaussure de sport munie d'un moyen de serrage du type sangle
US5819442A (en) * 1994-06-02 1998-10-13 Lange International S.A. Pair of auxiliary reinforcement pieces for ski boots equipped with these pieces
US6038791A (en) * 1997-12-22 2000-03-21 Rollerblade, Inc. Buckling apparatus using elongated skate cuff
EP1356746A1 (fr) * 1998-12-07 2003-10-29 The Burton Corporation Raidisseur de languette pour chaussure
US20070271824A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-11-29 Helmut Holzer Sports shoe, in particular ski shoe and tightening means therefore
US20090119952A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-14 Salomon S.A.S. Boot with improved tightening of the upper
WO2023135512A1 (fr) * 2022-01-14 2023-07-20 O’Neal Europe Gmbh & Ko. Kg Chaussure pour disciplines sportives à structure améliorée

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3855716A (en) * 1974-02-21 1974-12-24 H Hutchinson Ski boot load distributor for lower leg
FR2394265A1 (fr) * 1977-06-13 1979-01-12 Garbuio Calzaturificio Dispositif de fermeture a levier arriere pour chaussure de ski
US4190970A (en) * 1977-06-13 1980-03-04 Calzaturificio Giuseppe Garbuio S.A.S. Lever closure for ski boots
WO1981001644A1 (fr) * 1979-12-17 1981-06-25 R Spademan Chaussure de sport avec assemblage dynamique de languette
FR2471755A2 (fr) * 1979-12-17 1981-06-26 Spademan Richard Chaussure de sport equipee d'une languette dynamique
US4406073A (en) * 1980-01-04 1983-09-27 Spademan Richard George Sport shoe with a dynamic tongue assembly
FR2506135A1 (fr) * 1981-05-22 1982-11-26 Salomon & Fils F Chaussure de ski a tige a double pivot d'articulation
US4470206A (en) * 1981-12-24 1984-09-11 Dolomite S.P.A. Ski boot with an elastically inclinable forward leg portion
US4583306A (en) * 1983-10-19 1986-04-22 Salomon S.A. Alpine ski boot
US4577419A (en) * 1984-01-13 1986-03-25 Adidas Fabrique De Chaussures De Sport High-top shoe
US5111598A (en) * 1990-02-16 1992-05-12 Nordica S.P.A. Ski boot with mixed front entry and rear entry structure
FR2706742A1 (en) * 1993-06-22 1994-12-30 Salomon Sa Ski boot with lower-leg bearing plate
US5370133A (en) * 1994-02-22 1994-12-06 Darco International, Inc. Lower leg, ankle and foot immobilization brace with uniform, adjustable compression
US5819442A (en) * 1994-06-02 1998-10-13 Lange International S.A. Pair of auxiliary reinforcement pieces for ski boots equipped with these pieces
EP0809948A1 (fr) * 1996-05-28 1997-12-03 Salomon S.A. Chaussure de sport munie d'un moyen de serrage du type sangle
FR2749136A1 (fr) * 1996-05-28 1997-12-05 Salomon Sa Chaussure de sport munie d'un moyen de serrage du type sangle
US5960567A (en) * 1996-05-28 1999-10-05 Salomon S.A. Sport boot provided with a tightening device such as a strap
US6038791A (en) * 1997-12-22 2000-03-21 Rollerblade, Inc. Buckling apparatus using elongated skate cuff
EP1356746A1 (fr) * 1998-12-07 2003-10-29 The Burton Corporation Raidisseur de languette pour chaussure
US20070271824A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-11-29 Helmut Holzer Sports shoe, in particular ski shoe and tightening means therefore
US20110083343A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2011-04-14 Atomic Austria Gmbh Sports shoe, in particular ski shoe and tightening means therefor
US8359771B2 (en) 2006-02-28 2013-01-29 Atomic Austria Gmbh Sports shoe, in particular ski shoe and tightening means therefor
US20090119952A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-14 Salomon S.A.S. Boot with improved tightening of the upper
WO2023135512A1 (fr) * 2022-01-14 2023-07-20 O’Neal Europe Gmbh & Ko. Kg Chaussure pour disciplines sportives à structure améliorée

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH528234A (fr) 1972-09-30

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