Snow sports boot warming device and combination of snow sports boot warming device and snow sports boot

Abstract

To provide a warmer for snow sport boots, a combination of snow sport boots and a warmer for snow sport boots, and a battery device, with ease of handling by a user.SOLUTION: A warmer for snow sport boots includes a warming part for warming a user's toes inserted into snow sport boots, and a battery device that supplies the warming part with electric energy and can be attached to the outside of the snow sport boots, and a current path for electrically connecting the warming part to the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a snow sports boot warming device, a combination of a snow sports boot warming device and a snow sports boot, and a battery device. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices are known that place a heating device in a ski boot to warm the user's feet.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a heating device for ski boots. The heating device for ski boots described in Patent Document 1 has an insole that is equipped with an electric resistor and can be attached to the boot, and a chamber for a power source that is provided below the insole.

[0004] Also, shoes are disclosed in Patent Document 2. The shoes described in Patent Document 2 include a foot rest, a cover that spans the foot rest via a space, a heater disposed at the tip of the space, a battery power supply that supplies current to the heater, and a switch that is disposed in the foot rest and electrically connects the battery power supply and the heater when a predetermined load is reached or exceeded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-146501 [Patent Document 2] Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 59-36611 (Utility Model Application No. 60-152301) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a snow sports boot warming device, a combination of a snow sports boot warming device and a snow sports boot, and a battery device that can be easily handled by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following describes the means for solving the problems using the numbers and symbols used in the description of the invention. These numbers and symbols are added in parentheses for reference purposes to show an example of the correspondence between the claims and the description of the invention. Therefore, the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the parenthetical descriptions.

[0008] In some embodiments, the snow sports boot warming device includes a heating unit (20) that warms the toes of a user inserted into a snow sports boot (9), a battery device (3) that has a heating unit (20) that warms the toes of a user inserted into the snow sports boot (9), a battery (31) that supplies electrical energy to the heating unit (20) and can be attached to the outside of the snow sports boot (9), and a current path (5) that electrically connects the heating unit (20) and the battery (31).

[0009] The snow sports boot warming device may include a control device (61) that controls the state of the heating unit (20) and a pressure sensor (63) that detects pressure from the user's foot. The control device (61) may be configured to switch the state of the heating unit (20) from a non-heating state to a heating state in response to the pressure sensor (63) detecting a decrease in the pressure, or the control device (61) may be configured to increase the heating of the heating unit (20) in response to the pressure sensor (63) detecting a decrease in the pressure.

[0010] The snow sports boot warming device may include a heel support portion 23. The pressure sensor 63 may be disposed in the heel support portion 23. The control device 61 may be configured to automatically switch the state of the heating portion 20 from the non-heating state to the heating state, or to automatically increase the heating of the heating portion 20, when the user gets on a lift or lifts their heel off the heel support portion 23.

[0011] In the above-described snow sports boot warming device, the battery device (3) may be configured to be attached across a lower crus back support portion (93a) of the snow sports boot (9) and a shin support portion (93b) movable relative to the lower crus back support portion (93a). Also, when the battery device (3) is detached from the lower crus back support portion (93a) and the shin support portion (93b), the current path (5) may be physically and electrically separated into a first current path (51) disposed in the battery device (3) and a second current path (52) connected to the heating unit (20).

[0012] In the snow sports boot warming device, the battery device (3) may have a strap (32) attached across the lower leg back support portion (93a) and the shin support portion (93b). The strap (32) may have a first end (320a), a first hook-and-loop fastener (F1) arranged at the first end (320a), a second end (320b), a second hook-and-loop fastener (F2) arranged at the second end (320b) and engageable with the first hook-and-loop fastener (F1), a central portion (320c) between the first end (320a) and the second end (320b), and a joint portion (35) arranged at the central portion (320c) for electrically connecting a first electrical contact (53a) arranged on the battery device (3) to a second electrical contact (53b) on the second current path (52).

[0013] In the above-mentioned snow sports boot warming device, the joint portion (35) may be provided with the first electrical contact (53a) and a first magnetic body (37) that can be connected by magnetic force to a second magnetic body (97) that is arranged in the lower leg support portion (93) of the snow sports boot (9).

[0014] In the snow sports boot warming device, the battery device (3) may have a band (32) attached across a lower leg back support (93a) of the snow sports boot (9) and a shin support (93b) movable relative to the lower leg back support (93a). The band (32) may have a first end (320a), a second end (320b), and the battery (31) is disposed between the first end (320a) and the second end (320b) and is flexible enough to deform in response to a change in shape of the band (32).

[0015] The snow sports boot warming device may include an inner member (2) that can be inserted into and removed from the snow sports boot (9). The inner member (2) may include the heating unit (20). The battery device (3) may have a length of 50 cm or more so that it can be attached across the lower leg back support portion (93a) of the snow sports boot (9) and a shin support portion (93b) that is movable relative to the lower leg back support portion (93a).

[0016] In some embodiments, the combination of a snow sports boot warming device and a snow sports boot is the combination of the snow sports boot warming device described above. The snow sports boot (9) includes a toe support portion (91) that receives the heating unit (20), a heel support portion (92), a lower leg support portion (93) that has a lower leg back support portion (93a) and a shin support portion (93b), and is capable of attaching the battery device (3). The current path (5) is arranged to pass through the outer surface (931u) of the lower leg back support portion (93a).

