Ski boot and binding device

Abstract

A ski boot (1) comprising a rigid shell (2) within which is inserted an inner comfort liner (9) and at least one fastening device, said shell (2) comprising at least one upper flap (212), a lower flap (213), said upper flap having a free end (2121) capable of sliding over an overlap area (2131) provided on the lower flap, the boot comprising a marking element (5) which is disposed on the lower flap in said overlap area. The marking element comprises a series of markings (51), preferably parallel to each other. These may be raised or recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower flap.

Description

[0001] This application concerns alpine ski boots, in particular, ski boots with a rigid shell into which a comfort inner liner is inserted.

[0002] There are currently different types of shells for alpine ski boots, notably "rear-entry" and "front-entry" boots. Of course, the biggest difference between these types of boots lies in how they are put on. In the first case, a hinged spoiler opens towards the rear, allowing the foot to be inserted from the back of the boot. In the second case, it is the front of the boot, and specifically the top of the forefoot, that opens or widens to allow the foot to enter. However, there are many other differences between these two types of boots, particularly regarding the closure and / or tightening of the shell. In the case of "rear-entry" boots, the various components that make up the shell are relatively rigid, and it is their articulation relative to each other that allows the shell to close around the user's foot.Independently, a tightening mechanism ensures the boot's internal volume is adapted to the user's foot. This tightening mechanism often operates using one or more cables. The Nordica NS 770 alpine ski boot (trademarked) from 1983 is an example of this type of boot. The shell is closed by a ratchet and notched strap system, while the forefoot is tightened by a cable and winder system that does not deform the boot's outer shell, as it only affects the inner liner.

[0003] In the case of "front entry" boots, the shell closure and the tightening of the user's foot are simultaneous. Parts of the shell deform to modify its internal volume: firstly, to widen the volume to allow the foot to enter, and secondly, to reduce it to adapt to the user's foot shape. Due to the shell's rigidity and the need for deformation, powerful tightening mechanisms are used in this type of boot. These include buckle hooks, ratchet mechanisms, and toggle mechanisms. This type of boot is currently the most widely used by manufacturers due to the excellent balance of comfort and performance it offers. The use of buckle and ratchet mechanisms allows the user to memorize the tightening force.Indeed, the latter can easily remember, from one time to the next, that he must place the loop of the hook on such and such a tooth of the rack.

[0004] The invention relates to this type of footwear and aims to improve its comfort, performance, and ease of use. To achieve this, the use of a cable and retractor closure system is envisaged. US patent 2020 / 245711 describes a ski boot incorporating such a closure system. While retractor systems offer some advantages in terms of ease of use and the ability to continuously adjust the tightening force, their main drawback is that they make it virtually impossible for the user to memorize the tightening force between skiing sessions.

[0005] The aim of the invention is therefore to improve ski boots equipped with a rigid shell and tightened by a cable and a single-reel device. In particular, the aim of the invention is to allow the user to control and memorize the tightening force.

[0006] The objectives of the invention are achieved by providing a ski boot according to the characteristics of claim 1.

[0007] The marking element may comprise a series of markings. These markings may be recessed or raised relative to the outer surface of the lower flap. The marking element may also comprise a film applied to the lower flap, which film may bear a series of markings. The marking element may consist of a series of parallel lines or a series of aligned dots, said parallel lines or aligned dots being separated from each other by a distance of between 1 and 9 mm.

[0008] The invention will be better understood upon reading the description accompanying the drawing, in which: [ Fig.1 ] There figure 1 represents, in perspective view, a ski boot according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a view representing an enlarged detail of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lower flap's overlap area along section plane III-III according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lower flap's overlap area along section plane III-III according to another embodiment of the invention

[0009] There figure 1 This describes a ski boot 1 designed for downhill skiing. This boot comprises an outer shell 2 into which an inner liner 9 is inserted. The inner liner 9 is not permanently attached to the outer shell and can be removed. This is a so-called "front-entry" boot. The outer shell 2 consists of two main parts: the lower shell 21 and the cuff 22. The lower shell 21 is designed to receive the user's foot and enclose it from the toes to the heel. The lower shell thus covers the entire forefoot of the user up to the instep.

