Insert composite structure

Abstract

Insert that can be attached to the sole of a ski boot, the insert comprising: a. an anchoring structure (1) and b. a receiving structure (2), wherein the anchoring structure (1) and the receiving structure (2) are formed in one piece from a semi-finished product or the anchoring structure (1) and the receiving structure (2) are manufactured separately and joined together, preferably by a material bond, characterized in that c. the insert (10) or the receiving structure (2) is formed from a rolled profile or a flow-formed part.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an insert that can be connected to the sole of a ski or snowboard boot, for example, by being inserted into the sole, so that the boot is ready to be used with, for example, a pin binding. The insert comprises a receiving structure and an anchoring structure, which is formed integrally with or firmly connected to the receiving structure and firmly anchors the receiving structure in the sole. "Firmly" here means that the receiving structure cannot move relative to the sole or the boot, even under high loads.

[0002] In the development of sports equipment, weight and price are just as important as design, which is the primary purchase incentive. Both should be as low as possible without compromising the equipment's safety. For example, weight can be saved on ski bindings by designing the toe and / or heel pieces as a skeletal structure. The choice of material can influence both price and weight, and often lighter materials are more expensive than heavier ones, meaning that a weight advantage often results in a higher price.

[0003] Especially in boardwalking, weight and price manipulation can be made not only to the board itself, but also to the secondary equipment, namely the footwear, which must be a specialized shoe and is generally only used in conjunction with the board, except for short walking distances. This means that in boardwalking, it makes sense to consider both the board itself and the corresponding footwear with regard to weight and price optimization, as potential price or weight reductions in the boardwalk footwear also contribute to a price or weight reduction of the overall system. Price reductions can be achieved, for example, by using alternative materials and / or manufacturing processes. For instance, in shoes designed for use with pin bindings, the pin receptacles are made of metal using a die-casting process.The tools used for this are a significant cost factor that essentially determines the price of the pin mounts and therefore significantly influences the price of the "shoe" system.

[0004] For example, EP 1 559 457 A1 discloses a bearing plate for a touring ski boot. The bearing plate is manufactured using a casting process. It can be integrated into the touring ski boot sole in a front area and forms counter-engagement elements for engagement elements of a toe piece of the touring ski binding system. FR 2 819 690 A1 relates to a snowboard boot with an insert made of a thermoplastic material or a composite material integrated into the boot sole.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide parts for a ski board or ski boot that can be manufactured at least more cheaply than comparable parts already on the market. A further object is to provide an inexpensive boot.

[0006] These problems are solved by the subject matter of claim 1 and the shoe according to claim 11. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. These can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful way, even across claim categories. The description, particularly in conjunction with the drawings, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to an insert that can be connected to the sole of a ski boot. The ski boot is a gliding boot, but could also be a boot that can be used with a snowboard. For ease of reading, the application will consistently refer to a ski boot. However, this does not mean that the invention is limited to ski boots in the strict sense, but rather relates to any gliding boot, insofar as this is practical.

[0008] The insert comprises an anchoring structure and a receiving structure. The insert, including the anchoring and receiving structures, can be formed as a single piece, preferably from a single material. Alternatively, the anchoring and receiving structures can be manufactured separately and joined together to form the insert.

[0009] The one-piece insert is a flow-formed part or a rolled profile whose free end is shaped as a receiving structure, for example, by embossing, drilling, grinding, and / or milling. The anchoring structure can be formed on the insert body outside the receiving structure, also for example, by embossing, milling, or grinding. The insert body can be a solid cylinder with a round, oval, teardrop, or any other cross-section. The free ends can have the same cross-section as the insert body or a different one. For example, the receiving structure can be flared compared to the insert body, meaning it has a cross-section with a larger diameter in at least one direction.

[0010] The anchoring structure serves to firmly anchor the insert in the sole. "Firmly" in this context means that the anchoring structure secures the insert in the sole so that, even under extreme loads such as those that can occur when riding a plank, the insert cannot move relative to the sole.

[0011] The receiving structure can have a functional surface that can form a receptacle, for example, for an engagement element of a binding. The functional surface can form a free end of the receiving structure or insert, or be located at a free end of the receiving structure or insert. The functional surface can remain accessible even when the insert is integrated into the sole or shoe.

[0012] The shoe can be a one-piece design without a separate sole. In this case, the insert is integrated into the shoe, specifically into the part of the shoe that forms the contact surface. The sole can be a compact, for example, one-piece sole, or a sole made up of several separable parts. The latter can, for example, have interchangeable sections at the front and / or back to allow the shoe to be adapted to different bindings, such as toe clips, toe pieces, heel pieces, and / or heel pieces. In this specific case, the insert is preferably located in the respective interchangeable section of the sole.

