U.S. patent application number 10/751782 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for ski boot insert.
Invention is credited to Harb, Harald.
Application Number | 20050144811 10/751782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34711501 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050144811 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harb, Harald |
July 7, 2005 |
Ski boot insert
Abstract
A ski boot insert is disclosed for use in imparting an enhanced
sense of balance and for promoting and developing coordination in
making downhill skiing maneuvers. The insert comprises a base
member having a first rigid platform surface and a second
compressible platform surface. The rigid platform surface and
compressible platform surface are formed in a side-by-side fashion
extending along the length of the insert. The rigid platform
surface is preferably formed to be positioned beneath the outwardly
facing portion of the underside of the skier's foot whereas the
compressible side is formed to be positioned under the inwardly
facing portion of the skier's foot. The insert may be integrated
into new ski boot fabrication or may otherwise be formed for
incorporation into an existing ski boot.
Inventors: |
Harb, Harald; (Dumont,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MATTHEW A. NEWBOLES
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
Suite 250
75 Enterprise
Aliso Viejo
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
34711501 |
Appl. No.: |
10/751782 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/117.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/186 20130101;
A43B 13/183 20130101; A43B 5/0466 20130101; A43B 5/0421 20130101;
A43B 5/0417 20130101; A43B 13/188 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/117.3 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ski boot insert comprising: a. a base portion having a
peripheral edge defining a sole; b. a first platform surface formed
upon a portion of said base, said first platform surface being
fabricated from a rigid, non-compressible material; and c. a second
platform surface formed upon a portion of said base and adjacent to
said first platform surface, said second platform surface being
fabricated from a compressible material.
2. The ski boot insert of claim 1 wherein said first platform
surface and said base are integrally formed.
3. The ski boot insert of claim 2 wherein said first platform
surface and said base are formed from a plastic material.
4. The ski boot insert of claim 1 wherein said second platform
surface is fabricated from a material selected from the group
consisting of foam, gel or fluid-filled compartment.
5. The ski boot insert of claim 4 wherein said fluid-filled
compartment is filled with a fluid selected from the group
consisting of a gas and a liquid.
6. The ski boot insert of claim 1 wherein said first and second
platform members are arranged in a side-by-side fashion extending
along a medial axis, said medial axis extending along the length of
said insert.
7. The ski boot insert of claim 6 wherein said medial axis bisects
said base of said insert.
8. The ski boot insert of claim 1 wherein said first and second
platform surfaces are arranged in a side-by-side fashion extending
along a diagonally extending axis, said diagonal axis extending
across said insert.
9. The ski boot insert of claim 6 wherein said first platform
surface extends outwardly from said medially-extending axis and
said second platform surface extends inwardly relative said medial
axis.
10. A ski boot insert comprising: a. a base portion having a
peripheral edge defining a sole; b. a platform surface formed upon
said base, said platform surface being fabricated from a
compressible material; and c. at least one spring member disposed
within said platform surface, said at least one spring being
operative to upwardly support said platform surface.
11. The ski boot insert of claim 10 wherein said at least one
spring member comprises an elongate spring extending lengthwise
within said platform surface.
12. The ski boot insert of claim 11 wherein said at least one
spring member extends along the medial side of said sole defined by
said base portion.
13. A ski boot insert comprising: a. a base portion having a
peripheral edge defining a sole, said base portion defining a
medially extending apex; and b. a platform surface formed upon said
base, said platform surface being fabricated from a compressible
material and sized and configured to define a level platform; and
c. wherein said platform surface is operative to compress on
opposed sides of said apex of said base upon application of weight
thereto.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The sport of skiing is well-known and enjoyed by millions
throughout the world. While skiing may be deemed to include a
variety of different types of activities and specialties, the
activity of skiing typically may be characterized as either Alpine
(i.e., downhill) or Nordic (i.e., cross-country). Both offer
exceptional forms of exercise and, especially with respect to
Alpine skiing, offer tremendous fun and excitement for both
amateurs and professionals.
