Ski boot

Abstract

Ski boot (1) comprising an outer shell (1a) having a lower shell part (2) designed for connection with a ski binding and intended to accommodate a foot, and an upper cuff part (3) articulated to the lower shell part (2) and intended to accommodate a lower leg, wherein a distal and a medial end section (3a, 3b) of the upper cuff part (3) are arranged to overlap at least partially in a position of use, and in the position of use the distal end section (3a) is located on the inside and the medial end section (3b) on the outside, and the upper cuff part (3) has an upper tensioning device (5) comprising a tensioning element (7) and an actuating element (6) for tensioning the tensioning element (7), wherein the actuating element (6) is arranged on the distal end section (3a) of the cuff part (3),wherein a guide element (14) for the linear tension element (7) is provided on the distal end section (3a) of the upper shaft part (3), which can be removed from the upper shaft part (3) without tools for convenient closing and opening of the upper shaft part (3) in a non-tensioned state of the tension element (7), so that the upper shaft part (3) can be moved from a working position to an open position in which the end sections (3a, 3b) can be moved into a non-overlapping open position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a ski boot, in particular an alpine ski boot, comprising an outer shell having a lower shell part designed for connection with a ski binding and intended to receive a foot, and an upper cuff part articulated to the lower shell part and intended to receive a lower leg, wherein a distal and a medial end section of the upper cuff part are arranged to overlap at least partially in a position of use, and in the position of use the distal end section is located on the inside and the medial end section on the outside, and the upper cuff part has an upper tensioning device comprising a linear tensioning element and an actuating element for tensioning the linear tensioning element, wherein the actuating element is arranged on the distal end section of the upper cuff part, and wherein the linear tensioning element has at least one free end.which is connected to the actuating element in such a way that it is moved when the actuating element is activated, so that the pulling element can be moved between a tensioned state and a non-tensioned state of the pulling element, wherein a guide element for the linear pulling element is provided on the distal section of the upper shaft part.

[0002] Ski boots are specially designed shoes for alpine, touring, telemark, and cross-country skiing, engineered to provide a stable connection between the skier and the ski. The closure system of ski boots has evolved over the years. Most modern ski boots use buckles to fasten the outer shell. This outer shell typically houses an liner, which provides comfort, support, and insulation. Traditional alpine ski boots usually have one or two buckles, most often two, on the upper part of the cuff and one to three buckles, most often two, on the lower part of the shell. These buckles operate using a lever mechanism, allowing the skier to tighten the boot shell securely around the foot and lower leg.To close the buckle, the lever arm is opened, the buckle is inserted into a notch, and then the lever arm is closed to achieve the desired tension. A wide Velcro strap may also be provided above the top buckle closure at the upper end of the ski boot. Properly closing the ski boot is essential for efficient power transfer to the ski and for the skier's safety. A well-fitting ski boot not only offers better control over the skis but also minimizes the risk of injury.

[0003] Ski boots are already known that use rotary closures instead of conventional buckles, over which a linear tensioning element, i.e. a rope- or wire-shaped tensioning element, can be stretched.

[0004] Specifically, WO 2020 / 160421 A1 shows ski boots with a closure device for the upper part of the boot or a cuff, consisting of a rope and a rotary lock for tightening and loosening the rope. Two different designs are shown. In the first design, one end of the rope is fixed to the cuff, while the other end can be tightened and loosened using the rotary mechanism. In the second design, both ends of the rope are attached to the rotary lock. To get in and out of the ski boot, it is sometimes necessary to fully open the cuff, i.e., to move the overlapping end sections into a non-overlapping position. This requires a relatively long rope.When the ski boot is open, the long rope poses a significant risk of tangling. Furthermore, closing or tightening the rope requires three hands to prevent it from getting caught on various parts of the cuff. The first design also has the disadvantage that the dial requires many turns to properly tighten the long rope. To mitigate these disadvantages, one embodiment (see Fig. 17) incorporates two retaining elements to which two guide elements can be attached. When a user wants to get in or out of the boot, these guide elements must be removed from or picked up from the retaining elements. However, when closing the boot and picking them up, the user again needs both hands to prevent tangling. EP 4212058 A1 discloses ski boots.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviate or eliminate one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to create a ski boot in which the tensioning element of the upper tensioning device can be comfortably tightened and loosened, or the upper part of the cuff can be comfortably closed and opened, preferably requiring only one hand for this purpose.

