Sports footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear, such as a boot, adapted to be removably retained on a sports apparatus, the boot including an outer sole assembly, an upper and a fastening element, the latter being adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, itself adapted to be affixed to the apparatus. The boot includes a connection mechanism adjustable in position, which adjustably connects the fastening element to the outer sole assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 10 / 04892, filed Dec. 15, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to an article of footwear, such as a shoe or a boot, adapted to be reversibly retained on a sports apparatus and, more particularly, such an article of footwear being adapted for the practice of snow sports.[0004]Footwear of the aforementioned type can be used in disciplines such as cross-country or telemark skiing, snowshoeing, roller skating, cycling, and the like.[0005]2. Background Information[0006]An article of footwear (hereafter “boot,” for convenience) of the aforementioned type includes an outer sole assembly, an upper, and a fastening element, the latter being adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, which itself is adapted t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Therefore, the fastening element can be replaced, for example, if it were to become worn out. The fastening element is a wear element that fits into the much larger unit formed by the boot. As a result, the user can keep a boot that fits him / her well, and can recover a satisfactory steering precision with such boot.

[0018]Furthermore, after removal, the fastening element can be replaced by another whose structure is selectively identical or different. The position of the fastening element can also be provided to be changed, such as, for example, along a longitudinal direction of the boot. Some users prefer a more forward position, while others prefer a more rearward position. Furthermore, any given user has the flexibility to adjust his / her boot to a particular steering style. This is particularly advantageous in cross-country skiing, depending on whether the user is practicing the alternate step or the skating step. As a result, the boot of the invention can satisfy the greatest number of users, and each user will obtain maximum efficiency in the transmission of steering impulses and in the perception of sensory information related to steering.

Problems solved by technology

However, several disadvantages related to this arrangement have been observed.

First, because it rotates in the jaws, the fastening element can wear out.

This requires changing the boot because the fastening element is worn out, yet the remainder of the boot usually is not.

Therefore, the wear of the fastening element reduces the useful life of the boot.

This is unfortunate because the user often wishes to keep a boot that has well-adapted to his / her foot.

Another drawback associated with the arrangement of the fastening element is the user-specific characteristic of the boot.

Indeed, due to the fixed position of the fastening element relative to the sole assembly, the boot is not suitable for all users.

Not all users adjust the same way to the position of articulation of the boot relative to the apparatus being operated.

A deviation in either direction, even a small deviation, can substantially affect the operation of a ski.

Therefore, a user sometimes does not obtain maximum efficiency in the transmission of steering impulses or in the perception of sensory information related to steering of the ski.

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