[0013] Simply manufacturing the insert from a single part, or from two separate parts preferably joined by a material bond, can already have a beneficial impact on costs, especially tooling costs. In this case, no joining process is required, and tooling costs can also be significantly lower.

[0014] A cost advantage can also be achieved if the insert is formed from the two separate parts and the connecting structure is made from a first material and the receiving structure is made from a material different from or distinct from the first material.

[0015] In a two-part insert, the anchoring structure, which is completely encased in sole material when connected to the insole or ski boot, can be made of, for example, simple structural steel. Once cast into the sole, the anchoring structure will not come into contact with oxygen and moisture, or at least only to a very limited extent. Therefore, oxidation of the structural steel will not occur, or if it does, only very slowly. This means that the strength of the anchoring structure will not decrease over the average lifespan of a boot, even if it is made of a material that can corrode in contact with oxygen. Post-treatments such as hardening or anodizing are also unnecessary, as the anchoring structure essentially serves only to firmly secure the insert within the sole.

[0016] The advantage is that the connection structure can be quickly and cost-effectively adapted to different shoe types, and special requests from the manufacturer can generally be implemented quickly and cost-effectively. Furthermore, the connection structure can usually be easily adapted to existing tool holders used by shoe manufacturers, for example, with regard to inserts and screw points.

[0017] The insert's mounting structure, consisting of two joined parts, can be made of high-strength stainless steel, since at least the functional surface is constantly exposed to the environment, i.e., moisture and any salts added to the snow, and the mounting structure must directly absorb the forces exerted on the shoe during use of the ski board. The mounting structure can also be further refined, for example, hardened, anodized, coated, or otherwise treated. As described above, the mounting structure is formed from a rolled profile or an extruded part. The material for the mounting structure can be, for example, stainless steel, preferably with high strength.

[0018] The material from which the receiving structure is formed may differ from the material of the anchoring structure, particularly with regard to hardness, strength, ductility and strength, as well as price.

[0019] For joining, the anchoring structure and the receiving structure can have joining surfaces that lie flat against each other, for example, when the insert is joined by welding. In this case, the receiving structure can have a greater material thickness in the area of ​​the joining surface than the anchoring structure, or vice versa. The anchoring structure and the receiving structure can be joined together, for example, by means of a fillet weld.

[0020] The receiving structure can alternatively partially encompass and / or overlap the anchoring structure, or vice versa. That is, the receiving structure and / or the anchoring structure can, for example, have a groove or an opening into which the other structure can engage with a suitably designed engagement element.

[0021] The two interconnected structures can then be joined together, for example, by fillet welding, resistance welding, or spot welding. In fillet or spot welding, a laser can be used to locally liquefy the metal to create the joint.

[0022] The anchoring structure and / or the receiving structure can be formed, for example, as a rolled profile, extrusion, stamped part, forging, sheet metal plate, or laser-cut part. Forgings and extrusions, in particular, exhibit high dimensional accuracy and high repeatability in production, which is especially advantageous for manufacturing the receiving structure. The surface quality of the die-cut part is also high.

[0023] The functional surface can be formed as a separate inlay that can be securely attached to the receiving structure. In preferred designs, the functional surface can then be replaced to adapt the insert to different engagement elements, to give the insert an additional design feature by changing the color of the functional surface, and / or to allow the functional surface to be replaced when worn.

[0024] The insert or receiving structure can have a functional surface at each of its two opposing free ends. In this case, the insert or receiving structure can extend through the sole in a connection area transversely to an axial direction of the sole. The two functional surfaces can be identical in shape or mirrored. The functional surfaces have mirrored positions on the sole with respect to the center of the toe or the center of the heel. In other words, the distance of the functional surfaces to, for example, the center of the toe is identical, as is the distance of the functional surface to the underside of the sole. The functional surfaces on both sides can, in particular, be conical receptacles into which pins of a toe piece of a pin binding can engage.

[0025] In particular, with inserts formed from separately manufactured receiving and anchoring structures, the receiving structure can consist of two receiving substructures, each individually joined to the anchoring structure and each featuring a functional surface. These two receiving substructures can be connected to the anchoring structure in various positions, allowing the insert to be easily adapted during manufacturing to soles or shoes of varying widths in the insert area. This is because the geometry of the receiving structure's anchoring structure does not need to be altered; only the positioning of the receiving substructures on the anchoring structure is varied.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a ski boot suitable for connection to a ski in a pin binding. The ski boot includes or forms a sole into which engagement structures are integrated, forming receptacles for the pins of the pin assembly to secure the boot to the ski via the pins. The engagement structures are the functional surfaces of an insert, as described in detail on the preceding pages. The ski boot can, in particular, be a touring boot, which is held in the pin binding in the toe and heel pieces for downhill skiing and which is pivotably mounted in the toe piece of the binding to allow for ascending in touring mode. One or more climbing aids can be mounted on the heel piece, which, depending on the terrain and the setting chosen by the skier, support the boot at different angles when walking in touring mode.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Features or combinations of features that can only be seen in the figures are part of the scope of the invention and can advantageously further develop the invention individually or in the combinations shown and obvious.