[0006] This problem is solved by a ski boot according to claim 1. According to the invention, it is particularly provided that the upper shaft part can be removed without tools in a non-tensioned state of the tensioning element, so that the upper shaft part can be moved from a working position to an open position in which the end sections can be moved into a non-overlapping open position.By arranging both a tool-free removable guide element and the actuating element at the distal end section of the shaft part, a particularly advantageous guidance of the linear pulling element can be achieved, in which the guide element together with the pulling element received therein can be removed from the distal end, but a permanent connection between the distal end section of the shaft part and the pulling element remains via the connection between the actuating element and the pulling element even after the guide element has been removed from the distal end section of the shaft part, so that the risk of a pulling element becoming entangled when completely detached from the distal end section is significantly reduced.Furthermore, when tightening the clamping device to move the upper shaft section from an open position to a working position, the user can first easily position the guide element on the distal end of the shaft section with one hand and then, preferably with the same hand, activate the actuating element to move the tensioning element from a relaxed or untensioned state to a tensioned state. A linear tensioning element is understood to be, in particular, a rope- or wire-shaped tensioning element that has an elongated, especially cylindrical, shape and is suitable for transmitting a tensile or tensioning force and is flexible so that it can be guided over pulleys, deflection pulleys, or winches.Preferably, the pulling element is a lightweight wire rope, particularly made of stainless steel or another durable fiber, such as those commonly used in BOA® twist locks. A rigid element, compared to the pulling element, is provided as a guide element, defining the path of the pulling element in the connection area between the guide element and the pulling element. In particular, the guide element has a guide channel that is at least preferably partially closed, in which the pulling element is slidably mounted. The guide element can advantageously be made of plastic, such as polyamide 6, glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6, polyoxymethylene, or the like.

[0007] The risk of the pulling element becoming entangled in the open position of the upper shaft section can be further reduced if at least one deflection device is provided, which is arranged at the medial end section of the upper shaft section and is designed such that the pulling element is connected to the upper shaft section both in the tensioned and untensioned states. Thus, even in the open position, the pulling element is attached to both the medial and distal end sections of the upper shaft section, thereby providing a local connection of the pulling element to the upper shaft section at at least two points, namely at the actuating element and at the deflection device, and thus reliably preventing entanglement of the pulling element.Provided that the guide element is removed from the distal end of the upper shaft part, it is ensured that the guide of the pulling element is so loose that the two end sections of the shaft can be moved from an overlapping working position to a non-overlapping open position, thus enabling comfortable entry and exit into the ski boot.

[0008] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the linear tension element has two free ends, and the two ends are connected to the actuating element in such a way that both ends are moved when the actuating element is activated. Preferably, sections of the linear tension element extending away from the two free ends are guided around two different deflection devices arranged on the medial end section of the upper shaft part. Embodiments in which a tension element is provided with both free ends connected to the actuating element have the advantage that when the actuating element, preferably a rotary wheel, is moved, both ends are moved. Thus, with each movement of the actuating element, particularly per revolution of the rotary wheel, twice the length of the tension element is stretched compared to embodiments in which one end is fixed to the upper shaft part.Furthermore, the two sections of the pulling element, which extend away from the two ends connected to the actuating element, can be guided directly and, in particular, without further deflection to different deflection devices at the medial end section, thereby achieving a particularly efficient power transmission and low friction losses.

[0009] Particularly efficient and compact guidance of the pull element can be achieved if the removable guide element is designed such that, in the operating position, the pull element is guided circumferentially around the outside of the actuating element. By means of this guidance around the actuating element, a relatively large proportion of the pull element's length is guided around the actuating element when the guide element is attached. This means that when the guide element is removed, a relatively large proportion of the pull element is free, thus ensuring that the upper shaft section can be moved between an operating position and an open position for entry and exit.

