Suspension ski boot

Abstract

This invention in the broadest sense comprises a ski boot, freely pivoting at the ankle, in combination with an adjustable suspension shock absorber to control and optimize compression and rebound damping characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, the ski boot would comprise a rigid, pivoting exoskeleton (providing the lateral stiffness and torsional control), a sub-boot (providing padding, thermal insulation, and water-proofing), and a fully adjustable pneumatic/hydraulic/spring suspension system (providing adjustable fore-aft stiffness, shock absorption, and rebound damping). The object of the invention is to optimize ski boot performance by separating the necessary boot components, allowing them to be designed to optimize different performance characteristics.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention is intended to address several design short-comings inherent in all current alpine and Randonee ski boots, namely the relative lack of adjustable fore-aft stiffness and compression and rebound damping. Current ski boots rely on an outer shell of varying stiffness to provide control and comfort, or at most, a minimally adjustable spring, screw, bladder, gas chamber, or elastic rods. The inherent properties of the shell material and these minimally adjustable parts define the performance characteristics of the boot, and as such cannot be altered significantly in any given boot. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The suspension ski boot as described in this application is a comb...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The suspension ski boot as described in this application is a combination of existing technologies in a novel fashion. In its most basic form this invention is a ski boot that utilizes a separate adjustable mechanical shock absorber to control the fore-aft (ankle flexion / extension) compression and rebound damping characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, I propose a ski boot that incorporates a rigid pivoting exoskeleton (to provide lateral and torsional stiffness as well as support for the other components), a sub boot (to provide insulation and water-proofing), and a fully adjustable hydraulic shock absorber (to define compression and rebound damping). The novel advantages of this design include maximal lateral stiffness and torsional control (provided by the rigid exoskeleton) with unsurpassed flexibility of control with respect to fore-aft compression and extension (provided by the separate suspension shock absorber). With this system, the skier would be able to control compression speed and damping, rebound speed and damping, and starting and full-compression leg positions. Adjustments in these parameters could be made day-to-day or run-to-run, and could be based on terrain and snow conditions. Comfort and performance would be enhanced. The shock could be disabled for ease of ambulation, thereby further enhancing comfort and flexibility. Disabling the shock would also allow ease of climbing for Randonee systems. The object of the invention is to optimize ski boot performance by separating the necessary boot components, allowing them to be designed to optimize different performance characteristics.

Problems solved by technology

The inherent properties of the shell material and these minimally adjustable parts define the performance characteristics of the boot, and as such cannot be altered significantly in any given boot.

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