U.S. patent application number 13/309009 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for sports footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Philippe MIETTE.
Application Number | 20120151801 13/309009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44359791 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120151801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIETTE; Philippe |
June 21, 2012 |
SPORTS FOOTWEAR
Abstract
An article of footwear, such as a boot, adapted to be removably
retained on a sports apparatus, the boot including an outer sole
assembly, an upper and a fastening element, the latter being
adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, itself adapted to be
affixed to the apparatus. The boot includes a connection mechanism
adjustable in position, which adjustably connects the fastening
element to the outer sole assembly.
Inventors: |
MIETTE; Philippe; (Annecy Le
Vieux, FR) |
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.S.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
44359791 |
Appl. No.: |
13/309009 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/117.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/0413 20130101;
A43B 5/0494 20130101; A43B 5/0496 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/117.1 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/04 20060101
A43B005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2010 |
FR |
10.04892 |
Claims
1. A boot structured and arranged to be selectively retained or
released with respect to a sports apparatus, the boot comprising:
an outer sole assembly; an upper; a fastening element structured
and arranged to cooperate with a locking mechanism, the locking
mechanism adapted to be affixed to the sports apparatus; a
position-adjustable connection mechanism structured and arranged to
connect the fastening element selectively, in at least either of
two different positions, to the outer sole assembly.
2. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is a removable connection mechanism removably
connecting the fastening element to the outer sole assembly.
3. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element
includes at least one transverse wire.
4. A boot according to claim 3, wherein: the one transverse wire is
a first transverse wire; the fastening element further includes a
second transverse wire.
5. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element
includes a first longitudinal bar and a second longitudinal
bar.
6. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element
comprises: a first longitudinal bar and a second longitudinal bar;
at least one transverse wire extending between respective ends of
the first and second longitudinal bars.
7. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element
comprises: a first longitudinal bar and a second longitudinal bar;
a first transverse wire and a second transverse wire, the first and
second transverse wires extending between respective ends of the
first and second longitudinal bars.
8. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is structured and arranged to connect the
fastening element to the outer sole assembly selectively in at
least either of the two different positions in which the two
different positions are reversed relative to one another, said two
different positions comprising: a first position in which a first
end of the fastening element faces a front end of the boot; a
second position in which a second end of the fastening element
faces the front end of the boot.
9. A boot according to claim 8, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism further comprises: two studs extending from
the fastening element; two openings arranged in the outer sole
assembly, said two openings being configured and arranged to
receive the studs; the two studs being transversely opposed; the
two openings being transversely opposed.
10. A boot according to claim 9, wherein: the first wire and the
studs are longitudinally spaced apart by a first distance; the
second wire and the studs are longitudinally spaced apart by a
second distance; the first distance being different from the second
distance.
11. A boot according to claim 8, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is a removable connection mechanism removably
connecting the fastening element to the outer sole assembly; the
removable connection mechanism comprises a plurality of screws
cooperating with the fastening element and threaded openings
positioned in outer sole assembly.
12. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is structured and arranged to connect the
fastening element to the outer sole assembly selectively in at
least either of two different positions in which the two different
positions comprise: a first position in which a first end of the
fastening element is located at a first distance from a front end
of the boot; a second position in which the first end of the
fastening element is located at a second distance from the front
end of the boot.
13. A boot according to claim 12, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism further comprises: two studs extending from
the fastening element; at least four openings arranged in the outer
sole assembly, said openings being configured and arranged to
receive the studs; the studs being transversely opposed; the
openings comprising at least two pairs of transversely opposed
openings.
14. A boot according to claim 12, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is a removable connection mechanism removably
connecting the fastening element to the outer sole assembly; the
removable connection mechanism comprises a plurality of screws
cooperating with the fastening element and a plurality of threaded
openings of the outer sole assembly; the plurality of threaded
openings being greater in number than the plurality of screws.
15. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is structured and arranged to connect the
fastening element to the outer sole assembly via a continuous
adjustment over a predetermined range; the fastening element is
connectable to the outer sole assembly along a continuous
adjustment range extending longitudinally of the outer sole
assembly.
16. A boot according to claim 15, wherein: the position-adjustable
mechanism comprises a sliding rack and a rail.
17. A boot according to claim 16, wherein: the sliding rack is
associated with the fastening element; the rail is associated with
the outer sole assembly.