[0010] For simple and reliable attachment of the guide element to the upper shaft part, it is advantageous if a retaining device is provided in the distal end section of the upper shaft part, by means of which the guide element is attached to the upper shaft part in the operating position.

[0011] For a compact, simple, and material-saving design, it is advantageous to provide a common fastening element by which the actuating device and the holding device are attached to the upper shaft section, wherein the holding device is preferably arranged partially below the actuating device and has an opening for the passage of the common fastening element, in particular a screw or a rivet. Thus, both the actuating device and the holding device can be attached to the upper shaft section with a single fastening element.

[0012] To ensure that the guide element does not unintentionally detach from the holding device, it is advantageous if the holding device includes a retaining element that is positively connected to the guide element in the operating position, preferably a hook-shaped connecting element, in particular a snap hook, which is received in a corresponding receptacle of the guide element in a functional position. The positive connection can be formed, for example, by a projecting projection that prevents the guide element from being easily detached from the retaining element by means of a sliding movement perpendicular to the plane of extension of the upper shaft part.The snap hook allows the guide element to be additionally secured in its arrangement on the retaining element, so that the guide element can only be removed from the upper shaft part after the snap hook has been removed from a receptacle preferably provided in the guide element, in particular a receiving groove.

[0013] Alternatively, instead of a positive-locking and, if necessary, snap-fit ​​connection, the holding device can include a retaining element that is magnetically connected to the guide element in the operating position. Thus, the guide element can be reliably connected to the holding device in the operating position via a magnetic connection and easily removed from the holding device when the magnetic attraction is overcome.

[0014] For particularly user-friendly handling, it is advantageous if the guide element has a protruding handle.

[0015] For a compact design in which the guide and holding elements are connected over comparatively large areas, it is advantageous if the holding device has a curved contact surface, particularly one shaped like a circular arc, and the guide element has a correspondingly curved support surface, particularly one shaped like a circular arc, wherein in the operating position the curved support surface rests on the curved contact surface, preferably movably in the direction of the curved surfaces. If the guide element rests movably, i.e., in particular rotatably, on the holding element, the tensioning element received in the guide element can automatically align itself straight during clamping, depending on the clamping force and the volume of the user's leg.

[0016] To prevent the pulling element from completely detaching from the upper shaft section even in the open position, and thus to keep it in place at the medial end section and avoid unwanted entanglement (which is beneficial for ease of use), it is advantageous if the deflection device has at least one through-opening through which the pulling element is guided in the operating position. The through-opening advantageously has a larger clear cross-section than the cross-section of the pulling element, so that the pulling element can be guided through the through-opening with relatively low friction losses.

[0017] For cost-effective and efficient manufacturing of the deflection device, it is advantageous if the deflection device comprises a base element on which a deflection element, in particular with a circular arc-shaped deflection surface, is mounted, wherein the base element preferably has at least one through-opening. The base element is advantageously made of plastic, such as polyamide 6, glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide 6, polyoxymethylene, or the like. The deflection element is preferably made of wear-resistant plastic, such as polyamide 6, glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide, polyoxymethylene, or the like. The deflection element preferably has a groove in which the tension element is guided. A roller, in particular made of plastic or metal, can also be provided as the deflection element to reduce the friction between the tension element and the deflection element.

[0018] The deflection device, or each deflection device, advantageously has two through-openings, each with a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes are preferably arranged in a V-shape relative to each other such that the tensioning element is guided without kinks between the deflection device and the actuating element when under tension. Due to varying leg volumes of different users and individual tensioning of the tensioning elements, the exact path of the tensioning element is not always precisely the same. However, with the design according to the invention, the tensioning element can automatically align itself in a straight line of pull, thereby reducing friction losses and the associated wear.

[0019] As an alternative to a V-shaped arrangement of the two through-openings of a deflection device, it has proven particularly effective for low-friction operation of the tensioning element to provide two through-openings that are arranged in different planes in plan view and intersect each other. This intersecting arrangement allows the tensioning element to align itself even more linearly during tensioning. To avoid frictional losses at the intersection point, the through-openings are advantageously arranged in different planes; that is, material from the deflection device, in particular plastic, is provided between the intersecting sections of the tensioning element in the intersection area.

