A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

BACKGROUND

Certain sporting boots require the use of a hard shell to provide support to the user during use. For instance, ski boots include a stiff exterior shell or boot portion that encloses a soft interior sleeve for receiving the foot and ankle. A semi-rigid cuff is secured to the shell for adjustably surrounding the calf of the user during use.

The cuff is also often pivotally secured to the shell so that the cuff may pivot with respect to the boot shell to provide flexibility in the ski boot during “walk mode.” In addition, the shell will also often have one or more relief cuts or splits that allow the boot shell to flex at the relief cuts in walk mode. For instance, a boot may have a U-shaped relief cut at the rear of the shell that allows the upper portion of the shell to flex or distort when the lower leg bends forward and engages the front portion of the shell (causing the cuff to engage and press against the rear portion of the shell). The upper ends of the U-shaped relief cut can distort or bend inwardly to accommodate this movement.

However, it is typically desired to have the boot portion and cuff fixed relative to one another in a stiffened position in “ski mode” to provide increased support to the user for an enhanced skiing experience. There are numerous prior art devices that selectively secure the cuff to the shell in “ski mode” and allow the cuff to pivot with respect to the boot shell in “walk mode.” However, these devices fail to close off the one or more relief cuts, splits, or slots in the shell that allow the boot shell to flex.

Other prior art devices close off a portion of the relief cuts in the shell so that the shell can flex only partially during “ski mode.” More specifically, the device may include a blocking mechanism that is disposable within the relief cut to engage the shell when it flexes, thereby restricting the shell from further flexing during “ski mode” and increasing its stiffness. However, these prior art devices do not completely prevent the shell from flexing during “ski mode.”

Thus, it is desired to have a ski/walk mechanism that selectively secures the cuff to the shell in “ski mode,” and that allows the cuff to pivot with respect to the boot shell in “walk mode,” and that further selectively closes off the one or more relief cuts in the shell in “ski mode” to maximize the stiffness of the shell.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, a stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

The first embodiment may further include a biasing assembly having a snap-lock feature configured to urge the lever assembly into the first position.

In the first embodiment, the lever assembly may be moveably secured to the buckle assembly. In addition, a portion of the lever assembly may be engageable with buckle assembly for moving the buckle assembly out of engagement with the shell. In particular, the lever assembly may be engageable with an interior surface of the buckle assembly for moving the buckle assembly out of engagement with the shell.

In the first embodiment, the lever assembly may be operably coupled to the blocking assembly. In addition, the lever assembly and the blocking assembly may be moveable about a first pivot axis. In addition, the lever may be pivotally secured to first and second arms of the blocking assembly.

In the first embodiment, the blocking assembly may define a longitudinal axis. The lever may be operably coupled to the blocking assembly such that the movement of the lever between the first and second positions moves the blocking assembly substantially along its longitudinal axis.

In the first embodiment, the lever may be moveably secured to the buckle and the lever may be operably coupled to the blocking assembly. In addition, a portion of the lever may be engageable with buckle for moving the buckle out of engagement with the shell. In particular, the lever may be engageable with an interior surface of the buckle for moving the buckle out of engagement with the shell. In addition, the lever assembly and the blocking assembly may be moveable about a first pivot axis. In addition, the lever may be pivotally secured to first and second arms of the blocking assembly. In addition, the blocking assembly may define a longitudinal axis. The lever may be operably coupled to the blocking assembly such that the movement of the lever between the first and second positions moves the blocking assembly substantially along its longitudinal axis.

In a second embodiment, a stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly having a buckle with first and second ends. The first end of the buckle is selectively engageable with a portion of the shell. A first pivot pin is secured to the second end of the buckle, and the first pivot pin defines a first pivot axis. A lever assembly has a lever with first and second ends. The first end of the lever is pivotally secured to the first pivot pin such that the lever is movable about the first pivot axis. A blocking assembly includes a body member with first and second ends. The first end of the body member is pivotally secured to the first pivot pin, and the second end of the body member has a blocking member that is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot.

The second embodiment may further include a biasing assembly disposed between the lever assembly and the blocking assembly, wherein the biasing assembly is configured to urge the lever about the first pivot pin axis and into one of first and second positions.

The second embodiment may further include a second pivot pin secured to the first end of the lever and defining a second pivot pin axis, wherein the biasing assembly includes a first end pivotally secured to the second pivot pin such that the biasing assembly is moveable relative to the lever.

The second embodiment may further include a second cam assembly defined between the lever and the biasing assembly and configured to selectively move the biasing assembly into engagement with the blocking assembly.

In the second embodiment, the first end of the biasing assembly may be moveable axially with respect to the second end of the biasing assembly, and a biasing member may extend between the first and second ends of the biasing assembly.

The second embodiment may further include a third pivot pin secured within the body member of the blocking assembly and defining a third pivot pin axis, wherein the second end of the biasing assembly is pivotally secured to the third pivot pin such that the biasing assembly is moveable relative to the body member.