18. A boot according to claim 15, wherein: the position-adjustable
connection mechanism is a removable connection mechanism removably
connecting the fastening element to the outer sole assembly; the
removable connection mechanism comprises a screw structured and
arranged to cooperate with a slit of the fastening element and a
threaded opening of the outer sole assembly.
19. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element is
located in a zone of the outer sole assembly structured and
arranged to extend into an area corresponding to toes of a wearer's
foot.
20. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the outer sole assembly
has a central longitudinal groove in an area of a heel of the
boot.
21. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the outer sole assembly
has two off-centered longitudinal grooves in an area of a heel of
the boot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon French Patent Application No.
10/04892, filed Dec. 15, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority
of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an article of footwear, such as a
shoe or a boot, adapted to be reversibly retained on a sports
apparatus and, more particularly, such an article of footwear being
adapted for the practice of snow sports.
[0004] Footwear of the aforementioned type can be used in
disciplines such as cross-country or telemark skiing, snowshoeing,
roller skating, cycling, and the like.
[0005] 2. Background Information
[0006] An article of footwear (hereafter "boot," for convenience)
of the aforementioned type includes an outer sole assembly, an
upper, and a fastening element, the latter being adapted to
cooperate with a locking mechanism, which itself is adapted to be
affixed to the apparatus. The fastening element and locking
mechanism constitute a fastening mechanism, or binding, that is
conventionally provided to retain the article of footwear
reversibly on the apparatus, i.e., the locking mechanism allowing
the boot to be selectively fastened or released therefrom .
[0007] For example, in the discipline of cross-country skiing, it
is common for each locking mechanism to be capable of selectively
retaining and releasing the boot, thereby providing the skier with
the option of skiing or walking.
[0008] It is also conventional to allow the back of the boot, that
is to say the heel, to move alternatively away from and toward the
ski in repeated cycles. This facilitates the characteristic
cross-country skiing maneuvers, in particular because the skier can
more freely perform movements than he/she could not if the heels
were immobilized. In terms of structure, the fastening element
generally includes a rigid rod or pin, a portion of which is
oriented parallel to the outer sole assembly and along a transverse
direction of the thereof. The portion of the fastening element is
separate from the sole assembly itself, and generally has a
circular cross section adapted to cooperate with jaws of the
locking mechanism, in a hinge-like fashion. For example, two jaws
are provided, which can be proximal or spaced from one another, to
retain or to release, respectively, the fastening element. Thereby,
the boot can be selectively retained or released. This arrangement,
widely used, is particularly satisfactory because it is simple,
easy to manufacture, and easy to use. Indeed, the fastening element
is affixed to the outer sole assembly in such a way so as not to
interfere with walking.
[0009] However, several disadvantages related to this arrangement
have been observed.
[0010] First, because it rotates in the jaws, the fastening element
can wear out. Consequently, the rotational guiding of the boot,
relative to the locking mechanism, occurs with a clearance that
increases in proportion to the number of cycles performed. When the
clearance increases substantially, steering precision is reduced
and greater forces are required to steer the ski. Indeed, the
friction of the fastening element in the jaws increases. This
requires changing the boot because the fastening element is worn
out, yet the remainder of the boot usually is not. Therefore, the
wear of the fastening element reduces the useful life of the boot.
This is unfortunate because the user often wishes to keep a boot
that has well-adapted to his/her foot.
[0011] Another drawback associated with the arrangement of the
fastening element is the user-specific characteristic of the boot.
Indeed, due to the fixed position of the fastening element relative
to the sole assembly, the boot is not suitable for all users. Not
all users adjust the same way to the position of articulation of
the boot relative to the apparatus being operated. Some users may
prefer a more forward articulation or, conversely, a more rearward
articulation. A deviation in either direction, even a small
deviation, can substantially affect the operation of a ski. A
particular boot may give satisfaction to a majority of users, but
not to all users. Therefore, a user sometimes does not obtain
maximum efficiency in the transmission of steering impulses or in
the perception of sensory information related to steering of the
ski.
SUMMARY
[0012] In view of the preceding, the invention provides an improved
article of footwear, such as a shoe or a boot, particularly in the
area of its outer sole assembly. More specifically, an article of
footwear according to the invention provides for an increased
useful life. An article of footwear according to the invention,
i.e., a shoe or a boot (hereafter referred to as a boot, for
convenience) is constructed to be more versatile, so that it can
adapt to most users. In particular, any user should be able to
obtain maximum efficiency in the transmission of steering impulses
or in the perception of sensory information related to steering of
an associated sports apparatus, such as a ski.