[0028] The figures show, in detail: Fig. 1: Insert from one piece in four views; Fig. 2: Insert the Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 3: Insert consisting of several parts in an exploded view; Fig. 4: Insert the Fig. 3 joined in a perspective view; Fig. 5: Insert the Fig. 4 in a top view; Fig. 6: further insert for multi-part exploded view drawings; Fig. 7: Insert the Fig. 6 added.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a one-piece insert 10 in four views: a side view a), a top view b) and two views c), d) of the end faces.

[0030] The Insert 10 is manufactured or formed from a single piece. The semi-finished product is a flow-formed part or a rolled profile, which was shaped into the Insert 10 by embossing, grinding, or milling.

[0031] The insert 10 has two distinguishable areas. A receiving structure 2 is formed on each end face 4, 5, and the area between the two receiving structures is designed as an anchoring structure 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the insert 10 has a cylindrical shape, the end faces 4, 5 of which form the receiving structure 2 are flared compared to the body that forms the anchoring structure.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, the anchoring structure 1 comprises two anchoring surfaces 6, 7, which are incorporated into the fully cylindrical body, for example, by milling. When the insert is cast into the sole of a ski boot, the anchoring surfaces 6, 7 prevent the insert from moving laterally or pivoting within the sole. The anchoring surfaces 6, 7 can also be used as a tool engagement, for example, for an insertion tool, with which the insert 10 is placed into a tool for casting, for example, into a shoe sole.

[0033] The receiving structure 2 comprises a functional surface 3 in the form of an opening or recess, which is designed so that a pin of a pin binding can engage in the functional surface and secure the shoe with the insert 10 in the pin binding.

[0034] Because the insert 10 is made from a commercially available semi-finished product, which is produced, for example, by hot rolling, cold rolling or cold drawing, the length of the insert 10 can also be easily changed, so that individually adapted inserts 10 can be easily manufactured for shoe models with different width soles in the securing area of ​​the pins of the pin binding.

[0035] There Fig. Figure 1 shows only one embodiment of the one-piece insert 10. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the shape of the insert 10 can be chosen arbitrarily. For example, the basic cross-section can be oval, rectangular, polygonal, flower-shaped, triangular, teardrop-shaped, wing-shaped, or any other shape. The anchoring structure 1 can have more or fewer anchoring surfaces 6, 7 and / or blind or through holes and optionally other anchoring elements, for example, structures projecting from the surface, which facilitate the anchoring of the insert 10 in the shoe sole.

[0036] The Fig. Figure 2 shows, in a perspective top view, insert 10 of the Fig. 1. Alternatively, insert 10 of the Fig. 1 can also be formed from an anchoring structure 1 and a separately manufactured receiving structure 2, which must first be joined to the insert 10 after manufacture. In a further embodiment, such a joined insert 10 is placed in the Fig. Sections 5 to 7 are explained in more detail. The description of these figures can therefore also refer to the Fig. 1 can be read when the insert 10 of the Fig. 1 is not made in one piece and preferably of one material, but has separate anchoring structures 1 and receiving structures 2.

[0037] In this case, the receiving structure 2 and the anchoring structure 1 can be joined together, for example welded, to form the insert 10 of the Fig. 1 to form.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an insert 10, which consists of an anchoring structure 1 and a receiving structure 2, wherein, in the exemplary embodiment, the receiving structure 2 comprises two receiving part structures 2a, 2b. It is clear that instead of the two receiving part structures 2a, 2b, the receiving structure 2 can also be formed in one piece, similar to or identical with the insert 10 shown in the Fig. 1 is shown. That is, insert 10 of the Fig. 1 can use the recording structure 2 for the insert 10 of the Fig. 3 form, which are joined to form the insert 10 with a separate anchoring structure 1.

[0039] The recording substructures 2a, 2b can be, as for Fig. The anchoring structure 1, as described in section 1, is made from a semi-finished product, such as a forging, an extrusion, or a rolled profile. The anchoring structure 1 is a plate which, in the exemplary embodiment, has several openings or through-holes into which the sole material can penetrate when the insert 10 is injected or cast into the sole, for example, during the manufacturing process using a plastic injection or molding process.