[0020] For simple, reliable, and comfortable tightening and loosening of the tensioning element, it is advantageous if the actuating element has a rotary knob that can preferably be moved between an actuated position and an open position. In the actuated position, turning the rotary knob engages the ends of the linear tensioning element. As soon as the user no longer applies torque to the rotary knob, the rotary knob preferably automatically moves to a locked position, thus maintaining the desired tension applied via the tensioning element. In the open position, the rotary knob is freely rotatable, allowing the tension of the tensioning element to be released quickly. This could, in particular, be a rotary knob of a BOA® dial closure system. It is known to use such closure systems in sports and leisure shoes.Instead of traditional laces, the BOA® system uses a linear tension element, in particular a (wire) cable. Such a closure system with a dial, as can be used in the present invention, is described in detail, for example, in EP 2 805 639 B2. The end or both ends of the tension element are attached to the dial or knob. Turning this dial or knob winds or unwinds the tension element. Turning the knob clockwise tightens the tension element, thereby making the fit of the boot on the lower leg firmer and more secure. This achieves a very precise fit adjustment that is faster and more consistent than with conventional buckles. Many known dial closures also have an open or quick-release function. Typically, this is achieved by pulling out the dial, which immediately releases the tension element, allowing the ski boot to be removed easily and quickly.A significant advantage of such a tensioning device comprising a rotary knob is the ability to quickly and easily adjust the applied tension, even with just one hand. Another particular advantage is that during short breaks while skiing, for example, while riding the lift or in a lodge, the tensioning element can be released simply by turning the rotary knob to its open position, typically by pulling the knob out. The tensioning element remains in a guided position, and by simply moving the lower leg slightly forward, the upper part of the shaft can be released sufficiently to relieve pressure without the risk of the tensioning element becoming entangled.

[0021] To tighten the lower shell section and thus adapt it closely to a foot inserted within it, it is advantageous if at least one buckle is provided for tightening the lower shell section. However, an alternative tightening device, e.g., with a preferably rotatable actuating element and a linear tensioning element, can also be provided on the lower shell section.

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments, to which it is by no means limited. The drawings show, in detail: Fig. 1 an oblique view from above of a front of a ski boot according to the invention with an upper shaft part which has a tensioning device with a linear tension element; Fig. 2 a slant view from behind of the ski boot according to the invention Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 an oblique view of the ski boot according to the invention Fig. 1 with a guide element for the linear pull element taken from the upper shaft part; Fig. 4 In oblique view, an exploded view of the ski boot according to the invention in the area of ​​the attachment of a holding device and the guide element to the upper shaft part; Fig. 5 an oblique view according to Fig. 4 with the ski boot according to the invention in the assembled state; Fig. 6 In oblique view, an exploded view of a holding element of the holding device; Fig. 7 an oblique view of the guide element in a position connected to the holding element; Fig. 7a an exploded view of the actuating element from below; Fig. 7b an exploded view of the actuating element in top view Fig. 8 a sectional view of a holding device with a magnet; Fig. 8a an exploded view of the holding device with a magnet according to Fig. 8 ; Fig. 9 und 10 Oblique views of the upper shaft part of the ski boot according to the invention with a rotatably mounted guide element; Fig. 11 an oblique view of the upper shaft part of the ski boot according to the invention with two deflection devices; Fig. 11a a top view of a base element of a deflection device; Fig. 11b an oblique view of the base element according to Fig. 11a ; Fig. 12 an oblique view of a ski boot according to the invention with an alternative guide for the traction element; Fig. 13 a top view of a base element of a deflection device according to the design according to Fig 12 ; Fig. 14 a cross-section of a base element of a deflection device according to the design according to Fig 12 ;

[0023] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an alpine ski boot 1 according to the invention, comprising an outer shell 1a with a lower shell part 2, which is designed for connection to a ski binding and is intended to accommodate a foot. An upper cuff part 3 is connected to the lower shell part 2 via a joint 4. The upper cuff part 3 is designed to accommodate a user's lower leg and has a distal and a medial end section 3a, 3b, which are shown in the figure. Fig. 1 The depicted position of use is arranged in a partially overlapping manner. In the shown overlapping position, the distal end section 3a is located internally and the medial end section 3b is located externally, i.e., the medial end section 3b partially rests on the distal end section 3a. A relatively soft, padded inner boot 1b is accommodated in the outer shell 1a, i.e., in the lower shell part 2 and the upper shaft part 3, compared to the lower shell and upper shaft parts 2, 3.