[0013] To this end, the invention provides a boot adapted to be
removably retained on a sports apparatus, the boot including an
outer sole assembly, an upper, and a fastening element, the latter
being adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, which itself
is adapted to be affixed to the apparatus.
[0014] A boot according to the invention includes a connecting
mechanism that is adjustable in position, which adjustably connects
the fastening element to the outer sole assembly.
[0015] The connecting mechanism, adjustable in position, can be
provided to be a removable connecting mechanism that removably
connects the fastening element to the outer sole assembly.
[0016] This means that the fastening element can be affixed to or
separated from the outer sole assembly, as needed.
[0017] Therefore, the fastening element can be replaced, for
example, if it were to become worn out. The fastening element is a
wear element that fits into the much larger unit formed by the
boot. As a result, the user can keep a boot that fits him/her well,
and can recover a satisfactory steering precision with such
boot.
[0018] Furthermore, after removal, the fastening element can be
replaced by another whose structure is selectively identical or
different. The position of the fastening element can also be
provided to be changed, such as, for example, along a longitudinal
direction of the boot. Some users prefer a more forward position,
while others prefer a more rearward position. Furthermore, any
given user has the flexibility to adjust his/her boot to a
particular steering style. This is particularly advantageous in
cross-country skiing, depending on whether the user is practicing
the alternate step or the skating step. As a result, the boot of
the invention can satisfy the greatest number of users, and each
user will obtain maximum efficiency in the transmission of steering
impulses and in the perception of sensory information related to
steering.
[0019] To summarize, the boot of the invention has an extended
useful life and it optimizes the operation of a sports apparatus
such as a ski.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
better understood from the following description, with reference to
the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting
embodiments, how the invention can be implemented, and in
which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembly that
includes a boot according to a first embodiment of the invention,
as well as a partially shown ski and a device for retaining the
boot on the ski;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front and bottom perspective view of the outer
sole assembly of the boot of FIG. 1, in the case in which the
fastening element is affixed to the outer sole assembly;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, in the case in which the
fastening element is separated from the outer sole assembly and in
a first orientation;
[0024] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3, in the case in which the
fastening element is in a second orientation;
[0025] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 3, of a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-section along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5,
shown with the fastening element affixed to the outer sole
assembly;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-section along the line VII-VII of FIG.
6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 2, of a third embodiment,
in which the fastening mechanism is affixed to the outer sole
assembly;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, in the case in which the
fastening mechanism is separated from the outer sole assembly;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a cross-section along the line XX of FIG. 9;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-section along the line XI-XI of FIG.
9;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a cross-section along the line XII-XII of FIG.
8;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a cross-section along the line XIII-XIII of FIG.
8;
[0034] FIG. 14, similar to FIG. 2, shows a fourth embodiment of the
invention, in which the fastening mechanism is affixed to the outer
sole assembly; and
[0035] FIG. 15, similar to FIG. 2, shows a fifth embodiment of the
invention, in which the fastening mechanism is affixed to the outer
sole assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The embodiments of the invention described hereinafter
relate more specifically to boots intended for the practice of
cross-country skiing, ski touring, or telemark skiing. However, the
invention applies to other disciplines, such as those mentioned
hereinabove.
[0037] In the following description, the term "boot" is used for
convenience, but without limitation to a particular type of article
of footwear. For example, the boot can have a low upper, i.e., with
the upper edge of the upper extending below the ankle, or a high
upper, i.e., with the upper edge of the upper extending above the
ankle, or even a mid-upper, i.e., with the upper edge of the upper
extending at or approximate to the height of the ankle.
[0038] The first embodiment is illustrated with reference to FIGS.
1 to 4. FIG. 1 shows an assembly that includes a boot 1, a ski 2,
and a device 3 for retaining the boot on the ski.
[0039] Conventionally, the retaining device 3 includes a baseplate
4, which carries a reversible locking mechanism 5, an elastic
return mechanism 6, and a longitudinal guiding rib 7. For example,
it is possible to affix the locking mechanism 5, the return
mechanism 6, and the guiding rib 7 to the baseplate 4, to make the
retaining device 3 cohesive. The retaining device 3 and the ski 2
will not be further described, as they are well known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. The retaining device can be any of
various types, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,050,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto
in its entirety.
