Systems and processes for ski boot tightening, loosening, and customization

Abstract

A ski boot adjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism which tightens and loosens a portion of a ski boot, a triggering device that selectively actuates the adjustment mechanism, and a controller that monitors pressure in the portion of the ski boot during operation of the adjustment mechanism. A user can use the triggering device and adjustment mechanism to customize the fit of the ski boot in different regions thereof. The adjustment mechanism can include air bladders, automated motorized straps, or other tightening features. The triggering device can be a manually operated trigger on the ski boot or a remote computing device in wireless communication with the controller, such as a smartphone operable by the user, a transmitter within a ski mat onto which the user steps, or another form of transmitting device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,331, filed May 28, 2020 and titled SKI BOOTS WITH TIGHTENING AND LOOSENING TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS / PROCESSES FOR TIGHTENING / LOOSENING SKI BOOTS AND THE LIKE, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to ski boot devices and adjustment mechanisms, and more particularly, to ski boot tightening and loosening mechanisms and processes.2. Description of the Related Art[0003]Conventional ski boots are tight fitting, difficult to walk in, and have tightening / loosening mechanisms which are cumbersome to operate. A ski boot has a fairly rigid outer structure that helps prevent a skier's foot from moving within the ski boot while the skier is skiing. When putting on or taking off a ski boot, a skier often needs to forcefully push or pu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a ski boot that can be tightened or looser with minimal force and without bending or stretching. It also allows the skier to instantly adjust the pressure in different areas of the boot. Additionally, the patent describes a system that triggers automatic tightening and loosening of the boots at parking lots and ski lodges, improving the overall skiing experience.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional ski boots are tight fitting, difficult to walk in, and have tightening / loosening mechanisms which are cumbersome to operate.

Additionally, mechanical straps used to tighten or loosen the ski boot tend to require a lot of force to disengage and / or reset them.

While adjustable straps can be manipulated to change the fit of the ski boot, they are sometimes set in a configuration which is either too loose or too tight for walking or skiing.

Straps that are too tightly set can cause shin pain when the skier walks around in the ski boots because the shin portion of the outer rigid structure of the boot presses against the skier's shin.

Straps that are too loosely set can cause the skier's foot to slide around within the boot while walking or skiing.

Incrementally changing conventional ski boot strap settings to the next highest or lowest setting to increase or decrease the pressure of the fit of the ski boot about the skier's foot / leg may inadvertently overlytighten or overly loosen the ski boot.

In other words, the incremental change in the strap may undershoot or overshoot a skier's desired pressure level.

A skier who is outside and wishes to adjust a ski boot often has to stretch, bend, and manually manipulate these straps while standing on snow, ice, or other slippery surfaces, which can be dangerous.

Putting on, removing, and adjusting conventional ski boots can thus be an arduous process, whether inside or outside, and particularly for older, handicapped, disabled, and / or injured people with limited flexibility and range of motion.

When temperature and pressure within the ski boot change during use, the skier may wish to further tighten or loosen the ski boot, but may be unable to do so without first travelling to the lodge at the ski resort due to frigid temperatures and / or a lack of outdoor seating.

These difficulties can take away from the skier's overall enjoyment of skiing, and may dissuade some individuals from even participating.

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