Ski Boot Buckle Attachment Device for Minimal Twisting Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ski boot buckles are difficult to latch and unlatch, especially in cold conditions, requiring significant bending and twisting, which can be challenging for individuals with limited dexterity or strength, such as children, elderly people, or those with injuries, and existing tools do not significantly reduce the necessary movement.
Innovation Solution
A buckle attachment device with a ski pole cooperation section and securing member that allows users to actuate ski boot buckles with minimal twisting by inserting a ski pole into a receiving opening, enabling easy latching and unlatching with reduced effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ski boot buckles are made stiff and tight-fitting, then the boot provides better control and responsiveness, but the buckles become difficult to latch and unlatch, especially in cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool that attaches to the ski boot buckle system. This tool acts as a mediator between the user's hand and the stiff buckle mechanism, providing mechanical advantage and extended leverage to facilitate opening and closing operations without compromising the stiffness or tightness of the boot itself.
2Reliability
If the buckle latches are positioned at the lower leg and top of the foot for proper fit, then the boot provides correct anatomical support, but the user must bend and twist their torso significantly to access and operate the latches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the operational reach in a different spatial dimension by attaching the tool to the existing buckle structure. Instead of requiring the user to move their body closer to the buckles (horizontal/vertical movement), the tool provides extended leverage that allows operation from a distance, effectively utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the ski pole to bridge the gap between the user's hand and the remote buckle locations.
3Ease of operation
If existing buckle tools are used, then some assistance is provided, but they still require significant bending and twisting and do not significantly reduce the necessary movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool with the existing ski boot buckle system by attaching it directly to the buckle structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate, portable tools that must be carried and manually positioned. The combined system maintains the structural integrity of both the boot and the tool while providing enhanced operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method to facilitate the opening and closing and closing of a ski boot. The devices includes a buckle attachment section, a ski pole cooperation section and a securing member. The buckle attachment section has a cavity which is dimensioned to receive a free end of the buckle therein to prevent unwanted movement of the buckle attachment section relative to the buckle. The ski pole cooperation section has a ski pole receiving opening. The ski pole receiving opening extends through the ski pole cooperation section and is dimensioned to receive an end of a ski pole therein. The securing member secures the device to the buckle of the ski boot. The device allows the buckles of the ski boot to be latched and unlatched with minimal twisting of the skier's body.