[0040] The boot 1 includes an outer sole assembly 12 and an upper
13. The outer sole assembly 12 can include one, two, or more
portions. The boot 1 extends lengthwise from a rear end, or heel
14, to a front end, or tip 15, and widthwise between a lateral side
16 and a medial side 17. Likewise, the outer sole assembly 12
extends lengthwise from the heel 14 to the tip 15, and widthwise
between the lateral side 16 and the medial side 17. The sole
assembly 12 also extends heightwise, or depthwise, between a free
surface 18 and a connection surface 19. The free surface 18 is
adapted to contact the ground, the retaining device 3, or the ski
2. The connection surface 19 serves to affix the sole assembly 12
to the remainder of the boot, for example by means of an adhesive
bond, i.e., by gluing.
[0041] As shown, the upper 13 includes a lower portion 20,
structured to surround the foot, and an upper portion 21, provided
to surround the ankle. However, as mentioned above, the invention
encompasses an upper including only the lower portion.
[0042] The boot 1 further includes a fastening element 25, the
latter being structured and arranged to cooperate with, i.e., to
engage with, the retaining device 3, the retaining device itself
being structured and arranged to be affixed to the ski 2. More
specifically, the fastening element 25 cooperates with the locking
mechanism 5 and, according to the first embodiment, with the
elastic return mechanism 6.
[0043] According to the invention, as can be understood from a
review of all of FIGS. 1 to 4, the boot includes a removable
connection mechanism that removably connects the fastening element
25 to the outer sole assembly 12. The connection mechanism, or
position-adjustable connection mechanism, makes it possible to
affix or separate the fastening element 25, selectively, to/from
the outer sole assembly 12. It is therefore possible to disassemble
and reassemble the fastening element 25, as necessary, to replace
it or to modify its position relative to the outer sole assembly
12. This makes it possible to manage the problems related to wear
and tear, by replacing an old element 25 with a new one. This also
makes it possible, as further described below, to modify the
interaction between the boot and the ski. Modifying the position of
the fastening element 25 changes the effect of the support forces
or the impulse forces related to steering the ski. This enables the
user to better adapt the boot to his/her needs.
[0044] According to the illustrated first embodiment, from a
structural point of view, the fastening element 25 includes a first
transverse wire 26, such as a rigid wire, or pin or rod (such
fastening element hereafter referred to as a "wire," without
excluding other structures which would perform its function
described herein). The wire 26 is provided, depending upon the
arrangement of the fastening element 25 on the outer sole assembly
12, either to be removably retained by the locking mechanism 5, or
to be elastically biased by the return mechanism 6. In this case,
the bias bringing the outer sole assembly 12 back toward the
baseplate 4, and therefore also toward the ski 2.
[0045] In the same context, the fastening element 25 includes a
second transverse wire 27. Again, depending on the arrangement of
the fastening element 25 on the outer sole assembly 12, the second
wire 27 is either removably retained by the locking mechanism 5 or
is elastically biased by the return mechanism 6.
[0046] It is to be understood that each of the wires 26, 27 is
oriented parallel to the outer sole assembly 12, in a direction
extending from one of the lateral 16 or medial 17 sides to the
other of these sides. The wires 26, 27 are spaced apart from the
outer sole assembly 12 by a distance between 1 mm and 25 mm.
Satisfactory results can be achieved with the distance within the
range of 5 mm to 15 mm.
[0047] The longitudinal spacing between the wires is between 30 mm
and 60 mm, for example 50 mm.
[0048] Each wire 26, 27 is comprised of a metallic material, such
as steel or any equivalent material, and can have a circular
cross-section, as shown. A circular cross section allows for better
cooperation with the locking mechanism 5 or the return mechanism
6.
[0049] The fastening element 25 includes a first longitudinal bar
31 and a second longitudinal bar 32, both provided to be supported
on the outer sole assembly 12. The first bar 31 extends
longitudinally from a first end 33 to a second end 34, and the
second bar 32 extends longitudinally from a first end 35 to a
second end 36. For example, the first ends 33, 35 and second ends
34, 36 of the bars are provided to be transversely opposite one
another, respectively. Thus, the fastening element 25 has a
transverse symmetry that facilitates an inversion of its direction
of assembly, as further described below.