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery device is a battery device (3) electrically connectable to a heating unit (20) that warms the toes inserted in a snow sports boot. The battery device (3) includes a battery (31) that can supply electrical energy to the heating unit (20) and a first current path (51) that forms part of a current path (5) for supplying power to the heating unit (20). The battery device (3) has a length of 50 cm or more so that it can be attached across a lower leg back support (93a) of the snow sports boot and a shin support (93b) that is movable relative to the lower leg back support (93a).

[0018] In some embodiments, a snow sports boot warming device includes a heating unit (20) that warms the toes of a user that are inserted into a snow sports boot (9), a battery device (3) having a battery (31) that supplies electrical energy to the heating unit (20), a current path (5) that electrically connects the heating unit (20) and the battery (31), a control device (61) that controls the state of the heating unit (20), and a pressure sensor (63) that detects pressure applied to the user's foot. The control device (61) is configured to switch the state of the heating unit (20) from a non-heating state to a heating state in response to the pressure sensor (63) detecting a decrease in the pressure, or the control device (61) is configured to increase heating of the heating unit (20) in response to the pressure sensor (63) detecting a decrease in the pressure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention provides a snow sports boot warming device, a combination of a snow sports boot warming device and snow sports boots, and a battery device that can be easily handled by a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a snow sports boot. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the snow sports boot warming device according to the first embodiment attached to a snow sports boot. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dashed-dotted circle C in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a warming device for snow sports boots according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a battery device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing the battery device being removed from the snow sports boots. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a snow sports boot warming device according to the second embodiment attached to a snow sports boot. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing a snow sports boot warming device attached to a snow sports boot. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a snow sports boot warming device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment is attached to a snow sports boot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a snow sports boot warming device according to a second modified example of the second embodiment is attached to a snow sports boot. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a warming device for snow sports boots according to a second modified example of the second embodiment is detached from the snow sports boots. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The snow sports boot warming device 1, the combination of the snow sports boot warming device 1 and the snow sports boots 9, and the battery device 3 in the embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components and parts having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description of components and parts with the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0022] (Definition of terms) In this specification, the "toe support portion" of a snow sports boot refers to the portion of the snow sports boot that covers the user's toes. In this specification, the "heel support portion" of a snow sports boot refers to the portion of the snow sports boot that covers the user's heel. Also, in this specification, the "lower leg support portion" of a snow sports boot refers to the portion of the snow sports boot that protects the user's lower leg (in other words, the portion from the user's ankle to below the user's knee).

[0023] (Snow sports boots 9) An example of a snow sports boot 9 to which a snow sports boot warming device 1 according to an embodiment is attached will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The snow sports boot 9 has a toe support portion 91, a heel support portion 92, and a crus support portion 93. The crus support portion 93 also has a crus back support portion 93a and a shin support portion 93b. The crus back support portion 93a is a portion that protects the back portion of the user's crus, and the shin support portion 93b is a portion that protects the user's shin (in other words, the front portion of the user's crus). In the snow sports boot 9, the shin support portion 93b is movable relative to the crus back support portion 93a so that the user can easily put on (or take off) the boot. More specifically, the shin support portion 93b is flexible and deformable so that an upper end opening OP of the snow sports boot expands.

[0025] 1, the snow sports boot 9 is a ski boot. The snow sports boot 9 (more specifically, the ski boot) is provided with at least one first buckle 98a that is disposed on the outer surface of the toe receiving portion 91 and tightens the toe receiving portion 91, and at least one second buckle 98b that is disposed on the lower leg receiving portion 93 and tightens the lower leg receiving portion 93. The snow sports boot 9 may also be provided with a fastening band 99 that is disposed on the upper end of the snow sports boot 9.

[0026] It goes without saying that the snow sports boots 9 to which the snow sports boot warming device 1 in the embodiments is attached may also be snowboard boots. In other words, in the following description of each embodiment, the snow sports boots 9 (or boots 9) can be read as ski boots or snowboard boots.

[0027] (First embodiment) A snow sports boot warming device 1A according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a snow sports boot 9. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the snow sports boot warming device 1A according to the first embodiment is attached to the snow sports boot 9. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dashed-dotted circle C in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the snow sports boot warming device 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a battery device 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the battery device 3 is removed from the snow sports boot 9. Note that in FIGS. 2 and 6, portions of the snow sports boot 9 are cut away to make it easier to understand the internal structure of the snow sports boot 9, and cross-sectional views of the cut-away portions are shown.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the snow sports boot warming device 1A includes a heating unit 20 (for example, a heater), a battery device 3, and a current path 5.

[0029] The heating unit 20 warms the toes of a user inserted into a snow sports boot 9 (hereinafter simply referred to as "boot 9"). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 20 has an upper heating unit 21a that warms the upper portion of the user's toes and a lower heating unit 21b that warms the lower portion of the user's toes. Alternatively, the heating unit 20 may have only one of the upper heating unit 21a and the lower heating unit 21b. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 20 is arranged only in the toe support unit 91 and not in the heel support unit 92, but the heating unit 20 may be arranged in both the toe support unit 91 and the heel support unit 92.