[0004] Achieving, maintaining and increasing ski angles to the
skiing surface is one of the biggest challenges for skiers. Edging
is achieved by tilting the ski onto its side. This is done by
tilting the ankles and feet to the side inside the ski boot. The
feet can be articulated in both directions laterally or medially
and the legs naturally follow and assist in this action. This
articulation of the foot presses the ankles to the side of the boot
wall and pushes the boot to the side to tilt it onto an angle. When
the boots are tilted the skis react in the same manner as the
boots, as they are firmly attached to the skis via a binding,
(described later). When a ski is tilted its edges cut into the
snow. As the tilting of the skis increases the ski bends into a
turn and the skier holds on the slope and increases balance.
[0005] Indeed, the ability to make turning or edging maneuvers with
strong tilting movements while skiing downhill is a skill that even
the most proficient skiers strive to perfect. As is
well-recognized, the sport of downhill skiing or racing in large
part measures skiers' ability to make such edging motions and
maneuver about a plurality of gates strategically placed about a
downhill course. In this regard, downhill skiing is essentially
considered a technical event due to the agility and control skiers
must possess to pass through tightly placed gates at high
speeds.
[0006] Notwithstanding the demands to achieve ski tilt angles that
offer higher skiing performance in turning maneuvers, coupled with
the intense desire of ski enthusiasts to master the skills, there
are virtually no methods or systems of any kind that assist in the
development of skiers by increasing tipping and tilting movements
for better edging, balance and coordination, while skiing. In this
respect, almost every ski boot manufacturer uses a hard and rigid
platform inside the plastic ski boot shell to support the feet. As
a consequence, there is particularly lacking any system, let alone
a ski boot-based system, that can enhance the ability of the skier
to increase his or her tilt ability (i.e., achieve tilting angles
that alter high skiing performance) as is necessary to become more
proficient in making turning or edging maneuvers while skiing. In
this regard, skiers are either relegated to training on simulators
which attempt to approximate skiing motions, or simply practice
skiing using conventional equipment until such time as the skier
develops the requisite skill level. In either case, such approaches
are time consuming and do little to develop or improve the balance
and coordination necessary to master downhill skiing
techniques.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for a
system that can help promote and develop a skiers' balance and
coordination in making turning or edging motions during downhill
skiing. There is a further need for such a system that is of simple
construction, easy to utilize, and can be readily integrated into
conventional skiing practices and equipment, and are useful for any
and all types of training and competition related to downhill
skiing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the
present invention is directed to a ski boot insert that is
incorporated into or otherwise inserted in a conventional ski boot
that greatly enhances the ability of the skier utilizing the same
to make downhill turning or edging maneuvers while skiing. The
present invention is also exceptional at rapidly developing a sense
of positioning and angling of the foot inside the ski boot that has
not heretofore available.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the ski boot insert is
configured to have a shape or footprint substantially conforming to
the soles of each of the skier's feet as per conventional boot
boards. In this regard, the insert is sized and configured to be
incorporated in place of or in addition to conventional ski boot or
boot board members that are typically incorporated in virtually all
types of conventional ski boots. The ski boot insert is provided
with a base member upon which are formed first and second platform
surfaces. A first platform surface, which may be integrally molded
with the base, is formed from a hardened material, such as plastic.
A second platform surface formed adjacent to the first platform
surface and on top of the base is provided that is formed from a
compressive material, such as a foam, gel, or possibly other
fluid-filled compartment that enables the second platform surface
to compress or otherwise deform when weight is distributed
thereon.
[0010] The first and second platform surfaces formed upon the base
are preferably arranged in a side-by-side fashion that extend
medially along the length of the insert. The first platform surface
will be formed on the outwardly-facing portion of the sole whereas
the second platform surface will be formed upon the inwardly facing
side of the sole, and will preferably be configured to extend
underneath the arch of the skier's foot. In an alternative
embodiment, the first platform surface and second platform surface
are disposed in side-by-side fashion about a diagonal border
extending about the length of the ski boot insert. As per the first
embodiment, the first platform surface will extend toward the
outwardly-facing side of the skier's foot whereas the second
platform portion will extend toward the inwardly-facing side of the
user's foot.