[0024] To clamp a lower leg received in the upper shaft section 3, an upper clamping device 5 is provided, which has a rotary knob 6a as an actuating element 6. The actuating element 6 allows a linear tension element 7 to be moved between a tensioned and an untensioned, i.e., relaxed, state. When the rotary knob 6a (often also called a knob) is turned, the tension element 7 is wound up or unwound; the rotary motion of the knob is preferably converted via a planetary gear 6b ​​(see Figure 6). Fig 7b By turning the rotary knob 6a clockwise, the tensioning element 7 is tightened, thereby making the fit of the boot 1 on the lower leg firmer and more secure. This achieves a very precise adjustment of the fit, which is faster and more consistent than with conventional buckles. The rotary closure also features a familiar quick-release function. To use this, the rotary knob 6a is pulled out of its rotating housing, which immediately releases the tensioning element 7, allowing the ski boot to be removed easily and quickly. A significant advantage of such a tensioning device 5 comprising a rotary knob 6a is that the applied tension force can be adjusted quickly and easily, even with just one hand. Another particular advantage is that during short breaks while skiing, e.g., while riding the lift, in the lodge, etc., the tensioning element can be easily adjusted.To release the tensioning element, the rotary knob only needs to be moved to its open position using a quick-release function, which is achieved by pulling out the knob. The tensioning element 7 remains in a guided position, and only by slightly moving the lower leg forward can the upper shaft part 3 be released sufficiently so that the user no longer feels any pressure, without the risk of the tensioning element becoming entangled. Such rotary closures incorporating a rotary knob are generally known and are used particularly in sports and leisure shoes. Such a closure system with a rotary knob 6a, as can be used in the present invention, is described in detail, for example, in EP 2 805 639 B2.

[0025] At the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, both ends 7a, 7b of the pull element 7 are attached to the rotary knob 6a via a connecting piece 6c, which is connected to the rotary knob 6a by means of a planetary gear 6b ​​(see figure). Fig. 7a, Fig. 7b ); the end sections 7', 7'' following the two different ends are in Fig. 1 This is evident. When the rotary wheel or knob 6a is turned, both ends or both end sections 7', 7'' are wound or unwound, so that even with a comparatively small turn of the rotary wheel 6a a noticeable adjustment of the clamping force introduced via the clamping device 5 is achieved.

[0026] What's next in Fig. 1 As can be seen, two buckles 8 are assigned to the lower shell part 2 in a manner known per se, in order to tighten the lower shell part 2 and thus to allow it to be fitted tightly to a foot held therein. However, an alternative clamping device, e.g., with a preferably rotatable actuating element 6 and a linear tensioning element 7, as with the upper shaft part 3, can also be provided on the lower shell part 2.

[0027] As can be seen in particular from a review of the Fig. 1 and 2The pulling element 7 has the following profile: Starting from the two ends of the pulling element 7 attached to the rotary wheel 6a, the subsequent end sections 7', 7'' extend from the distal end section 3a, on which the actuating device 6 is arranged, essentially in a straight line to the medial end section 3b of the upper shaft part 3. Two deflection devices 9 are attached to the medial end section 3b, which are designed such that the pulling element 7 is guided both in the tensioned state of the pulling element and in the untensioned state (cf. Fig 3 ) is connected to the upper shaft section 3. Thus, the pulling element 7 is also attached in an open position to both the medial and distal end sections 3a, 3b of the upper shaft section 3, thereby providing a local connection of the pulling element 7 to the upper shaft section 3 at the actuating element 6 and to the deflection devices 9. This reliably prevents the pulling element 7 from becoming entangled, even in an open position of the upper shaft section 3.