[0030] The battery device 3 has a battery 31 (for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery) that supplies electric energy to the heating unit 20. The battery device 3 can be attached to the outside of the boot 9 (more specifically, the outer surface of the boot 9) and can be detached from the outside of the boot 9 (more specifically, the outer surface of the boot 9).

[0031] The current path 5 electrically connects the heating unit 20 and the battery 31. Power is supplied from the battery 31 to the heating unit 20 via the current path 5, causing the heating unit 20 to generate heat. In this way, the user's feet are warmed by the heating unit 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the current path 5 includes a first current path 51 arranged in the battery device 3 and a second current path 52 connected to the heating unit 20.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the current path 5 includes an electrical connection portion 53 that connects the first current path 51 and the second current path 52. The electrical connection portion 53 has a first electrical contact 53a disposed on the battery device 3 and a second electrical contact 53b on the second current path 52 side, and the first electrical contact 53a is configured to be separable from the second electrical contact 53b (see FIG. 6( b ) if necessary). At least a portion of the second current path 52 may be an in-wall current path that is disposed within the wall 90 of the boot 9. The second electrical contact 53b may be disposed on a conductive member 95 fixed to the wall 90 of the boot 9. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the conductive member 95 is embedded in the wall 90 of the boot 9.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the battery device 3 can be attached to the outside of the boot 9. In this case, the user can easily attach the battery device 3 to the boot 9 and handle the battery device 3 easily. For example, the user can easily attach or detach the battery device 3 to or from the boot 9, or replace the battery device 3 that supplies power to the heating unit 20.

[0034] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the first embodiment (or the second, third, and fourth embodiments described later) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] (Installation position of battery device 3) 2, the battery device 3 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower leg receiving portion 93 of the boot 9. In this case, the user can easily attach the battery device 3 to the boot 9 and easily detach the battery device 3 from the boot 9. In addition, the user can easily operate the battery device 3 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower leg receiving portion 93.

[0036] (Control device 61 and pressure sensor 63) The snow sports boot warming device 1 may include a control device 61 and a pressure sensor 63 that detects pressure from a user's foot (e.g., the user's heel). In the example shown in Figure 2, the pressure sensor 63 is located in the heel support 23 of the snow sports boot warming device 1.

[0037] The control device 61 controls the state of the heating unit 20. The control device 61 can control ON / OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 20 (in other words, the control device 61 can switch the state of the heating unit 20 between a heating state and a non-heating state). The control device 61 may be able to adjust the electrical energy per unit time supplied to the heating unit 20 when the heating unit 20 is heating (in other words, the control device 61 may be able to adjust the heating intensity of the heating unit 20).

[0038] The control device 61 is configured to be able to switch the state of the heating unit 20 from a non-heating state to a heating state in response to the pressure sensor 63 detecting a decrease in pressure from the user's feet (for example, in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 63 becoming smaller than a first threshold value). In this case, the control device 61 can automatically switch the state of the heating unit 20 to a heating state in response to the user getting on the lift (in other words, in response to the user floating), improving the user's comfort while riding the lift. Furthermore, because the heating unit 20 automatically switches to a heating state, the operating burden is small and it is easy for the user to handle. Furthermore, because the heating unit 20 is in a non-heating state before getting on the lift, the power consumption of the battery 31 is low, and the frequency of charging (or the frequency of replacing the battery 31) can be reduced.

[0039] Alternatively, the control device 61 may be configured to be able to increase the heating of the heating unit 20 in a heated state in response to the pressure sensor 63 detecting a decrease in the pressure received from the user's feet (for example, in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 63 becoming smaller than the first threshold value). In this case as well, the heating of the heating unit 20 is increased during periods such as when the user is riding the lift, and is reduced during other periods, thereby achieving both user comfort and energy saving characteristics.

[0040] If the pressure sensor 63 is disposed in the heel support portion 23 of the warming device 1 for snow sports boots, the control device 61 may be configured to switch the state of the heating portion 20 from a non-heating state to a heating state or to intensify the heating of the heating portion 20 in response to the user lifting their heel from the heel support portion 23. In this case, when a user rests on a slope, the user's toes can be automatically and effectively warmed by adopting a forward-leaning posture or by the user lying down on the slope to rest.

[0041] Furthermore, the control device 61 may be configured to switch the state of the heating unit 20 from a heated state to a non-heated state in response to the pressure sensor 63 sensing an increase in pressure from the user's feet (for example, in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 63 reaching or exceeding a second threshold). In this case, heating of the heating unit 20 automatically stops when the user steps off the lift onto the snow. Stopping heating of the heating unit 20 reduces the power consumption of the battery 31, and reduces the frequency with which the battery 31 needs to be charged (or replaced). Furthermore, because the heating unit 20 automatically switches to a non-heated state, the operational burden is light and it is easy for the user to use.

[0042] Alternatively, the control device 61 may be configured to be able to reduce the heating of the heating unit 20 in response to the pressure sensor 63 detecting an increase in the pressure received from the user's feet (for example, in response to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 63 becoming equal to or greater than a second threshold). In this case as well, the heating of the heating unit 20 is intensified while the user is riding the lift, and is reduced while the user is sliding, thereby achieving both user comfort and energy saving characteristics.

