Multifunctional sports implement

Abstract

A multifunctional sports implement, comprising a boot structure (2) wearable by a user and a sports accessory (10) adapted to interact with the ground to allow skiing and / or skating, comprising an adaptive interface (11) for the mobile coupling of the accessory (10) to the boot structure (2), wherein the interface (11) is configured to allow the passage of the accessory (10) from a functional mode in a lowered position in contact with the ground to a functional mode in a raised position out of contact with the ground.

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPORTS IMPLEMENTDESCRIPTIONField of application

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable to the sports and leisure sector and particularly relates to multifunctional sports implement.Background art

[0002] In the field of sports and leisure equipment it has been long known to use certain types of footwear equipped with connection interfaces that transform the footwear itself into a sports implement.

[0003] With particular reference to winter sports implements, various models of ski boots are known, such as ski mountaineering boots, free ride boots, telemark boots, cross-country boots, etc. All these types of footwear, which in the known art can be advantageously made of plastic, carbon, leather, etc., require certain accessories in order to perform their function completely.

[0004] Among the various accessories, we can generally include skis with bindings and, more specifically, rubbery soles called Ka Track, which are used to cover the soles of ski boots in accordance with alpine regulations, in order to prevent slipping when walking on hard, smooth surfaces such as concrete, tiles or ice.

[0005] A first drawback of this type of products lies in the fact that, when not in use, the skis, which can vary in length, width, shape and materials, must be carried by hand, on the shoulder or fixed to special backpacks.

[0006] This form of transport poses a risk as these bulky items can hit other people or objects in the vicinity of the user, can also be lost or stolen and, last but not least, cause inconvenience due to their weight and bulk. Ka Tracks, unlike skis, are much less bulky but, if not attached to the boot, must be carried inside the ski jacket or in the large pockets of the ski suit, causing considerable inconvenience to the user and possible risks in the event of a fall.

[0007] Other footwear that allow sports activities to be carried out with transportable interfaces include skates. Here too, the known art involves the use of various constituent materials and various forms of application, depending on whether they are roller skates or ice skates.

[0008] The former are equipped with a variable number of wheels under the shoe, which can be arranged in a line or side by side for skating on roads or tracks. The latter involves the use of a fixed blade under the shoe for skating on ice surfaces or tracks.

[0009] A drawback of these types of equipment is that they do not allow for proper and safe walking when not being used for the discipline for which they were designed.

[0010] In addition to the above types of equipment, there are also roller skis, which have the functional characteristics of skis with wheels attached so that they can also be used on roads.

[0011] A small emerging niche market is represented by snow skates, which consist of a semi-rigid structure similar to that of a ski boot to which a smooth sole similar to a ski is attached, covering the entire length of the boot. This sole, typically made of plastic, also has small metal blades on both sides, which help to improve resistance and directionality, making the item similar to a ski.

[0012] One drawback of this solution is attributable to the limitations of the known art, in that the snow skate requires a Ka Track as described above for the ski boot, with the same limitations already mentioned, in order to ensure grip when the item is not being used for skiing / skating. At the same time, the snow skate has the practical advantage of not having to handle skis, with all the limitations already mentioned above.Technical problem

[0013] In light of the known state of the art, the technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an easily transportable sports or recreational implement that performs multiple functions or modes of use without the need to modify its structure.Presentation of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problem by providing a multifunctional sport implement of highly efficiency at relatively low cost.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sport implement that allows the user to use the same footwear for skiing and / or skating on snowor ice and, alternatively, for walking on any terrain.

[0016] A further object is to create a sport implement that is easy to transport and takes up minimal space.

[0017] Another object is to create a sport implement that can be easily modified to adapt to different operating modes.

[0018] These objects, as well as others that will become clearer below, are achieved by a multifunctional sport implement in accordance with claim 1 .

[0019] The multifunctional sports implement comprises a boot structure that can be worn by a user and a sports accessory designed to interact with the ground to allow skiing and / or skating, which comprises an adaptive interface for the mobile coupling of the accessory to the boot structure.

[0020] The interface is configured to allow the accessory to be switched from a functional mode in a lowered position in contact with the ground to a functional mode in a raised position out of contact with the ground.

[0021] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more evident in the light of a detailed description of some embodiments of a multifunctional sports implement such as the one mentioned above, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the following drawings, in which:FIG. 1 is a side view of a boot worn by a user without any accessories and with the relevant anthropometric data;FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the boot of FIG. 1 coupled with an accessory in a first mode of use;FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment of FIG. 2 in a second mode of use;FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the boot of FIG. 1 coupled with an accessory in a first mode of use;FIG. 5 is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 4 in a second mode of use;FIG. 6 is a side view of a third embodiment of the boot of FIG. 1 coupledto an accessory in a first mode of use;FIG. 7 is a side view of the third embodiment of FIG. 6 in a second mode of operation.Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0023] With particular reference to the figures described above, a multifunctional sports implement is illustrated, globally indicated with reference number 1.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a rigid or semi-rigid boot structure 2 for sports use, designed to contain the user's foot. This figure schematically illustrates the user's leg G with the knee K opposite the popliteal fossa or posterior fold P.

