U.S. patent application number 14/433998 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for sole for ski boot.
This patent application is currently assigned to ROTTEFELLA AS. The applicant listed for this patent is ROTTEFELLA AS. Invention is credited to Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen, Even Wollo.
Application Number | 20150272267 14/433998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49517599 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150272267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wollo; Even ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
SOLE FOR SKI BOOT
Abstract
The present invention relates to an outer sole (6) for a ski
boot. The outer sole comprises a fastening pin (2) to attach a ski
boot to a binding, two longitudinal and parallel outer sole ridges
(7) which between them form a longitudinal recess (8), where the
fastening pin (2) is arranged in and between the two longitudinal
and parallel outer sole ridges (7). The outer sole may have two
longitudinal and parallel outer sole ridges (7) that are comprised
a number of fastening points which form at least two different
positions (3; 4; 5) in longitudinal or vertical direction, the
fastening pin (2) being arranged to be movable between the at least
two different positions (3; 4; 5) in longitudinal or vertical
direction.
Inventors: |
Wollo; Even; (Naersnes,
NO) ; Holm; Thomas; (Oslo, NO) ; Svendsen;
Oyvar; (Oslo, NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ROTTEFELLA AS |
Klokkarstua |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
ROTTEFELLA AS
Klokkarstua
NO
|
Family ID: |
49517599 |
Appl. No.: |
14/433998 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
October 8, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NO2013/050169 |
371 Date: |
April 7, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/0417 20130101;
A43B 13/14 20130101; A43B 5/0413 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/04 20060101
A43B005/04; A43B 13/14 20060101 A43B013/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 8, 2012 |
NO |
20121135 |
Claims
1. An outer sole for a ski boot comprising: a fastening pin to
attach a ski boot to a binding, two longitudinal and parallel outer
sole ridges which between them form a longitudinal recess, where
the fastening pin is arranged in and between the two longitudinal
and parallel outer sole ridges, wherein in the two longitudinal and
parallel outer sole ridges comprise a number of fastening points
which form at least two different positions in longitudinal or
vertical direction, the fastening pin being arranged to be movable
between the at least two different positions in longitudinal or
vertical direction.
2. The outer sole according to claim 1, where the fastening points
are selected from the group comprising holes, grooves, recesses and
pins.
3. The outer sole according to claim 1, where the at least two
different positions in longitudinal or vertical direction are
selected from the group comprising a neutral position with a
neutral gearing, one or more positions with heavier gearing
relative to a neutral gearing, and one or more positions with
lighter gearing relative to a neutral gearing.
4. The outer sole according to claim 1, where the fastening points
which define and correspond with the different positions are
arranged in pairs transversal to the longitudinal direction of the
outer sole in the above longitudinal and parallel outer sole
ridges.
5. The outer sole according to claim 1, where fixtures are arranged
in separate grooves in each of the outer sole ridges, the fixtures
comprising a number of fastening points which define and correspond
with the different positions which a fastening pin can assume.
6. The outer sole according to claim 1, where the fastening pin
comprises a threaded part, a screw head and a gasket which give a
check nut effect.
7. The outer sole according to claim 1, where the fastening pin is
attached by press fit in respective positions.
8. A fastening pin to attach a ski boot to a binding, wherein it is
arranged to be movable between at least two different positions in
longitudinal or vertical direction in an outer sole of a ski
boot.
9. The fastening pin according to claim 8, comprising a threaded
part, a screw head and a gasket which give a check nut effect.
10. The fastening pin according to claim 8, being arranged for
press fit in the respective positions.
11. A binding system to attach a ski boot to a ski, wherein the ski
boot has an outer sole comprising a fastening pin to attach the ski
boot to a binding, and two longitudinal and parallel outer sole
ridges which between them form a longitudinal recess, where the
fastening pin is arranged in and between the two longitudinal and
parallel outer sole ridges, comprising a number of fastening points
which form at least two different positions in longitudinal or
vertical direction, the fastening pin being arranged to be movable
between the at least two different positions in longitudinal or
vertical direction, the binding further comprising at least one
flexor adapted to the position the fastening pin assumes.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a ski boot arranged for
releasable attachment to a ski by means of a ski binding. The ski
boot comprises an outer sole, an upper part and an attachment
member, the attachment member being arranged to match and cooperate
with a locking mechanism on the ski binding.