[0043] The second threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value, but is preferably greater than the first threshold value. By making the second threshold value significantly greater than the first threshold value, malfunction of the control device 61 due to slight fluctuations in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 63 is prevented.

[0044] It should be noted that Patent Document 2, presented as a prior art document, describes "a switch that electrically connects a battery power source and a heater when a predetermined load is applied," but the above-mentioned control is the exact opposite of the control described in Patent Document 2. With the technology described in Patent Document 2, the heater is basically in an operating state when the user is wearing shoes, so no energy-saving effect is actually achieved.

[0045] The control device 61 may be configured to automatically switch the heating unit 20 to a non-heating state in response to the heating unit 20 remaining in a heated state for a predetermined time or longer after the heating unit 20 has been in a heated state. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the snow sports boot warming device 1 includes a timer 62 that counts the time elapsed since the heating unit 20 was in a heated state. The control device 61 also automatically switches the heating unit 20 from a heated state to a non-heating state when the elapsed time counted by the timer 62 reaches a predetermined time or longer. When the heating unit 20 is switched from a heated state to a non-heating state based on the count by the timer 62, the control device 61 is preferably configured to maintain the heating unit 20 in a non-heating state regardless of the amount of pressure acting on the pressure sensor 63.

[0046] (Mode switching operation unit 67) As illustrated in FIG. 5, the warming device 1 (more specifically, the battery device 3) for snow sports boots may include a mode switching operation unit 67. In this case, the control device 61 is configured to be able to selectively execute a plurality of modes. For example, when the first mode is selected by operating the mode switching operation unit 67, the control device 61 may be configured to switch the state of the heating unit 20 from a non-heating state to a heating state in response to the pressure sensor 63 detecting a drop in pressure, or to intensify heating of the heating unit 20 that is in a heating state. Furthermore, when the second mode is selected by operating the mode switching operation unit 67, the control device 61 may be configured to maintain the heating state of the heating unit 20 regardless of the amount of pressure acting on the pressure sensor 63.

[0047] (Temperature adjustment operation unit 68 and temperature sensor 69) In the example shown in Figure 5, the snow sports boot warming device 1 (more specifically, the battery device 3) includes a temperature adjustment operation unit 68 that adjusts the temperature of the heating unit 20. The temperature adjustment operation unit 68 may be a temperature adjustment knob, a temperature adjustment toggle switch, or another type of operation unit. The temperature adjustment operation unit 68 may also be an operation unit that can adjust the temperature of the heating unit 20 in steps, or an operation unit that can adjust the temperature of the heating unit 20 continuously.

[0048] 2, the temperature sensor 69 is disposed in the heating unit 20 or in the vicinity of the heating unit 20. The control device 61 controls the current supplied from the battery 31 to the heating unit 20 based on the temperature indicated by a signal received from the temperature sensor 69 (hereinafter referred to as the "detected temperature") and the temperature set by the temperature adjustment operation unit 68 (hereinafter referred to as the "set temperature"). For example, when the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature, the control device 61 may perform control to supply current from the battery 31 to the heating unit 20, and when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the control device 61 may perform control to stop the supply of current from the battery 31 to the heating unit 20.

[0049] (Battery device 3) In the example shown in Fig. 6(a), the battery device 3 is configured to be attached across the lower crus back support part 93a of the boot 9 and a shin support part 93b that is movable relative to the lower crus back support part 93a. In the example shown in Fig. 6(b), when the battery device 3 is detached from the lower crus back support part 93a and the shin support part 93b, the current path 5 electrically connecting the heating unit 20 and the battery 31 is physically and electrically separated into a first current path 51 arranged in the battery device 3 and a second current path 52 connected to the heating unit 20.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the user takes off the boots 9, the shin support portion 93b must be moved away from the crus back support portion 93a. Furthermore, in order to move the shin support portion 93b away from the crus back support portion 93a, the battery device 3 attached across the crus back support portion 93a and the crus back support portion 93b must be removed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in order for the user to take off the boots 9, the battery device 3 must be removed from the boots 9, and the current path 5 is physically and electrically disconnected by removing the battery device 3. This prevents the battery device 3 from being left in a state where it can supply power to the heating unit 20.

[0051] 4, the battery device 3 has a strap 32 attached across the lower leg back support portion 93a and the shin support portion 93b. The length L1 of the strap 32 is, for example, 50 cm or more. When the length L1 of the strap is 50 cm or more, it is easy to arrange the battery device 3 including the battery 31 around the lower leg support portion 93 of the boot 9.

[0052] 4, the band 32 has a first end 320a, a second end 320b, a central portion 320c between the first end 320a and the second end 320b, a first hook-and-loop fastener F1, a second hook-and-loop fastener F2, and a battery 31. The band 32 may have a first band portion 32a arranged on one side of a joint portion 35 described below, and a second band portion 32b arranged on the other side of the joint portion 35.

[0053] The first hook and loop fastener F1 is disposed at a first end 320a of the band 32. The second hook and loop fastener F2 is disposed at a second end 320b of the band 32 and is engageable with the first hook and loop fastener F1.