[0040] The anchoring structure 1 is manufactured separately from the receiving structure 2 and can therefore be made of a different material than the receiving structure 2. The material of the anchoring structure 1 may have a different hardness, strength, stiffness, or ductility than the material from which the receiving structure 2, or the receiving substructures 2a and 2b, are manufactured. For example, the anchoring structure 1 may be made of standard structural steel, while the receiving structure 2 is made of stainless steel that has been additionally hardened, coated, or otherwise processed and / or treated, at least in certain areas.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3. The receiving substructures 2a, 2b lie flat against the flat flanks of the anchoring structure on two sides, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that in this position, the receiving structure 2 and the anchoring structure are joined together, for example by welding, brazing, or bonding. For welding, fillet welding is a suitable option, preferably using a gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process.

[0042] Alternatively, the anchoring structure 1 and the receiving structure 2 can also partially overlap and / or the anchoring structure 1 can engage with the receiving structure 2 in certain areas, or vice versa, for example in a groove and / or an opening. In such designs, instead of fillet welding, a resistance welding or spot welding process, for example, can be used to join the anchoring structure 1 and the receiving structure 2 to form the insert.

[0043] The Fig. 6 and Fig.Figure 7 shows an insert 10, which can be connected, for example, to the rear end of the sole in the direction of skiing to accommodate a pin of the heel piece or heel clamp when the binding is used in downhill mode. This insert 10 can also be used independently or additionally to accommodate and hold a safety strap that prevents the ski from moving too far away from the skier if the binding releases during a tour. In touring mode, this strap then acts as a ski brake, which in downhill mode releases automatically if the binding opens unintentionally and a fall occurs.

[0044] In embodiment 1, the anchoring structure comprises two cylindrical pins 8, 9 that can be connected to the sole of the shoe. The pins 8, 9 can, in particular, be extrusion pins. The receiving structure 2 is manufactured, for example, from a stamped and bent part and connected to the pins 8, 9.

[0045] The welding processes already mentioned, such as spot welding and resistance welding, can be used for joining. Alternatively, the pins 8 and 9 can be pressed into a blind hole in the receiving structure 2 with an interference fit. Reference symbol list 1 Anchoring structure 2 Recording structure 2a Recording component structure 2b Recording component structure 3 Functional area 4 open end 5 open ending 6 Anchoring surface 7 Anchoring surface 8 pen 9 pen 10 Insert

Claims

[1] Insert that can be attached to the sole of a ski boot, the insert comprising: a. an anchoring structure (1) and b. a receiving structure (2), wherein the anchoring structure (1) and the receiving structure (2) are formed in one piece from a semi-finished product or the anchoring structure (1) and the receiving structure (2) are manufactured separately and joined together, preferably by a material bond. characterized by , that c. the insert (10) or the receiving structure (2) is formed from a rolled profile or a flow-formed part. [2] Insert according to claim 1, wherein the receiving structure (2) has a functional surface (3) and the functional surface (3) is preferably accessible from the outside in the case of an insert (10) integrated into the shoe. [3] Insert according to the preceding claim, wherein the functional surface (3) forms a free end of the insert (10) and the anchoring structure (1) of the one-piece insert (10) is formed behind the functional surface (3) when viewed from the outside. [4] Insert according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein in the insert (10) with separately manufactured anchoring and receiving structure the anchoring structure (1) consists of a first material and the receiving structure (2) consists of a second material different from the first material. [5] Insert according to the preceding claim, wherein the receiving structure (2) overlaps and / or surrounds the anchoring structure (1) section by section. [6] Insert according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the anchoring structure (1) is joined to the receiving structure (2) by a joining method consisting of, for example, fillet welding, resistance welding, spot welding, preferably by means of a laser. [7] Insert according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring structure (1) and / or the receiving structure (2) are formed as a flow-formed part, stamped part, forged part, sheet metal part or laser-cut part. [8] Insert according to claim 4, wherein the first material has different material properties, such as hardness, strength, ductility and stiffness, than the second material. [9] Insert according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (10) has a functional surface (3) on each of two opposite free sides (4, 5). [10] Insert according to one of the six preceding claims, wherein the receiving structure (2) consists of two separate receiving structure parts (2a, 2b) which are both joined to the anchoring structure (1) and each have a functional surface (3). [11] Insert according to one of the nine preceding claims, wherein the functional surface (3) is formed by embossing, grinding or milling on the rolled profile. [12] Insert according to any ten of the preceding claims, wherein the functional surface (3) is a substantially conical depression into which a pin of a pin bond can engage. [13] Ski boot suitable for being connected to a ski in a pin binding, the ski boot comprising: a sole an insert integrated into the sole with functional surfaces (3) into which the pins of the pin binding engage to secure the shoe in the pin binding, wherein the insert is the insert (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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