Alpine ski boot with strap closure

Abstract

An easy entry alpine ski boot includes one or more of a ladder strap closure, flap joint, ratcheting buckle and worm gear buckle.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 61 / 187,380 filed Jun. 16, 2009 and entitled ALPINE SKIP BOOT WITH LADDER STRAP CLOSURE.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,659,484, 3,679,031, 3,754,486, 4,240,309, 4,363,390, 5,549,429 and 6,654,987 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. In particular, the ratcheting mechanisms disclosed by these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to an article of manufacture. In particular, a strap closure is combined with an alpine ski boot for securing the boot to a skier's foot.[0005]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0006]Alpine ski boots typically utilize lever type closures. While providing a mechanical advantage, these levers have nevertheless become increasingly difficult to operate due to, inter alia, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a closure for alpine ski boots that includes various components such as a ladder strap, coilable strap, flap joint, ratcheting buckle, and worm gear buckle. The closure is designed to make it easier for skiers to put their feet into the boots and secure them tightly around their legs. The flap joint reduces the force required to separate the ladder strap flap and the buckle flap, and the ratcheting mechanism helps to tighten the boots around the skier's foot and leg. Overall, the closure improves the fit and comfort of the boots for skiing."

Problems solved by technology

While providing a mechanical advantage, these levers have nevertheless become increasingly difficult to operate due to, inter alia, the use of stiffer boot materials that must be conformed to the skier's foot and leg.

It is often the case that a skier's physical capacity is challenged, and sometimes overcome, by the task of “cinching up” a modern, stiff, alpine ski boot.

As before, this lever buckle also uses a rigid rack of limited length, depends on leverage limited by lever length, and has only limited capability to increase the overlap of the flaps.

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