[0011] In alternative embodiments, the ski boot insert may include
a base member upon which is formed an upwardly biased spring member
operative to push up against a respective side of the skier's foot
secured within the ski boot that can also compress when weight of
the skier, as occurs when the skier's foot compresses against the
spring member. In this regard, such embodiment enables a side of
the platform surface of such insert to selectively compress or
otherwise deform when weight is distributed thereon, as per the
aforementioned embodiment. In a further embodiment, the ski boot
insert, as per the other aforementioned embodiments, is configured
per a conventional boot board insert that includes a base defining
an apex or fulcrum that extends medially along the length of such
insert. A layer of compressive material, such as foam, gel, or
possibly other fluid-filled compartment, is disposed atop the base
member and defines a level platform surface. In use, such
embodiment enables the platform surface to compress or otherwise
deform on opposed sides of the apex or fulcrum when weight is
distributed on opposed sides thereof.
[0012] The ski boot insert of the present invention may be
incorporated into the manufacture of new ski boots or may be
fabricated as a replacement insert or retrofit for use in existing
ski boots. The ski boot insert will further be specifically formed
per conventional shoe sizes and will thus be capable of being
designed for any and all types of conventional ski boots previously
constructed or as may be constructed in the future.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a downhill skier making a
downhill turning motion.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a right side view, shown partially in phantom, of
the left ski boot of the skier depicted in FIG. 1, the ski boot
shown housing therein a ski boot insert constructed in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the ski boot insert of the present
invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 3 wherein a portion of the platform surface of the insert is
shown in a first non-compressed configuration.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 wherein a portion
of the platform surface is shown assuming a compressed
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an insert as constructed in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a rear cross-sectional view of the ski boot of the
present invention as constructed in accordance with a further
preferred embodiment thereof.
[0021] FIG. 7A is a top view of the ski boot insert depicted in
FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear cross-sectional view of the ski boot of the
present invention as constructed in accordance with another
preferred embodiment thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0024] Referring now to the figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there
is shown the downhill turning motion 10 of a skier 12 during Alpine
skiing. As illustrated, the motion 10 comprises a complex movement
requiring balance and proper positioning. To achieve that end, it
is necessary for the skier 12 to shift his or her weight via the
use of the skier's arms and poles 14, 16 and more importantly his
or her legs 22, 24 such that skis 18, 20 are caused to extend in
generally parallel relation to one another as the skier 12 shifts
his or her body positioning at an appropriate angle, represented by
the letter "A", relative the ground. Key to accomplishing such
movement is how the skier 12 distributes his or her weight to the
respective skis 18, 20 via the ski boots 26, 27. In this regard,
given the static nature of the interconnection between the ski boot
and the skis, the only means by which the skier 12 can impart
turning motion is by merely shifting his or her weight upon the
skis, via the respective ski boots 26, 27.
[0025] Unfortunately, however, virtually all types of ski boots,
such as 26, 27, provide no means whatsoever to accommodate the
shifting of the skier's weight. In this regard, virtually all types
of ski boots are provided with a flat sole portion formed from a
rigid, non-deformable material, such as hardened plastic and the
like that does not provide any type of cushioning support or is
otherwise adapted to compress to accommodate shifts in the skier's
weight when applied thereto. As a consequence, the skier is
provided with no means to shift his or her weight in a manner that
would correct or compensate in order to make faster and more
maneuverable motions.
[0026] Through the present invention, it has recently been
discovered that providing a ski boot insert operative to partially
provide a compressive platform surface will, in fact, substantially
improve a skier's edging and tilting abiity, therefore improving
the skier's sense of direction in making downhill skiing maneuvers
by enabling the skier to shift his or her weight across the sole of
the ski boot. As illustrated in FIG. 2, there is shown the right
side view of the left ski boot 26 of the skier depicted in FIG. 1.