[0054] When the battery device 3 includes a band-shaped body 32 having a first hook-and-loop fastener F1 and a second hook-and-loop fastener F2, the battery device 3 can be easily attached across the lower leg back support portion 93a and the shin support portion 93b. The band-shaped body 32 can be arranged in a circular shape along the outer circumferential surface of the lower leg support portion 93. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 6(a), the band-shaped body 32 can be used as one of the fastening bands arranged at the upper end of the boot 9. In the example shown in FIG. 6(a), the boot 9 itself includes a fastening band 99 arranged at the upper end of the boot 9, and the band-shaped body 32 functions as a second fastening band arranged at the upper end of the boot 9. In the example shown in FIG. 6(a), the fastening band 99 of the boot 9 itself may be omitted.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), a joint portion 35 is disposed in the central portion 320c of the band-shaped body 32. The joint portion 35 electrically connects a first electrical contact 53a disposed on the battery device 3 to a second electrical contact 53b (see FIG. 6(b)) on the second current path 52 side. As illustrated in FIG. 6(b), when the band-shaped body 32 is unfolded, the joint portion 35 may be a flat joint portion parallel to the main surface of the band-shaped body 32 (more specifically, the main surface on the front side or the main surface on the back side of the band-shaped body 32).

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), the first electrical contact 53a is disposed at the joint portion 35. The first electrical contact 53a is disposed at the end of the first current path 51 disposed in the battery device 3, and is physically and electrically connectable to the second electrical contact 53b on the second current path 52 side. The first electrical contact 53a is also physically and electrically separable from the second electrical contact 53b on the second current path 52 side. When the first electrical contact 53a is disposed at the joint portion 35 of the band-shaped body 32, the first electrical contact 53a can be electrically connected to the second electrical contact 53b on the second current path 52 side by attaching the band-shaped body 32 to the boot 9.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 6(b), a first magnetic body 37 (e.g., a first magnet) may be disposed in the joint portion 35. The first magnetic body 37 can be coupled by magnetic force to a second magnetic body 97 (e.g., a second magnet) disposed in the crus support portion 93 of the boot 9. When the first magnetic body 37 (e.g., a first magnet) is disposed in the joint portion 35 of the band-shaped body 32, misalignment between the first electrical contact 53a and the second electrical contact 53b is prevented.

[0058] 6(b), the second electrical contact 53b on the second current path 52 side is fixed to the lower crus back support part 93a of the boot 9. In addition, the second magnetic body 97 is fixed to the lower crus back support part 93a of the boot 9.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 6(b), the joint portion 35 may function as a connecting portion that connects the first band portion 32a of the band-shaped body 32 and the second band portion 32b of the band-shaped body 32.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), the battery 31 is disposed between the first end 320a and the second end 320b of the band-shaped body 32. In FIG. 6(b), a long, thin rectangle drawn with a dashed line indicates the battery 31. In the examples shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the battery 31 is a flexible battery that can deform in response to changes in the shape of the band-shaped body 32. In this case, it becomes easy to arrange the battery device 3 including the battery 31 around the lower leg receiving portion 93 of the boot 9, and the thickness of the battery device 3 can be reduced. The battery 31 is preferably a flexible, band-shaped battery that extends in the direction in which the band-shaped body 32 extends.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), the battery 31 is disposed only on one side of the joint portion 35 (more specifically, only between the joint portion 35 and the first end 320a). If the battery 31 is disposed on one side of the joint portion 35 and the control device 61 is disposed on the other side of the joint portion 35 or in the joint portion 35 itself, adverse effects of temperature changes in the battery 31 on the electronic components of the control device 61 are suppressed. Alternatively, the battery 31 may be disposed on both sides of the joint portion 35 to increase the charging capacity of the battery 31. In this case, it is preferable that the control device 61 be disposed in the joint portion 35 itself.

[0062] 5, the band 32 (more specifically, the joint portion 35 that constitutes part of the band) has a power switch 36 that starts the battery device 3 and the temperature adjustment operation unit 68 that adjusts the temperature of the heating unit 20. When the battery device 3 has a band 32 that can be attached to the lower leg support portion 93 and the power switch 36 and the temperature adjustment operation unit 68 are arranged on the band 32, the user can attach the battery device 3 and operate the battery device 3 efficiently and sequentially.

[0063] Additionally, the above-mentioned control device 61 may be disposed on the band 32 (more specifically, on the joint 35 that constitutes part of the band). Also, the above-mentioned mode switching operation unit 67 and / or status display device 66 may be disposed on the band 32 (more specifically, on the joint 35 that constitutes part of the band). The status display device is an LED lamp, a small display, or the like that can display the charge level of the battery 31, the current state of the current path 5, the heating state of the heating unit 20, the temperature of the heating unit 20, etc.

[0064] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first electrical contact 53a and the first magnetic body 37 are arranged on the back surface of the band-shaped body 32 (more specifically, on the back surface of the joint portion 35), and the power switch 36, the status display device 66, the mode switching operation unit 67, and the temperature adjustment operation unit 68 are arranged on the front surface of the band-shaped body 32 (more specifically, on the front surface of the joint portion 35).