[0028] In the Fig. 11, 11a und 11b or Fig. 12 bis 14 Two alternative embodiments of the deflection device 9 are shown. In a first embodiment, a base element 10 is provided which has two through-openings 11. As in Fig. 11a und 11b As can be seen, the tension element 7 is guided through circumferentially closed through-openings 11 in both deflection devices 9, so that even in the untensioned state of the tension element 7, and especially in the open position of the upper shaft part 3, the tension element 7 remains connected to the medial end section 3b of the upper shaft part 3. The through-openings 11 have a larger clear cross-section than the cross-section of the tension element 7, which allows the tension element 7 to be guided through the through-openings 11 with relatively low frictional losses.

[0029] How further, especially in Fig. 11 As can be seen, a deflection element 12 is arranged on each base element 10, each deflection element having a circular arc-shaped deflection surface. The base element 10 and the deflection element 12 are fastened to the upper shaft part 3 by means of a common fastening element 13, in particular a screw. Both the base element 10 and the deflection element 12 are preferably made of plastic, such as polyamide 6, glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6, polyoxymethylene, or the like. As shown in Fig. 11 As can be seen, the deflecting element 12 has a groove 12a in which the tensioning element 7 is guided. Alternatively, a roller, made of plastic or metal in particular, can be provided as the deflecting element 12 in order to reduce the friction between the tensioning element 7 and the deflecting element 12.

[0030] As particularly in Fig. 11a in conjunction with Fig. 1 As can be seen, the two through-openings 11 of a base element 10 each have longitudinal axes 11a arranged in a V-shape relative to each other, such that the tensioning element 7 is guided without kinks between the deflection device 9 and the actuating element 6 when under tension. Due to varying leg volumes of different users and individual tension of the tensioning element 7, the exact path of the tensioning element 7 is not always precisely the same. However, the V-shaped arrangement of the through-openings 11 relative to each other allows the tensioning element 7 to align itself automatically in a straight line of pull, thereby reducing friction losses and the associated wear.

[0031] As an alternative to a V-shaped arrangement of the two through-openings 11, as shown in Fig. 12 bis 14 It can be seen that two through openings 11 are provided in the base element 10, which are arranged in different planes in plan view (see. Fig. 14 ) and cross each other (cf. Fig. 13 The intersecting arrangement allows the tensioning element 7 to align itself even more linearly during tensioning (see...). Fig. 12 ).

[0032] As again in Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the pulling element 7, after being deflected via the deflection devices 9 at the medial end section 3b, is guided back to the distal end section 3a, on which the actuating element 6 is attached, and is deflected here via a guide element 14, so that - starting from the two ends arranged on the actuating element 6 - a closed course of the pulling element 7 results.

[0033] As particularly in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the guide element 14 can be attached to the upper shaft part 3 in the operating position by an arrangement (see. Fig. 1 and 2 ) from the distal end section 3a of the upper shaft part 3. This means that the pulling element 7 remains connected to both end sections 3a, 3b via the actuating element 6 and the deflection devices 9, but at the same time ensures that the guide of the pulling element 7 is loose enough to allow the two end sections 3a, 3b of the upper shaft part 3 to be moved from an overlapping operating position to a non-overlapping open position, thus enabling comfortable entry and exit from the ski boot 1.

[0034] To move the upper shaft part 3 from an open position ( Fig. 3 ) into a working position ( Fig. 1 and 2First, the guide element 14 is positioned on the distal end section of the upper shaft part. Subsequently, the tensioning element 7 is tensioned by turning the rotary knob 6a, and thus the tensioning element can be moved from a relaxed or untensioned state to a tensioned state with the same hand that was previously used to attach the guide element to the upper shaft part 3.

[0035] Due to the guidance of the pulling element 7 around the actuating element 6 by means of the guide element 14, a retaining element 15a of the holding device 15, which is designed to hold the guide element 14 on the upper shaft part 3 in a service position, can be attached to the upper shaft part 3 together with the clamping device 5. As shown in particular in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the retaining element 15a is partially arranged below the actuating device 6. The upper shaft section 3 has a projection 16 which is received in a corresponding recess 16' when the retaining element 15a is mounted. Due to the angular cross-sectional shape of the projection 16 and the recess 16', the retaining element 15a is positively secured against rotation. The retaining device 15 or the retaining element 15a and the actuating device 6 are fastened to the upper shaft section 3 by means of fastening elements 17, in particular screws, whereby only one of the three screws is required for the retaining element 15a.