[0002] During the practice of different forms of skiing, in
particular the types of skiing in which the equipment that is used
is particularly suitable for walking or running on skis, the front
part of the ski boot is attached to the ski by means of a ski
binding, as the ski binding and the ski boot are arranged to
interact in such way that the heel can be lifted from the ski. This
could either be achieved by the tip of the ski boot being attached
or strapped by means of for example a traditional 75 mm ski binding
or similar bindings, where a clamp holds the tip of the ski boot
and keeps it fixated in such a way that the tip of the ski boot is
kept more or less completely fixed relative to the ski to which it
is attached, as the heel can be lifted from the ski by the ski boot
being bendable. Most ski boots and bindings worked like this until
the 80s when an attachment member was introduced in form of a steel
pin on the front part of the ski boot, the said steel pin fitting
into a groove in a ski binding, where the ski binding further
fixedly clamped the steel pin and allowed some rotation around the
attachment point constituted by the steel pin. Even if the heel of
the ski boot now could be lifted in that the ski boot to some
degree could rotate around the attachment point constituted by the
steel pin, the ski boot was still bendable enough so that the
bendability of the ski boot still to a large degree contributed to
that the heel lifted from the ski.
[0003] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
skiing experience to a large degree is affected by where and how
the ski boot is attached to a ski by a ski binding. The skiing
experience is also affected to a large degree by parameters such as
the bendability of the ski boot, torsion stiffness and ability to
support the foot. Depending on the skiing discipline that will be
practiced, for example skating, classic, touring, light telemark
etc., the requirements as to where and how the ski boot is attached
to the ski, the bendability of the ski boot, torsion stiffness and
ability to support the foot, will vary in such a degree that
optimized special equipment has been developed for each discipline.
In particular within the skating discipline, the development has
gone towards significantly stiffer boots than earlier, not only
stiffer in terms of torsion, but also in the transversal and
longitudinal direction. This contributes to that the ski binding
has taken over many of the bending qualities which the ski boot
previously had, as the newest ski bindings are supplied with
custom-adjusted spring members which are active in both rotational
directions around the attachment point of the ski boot, in addition
to that they are progressive with a custom-adjusted spring and
power profile. These profiles can also be adapted to many needs,
such as the practitioner's weight, strength and preferences, in
addition to snow conditions, profile of the course etc. In this
area there is a continuous development.
[0004] One of the possibilities that, as it has been realized, can
be utilized to a higher degree than earlier is the integration of a
type of "gearing" into the ski boot. Depending on where and how the
ski boot is attached to a ski by means of a ski binding, the
principle of leverage could be utilized to achieve a higher or
lower gearing. In principle, conventional ski boots could be said
to have a neutral gearing in which the rotational point and the
rotational movement of the ski boot relative to the ski is selected
based on what is considered as optimal in terms of biomechanics. If
the rotational point is moved forwards or backwards (relative to
the longitudinal direction of the ski boot), a higher or lower
gearing could be achieved accordingly.
[0005] A higher gearing could be advantageous in a course which is
relatively flat and/or under particularly quick snow conditions. It
could become harder to keep the same frequency relative to a
neutral gearing, but the developed power and the gliding length for
each kick could become considerably larger, resulting in a
considerably higher speed. The top speed could also become
higher.
[0006] A lower gearing could be beneficial in a course which is
relatively hilly and/or under particularly slow and heavy snow
conditions. It could become easier to keep the same or higher
frequency relative to a neutral gearing, and the developed power
and the gliding length for each kick could become smaller, however
it would be considerably easier to maintain the technique in steep
terrain, and at the same time be able to accelerate faster when the
terrain flattens out over hilltops. The top speed could become
lower, but this will be of minor importance in a course which is
relatively hilly and/or under slow and heavy snow conditions.
[0007] Other factors than profile of the course and snow conditions
could also play a role in the choice of whether one wants higher or
lower gearing. For an experienced practitioner individual
differences with regard to body weight, strength and preferred
frequency will contribute to whether the practitioner wants higher
or lower gearing. For a beginner or someone who is in a poor
physical condition and/or relatively heavy, a lighter gear can make
it easier to walk, such that the skiing experience becomes better
and the threshold for exercising lower.
[0008] Individual biomechanical and proportional differences
between individuals may also result in different preferences. Such
differences can for example be flexibility in the ankle joint, foot
length, strength in calves, strength in legs, strength in upper
body, the balance ability, individual technique etc.
[0009] EP2465371A1 relates to a solution in which two steel pins
are releasably mounted on the front part of a ski boot by means of
a fixture which for instance can be fastened with screws in the
outer sole of the ski boot. The purpose of this is primarily that
the steel pins, which are subject to wear and tear, may be easily
replaced. EP2465371A1 also mentions that the position of the steel
pins in longitudinal direction may be adapted based on the user's
preferences, without discussing these preferences to any certain
degree. According to EP2465371A1 the steel pins have been
asymmetrically mounted on the fixture, as turning of the fixture
will move the steel pins forwards or backwards, respectively.
Alternatively, or in addition, the fixture may be slid backwards or
forwards, as the fixture is mounted on the outer sole by screws.
The outer sole comprises a number of screw holes, and depending on
which holes that are used, the fixture could together with the
steel pins be moved forwards or backwards. The fixture forms in
itself a part of the walking surface.