[0065] (Second embodiment) A snow sports boot warming device 1B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a snow sports boot warming device 1B according to the second embodiment attached to a snow sports boot 9. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the snow sports boot warming device 1B is attached to a snow sports boot 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing a snow sports boot warming device 1B according to a first modified example of the second embodiment attached to a snow sports boot 9. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a snow sports boot warming device 1B according to a second modified example of the second embodiment attached to a snow sports boot 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a snow sports boot warming device 1B according to a second modified example of the second embodiment detached from the snow sports boot 9. In Figures 7 to 11, in order to make it easier to understand the internal structure of the snow sports boot 9, a portion of the snow sports boot 9 is shown cut away, and a cross-sectional view of the cut-away portion is shown.

[0066] The snow sports boot warming device 1B of the second embodiment differs from the snow sports boot warming device 1A of the first embodiment in that it includes an inner member 2 that can be inserted into a snow sports boot 9 (hereinafter, similar to the first embodiment, simply referred to as "boot 9") and can be removed from the boot 9, and that a heating unit 20 (e.g., a heater) is disposed in the inner member 2. In other respects, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0067] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment. Conversely, all matters described in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0068] 7, the warming device 1B for snow sports boots in the second embodiment includes: (1) a heating unit 20 that warms the toes of a user inserted into a boot 9, (2) a battery device 3 that has a battery 31 that supplies electrical energy to the heating unit 20 and that can be attached to and detached from the outside of the boot 9, and (3) a current path 5 that electrically connects the heating unit 20 and the battery 31. Therefore, the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0069] Furthermore, the warming device 1B for snow sports boots in the second embodiment includes an inner member 2 that can be inserted into and removed from the boot 9, and the inner member 2 (more specifically, the tip of the inner member 2) has the above-mentioned heating unit 20. If the inner member 2 is removable from the boot 9, it is easy to deal with malfunctions of the heating unit 20. For example, it is easy to replace an inner member 2 with a malfunctioning heating unit 20 with a new inner member with a heating unit.

[0070] The battery device 3 has a length of 50 cm or more so that it can be attached across the lower leg back support portion 93a of the boot 9 and the shin support portion 93b, which is movable relative to the lower leg back support portion 93a. The battery device 3 has a strap 32 that is attached across the lower leg back support portion 93a and the shin support portion 93b, and the length of the strap 32 is preferably 50 cm or more. When the length of the strap is 50 cm or more, it is easy to arrange the battery device 3 including the battery 31 around the lower leg support portion 93 of the boot 9. In addition, the battery device 3 preferably has a flexible battery 31 that can deform in response to changes in the shape of the strap 32. The strap 32 and the battery 31 have been described in the first embodiment, so repeated description of the strap 32 and the battery 31 will be omitted.

[0071] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the inner member 2 is a flexible sheet-like inner member. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9, the inner member 2 may be an inner member having a pocket 22 that encases the user's toes, or may be a sock-like inner member.

[0072] The inner member 2 may have a pressure sensor 63 and / or a temperature sensor 69. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the pressure sensor 63 is disposed in the heel support portion 23 of the inner member 2. The temperature sensor 69 is disposed in the heating portion 20 or in the vicinity of the heating portion 20. The pressure sensor 63 and the temperature sensor 69 have already been described in the first embodiment, so repeated description of the pressure sensor 63 and the temperature sensor 69 will be omitted.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the current path 5 includes a first current path 51 disposed in the battery device 3 and a second current path 52 connected to the heating unit 20. The second current path 52 also includes an internal current path 52a configured to be disposed in the interior space of the boot 9 and an external current path 52b configured to be disposed outside the boot 9. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the external current path 52b crosses the upper end of the boot 9 and is folded back at the upper end of the boot 9. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the snow sports boot heating device 1B having the heating unit 20 and the inner member 2 can be attached to an existing boot 9 without modifying the existing boot 9.

[0074] Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the current path 5 (more specifically, the second current path 52) may be arranged to pass through a through-hole 931h formed in a wall 90 of the lower leg support portion 93 of the boot 9 (more specifically, the wall of the lower leg back support portion 93a). In the example shown in Fig. 9, the first current path 51 arranged in the battery device 3 and the second current path 52 connected to the heating unit 20 are electrically connected via an electrical connection portion 53. The electrical connection portion 53 has a first electrical contact 53a arranged in the battery device 3 and a second electrical contact 53b on the side of the second current path 52, and the first electrical contact 53a is configured to be separable from the second electrical contact 53b.

[0075] 10 , the second current path 52 may include a conductive member 95 fixed to the boot 9. The second current path 52 may also include an internal current path 52a configured to be disposed in the internal space of the boot 9, and a second joint portion 25 that electrically connects the internal current path 52a and the conductive member 95.

[0076] 10, the first end 95a of the conductive member 95 functions as a second electrical contact 53b on the second current path 52 side that is electrically connected to the first electrical contact 53a of the battery device 3. In addition, the second end 95b of the conductive member 95 functions as a fourth electrical contact that is electrically connected to the third electrical contact 25c of the second joint part 25.

[0077] 11, a third magnetic body 27 (for example, a third magnet) may be disposed in the second joint portion 25. The third magnetic body 27 is configured to be connectable by magnetic force to a fourth magnetic body 96 (for example, a fourth magnet) disposed in the lower leg receiving portion 93 of the boot 9.

[0078] (Third embodiment) A combination of a snow sports boot warming device 1 and snow sports boots 9 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG.

[0079] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment. Conversely, all matters described in the third embodiment can be applied to the first and second embodiments.