[0050] Each bar 31, 32 is comprised of one or more synthetic
materials, such as plastic, rubber, or the like.
[0051] For example, the first wire 26 and second wire 27 are
provided to be embedded in the bars 31, 32, which provides
cohesiveness to the fastening element 25. Therefore, the fastening
element 25 has two transverse wires 26, 27 and two longitudinal
bars 31, 32, these portions being integrated to form a unitary,
single piece. Therefore, the fastening element 25 is an element
that is easy to handle.
[0052] The first wire 26 is located on the side of the respective
first ends 33, 35 of the first 31 and second 32 bars. In the same
context, the second wire 27 is located on the side of the
respective second ends 34, 36 of the first 31 and second 32 bars.
It follows that one of the wires 26, 27 is located in the area of
the toes when the fastening element 25 is positioned on the sole
assembly 12 and the boot is worn by the user, whereas the other
wire 26, 27 is located at the boundary between the toes and the
metatarsus, or even in the area of the metatarsus. This arrangement
facilitates cooperation between the boot 1 with the retaining
device 3 via an articulation in the area of the toe and an elastic
return in the area of the metatarsus. The heel can be lifted
alternately relative to the ski, for efficient steering.
[0053] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the boot
1 includes a mechanism for positioning the fastening element 25 on
the outer sole assembly 12 according to two positions reversed
relative to one another, a first position for which a first end 41
of the fastening element 25 is turned toward the front end 15 of
the boot 1, and a second position for which a second end 42 of the
fastening element 25 is turned toward the front end 15 of the boot
1. In practice, the first end 41 of the fastening element 25 is
demarcated by the first ends 33, 35 of the bars 31, 32. By analogy,
the second end 42 is demarcated by the second ends 34, 36 of the
bars 31, 32.
[0054] The arrangement described above makes it possible to invert
the position of the wires 26, 27 along the outer sole assembly 12.
This makes it possible to modify the role of each wire 26, 27, in
the sense that each can selectively cooperate with the locking
mechanism 5 or the elastic return mechanism 6. For example, it is
thereby possible to deal with variations in the wear and tear of
the wires.
[0055] In a non-limiting manner, according to the first embodiment
of the invention, the positioning mechanism mentioned above
includes two studs 43, 44 extending from the fastening element 25,
and has two openings 45, 46 arranged in the outer sole assembly 12
for receiving the studs 43, 44; the studs 43, 44 and openings 45,
46, being transversely opposite one another, respectively. More
specifically, a first stud 43 extends from the first bar 31,
whereas the second stud 44 extends from the second bar 32. This
facilitates the positioning of the fastening element 25 on the
outer sole assembly 12 in either one of the positions mentioned
previously.
[0056] For facilitating manufacture, the studs 43, 44 and openings
45, 46 have circular cross-sections; this configuration is not
essential, however.
[0057] The distance d1 between the first wire 26 and the studs 43,
44 is provided to be different from the distance d2 between the
second wire 27 and the studs 43, 44. Thus, inverting the direction
of assembly of the fastening element 25 on the outer sole assembly
12 changes the distance between a given wire 26, 27 and the front
end 15 of the boot 1. In other words, depending upon the direction
of assembly of the fastening element 25, the wires 26, 27 are more
or less close to the front end 15. It follows that the user can
choose either one of the two positions of the wires 26, 27, to
adapt the boot to his or her steering style. This will
advantageously optimize steering.
[0058] In addition, the removable connection mechanism, or
position-adjustable connection mechanism, which connects the
fastening element 25 to the outer sole assembly 12, includes screws
47 cooperating with the fastening element 25 and threaded openings
48 of the outer sole assembly 12. There are four screws 47, for
example, in the illustrated embodiment (see FIG. 2). There are also
four threaded openings. This makes it possible to exert tightening
forces in the vicinity of the wires 26, 27. A resulting advantage
is a more accurate transmission of sensory information.
[0059] Additional embodiments are described hereinafter with
reference to FIGS. 5 to 15. For convenience, the elements shared
with the first embodiment are designated by the same reference
numerals. Thus, only the differences are highlighted.