[0010] The above potential for improving the utilization of power
and/or the skiing experience is still at an early stage and has
only recently become possible to exploit by the development of new
types of ski boots and bindings.
[0011] The above potential is achieved and issues are solved
according to the present invention by a device according to the
appended independent claim 1. Further advantageous features and
embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention,
[0013] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view with details of an embodiment
of the present invention,
[0014] FIGS. 3a and 3b show a top face and bottom face plan view of
an embodiment of the present invention,
[0015] FIG. 4a shows a cross-section of an outer sole according to
an embodiment of the present invention along the section indicated
as A-A in FIG. 3a, and
[0016] FIG. 4b shows a cross-section of an outer sole according to
an embodiment of the present invention along the section indicated
as B-B in FIG. 4a,
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an outer sole 6 of a ski boot, where a
fastening pin 2 can assume three different positions 3; 4; 5 in
longitudinal direction, where the positions are selected from the
group comprising a neutral position 4 with a neutral gearing, one
or more positions 3 with heavier gearing, and/or one or more
positions 5 with lighter gearing. FIG. 1 shows the fastening pin 2
arranged in the heaviest position.
[0018] According to the present invention, a ski boot 1 is further
provided 1 with an outer sole 6 comprising two longitudinal and
parallel outer sole ridges 7 which between them form a longitudinal
recess 8. Each of the longitudinal and parallel outer sole ridges 7
have been arranged with a number of fastening points which define
and correspond with the different positions 3; 4; 5 which the
fastening pin 2 can assume.
[0019] According to the invention, the fastening points can be
selected from the group comprising holes, grooves, recesses and
pins.
[0020] According to the invention the fastening points can be
arranged in pairs transversal to the longitudinal direction of the
outer sole 6 in the above longitudinal and parallel outer sole
ridges 7.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a view of an outer sole 6 corresponding to the
one shown in FIG. 1, but from a different perspective and with
fastening pin 2 and two fixtures 8 shown in an expanded condition.
According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two fixtures 8 are
provided which may be arranged in separate grooves 9 in each of the
outer sole ridges 7 from the inside of the outer sole 7. According
to this embodiment, the fixtures 8 are arranged prior to the
mounting of the middle sole and upper part of the ski boot, such
that the fixtures 8 are hard mounted when the ski boot is
finalized.
[0022] Other embodiments could also be contemplated, for example an
embodiment in which the outer sole ridges 7 comprise grooves
wherein the fixtures 8 may be introduced from the outside of the
outer sole 6, for example in grooves that are arranged on the
bottom side or front side (not shown) of the outer sole back 7.
Regardless of how or wherefrom the fixtures 7 are arranged, the
fixtures 7, according to these embodiments of the present
invention, will be locked when the fastening pin 2 has been mounted
in one of the hole pairs 3; 4; 5. Alternatively, the fixtures 7 may
be molded onto the outer sole 6, each in its separate outer sole
back 7, such that the fastening pin 2 is not required to secure
that the fixtures 7 are held in place.
[0023] The fastening pin 2 shown in FIG. 2 comprises threads and
may further comprise a gasket, for example of the Nyloc.TM. type,
forming a check nut effect. Alternatively, the fixtures may
comprise threads that are completely or partly coated with a
Nyloc.TM. type material, thus to achieve a check nut effect. Other
locking methods could also be used, for instance glue (Loctite.TM.
or other types of glue), or press fit, where the pin is pressed in
such that it stays, and is knocked out again with a suitable
tool.
[0024] The fastening pin 2 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a head of the
umbraco type, whereas other screw grooves/heads (straight, cross,
Torx or similar) may also be used within the scope and spirit of
the invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, the
one end of the fastening pin 2 comprises a groove which matches the
hole 3; 4; 5 in which it should be introduced, whereas the other
end comprises threads and the above screw head. Other variants may
just as well be used, for example threads in the end farthest from
the head, while a Nyloc.TM. type gasket is arranged around the end
closest to the head etc.
[0025] Other methods for securing the fastening pin 2 may also be
used. FIG. 3a shows the outer sole seen directly from above (from
the inside), groove 9 being shown into which the fixtures 8 easily
can be introduced prior to the mounting of middle sole and upper
part. As previously mentioned, fixtures 8 may also be molded into
the outer sole 6.
[0026] FIG. 3b shows the outer sole seen directly from below (from
the outside), the fastening pin 2 being arranged in the hole pair
3, i.e. in the heaviest position. Depending on what one prefers,
hole pair 3 may provide a gearing which is heavier than neutral,
whereas hole pair 4 provides a neutral gearing and the hole pair 5
provides a lighter gearing. Alternatively, position 3 may be
neutral, whereas positions 4 and 5 provide two lighter gearings, or
3 and 4 are heavier than the neutral position 5, etc. In most
cases, one would select a configuration and location for the
positions/hole pairs 3; 4; 5 where the middle one is neutral, and
one accordingly has a heavier and lighter one on each side, however
other configurations and placements are as mentioned possible.
[0027] FIG. 4a shows the section A-A indicated in FIG. 3a. The
angles and distances that are indicated are relevant for the
established NNN.RTM. standard from Rottefella.RTM.. It is
understood that these are not limiting to the scope and spirit of
the invention, as other standards (current or future) could require
other angles and distances. With respect to the distance between
the positions/hole pairs 3; 4; 5, a greater distance will imply a
larger difference between the gearings and vice versa.
[0028] FIG. 4a shows the section B-B indicated in FIG. 4a. The
indicated distance between the outer sole ridges 7 is relevant for
the established NNN.RTM. standard from Rottefella.RTM.. It is
understood that this is not limiting to the scope and spirit of the
invention, as other standards (current or future) could require
other distances. In FIG. 4b the fixtures 8, fastening pin 2 and
outer sole ridges 7 are cut-away.
[0029] In this text the attachment point of the ski boot to a
binding (not shown) has been called a fastening pin 2. A steel
material is most commonly used for such attachment points. Steel is
a ductile, strong and durable material which therefore constitutes
an excellent choice for such attachment points. It should be
understood that other materials, metals and alloys may also be
used. A relevant and alternative metal is titanium, which is
preferred by some due to its light weight. Titanium is however worn
considerably faster than the relevant steel alloys, and are at the
same time more prone to breakage due to its brittleness. One could
also contemplate pins of carbon, ceramic materials, other
metals/alloys, or combinations thereof.
[0030] If one exploits the advantages of the present invention,
i.e. provides ski boot and binding systems which offer the
opportunity to select and vary the gearing, this could have
consequences for other aspects of the ski boot and binding system.
If one is to exploit the advantages of a heavier gearing, it could
be an advantage to provide a ski boot which is significantly
stiffer, in particular in the front or foremost part, compared with
today's conventional boots.
[0031] It could also become necessary to adapt the choice and
design of the flexor(s) in the binding. Since the contact face(s)
10, 11 in front and/or underneath the front part of the boot will
move relative to the flexors and their contact faces with the ski
boot, the flexor in the binding may have to be made thicker or
thinner depending on which position one selects.
[0032] In addition, one can select a flexor softness/stiffness
adapted to the gearing that one selects. If one selects a heavier
gearing, it could for example be advantageous with a stiffer
flexor, whereas for a lighter gearing one could prefer a softer
flexor. The walking or running frequency could also be of
importance as to which flexor softness/stiffness and what
flexor-response one selects. One can for instance contemplate that
at a lighter gearing (higher frequency) a flexor with a fast
response could be preferred, such that the ski quickly returns to
its initial position after each stroke or kick. In the opposite
case, one can for instance contemplate that at a heavier gearing
(lower frequency) a flexor with a slower response could be
preferred, such that the ski does not return too quickly to its
initial position after each stroke or kick.
[0033] When this description uses the term "neutral position", it
refers in principle to the position in which one according to the
NNN standard has positioned conventional fastening pins or steel
pins. This position is per se not exact since it to a large degree
is based on extensive testing and experimenting. What could be
called a neutral position will to some extent vary based on which
standard that is used and a large number of parameters, such as
sole thickness, sole stiffness, general boot construction, boot and
sole materials, binding system, flexor stiffness, flexor qualities
(for example bending stiffness versus rotational angle around the
attachment point of the ski boot), etc. Even if the term "neutral
position" may seem somewhat vague, it turns out that most ski boot
manufacturers have located the fastening member in what by the
skier would be perceived as the neutral position.
[0034] In addition to the number of holes that form at least two
different positions 3; 4; 5 in longitudinal direction, where the
fastening pin 2 is arranged to be movable between the at least two
different positions 3; 4; 5 in longitudinal direction, one can
according to another aspect of the invention provide holes which
form at least two different positions 3; 4; 5 in vertical
direction, the ski boot being able to be lifted in vertical
direction in addition to, or optionally instead of, being able to
be repositioned in the longitudinal direction. It has been found
that one can improve the skiing experience, power consumption and
balance under some snow conditions by lifting up the front of the
ski boot relative to the heel. Wedge-shaped spacers which are
arranged between the binding and ski are used to achieve this.
Another way to achieve a similar effect could be to move the
fastening pin farther from the bottom side of the ski boot. In
addition to such an effect, which in reality relates to a another
aspect, the net effect of moving the fastening pin in vertical
direction could correspond to or strengthen the effect of moving
the fastening pin in longitudinal direction. Moving the fastening
pin somewhat down could for example correspond to moving the
fastening pin somewhat backwards etc.
* * * * *