[0080] In the combination of the snow sports boot warming device 1 in the third embodiment and the snow sports boot 9 (hereinafter, as in the first embodiment, abbreviated as "boot 9"), the snow sports boot warming device 1 may be the snow sports boot warming device 1A in the first embodiment, the snow sports boot warming device 1B in the second embodiment, or any other snow sports boot warming device.

[0081] 2, 7, etc., the snow sports boot warming device 1 includes: (1) a heating unit 20 that warms the toes of a user inserted into a boot 9; (2) a battery device 3 that has a battery 31 that supplies electrical energy to the heating unit 20 and that can be attached to and detached from the outside of the boot 9; and (3) a current path 5 that electrically connects the heating unit 20 and the battery 31. The snow sports boot warming device 1 has already been described in the first or second embodiment, so a repeated description of the snow sports boot warming device 1 will be omitted.

[0082] In the combination of the snow sports boot heating device 1 and the snow sports boot 9 in the third embodiment, the snow sports boot 9 includes (4) a toe support portion 91 that receives the heating portion 20, (5) a heel support portion 92, and (6) a lower leg support portion 93 that has a lower leg back support portion 93a and a shin support portion 93b and can have a battery device 3 attached thereto.

[0083] In the examples shown in Figures 3, 9, and 10, the current path 5 (i.e., the current path 5 electrically connecting the battery 31 and the heating unit 20) is arranged so as to pass through the outer surface 931u of the lower leg back support part 93a. In this case, the connection part between the second current path 52 arranged in the wall 90 of the boot 9 or in the internal space of the boot 9 and the first current path 51 arranged in the battery device 3 is not exposed at the upper end of the boot 9. This prevents damage to the connection part and improves the appearance. Furthermore, the length of the wiring connecting the battery 31 and the heating unit 20 can be shortened.

[0084] 3 and 10, a conductive member 95 may be fixed to the crus support portion 93 (more specifically, the crus back support portion 93a) of the boot 9. The conductive member 95 functions as a second electrical contact 53b that is electrically connected to the first electrical contact 53a of the first current path 51 disposed in the battery device 3.

[0085] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10, a second magnetic body 97 (e.g., a second magnet) may be fixed to the crus support portion 93 (more specifically, the crus back support portion 93a) of the boot 9. The second magnetic body 97 and the first magnetic body 37 (e.g., a first magnet) arranged on the battery device 3 are connected to each other by magnetic force. In this way, the first magnetic body 37 arranged on the battery device 3 is positioned by the second magnetic body 97, and the first electrical contact 53a of the first current path 51 arranged on the battery device 3 is appropriately positioned with respect to the crus support portion 93 of the boot 9.

[0086] The heating unit 20 may be attached directly to the toe receiving portion 91 of the boot 9, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the inner member 2 provided with the heating unit 20 may be disposed inside the boot 9, so that the heating unit 20 is disposed inside the toe receiving portion 91 of the boot 9.

[0087] In the third embodiment, when the snow sports boot warming device 1 includes a pressure sensor 63, the pressure sensor 63 may be attached directly to the heel receiving portion 92 of the boot 9, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the inner member 2 provided with the pressure sensor 63 may be disposed inside the boot 9, so that the pressure sensor 63 is disposed inside the heel receiving portion 92 of the boot 9. The pressure sensor 63 has already been described in the first or second embodiment, so a repeated description of the pressure sensor 63 will be omitted.

[0088] (Fourth embodiment) A battery device 3 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first, second, or third embodiments will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first, second, or third embodiments can be applied to the fourth embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the fourth embodiment. Conversely, all matters described in the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0090] 2, 8, etc., the battery device 3 in the fourth embodiment is a battery device that can be electrically connected to a heating unit 20 that warms the toes inserted into snow sports boots 9 (hereinafter, similar to the first embodiment, abbreviated as "boots 9"). The battery device 3 in the fourth embodiment may be the same as the battery device 3 described in the first embodiment.

[0091] 2, 8, etc., (1) the battery device 3 includes a battery 31 capable of supplying electric energy to the heating unit 20, and (2) a first current path 51 that constitutes a part of the current path for supplying power to the heating unit 20. The battery 31 and the first current path 51 have already been described in the first to third embodiments, and therefore repeated description of the battery 31 and the first current path 51 will be omitted.

[0092] The battery device 3 has a length of 50 cm or more so that it can be attached across the lower leg back support portion 93a of the boot 9 and the shin support portion 93b that is movable relative to the lower leg back support portion 93a.

[0093] When the user takes off the boots 9, it is necessary to move the shin support portion 93b in a direction away from the lower crus back support portion 93a. In addition, in order to move the shin support portion 93b in a direction away from the lower crus back support portion 93a, it is necessary to remove the battery device 3 attached across the lower crus back support portion 93a and the shin support portion 93b. This prevents the battery device 3 from being left in a state where it can supply power to the heating unit 20.

[0094] The battery device 3 preferably has a band-shaped body 32 attached across the lower leg back support portion 93a and the shin support portion 93b of the boot 9. The battery device 3 also preferably has a flexible battery 31 that can be deformed in response to changes in the shape of the band-shaped body 32. In this case, the battery 31 can be arranged long and thin along the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped body 32.