[0025] FIG. 1 also identifies two essential dimensional parameters of the sports implement, namely the vertical distance Y between the ground and the posterior fold P and the total horizontal length X of the boot structure 2.

[0026] The boot structure, or simply boot 2, may typically comprise a shell 3 defining a longitudinal axis L, made of relatively rigid plastic material, shaped to contain and protect the user's foot, and a cuff 4 connecting the boot to the leg G, partially wrapping it up to the base of the calf.

[0027] In one embodiment, the shell 3 has a portion 5 of rubbery material in its lower part defining a sole or tread to allow grip with any type of ground, avoiding the limitations of the known art. Preferably, the lower rubbery portion 5 covers, totally or partially, the lower part of the shell 3, helping to provide greater protection to the boot 2 as a whole.

[0028] As regards the cuff 4, it is generally joined to the shell by means of a cap 6 provided with articulation pins 7 at the ankle of the foot, so as to facilitate and control the flexion of the leg G with respect to the user's foot.

[0029] Advantageously, inside shell 3 there is padding or an upper, commonly referred to as a shoe, of which only an upper tongue 8 is visible, made of soft, pliable materials such as fleece, gel, polyethylene and EVA, designed to ensure extreme comfort and good shock absorption.

[0030] Both the shell 3 and the cuff 4 are typically provided with fastening means, generically indicated by reference number 9, of the lever, lace, ratchet, strap or toothed rack type, which are configured to ensure that the bootstructure 2 is properly fastened to the user's foot, providing a feeling of safety and stability.

[0031] By way of example, and without limitation, the following are some types of construction of the boot structure 2: a rigid plastic shell 3, with a rigid plastic cuff 4 and a plastic tongue 8, typical of inexpensive plastic ski mountaineering boots, a rigid carbon shell 3 with a rigid carbon cuff 4 with or without a tongue 8, typical of competition ski mountaineering boots, a rigid shell 3 with a cuff 4 made of leather or synthetic upper, typical of cross-country boots or skates.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the sports implement 1 in which the boot 2 is associated with an accessory indicated globally with the reference number 10, which will be described in more detail below.

[0033] Accessory 10 can be used preferably, but not exclusively, as a new snow shoe representing an evolution of known skiing techniques.

[0034] According to the invention, the sports implement 1 comprises an adaptive interface 11 that can be removably attached to the boot 2 to couple the accessory 10 to it.

[0035] The interface 11 is designed to allow the passage of the accessory 10 from a lowered functional mode in contact with the ground, as shown in FIG. 2, for skiing or skating, to a raised functional mode out of contact with the ground, as shown in FIG. 3, to allow easy walking in the simplest possible way and without the drawbacks of the known art.

[0036] In all embodiments, the adaptive interface 11 comprises an elongated element or base plate 12, longer than the length X of the boot 2, having end projections 13, 14 defining stops for the sole 5.

[0037] The base plate 12 has an upper surface 15 shaped to fit the standard shape of the sole 5 without restriction and a lower surface 16 suitably shaped, for example with grooves or ribs, to come into contact with snow-covered and / or icy ground so as to allow the user to ski or skate in a controlled manner.

[0038] To anchor the interface 11 to the shell 3, there are some removable connection means, which will be described below.

[0039] In the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the removableconnection means comprise a sturdy ring or carabiner 17 inserted into a through hole 18 in the front-end projection 13 of the plate 12 and an eyelet 19 formed in the front part of the shell 3.

[0040] Ring 17 will allow secure retention and, at the same time, easy rotatable coupling between the accessory 10 and the shell 3.

[0041] At the rear end 14 of plate 12, there are means for retaining interface 11 , including, for example, a lever 20 designed to interact with a rear projection 21 of the shell 3 to securely block accessory 10 to the boot 2.

[0042] To keep the accessory 10 in the raised or folded functional configuration, a retaining strap 22, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as a broken line, may be provided. This retaining strap 22 may be replaced by similar devices to ensure that the walking mode is maintained.

[0043] It should be noted that in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sports implement 1 maintains the ratio between X and Y in such a way that the accessory 10 never interferes with the joint of the knee K. This condition constitutes an element of comfort and safety for the user who, in the most extreme uses, such as climbing, ascents and, last but not least, in the event of a fall during walking, will never risk damaging the ligaments in that area.

[0044] In particular, the ratio between X and Y can usually be calculated with relative accuracy using the formula Y = F ■ X, where F is an indicative factor that can vary from user to user and is generally between 1 .2 and 2, preferably close to 1 .5.

[0045] Thanks to this configuration, with a simple rotation of the interface 11 , the user can choose to switch from the walking function using boot 2 which provides grip on any type of terrain, to the skiing or skating function with accessory 10, without any limitations compared to state-of-the-art sports equipment.

[0046] Furthermore, accessory 10 can be easily replaced by the user with accessories having different characteristics and performance, changing, for example, the rigidity, dimensions and base material of base plate 12, as well as its lower surface 16.