[0060] In this regard, a second embodiment, according to FIGS. 5 to
7, has an outer sole assembly 12, with its rear end 14 and front
end 15, its lateral side 16 and medial 17 sides, and its free 18
and connection 19 surfaces. There is also a fastening element 25,
with its first 26 and second 27 wires, as well as its first 31 and
second 32 longitudinal bars.
[0061] The second embodiment is specific to the manner in which the
fastening element 25 is positioned on the outer sole assembly 12.
The boot 1 in this case includes a mechanism for positioning the
fastening element 25 on the outer sole assembly 12, via a discrete
adjustment in at least two positions, viz., a first position for
which a first end 41 of the fastening element 25 is located at a
first distance from the front end 15 of the boot, and a second
position for which the first end 41 of the fastening element 25 is
located at a second distance from the front end 15 of the boot.
This configuration allows the fastening element 25 to be moved, and
repositioned, forward or rearward, as needed, to achieve the same
effects as with the first embodiment.
[0062] Still according to the second embodiment, the positioning
mechanism includes two studs 43, 44 extending from the fastening
element 25, and has at least four openings 61, 62, 63, 64 arranged
in the outer sole assembly 12 for receiving the studs 43, 44, the
studs and openings being transversely opposite in pairs. More
specifically, the two studs 43, 44 can selectively take place in
two orifices 61, 62, respectively, which are spaced from the front
ends 15 of the sole assembly 12, or in two openings 63, 64, which
are closer to the end. The result is a discrete longitudinal
adjustability with two positions.
[0063] Alternatively, the number of positions can be provided to be
greater than two, i.e., such as three, four, or five, for
example.
[0064] The removable connection mechanism, or position-adjustable
connection mechanism, which connects the fastening element 25 to
the outer sole assembly 12, includes a plurality of screws 70 (such
as four) cooperating with the fastening element and threaded
openings 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 of the outer sole assembly
12, the number of threaded openings being greater than the number
of screws. For example, eight threaded openings 71 to 78 are
provided to be transversely opposite one another in pairs, in
correlation with the four openings 61 to 64 for receiving the studs
43, 44. In a non-limiting manner, the openings 61 to 64 for
receiving the studs and the threaded openings 71 to 78 for
receiving the screws are arranged in two longitudinal rows, that is
to say, parallel to one another and transversely opposite one
another. This provides the boot 1 with a simple structure for
adjusting the longitudinal position of the fastening element
25.
[0065] A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated with
reference to FIGS. 8 to 13. This embodiment also has an outer sole
assembly 12, with its rear 14 and front 15 ends, its lateral 16 and
medial 17 sides, and its free 18 and connection 19 surfaces. There
is also a fastening element 25, with its first 26 and second 27
wires, as well as its first 31 and second 32 longitudinal bars.
[0066] The third embodiment is also specific to the manner in which
the fastening element 25 is positioned on the outer sole assembly
12. The boot 1 in this case includes a mechanism for positioning
the fastening element 25 on the outer sole assembly 12, via a
continuous adjustment over a nominal range, the displacement of the
fastening element 25 relative to the outer sole assembly 12
occurring longitudinally. This arrangement increases the
possibilities of adjustment of the position of the fastening
element 25. The adjustment is selectively carried out to move the
fastening element toward or, conversely, away from the front end 15
of the boot.
[0067] In a non-limiting manner, the positioning mechanism includes
a sliding rack 91 and a rail 92. For example, the sliding rack 91
is associated with the fastening element 25, and the rail 92 is
associated with the outer sole assembly 12. This arrangement
enables the fastening element 25 to be positioned on the outer sole
assembly 12 by sliding in a direction along the length of the boot
1.
[0068] As can be understood in particular with reference to FIGS. 9
and 10, the rail 92 has a U-shaped cross-section, with a base 93
and with free ends 94, 95 bent in a widening direction, i.e.,
transversely outwardly. According to the third embodiment, the rail
92 includes a plurality of distinct segments 96, 97, namely, two in
this case. Alternatively, however, the rail could include only one
segment, or, alternatively, three or more. The advantage of the two
segments 96, 97 is localized cooperation with the wires 26, 27, as
can be better understood from the following description.
Consequently, the outer sole assembly 12 retains its flexibility
between the segments 96, 97, which guarantees greater comfort of
use.
[0069] The rail 92 is for example made from a metallic material,
such as steel or any equivalent material. The rail 92 is affixed to
the outer sole assembly 12, for example by inserting its base 93 in
the constituent material of the sole assembly.