As per typically all conventional ski boots, the ski boot 26
comprises a foot housing portion 26a in combination with an ankle
housing portion 26b. The interior of the ski boot 26 may be
selectively opened and closed via buckles 28, the latter of which
may take a variety of configurations well-known to those skilled in
the art. The ski boot 26 is further provided with a binding
fastening portion 26c, the latter operative to interlock with a ski
binding operative for holding the boot firmly on the ski. The
present invention comprises an insert 30 positionable with the ski
boot 26 and operative to extend about the sole or under surface of
the skier's foot when the boot 26 is worn. As illustrated, the ski
boot insert 30 is operative to provide a base portion 32 and an
upper portion platform surface, a portion of which is shown as 34,
discussed more fully below. It will further be understood that a
separate insert will be provided for right ski boot 27, as
shown.
[0027] With respect to the insert 30, the same is more clearly seen
in FIG. 3. As per conventional sole insert devices, the insert 30
substantially conforms to the general outline extending about a
human foot. In this regard, it is expressly contemplated that the
insert 30 will be expressly configured per any and all conventional
foot sizing schemes known or later developed that are operative to
substantially conform to a particular size of foot. Along these
lines, it is expressly contemplated that the insert 30 may be
configured to be integrated into newly manufactured ski boots or
otherwise designed as a separate insert capable of being installed
as a retrofit insert into existing ski boots.
[0028] The ski boot insert 30 will be expressly configured such
that the same includes at least two types of platform surfaces 33,
34 formed thereon, as illustrated in FIG. 3. A first platform
surface 33 will be formed from a hardened, non-deformable material,
such as plastic and the like, and may be integrally formed as part
of the base 32 of the sole insert 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4. A
second platform surface 34 is also provided that is formed adjacent
to the first platform surface 33 and preferably extends along a
medial axis extending along the length of insert 30, as shown in
FIG. 3. The second platform surface 34 will be formed from a
compressible or deformable material, which may take any of a
variety of materials well-known in the art. Exemplary of such
materials may include but are not limited to compressible foam,
gel, or a fluid filled compartment, which may comprise either a
liquid-filled compartment, a gas-filled compartment, or
combinations thereof. In any such embodiment, it will be understood
that the second platform surface 34 will be adapted to compress or
deform to the extent a skier's weight, as distributed by the
skier's foot is compressed thereagainst.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, initially to FIG. 4, there
is shown an arrangement by which the side-by-side platform surfaces
32, 34 are operative to react to the application of pressure or
weight thereto. FIG. 4 illustrates the insert 30 as shown in a
neutral position whereby first and second platform surfaces 32, 34,
as formed atop base 32 are positioned adjacent to one another
thereon. As illustrated, adjacent platform surfaces 33, 34
cooperate to define a continuous surface atop of base 32. As
discussed above, in order to facilitate the manufacturing of such
device, it is contemplated that first platform surface 33 may be
integrally formed as part of base 32.
[0030] To the extent a skier's weight is distributed about the
platform surfaces 33, 34 the second platform surface 34 will be
caused to depress as indicated by the letter "B" whereas first
platform surface 33 will remain static. In this regard, the ski
boot inserts of the present invention will be operative to only
partially deform upon the application of a skier's weight thereto.
Quite unexpectedly, by enabling only a portion of the skier's foot
to compress downwardly upon the insert 30 provides an optimal sense
of balance and coordination that has not heretofor been available.
Accordingly, in order for the ski boot insert of the present
invention to optimally function, it will be understood that at
least two different platform or zones must be provided with at
least one platform surface being deformable or compressible in
nature whereas the other portion does not possess such
properties.