[0010] The collar 22 is fixed to the lower part of the shell 21 using at least two fastening means located respectively on the medial and lateral sides of the boot. The fastening means may be of any type known in the field, for example rivets or screws.

[0011] The upper front part of the lower shell 21 defines an opening which serves, on the one hand, to facilitate the insertion of the foot and, on the other hand, to adapt the internal volume of the boot 1 to the shape of the user's foot. This opening is formed between two portions of the lower shell which are movable relative to each other. In practice, these two movable portions are, on the one hand, the upper flap 212, and on the other hand, the lower flap 213. The figure 2 The cross-section shows the configuration of these two flaps 212 and 213. The upper flap 212 is an integral part of the lower shell 21 and is located on the medial side of the shoe. The lower flap 213 is also an integral part of the lower shell and is positioned on the lateral side of the shoe.

[0012] The means for tightening the bottom of the hull consist of a lacing system comprising a cable 32, a plurality of loops 331, 332, 333, and a cable winder 31. Under the action of the tightening device, the medial flap 212 overlaps the lateral flap 213. The relative movement of the medial flap 212 with respect to the lateral flap 213 in the tightening direction is achieved by the tension exerted by the portion of the cable 32 that passes alternately through at least one loop 332 of the medial flap and through at least one loop 333 of the lateral flap. The free end 2121 of the upper flap 212 can then slide over the overlap area 2131 provided on the lower flap 213. The overlap area corresponds to the surface of the lower flap that the upper flap is capable of covering.

[0013] In the case where the user has a narrow and small foot, it is possible that in order for the shoe to be properly adjusted and tightened, they may have to operate the tightening device until the entire coverage area is covered by the upper flap.

[0014] According to the invention, a marking element 5 is placed on the outer surface of the lower flap 213. The purpose of this marking element is to indicate the extent to which the overlap area 2131 is actually covered by the upper flap 212. The marking element comprises a plurality of marks 51 arranged together and substantially parallel to each other at the free end 2121 of the upper flap 212. In a preferred embodiment, the marks 51 are substantially linear and arranged parallel to each other.

[0015] Other configurations for the marking element are possible. Simple parallel lines or a series of dots, aligned or not, can be used. To make the tightening indication more precise, the different markings, for example lines or dots, should preferably be spaced between 1 and 9 mm apart.

[0016] As can be seen at the figure 2 Each brand can be associated with a numerical value that quantifies the tightness of the boot binding. These numerical values ​​also allow the user to remember their preferred tightness between ski sessions.

[0017] There figure 3 This shows a partial cross-section of the overlap area 2131 of the lower flap 213, at the level of the marking element 5. Each of the markings 51 consists of a small recessed groove in the form of a long, narrow notch. To enhance their legibility, the bottom of each notch can be given a different color than the rest of the lower flap. Similarly, the numerical markings associated with each of the notches can also be formed by a recessed marking.

[0018] There figure 4 This shows another embodiment of the marking element 5, in which it includes raised markings. Each of the markings 51 consists of a small, elongated rib projecting from the outer surface of the lower flap. This rib can be formed directly during the injection molding of the lower hull.

[0019] In another embodiment, not shown, the marking element consists of a film applied by gluing to the lower flap, which film is provided by printing, or by any other equivalent means, with the succession of marks 51.

Claims

1. Ski boot (1) including a rigid shell (2) within which is inserted a comfort inner boot (9) and at least one fastening device, said fastening device comprising a cable (32), a plurality of loops (331, 332, 333) and a cable reel (31); said shell (2) including at least one upper flap (212), a lower flap (213), said upper flap including a free end (2121) capable of sliding over a covering area (2131) provided on the lower flap, the boot being characterised in that a marking element (5) is arranged on the lower flap in said covering area.

2. Ski boot (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the marking element comprises a succession of marks (51) .

3. Ski boot (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the marking element comprises marks that are recessed with respect to the outer surface of the lower flap.

4. Ski boot (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the marking element comprises marks that are raised with respect to the outer surface of the lower flap.

5. Ski boot (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the marking element comprises a film applied to the lower flap, which film has a succession of marks.

6. Ski boot (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the marking element comprises a succession of parallel lines or aligned points.

7. Ski boot (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said parallel lines, or said aligned points are separated from each other by a distance between 1 and 9 mm.

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