[0047] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the sports implement 1in which the sports accessory 10 is articulated with respect to the shell 3 at its rear rather than at its front as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0048] In this further embodiment, the same reference numbers are used for the same structural elements for convenience. In particular, this second embodiment differs from the previous one in that the connection means comprise the connecting ring 17, which is inserted into the through hole 18 of the rear projection 14 of the base plate 12 and into a rear eyelet 19 of the shell 3, to allow the rotation of the interface, and therefore of the accessory 10, about a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the shell 3.

[0049] In this case, the retention means for retaining the interface 11 consist of a blocking lever 20 designed to interact with a protrusion 21 formed in the front part of the shell 3 to provide stable and secure anchoring of the accessory / slide 10 to the boot 2.

[0050] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a further embodiment which differs from the two previous ones in that the connection means for connecting the interface 11 to the boot structure 2 consist of a pair of pins, not visible in the figures, which can be inserted into respective seats of complementary shape formed in respective end projections 13, 14 of the base plate 12.

[0051] The two rotation pins are aligned along a longitudinal axis H approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the shell 3.

[0052] In this way, the interface 11 can rotate around the horizontal axis H to bring the accessory 10 from a lowered position in contact with the ground, in the skiing or skating mode, to a raised position, or rather rotated by approximately 90°, as specifically illustrated in FIG. 7, out of contact with the ground to allow easy walking without restrictions.

[0053] In this embodiment too, retention means are provided, essentially consisting of at least one blocking member 20 of a certain thickness connected to a rear projection 21 of the shell 3 and designed to interfere with the rotation of the base plate 12 in one of the two functional positions. Of course, in addition to this blocking member 20, another similar member may be provided at the front part of the shell 3, not shown in the figures.

[0054] When in use, the sports implement 1 according to the present invention is placed in a new product segment that offers the possibility of adjusting the type of skiing by acting on a skate / walk mechanism that allows the user to switch from a walking mode to a skate mode, in order to vary the performance of the product itself according to the requirements of the route and the user's abilities.

[0055] The sports implement 1 according to the invention is in some respects similar to ski walkers for ski boots and ski mountaineering, but has specific characteristics for the type of use with much smaller structures than traditional skis, and allows the angle of inclination of the tibial portion to be easily adjusted. It also guarantees degrees of freedom of the tibial portion itself to allow the pushing movement typical of roller skates.

[0056] From the above, it is clear that the sports implement 1 according to the invention achieves the intended objects and, in particular, allows the user to use the same boot for skiing and / or skating on snow-covered or icy surfaces and, alternatively, for walking on any terrain.

[0057] Although the multifunctional sports implement has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numbers used in the description and claims are used to improve the understanding of the invention and do not constitute any limitation of the scope of protection claimed.

[0058] References throughout the description to "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" or "some embodiments" indicate that a particular feature, structure or element described is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, the particular features, structures or elements may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.Industrial Applicability

[0060] The present invention is industrially applicable because it can be produced on an industrial scale by industries belonging to the sports equipment sector.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A multifunctional sport implement, comprising a boot structure (2) wearable by a user and a sports accessory (10) adapted to interact with the ground to allow skiing and / or skating, characterised in that it comprises an adaptive interface (11) for the mobile coupling of said accessory (10) with said boot structure (2), said interface (11) being configured to allow switching of said accessory (10) from a functional mode in a lowered position in contact with the ground to a functional mode in a raised position out of contact with the ground.

2. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that said sports accessory (10) is a skate or similar device.

3. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, wherein said boot structure (2) comprises a shell (3) defining a longitudinal axis (L) and a lower rubbery portion (5) designed to provide grip with the ground for normal walking, characterised in that said interface (11) is removably attachable to said shell (3) at said lower rubbery portion (5).

4. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that said interface (11) comprises a base plate (12) having a length greater than that (X) of said shell (3).

5. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised by comprising removable connection means and stable retention means for said interface (11) with said shell (3).

6. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that said removable connection means comprise a ring (17) insertable on one side into an end projection (13, 14) of said plate (12) and on the other side into an eyelet (19) of said shell (3) so as to allow the rotation of said interface (11 ) around a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (L).

7. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that said stable retention means comprise a lever retention member (20) or similar member for coupling thereof with an end projection (13, 14) of said base plate (12) and adapted to removably interactwith a protrusion (21) of said shell (3) to block said interface (11) in said lowered position with said accessory (10) in contact with the ground.

8. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that said end projection (13) in which said ring (17) is inserted is in the front part of said plate (12), and said protrusion (21) of said shell (3) is in the rear part of said shell (3).

9. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that said end projection (13) in which said ring (17) is inserted is in rear part of said plate (12), and said protrusion (21) of said shell (3) is in front part of said shell (3).

10. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that said removable connection means comprise a pair of pins insertable into respective seats of complementary shape formed in respective end projections (13, 14) of said base plate (12).

11. Multifunctional sports implement as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterised in that said pins are aligned along a longitudinal axis (H) approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of said shell (3) so as to allow the rotation of said interface (11 ) around said longitudinal axis (H) to bring said accessory (10) from a lowered position in contact with the ground, in the skiing or skating mode, to a position rotated by approximately 90°, in the walking mode.

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