[0036] As particularly in Fig. 4 As can be seen, the retaining element 15a is preferably designed in a side view in an essentially Z-shaped manner, i.e., a curved contact surface 15'' is provided projecting from a mounting surface 15', to which a stop surface 15‴ is attached at an angle. The guide element 14 has a bearing surface 14' curved according to the contact surface 15'', wherein, in the operating position, the curved bearing surface 14' rests on the curved contact surface 15''. As shown in the Fig. 9 und 10 As can be seen, the guide element 14 remains movable in its functional position arranged on the holding element 15a, i.e., a sliding movement between the support surface 14' and the contact surfaces 15'' is possible, so that the guide element 14 can perform a rotating movement about a center of curvature of the curved contact surface 15'' (cf. Figuren 9 und 10 Thus, the tensioning element received in the guide element 14 can automatically align itself straight during tensioning, depending on the tensioning force and volume of the user's leg. The stop surface 15‴ holds the guide element in a form-fitting manner in a direction perpendicular to the extension plane of the upper shaft part 3, so that to remove the guide element 14 from the retaining element 15a, the guide element 14 must be moved away from the retaining element 15a in the opposite direction to the tensioning direction of the tensioning element 7, so that the support and contact surfaces 14', 15'' are no longer in contact before the guide element 14 can be removed from the retaining element 15a.

[0037] In the Fig. 5 and 7The guide element 14 is shown in a position attached to the upper shaft part 3 via the retaining device 15. It is particularly evident that the retaining device 15 has a hook-shaped connecting element 18 to secure the guide element 14 to the retaining element 15a. In its functional position, the connecting element 18 is received in a corresponding receiving groove 19 in the guide element 14, so that the guide element 14 is secured to the retaining element 15a in its functional position, but a sliding movement between the bearing surface 14' and the contact surface 15'' is still possible, allowing the guide element 14 to perform a rotational movement in the direction of arrow 14'' about a center of curvature of the curved contact surface 15'' (see Figure 1). Figuren 9 und 10 The retaining element 15a, together with the hook-shaped connecting element 18, is usually made of a plastic material, so that the hook-shaped connecting element 18, after pivoting from its rest position, tends to return to its rest position. Thus, the hook-shaped connecting element 18 is designed as a snap hook. To increase the spring force of the snap hook, as shown in Fig. 6 und 7 evident - a spring element 18a, which is made of metal, for example, is snapped onto the hook-shaped connecting element 18.

[0038] As an alternative to a positive-locking and optionally snap-fit ​​connection between the retaining element 15a and the guide element 14, the retaining device 15 can comprise a magnetic retaining element 15b which is magnetically connected to a mutually polarized magnet 14b in the guide element 14 in the operating position. The magnetic retaining element 15b is preferably fastened to the upper shaft part 3 by means of a rivet 15c. Thus, the guide element 14 can be reliably connected to the retaining device 15 in the operating position via a magnetic connection and can be easily removed from the retaining device when the magnetic attraction is overcome.

[0039] Particularly user-friendly handling of the guide element 14 is achieved if the guide element 14 has a projecting handle 20. The handle 20 can, for example, be formed by a tab that is articulated or flexibly connected to the guide element 14.