[0095] The length of the band 32 is preferably 50 cm or more, and the band 32 can be arranged in a ring shape along the outer circumferential surface of the crus receiving portion 93. The band 32 also preferably has a first end 320a having a first fastener and a second end 320b having a second fastener engageable with the first fastener. In this case, it is easy to arrange the battery device 3 including the battery 31 around the crus receiving portion 93 of the boot 9. The band 32 has already been described in the first to third embodiments, so a repeated description of the band 32 will be omitted.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, optional additional configurations in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1, 1A, 1B: Warming device 2: Inner member 3: Battery device 5:Current path 9: Snow sports boots 20:Heating part 21a: Upper heating section 21b: Lower heating section 22: Pocket 23: Heel support part 25: Second joint 25c: Third electrical contact 27:Third magnetic material 31: Battery 32: Band 32a: First belt section 32b: 2nd belt 35: Joint 36: Power switch 37: First magnetic body 51: 1st current path 52:Second current path 52a: Internal current path 52b: External current path 53: Electrical connection 53a: First electrical contact 53b: Second electrical contact 61: Control device 62: Timer 63: Pressure sensor 66: Status display device 67: Mode switching operation section 68: Temperature adjustment operation part 69: Temperature sensor 90: Wall 91: Toe support 92: Heel support 93: Lower leg support 93a: Lower leg back support 93b: Shin support 95: Conductive material 95a: First end 95b: Second end 96:Fourth magnetic material 97:Second magnetic material 98a: First buckle 98b: Second buckle 99: Fastening band 320a: 1st end 320b: 2nd end 320c: central part 931h: Through hole 931u: External surface F1: First hook fastener F2: Second hook fastener OP: Top opening

Claims

1. a heating unit that is inserted into the snow sports boots and that warms the user's toes; a battery device that has a battery that supplies electrical energy to the heating unit and that can be attached to the outside of the snow sports boots; a current path electrically connecting the heating unit and the battery; A control device that controls the state of the heating unit; a pressure sensor that detects pressure from the user's foot; Equipped with The control device is configured to be able to switch the state of the heating unit from a non-heating state to a heating state in response to the pressure sensor detecting a decrease in the pressure, or The control device is configured to be able to strengthen heating of the heating unit in response to the pressure sensor detecting a decrease in the pressure. A warming device for snow sports boots.

2. Equipped with a heel support portion, The pressure sensor is disposed in the heel support portion, The control device is configured to automatically switch the state of the heating unit from the non-heating state to the heating state, or to automatically increase the heating of the heating unit, in response to the user getting on the lift or the user lifting their heel off the heel support unit.

2. The snow sports boot warming device according to claim 1.

3. The battery device is configured to be attached across a lower leg back support portion of the snow sports boot and a shin support portion that is movable relative to the lower leg back support portion, When the battery device is removed from the lower leg back support portion and the shin support portion, the current path is physically and electrically separated into a first current path disposed in the battery device and a second current path connected to the heating unit.

3. The snow sports boot warming device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the battery device has a band-shaped body attached across the lower leg back support portion and the shin support portion, The strip is A first end portion; a first hook-and-loop fastener disposed at the first end; A second end; a second hook-and-loop fastener disposed at the second end and engageable with the first hook-and-loop fastener; a central portion between the first end and the second end; a joint portion disposed in the central portion for electrically connecting a first electrical contact disposed in the battery device to a second electrical contact on the second current path side; have 4. The snow sports boot warming device according to claim 3.

5. The joint portion has the first electrical contact; a first magnetic body that can be connected by magnetic force to a second magnetic body that is disposed in the lower leg receiving portion of the snow sports boot; are located 5. The snow sports boot warming device according to claim 4.

6. the battery device has a band-shaped body attached across a lower leg back support portion of the snow sports boot and a shin support portion movable relative to the lower leg back support portion, The strip is A first end portion; A second end; the battery is disposed between the first end and the second end and is flexible and deformable in response to a change in shape of the band; have 3. The snow sports boot warming device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. an inner member that can be inserted into the snow sports boot and that can be removed from the snow sports boot; The inner member has the heating portion, The battery device has a length of 50 cm or more so that it can be attached across the lower leg back support portion of the snow sports boot and the shin support portion that is movable relative to the lower leg back support portion.

3. The snow sports boot warming device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A combination of the snow sports boot warming device according to claim 1 or 2 and snow sports boots, The snow sports boots include: a toe support portion that receives the heating portion; A heel support portion, a lower leg support portion having a lower leg back support portion and a shin support portion, to which the battery device can be attached; Equipped with The current path is disposed so as to penetrate the outer surface of the lower leg back support portion. A combination of a snow sports boot heating device and snow sports boots.

9. a heating unit that is inserted into the snow sports boots and that warms the user's toes; a battery device having a battery that supplies electrical energy to the heating unit; a current path electrically connecting the heating unit and the battery; A control device that controls the state of the heating unit; a pressure sensor that detects pressure from the user's foot; Equipped with The control device is configured to be able to switch the state of the heating unit from a non-heating state to a heating state in response to the pressure sensor detecting a decrease in the pressure, or The control device is configured to be able to strengthen heating of the heating unit in response to the pressure sensor detecting a decrease in the pressure. A warming device for snow sports boots.

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