[0070] As can be understood in particular with reference to FIGS.
11 and 12, the sliding rack 91 is formed by the wires 26, 27.
Indeed, the wires are bent into a C-shape, their ends 101, 102
being structured and arranged to contact the bent ends 94, 95 of
the rail 92. Each wire 26, 27 comes into contact with one of the
segments 96, 97. The sliding rack 91 is also segmented, as the
wires are separated from one another. The bent portions 101, 102 of
each wire 26, 27 are partially embedded in the bars 31, 32. This is
what ensures the cohesiveness of the fastening element 25. This
structure has the advantage of being simple to manufacture, insofar
as it reduces the number of elements required.
[0071] The sliding rack 91 is provided to be reversibly immobilized
relative to the rail 92. In fact, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 13,
the removable connection mechanism, which connects the fastening
element 25 to the outer sole assembly 12, includes at least one
screw 105, 106 cooperating with a slit 107, 108 of the fastening
element 25 and a threaded opening 109, 110 of the outer sole
assembly 12. Each slit 107, 108 is parallel to the rail 92 or to
the sliding rack 91, to allow movement of the fastening element 25
with respect to the sole assembly 12, a movement that occurs along
the length of the boot 1, over a range whose length corresponds to
the length of the slits 107, 108. It is to be understood that the
slits are transversely opposite one another. For example, the
longitudinal range of movement of the fastening element 25 relative
to the outer sole assembly 12, when the screws are positioned but
not tightened, is between 10 mm and 35 mm.
[0072] A fourth embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 14.
This is a simpler version of the invention. More specifically, the
fastening element 25 includes a single transverse wire 26, which is
adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism 5. As a result, the
boot 1 can pivot more freely relative to the ski 2, which is well
suited to the practice of the alternate step. The fourth embodiment
can include a position-adjustable connection mechanism like any of
those described above.
[0073] Further, the outer sole assembly 12 has a central
longitudinal groove 121 in the area of the heel 14. This groove is
adapted to cooperate with the guiding rib 7 of the retaining device
3. This guides the outer sole assembly 12 during a rolling movement
of the foot and enables transverse support forces when the sole
assembly 12 is flat on the device 3.
[0074] A fifth embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 15.
The outer sole assembly 25 is shown here to have two longitudinal
grooves 131, 132 that are off-centered, or offset, in the area of
the heel 14. In this case, the outer sole assembly is adapted to
cooperate with a retaining device, not shown, which is provided
with two guiding ribs. The fifth embodiment can include a
position-adjustable connection mechanism like any of those
described above.
[0075] For all of the illustrated embodiments, the fastening
element 25 is located in a zone of the outer sole assembly that is
adapted to extend, at least partially, in the area of the toes.
This makes it possible to steer the ski with the boot heel, which
alternately separates from it.
[0076] Further, to facilitate the alternating movement of the heel,
the upper 13 is flexible, and the outer sole assembly is also
flexible, at least in the area of the zone opposite the toes and
the junction between the toes and the metatarsus. The outer sole
assembly 12 is flexible along a length ranging between 5% and 45%
of the length of the boot, from the front end 15. This improves
steering by enabling better foot rolling movement.
[0077] In any case, the boot of the invention can be made from
materials and by using techniques of implementation known to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0078] In addition, the invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; it includes
all of technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the
claims that follow.
[0079] In particular, other structures can be provided for the
fastening element, for example by replacing the wires with members
such as lugs, brackets, or the like.
[0080] With respect to adjusting the position of the fastening
element 25 on the outer sole assembly 12, as is the case in the
third embodiment, for example, the fastening element 25 can be
provided to be removable or, conversely, non-removable.
[0081] When the fastening element 25 is simply interchangeable, it
can be provided to be replaced with an identical element or with a
similar element. In the latter case, the longitudinal position of
the wire(s) 26, 27 is different.
[0082] In the invention, the positioning mechanisms are actuated
using a tool, since they include screws. It is also possible to
provide positioning mechanism that are actuated by hand, that is to
say without tools, i.e., tool-less.
[0083] In addition to the foregoing, the invention disclosed herein
by way of exemplary embodiments suitably may be practiced in the
absence of any element or structure which is not specifically
disclosed herein.
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