Claims

1. A ski boot (1), in particular an alpine ski boot, comprising an outer shell (1a), which comprises the following: - a lower shell part (2), which is configured for connection with a ski binding and is provided for receiving a foot, an upper cuff part (3), which is articulately connected to the lower shell part (2) and is provided for receiving a lower leg, wherein a distal and a medial end portion (3a, 3b) of the upper cuff part (3) are arranged at least partially overlapping in a position of use, and in the position of use the distal end portion (3a) is arranged on the inside and the medial end portion (3b) is arranged on the outside, and the upper cuff part (3) comprises an - upper tensioning device (5), which comprises a linear pulling element (7) and an actuating element (6) for tensioning the linear pulling element (7), wherein the one actuating element (6) is arranged on the distal end portion (3a) of the upper cuff part (3), wherein the linear pulling element (7) comprises at least one free end, which is connected to the actuating element (6) in such a way that it is moved upon activation of the actuating element (6), so that the pulling element (7) can be transferred between a tensioned state and a non-tensioned state of the pulling element (7), and wherein on the distal end portion (3a) of the upper cuff part (3) a guide element (14) for the linear pulling element (7) is provided, characterized in that the guide element (14) for the linear pulling element (7) is removable without tools from the upper cuff part (3) in a non-tensioned state of the pulling element (7), so that the upper cuff part (3) can be transferred from a position of use to an open position, in which the end portions (3a, 3b) can be transferred to a non-overlapping open position.

2. The ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one deflecting device (9) is provided, which is arranged on the medial end portion (3b) of the upper cuff part (3), and is configured in such a way that the pulling element (7) is connected to the upper cuff part (3) both in the tensioned state of the pulling element (7) and in the non-tensioned state of the pulling element (7).

3. The ski boot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pulling element (7) comprises two free ends (7a, 7b), and the two ends (7a, 7b) are connected to the actuating element (6) in such a way that both ends (7a, 7b) are moved upon activation of the actuating element (6), wherein preferably sections of the linear pulling element (7) extending away from the two free ends (7a, 7b) of the linear pulling element (7) are guided around two different deflecting devices (9), which are arranged on the medial end portion (3b) of the upper cuff part (3).

4. The ski boot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the removable guide element (14) is configured in such a way that the pulling element (7) is guided circumferentially on the outside around the actuating element (6) in the position of use.

5. The ski boot according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the distal end portion (3b) of the upper cuff part (3) a holding device (15) is provided, via which the guide element (14) is fastened to the upper cuff part (3) in the position of use.

6. The ski boot according to claim 5, characterized in that a common fastening element (17) is provided, via which the actuating device (6) and the holding device (15) are fastened to the upper cuff part (3), wherein preferably the holding device (15) is partially arranged below the actuating device (6) and comprises an opening for the passage of the common fastening element (17), in particular a screw or a rivet.

7. The ski boot according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the holding device (15) comprises a holding element (15a) which is connected in a form-fitting manner to the guide element (14) in the position of use, wherein preferably a hook-shaped connecting element (18), in particular a snap hook, is provided, which is received in a functional position in a corresponding receptacle (19) of the guide element (14).

8. The ski boot according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the holding device (15) comprises a holding element (15b) which is magnetically connected to the guide element (14) in the position of use.

9. The ski boot according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the holding device (15) comprises an, in particular arcuately, curved contact surface (15'') and the guide element (14) comprises a correspondingly, in particular arcuately, curved support surface (14'), wherein in the position of use the curved support surface (14') rests on the curved contact surface (15''), preferably movable in the direction of the curved surfaces (14', 15'').

10. The ski boot according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the deflecting device (9) comprises at least one through-opening (11), through which the pulling element (7) is guided in the position of use.

11. The ski boot according to claim 10, characterized in that the deflecting device (9) comprises a base element (10), on which a deflecting element (12), in particular with an arcuately shaped deflecting surface, is fastened, wherein the base element (10) preferably comprises at least one through-opening (11).

12. The ski boot according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the deflecting device (9) comprises two through-openings (11), which each comprise a longitudinal extension axis (11a), wherein the longitudinal extension axes (11a) are preferably arranged V-shaped relative to each other in such a way that the pulling element (7) is guided free of kinks between the deflecting device (9) and the actuating element (6) in the tensioned state.

13. The ski boot according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the deflecting device (9) comprises two through-openings (11), which are arranged in different planes in a top view and cross each other.

14. The ski boot according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the actuating element (6) comprises a rotary dial (6a), which can preferably be transferred between an actuating position and an open position.

15. The ski boot according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one buckle (8) is provided for tensioning the lower shell part (2).

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