[0031] In addition to the foregoing need for two separate and
distinct zones with one being compressible or deformable in nature
and the other one being rigid, such zones must further be located
about the platform surface of the ski boot insert. As discussed
above with respect to FIG. 3, in a first preferred embodiment it is
contemplated that the first and second platform surfaces 33, 34
will be arranged in a side-by-side fashion with the first rigid
platform surface 33 extending outwardly relative the skier's foot
and compressible second platform portion 34 will be formed on the
inwardly-facing side of the skier's foot. Accordingly, it will be
readily understood that the insert 30 as will be provided for the
right foot of the skier will comprise a mirror image of that
depicted in FIG. 3.
[0032] In FIG. 6 there is shown another preferred embodiment which
likewise illustrates the use of adjacent platform surfaces 33, 34
with first platform 33 being rigid in nature and second platform
surface 34 being compressible or deformable in nature. As opposed
to extending along a medial axis bisecting the length of the insert
30, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 positions adjacent platform
surfaces 33, 34 along a diagonally-extending axis. It will be
understood that the corresponding right ski boot insert for use in
the right ski boot will be a mirror image to that depicted in FIG.
6.
[0033] Although shown as either extending along a medially-disposed
axis or a diagonally-extending axis, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that alternative configurations will be
readily apparent and that so long as first and second platform
surfaces are provided having dedicated compressible and
non-compressible properties, such insert will be deemed to fall
within the scope of the present invention. Along these lines, it is
contemplated that first and second platform surfaces 33, 34 may be
arranged as specific segments or portions distributed about and
across portions of the ski boot insert 30, and may likewise be
situated adjacent one another along curved borders and the like.
Accordingly, such adjacent nature between first and second platform
surfaces 33, 34 should be construed as broadly as possible.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 7a, and initially to FIG. 7,
there is shown yet a further embodiment of the ski boot insert 30
of the present invention. As per the other aforementioned
embodiments, the ski boot insert 30 is operative to provide a
selectively compressible or deformable upper platform surface to
the extent the skier's foot is tilted or angled thereupon. Per the
other aforementioned embodiments, the insert 30 is provided with a
rigid, flat base 32 formed from a non-deformable material. Formed
atop base 32 is a layer of compressible material, which as
discussed above may take the form of foam, gel, or any other
material operative to selectively compress when the weight of the
skier is distributed thereupon. Disposed within a respective side
of the platform surface 34 is a spring member 40, the latter being
operative to provide an upwardly biased force, as indicated by the
letter "C" but also operative to compress downwardly in the
direction indicated by the letter "D" to the extent a force (i.e.,
the weight of the skier imparted by the skier) is focused thereon,
as occurs during tilting of the skier's foot.
[0035] In use, such spring member 40 will be operative to provide a
more rigid platform portion of the ski boot insert 30 than that
portion of the insert, more particularly compressible platform
surface 34, that does not include such upwardly biased spring
reinforcement. Accordingly, per the other aforementioned
embodiments, the ski boot insert 30 will be operative to provide a
first, more rigid zone of platform surface support and a second,
more easily compressible platform surface.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7a, there is shown a top view of the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 showing the placement of first and
second spring members 40a, 40b along the medial side of an insert
30 operatively positionable within the right foot boot of a pair of
ski boots. Advantageously, by selectively positioning the spring
members 40a, 40b, a more rigid, and hence more supportive platform
surface can be selectively defined about the insert 30 as may be
desired in particular applications.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a further embodiment
of the ski boot insert 30 of the present invention which is
operative to provide compressible platform surface areas extending
along opposed sides of the insert. More particularly, the base 32
is formed to have an apex or fulcrum 42 extending lengthwise along
the median of such insert 30. A level platform surface 34, again
formed from compressible material, is formed on top of base 32
which thus defines left and right platform surface areas that may
be selectively compressible, as indicated by the letters "E" and
"F". In this regard, to the extent the skier's foot is caused to
tilt away from either side of apex 42, that portion extending away
from the apex will compress downwardly against the compressible
platform surface 34, whereas the median portion extending along
apex 42 will be provided with slightly greater support. Such
embodiment is particularly well suited to facilitate the
development of balance and coordination during edging and tilting
of the skier's feet when making down hill skiing maneuvers.
[0038] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described
and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain
embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve
as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *