Ratcheting Buckle For Ski Boots And The Like

Abstract

A ratcheting buckle for ski boots that includes a manually operated means or member for adjusting the device, and wherein the ratcheting buckle will remain in its desired adjusted position, and wherein buckling and unbuckling of the ski boot by the skier will be facilitated.

Description

The present invention relates to ski boots, and more particularly to fasteners or buckles for ski boots.

An object of the present invention is to provide ratcheting buckles for ski boots that can be readily manually adjusted in order to permit proper and easy fastening and unfastening of the ski boot on the skier's foot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide ratcheting buckles for ski boots that will facilitate or make easier the adjustment of the device as compared to previous ski boot clamps or clasps, and wherein the device will stay or remain in its adjusted position until it is desired to move or adjust the same, and wherein the skier can easily buckle or unbuckle the ski boot.

Another object is to provide such a ratchet buckle for ski boots wherein increased leverage is provided, it being understood that a single ski boot may have a plurality of the ratchet buckles, such as four or five, thereon, and wherein the ratchet buckle of the present invention provides improved takeup for the ski boot.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide ratchet buckles for ski boots which may be fastened to the boot in any desired manner, wherein the strap that is used may be of any desired length, and wherein different types of ratchets can be used since the present invention is directed to the concept of providing ratchet buckles for ski boots regardless of the specific construction of the ratchet.

The present invention permits fine adjustments to be made, and the parts will remain stationary in their adjusted position, and the job of tightening or loosening of the ski boots will be easier. Also, the device of the present invention will not accidently come loose, since the parts will not move out of their proper adjusted position until the device is normally actuated in the desired manner.

Still another object is to provide such a ratcheting buckle for ski boots that is economical to manufacture and efficient in operation, and which is rugged in structure and fool-proof in use.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification and claims, together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts are referred to and indicated by like reference characters, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the ratchet buckle for ski boots of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the parts separated for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the parts in a different position.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but with the strap in released position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modified or alternative form of ratcheting buckle and showing the buckle or clamp in open position.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the ratcheting buckle of FIG. 7 with the clamp closed.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line 10--10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but with the clamp open.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but with the clamp in ratcheting position.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line 13--13 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken on the line 14--14 of FIG. 11.

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the numeral 20 indicates one of the ratcheting buckles of the present invention for use on a ski boot, a portion of which is indicated by the numeral 21. The ski boot 21 may include the usual separate sections 22 and 23 that are separated by a space 24, FIG. 1. The numeral 25 indicates a suitable securing element that may be affixed to one of the portions 23 of the upper part of the ski boot 21. It is to be understood that even though the drawings illustrate only one of the ratchet buckles 20 that a plurality of the buckles 20 are adapted to be used for each ski boot, and for example, four or five of the ratchet buckles 20 may be used as desired or required and each will have the same construction.

As shown in the drawings, the ratchet buckle 20 includes a support member that is indicated generally by the numeral 26, and the support member 26 includes a bottom portion 27 that is adapted to be fastened or secured to the section 22 of the ski boot, as for example, by means of a securing element or rivet 29. The rivet 29 may extend through a suitable hole or aperture 32 in the bottom portion 27, FIG. 2.

The bottom portion 27 has a transverse groove 28 in the lower surface thereof adjacent one end of the bottom portion. There is also provided a lip 30 that has a slightly arcuate formation, and the lip 30 is of less thickness than the remaining bottom portion 27, as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. The slightly arcuate formation of the lip 30 serves to assure that the parts will snugly conform to the configuration of the adjacent upper surface of the ski boot.

An inclined surface 31 is provided between the portion 27 and the lip 30. Arranged on one end of the support member 26 and formed integral therewith or secured thereto is an upstanding flange 33 that has a slot 34 therein, and a movable adjustable strap 35 is adapted to extend through the slot 34. The strap 35 has an aperture 36 in one end which engages the securing element 25, and the strap 35 has a plurality of teeth or serrations 37 in the upper surface thereof for a purpose to be later described.

The lower surface 38 of the strap 35 is smooth or free of teeth or serrations. The support member further includes a pair of spaced parallel upstanding side walls 39 that each include a first portion 40, and the edges of portions 40 are cut away or recessed as at 41. The side walls are provided with diametrically opposed circular openings 42, and the side walls also have diametrically opposed inclined slots 43. A cross piece 44 interconnects the portions 40, and the cross piece 44 provides or defines a slot 45 therebelow for the extension or projection therethrough of a portion of the strap 35, as shown in the drawings. The side walls further include second portions 46 which are of less height than the first portions 40.

The ratchet buckle for ski boots of the present invention further includes a body member or frame piece 47 that embodies a pair of spaced parallel side elements 48 that have first and second end pieces 49 and 50 extending therebetween. Diametrically opposed projections or protuberances 51 are arranged on the inner surfaces of the side elements 48, and the projections 51 engage the openings 42 in the side walls of the support member 26 so as to define and provide pivot points. A skirt portion or flange portion 52 depends from the cross piece 50, and spaced apart ribs or teeth 53 depend from the cross piece 49. As shown in the drawings, upstanding ribs or teeth 54 are provided on the upper surface of the cross piece 49.

Also, the ratchet buckle for ski boots of the present invention includes a manually operated lever indicated generally by the numeral 55, and the lever 55 includes a slightly enlarged portion 61 that has teeth or serrations 56 thereon for engaging the teeth 37 of the strap 35. The lever 55 is provided with diametrically opposed projections 57 that project into or engage the inclined slots 43 of the side walls of the support member 26. A portion of the lever 55 is cut away or recessed or shaped to define or provide a keeper or shoulder 58. The lever 55 further includes a slightly curved end section 59 that is adapted to be manually gripped when the ratchet buckle of the present invention is to be adjusted, and a portion of the lever 55 adjacent the end secton 59 may be knurled as at 60 to facilitate the manual movement of the lever and the knurled portion 60 will help prevent the fingers 62 from accidently slipping when the lever is being actuated.

The numeral 63 indicates a tongue or flap for deflecting the strap 35 as it comes out of the buckle down towards the side of the foot.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided a ratcheting buckle for ski boots, and in use with the parts arranged as shown in the drawings, the boot can be easily and properly adjusted on the skier's foot.

While the drawings illustrate only one ratcheting buckle, it is to be understood that each ski boot is adapted to have a plurality of similar ratcheting buckles, and for example, each ski boot may have four or five or any other number of buckles.

FIGS. 1 and 4 show the buckle in latched position. In FIG. 5, the parts are illustrated in unlatched position. In FIG. 6, the parts are adjusted or moved so that the strap 35 is free to move so that the strap 35 can be tightened or loosened, as desired or required.

The parts can be made of any suitable material and in different shapes or sizes, as desired or required.

The present invention is not limited to ski boots, since it can be used with other articles of foot wear and the like.

Although one form of the ratcheting buckle has been shown in the drawings and described in the specification, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular type or construction of ratcheting buckle, since various types can be used. Such a ratcheting buckle possesses many advantages over any of the buckles presently used on ski boots. An advantage of using such a ratcheting buckle for ski boots is that it is easier to adjust and in addition will stay wherever it is adjusted to, and also the ratchet arrangement makes it easier for the skier to get the boot buckled or unbuckled. In addition by using the ratcheting buckle, a leverage factor is obtained. Each of the ski boots may use a plurality of the ratchets such as five of the ratchets, and by using the ratcheting buckle there is assured improved takeup. It will be seen that in accordance with the present invention, there has been provided ski boot buckles that employ ratchet type closures. The lever 55 can be manually manipulated or moved as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, so as to operate the device in the required manner.

The ratchet buckle of the present invention is simple in construction, inexpensive to produce, and efficient in producing the results assigned to the several parts relating to each. The device will not accidently slip or become unlocked accidently. The buckles can be attached to the ski boots in any desired manner.

The strap can be made of any desired length. The buckle may be riveted to the boot through the main frame, or if desired, ears can be added to the frame and these can be used to rivet the buckle to the boot. The tongue 63 can be used for deflecting the strap 35 as it comes out of the buckle. The numeral 64 indicates an overlapping portion of the ski boot.

As shown in FIG. 4, the teeth 53 on the lower edge of the portion 50 will engage the teeth 37 of the strap 35 when the parts are in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, so that the strap 35 cannot move from its desired or adjusted position.

In FIG. 6, the portion 50 of the member 47 is pushed down on the cross piece 44. The member 49 with the teeth 53 is pivoted or raised up out of engagement with the teeth 37 of the strap 35, so that the strap 35 can be moved back and forth freely. With the parts in the position shown in FIG. 5, it will be seen that by manually gripping the lever 55 between the fingers such as the fingers 62, and moving the lever 55 back and forth from the solid line position to the broken line position or vice versa, the teeth 56 of the lever 55 will co-act with and engage the teeth 37 of the strap 35 so that the strap can be tightened in order to properly tighten the ski boot on the skier's foot with the desired pressure or tension. After the strap has been tightened or adjusted to the desired position, the parts can be returned to the position shown in FIG. 4, so that the device will be in latched or locked position. Thus, FIG. 4 illustrates the parts in latched position, FIG. 5 shows the parts in an unlatched position and illustrating the method of using the lever 55 to adjust the position of the strap 35, and FIG. 6 illustrates the parts wherein the strap 35 is free to move in the buckle, since the teeth 56 of the lever 55 and the teeth 53 of the portion 50 are out of engagement with the teeth 37 of the strap 35. This invention provides a fine adjustment, and the device will remain in its adjusted position until it is desired to move the same. Thus, the ratchet buckle facilitates the use of the same by a skier.

FIG. 5 illustrates the buckle in the ratcheting position, while FIG. 6 shows the parts moved so that the strap is in release position. FIG. 4 illustrates the latched or locked position for the strap and associated parts.

It is to be noted that the lever 55 has the projections 57 on the sides thereof which engage the inclined slots 43 and this permits the camming or ratcheting action to take place in the desired manner. Member 47 has the projections 51 that engage the diametrically opposed apertures 42 so that the rocking or inter-engagement of the projections 57 in the slots 43 permits the lever 55 to be moved, as for example, from a position such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to a position such as that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 or vice versa.

When the parts are in the position shown in FIG. 4, it will be seen that the teeth 53 engage the teeth 37 of the strap 35, and in addition, the shoulder 58 of the lever 55 snugly engages the shoulder surface 14 of the portion 33 whereby the parts will be properly locked in place.

When the parts are in the position shown in FIG. 6, it will be seen that the lever 55 can engage the element or portion 50 which will exert pressure on the body member 47 in a clockwise direction, FIG. 6, so that the body member 47 will pivot about an axis extending through the projections 51 whereby the opposite end portion 49 will be raised upwardly so that the teeth 53 will be moved out of engagement with the teeth 37 so that the strap 35 is free to slide through portions such as the slotted portions 45 and 34, and in addition, the strap can slide through the space between the walls 39 of the support member 26.

With the parts in the position shown in FIG. 5, by manually moving the lever 55 back and forth, the teeth 56 will engage or coact with the teeth 37 to move the strap 35 from right to left in FIG. 5, whereby the ski boot can be adjusted on the user's foot with the desired amount of pressure or tension.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 14 of the drawings, the numeral 70 indicates a modified or alternative type of ratchet buckle for ski boots or the like, and wherein the buckle 70 includes a base element 71 that embodies a bottom section 72 as well as spaced parallel similar side sections 73. Arranged on one end of the base element 71 is an enlarged flanged section 74 with apertures or openings 75 therein for a purpose to be later described. The numeral 76 indicates a hollow portion or sleeve portion that is formed integral with the upper surface of the flange section 74, FIG. 8.

As shown in the drawings, the numeral 77 indicates a movable or adjustable strap with a plurality of teeth or serrations 78 on the upper surface thereof. The numeral 79 indicates a flaring section or flange section 79 with openings 80 therein whereby securing elements such as rivets 81 can be extended through the openings 80 for attaching the flaring section 79 to a portion 82 of a ski boot. The numeral 83 indicates securing elements such as rivets or the like, which extend through the opening 75 in the flaring section 74 for attaching the section 74 to a different portion 84 of a ski boot 103, and the numeral 85 indicates the usual space or slot that is provided between the portions 82 and 84 of the upper of the ski boot 103. The flaring section 79 is pivotally or hingedly connected as at 86 to a clamp 87, and the clamp 87 is connected to an end of the strap 77 as shown in FIG. 10.

The ratcheting buckle 70 of the present invention further includes a manually operable lever 88 that has an arm 89 pivotally connected thereto by means of a pivot pin 90. The numeral 91 indicates cams that are fixedly mounted within the lower portion of the base element 71, FIG. 11. The lever 88 is pivotally connected to the base element 71 by means of a pivot pin 92. The numeral 93 indicates a spring member that has one end anchored as at 94 to the flaring section 74, and the opposite end portion of the spring member 93 bears against or rests on a base portion 96 that is secured to or formed integral with the lower end of the arm 89, and the base portion 96 has teeth 95 on the lower surface thereof for selectively coacting with the teeth 78 of the strap 77.

The numeral 98 indicates a body element that is recessed or cut away as at 99, and a foot or base piece 100 is formed integral with or secured to the lower portion of the body element 98, there being teeth 101 on the lower surface of the element 100. The numeral 102 indicates a spring element that is operatively connected to the body element 98 for exerting pressure or biasing the parts in the proper direction.

The numeral 104 indicates a pin that extends through registering aligned openings 109 in an end portion of the base element 71, FIG. 8, and the numerals 105 and 82 indicate pins that are mounted as shown in the drawings. An opening 107 in the body element 98 is arranged in alignment with the openings 109 whereby the pin 104 can extend through the registering openings 107 and 109 to provide a rockable pivotal mounting for the body element 98. Openings 111, 112 and 113 in an end portion of the lever 88 are provided for the projection therethrough of respective pins as shown in the drawings. The numeral 114 indicates an opening or aperture in the end of the arm 89 for receiving the pin 90 whereby the arm 89 can pivot about an axis extending through the pin 90 as shown in the drawings.

When using the ratcheting buckle 70 of FIGS. 7 through 14, it is to be understood that the portions 79 and 74 are adapted to be fastened to separate portions of the ski boot such as the portions 82 and 84, and the portions 74 and 79 may be fastened to the ski boot by securing elements such as the rivets 83 and 81.

While the drawings have illustrated one of the ratchet buckles 70, it is to be understood that a single boot is adapted to use a plurality of these buckles; since the construction and operation of all is similar, it is thought that a description and illustration of one will suffice for the purposes of the present application.

FIG. 7 shows the parts with the clamp or ratcheting buckle in an open position, while FIG. 9 shows the device in closed position. In FIG. 11, there is illustrated the position of the parts when the clamp is open, while in FIG. 12, there is illustrated the position of the parts when the device is in ratcheting position. When the parts are in the position of FIG. 10, the strap 77 cannot be moved because the teeth 78 of the strap 77 are firmly engaged and held by the teeth 95 and by the teeth 101. The teeth 95 function as ratcheting teeth, while the teeth 101 provide or function as holding teeth. In order to adjust the position of the strap 77 so as to enlarge or reduce the space 85 between the upper portions 82 and 84 of the ski boot 103, it is only necessary to manually grip the handle or lever 88 and move the lever 88 back and forth whereby the parts will move from a position such as that shown in FIG. 10 to a position such as that shown in FIGS. 7, 11 and 12, so that as the lever 88 is moved to the position of FIG. 11, the ratcheting teeth will slide over the teeth 78 in the strap 77 when the lever 88 is moved in a clockwise direction about an axis extending through the pin 92 to the position of FIG. 11. When the lever 88 is manually moved to the opposite direction, that is when the lever 88 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction about an axis extending through the pin 92, FIG. 11, the pawl or teeth 95 will coact with and engage the teeth 78 of the strap 77 to cause a ratcheting action whereby the strap 77 will be tightened as the strap 77 is moved from right to left, FIGS. 11 and 12. It will be noted that when the teeth 95 are causing the ratcheting action on the teeth 78, that the holding teeth 101 will prevent the strap 77 from slipping backward so that the strap can be loosened or tightened, as desired or required.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the handle 88 is moved all the way up, it will cause the holding or retaining teeth 101 to be released from the teeth 78, so that, if desired, the entire strap 77 can be removed from the device. This is because of the provision of the pin 105, since when the parts are in the position of FIG. 11, the pin 105 will bear against the upper portion of the body element 98 to rock or pivot the body element 98 in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin 104, so that the holding teeth 101 will be automatically raised out of engagement with the teeth 78 of the strap 77.

The cams 91 are provided so that, for example, when it is desired to remove the strap completely, the lever or handle 88 can be moved to the position of FIG. 11, whereby the portion 96 will ride up on the cams 91 so that the teeth 95 will be out of engagement with the teeth 78. The spring member 93 is provided to maintain the desired amount of pressure on the parts such as the pawl 96, and likewise the spring member 102 serves to exert the desired proper spring pressure on its associated parts.

The spring member 93 bears against the portion 96 to selectively maintain the teeth 95 in engagement with the teeth 78 until the parts are moved to a position such as that shown in FIG. 11. When operating the device, the handle or lever 88 is moved from a position such as that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 to a position such as that shown in FIG. 12, and by moving the lever 88 in a back and forth manner, pawl 96 will selectively engage the teeth 78 to tighten the strap 77 in the desired manner. During this ratcheting action, the holding teeth 101 will prevent slippage of the strap 77. When the parts are moved to the open position of FIG. 11, the pin 105 will engage the upper portion of the body element 98 to lift the toothed portion 100 from the teeth 78 so that the strap 77 is free to slide back and forth so as to permit the entire strap to be removed.

Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention and accordingly, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein.

Claims

I claim:

1. In a ski boot, ratcheting buckle means for the ski boot, and manually operable means including a lever for adjusting said ratcheting buckle means.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1, and further including means for selectively latching the ratcheting buckle means in a locked position.

3. The structure as defined in claim 1, and further including means for manually positioning the ratcheting buckle means in an unlocked position.

4. In a ski boot, a ratcheting buckle means including a support member, a body member pivotally connected to said support member, and a manually operable lever rockably and pivotally connected to said support member.

5. In a racheting buckle for a ski boot, a securing element affixed to the ski boot, a support member including a bottom portion secured to the boot, an arcuate lip extending from an end of the bottom portion, an upstanding flange on one end of the support member and one flange having a slot therein, an adjustable strap extending through said slot, said strap having an aperture in one end engaging said securing element, said strap having teeth on the upper surface thereof, and the lower surface of said strap being smooth, a pair of spaced parallel side walls including a first and second portion, each of said side walls including diametrically opposed circular openings and diametrically opposed slots in said side walls, a cross piece interconnecting said portions of said side walls and defining therebelow a slot for the strap to pass therethrough; a body member including a pair of spaced parallel side elements having first and second end pieces, diametrically opposed projections on the inner surfaces engaging the side walls of said support member and defining pivot points, a skirt portion depending from one of said cross pieces, teeth depending from the other cross piece for selectively engaging the teeth of said strap, diametrically opposed projections on a lever for engaging the slots in the side walls of the support member, and there being a keeper on said lever for selective engagement with a portion of the support member.

6. The structure as defined in claim 5, wherein said lever has a curved section that is knurled.

7. As a new article of manufacture, an article of footwear, at least one ratcheting rack and pinion buckle for said article of footwear, and manually operable means for adjusting said ratcheting buckle.

8. The structure as defined in claim 7, wherein said article of footwear is a ski boot.

9. The structure as defined in claim 7, and further including a plurality of ratcheting buckles for the article of footwear.

10. In a ratcheting buckle for ski boots, a base element including a bottom portion and spaced parallel side portions, a flanged section on one end of the base element adapted to be attached to a portion of a ski boot, a hollow section on the upper surface of said flanged section, an adjustable strap mounted for movement through said hollow section, a flaring portion hingedly connected to an end of said strap and said flaring portion adapted to be secured to a portion of a ski boot, a lever pivotally connected to said base element, an arm pivotally connected to said lever, a base piece on said arm having teeth defining a pawl for selective engagement with the teeth of said strap, cams in said base element for selective engagement by said pawl, a spring member for urging the pawl in one direction, a body element pivotally mounted in said base element, holding teeth on said body element for selective engagement with the teeth of said strap, and interengaging means on said lever and body element for selectively raising the holding teeth of the body element out of engagement with the teeth of the strap.

11. In a ratcheting buckle for articles of foot wear and the like, base element means, manually operable lever means pivotally and operatively connected to said base element means, arm means pivotally connected to said lever means, said arm means having a pawl thereon, an adjustable strap having teeth thereon for coaction with said pawl, and holding teeth means for selective movement into and out of engagement with the teeth of the strap.