The second embodiment may further include a first cam assembly having a cam surface defined on one of the shell and the cuff, and a cam follower defined on the second end of the lever, wherein the lever is configured to engage a portion of the buckle to disengage the buckle from the shell when the cam follower pivots against the cam surface.

In a third embodiment, a boot includes a shell having a flexibility slot, a cuff pivotally secured to the shell, and a buckle assembly having a buckle with first and second ends. The first end of the buckle is selectively engageable with a portion of the shell. A first pivot pin is secured to the second end of the buckle, and the first pivot pin defines a first pivot axis. A lever assembly includes a lever with first and second ends. The first end of the lever is pivotally secured to the first pivot pin such that the lever is movable about the first pivot axis. A blocking assembly includes a body member with first and second ends. The first end of the body member is pivotally secured to the first pivot pin, and the second end of the body member has a blocking member that is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot.

The third embodiment may further include a biasing assembly disposed between the lever assembly and the blocking assembly that is configured to urge the lever about the first pivot pin axis and into one of first and second positions.

The third embodiment may further include a second pivot pin secured to the first end of the lever and defining a second pivot pin axis, wherein the biasing assembly includes a first end pivotally secured to the second pivot pin such that the biasing assembly is moveable relative to the lever.

In the third embodiment, the first end of the biasing assembly is moveable axially with respect to the second end of the biasing assembly, and a biasing member extends between the first and second ends of the biasing assembly.

The third embodiment may further include a third pivot pin secured within the body member of the blocking assembly and defining a third pivot pin axis, wherein the second end of the biasing assembly is pivotally secured to the third pivot pin such that the biasing assembly is moveable relative to the body member.

The third embodiment may further include a snap-lock feature defined between the second end of the biasing assembly and the body member.

The third embodiment may further include a first cam assembly having a cam surface defined on one of the shell and the cuff, and a cam follower defined on the second end of the lever, wherein the lever is configured to engage a portion of the buckle to disengage the buckle from the shell when the cam follower pivots against the cam surface.

The third embodiment may further include a second cam assembly defined between the lever and the biasing assembly and configured to selectively move the biasing assembly into engagement with the blocking assembly.

In a fourth embodiment, a stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes buckle means for selectively securing the cuff to the shell, blocking means for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell, and lever means configured to be moved into a first position to secure the cuff to the shell and dispose a portion of the blocking assembly within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell, and a second position wherein the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

In the fourth embodiment, the buckle means may include a buckle assembly as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, the blocking means may include a blocking assembly as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the lever means may include a lever assembly as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The fourth embodiment may further include biasing means for urging the lever about the first pivot pin axis and into one of first and second positions. The biasing means may include a biasing assembly as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A stiffness mechanism or ski/walk mechanism10, formed in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, may best be seen by referring toFIG. 1. The ski/walk mechanism10is shown in use with a ski boot B having a hard, exterior shell S and an upper cuff C pivotally secured to the shells S at a pivot point P. The ski/walk mechanism10is configured to selectively lock the cuff C relative to the shell S to secure the ski boot B in a ski position. When moved into the locked, ski position, the ski/walk mechanism10also simultaneously closes out a flexibility slot12(seeFIG. 3) in the shell S to increase the stiffness in the shell S.

The ski/walk mechanism10is also configured to selectively unlock the cuff C relative to the shell S to move the ski boot B into a walk position. When moved into an unlocked, walk position, the ski/walk mechanism10also disengages the flexibility slot12in the shell S to open the slot12and increase the flexibility in the shell S.

Although the ski/walk mechanism10will be hereinafter described for use with a ski boot B, it should be appreciated that the ski/walk mechanism10may instead be used with any suitable shoe or boot assembly that can benefit from being moved into a ski or walk position. For instance, the ski/walk mechanism10may be configured for use with shoes or boots having a hard shell, such as Nordic boots, inline skates, mountaineering boots, etc. Thus, the descriptions and illustrations set forth herein should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 2A-2C, a portion of the ski/walk mechanism10suitable for engaging with portions of the shell S and cuff C to move the ski boot B into ski and walk positions will now be described in detail. The ski/walk mechanism10includes a lever assembly14moveably engaged with a blocking assembly18. The lever assembly14is engageable with portions of the shell S and the cuff C and it is moveable between at least a first position to secure the cuff to the shell and dispose a portion of the blocking assembly18within the flexibility slot12to maximize the stiffness of the shell S in ski mode, and a second position to disengage the cuff from the shell and disengage the blocking assembly18from the flexibility slot12to maximize the flexibility of the shell S in walk mode.

A buckle assembly having a buckle22is pivotally securable at its upper inner end to a buckle pivot protrusion assembly26defined on the exterior surface of the cuff C (seeFIG. 4). A biasing member, such as a compression spring28, extends between the upper interior surface of the buckle22and the exterior surface of the cuff C above the buckle pivot protrusion assembly26. In this manner, the upper end of the buckle22is biased away from the cuff C when the buckle22is pivotally secured to the cuff C at the buckle pivot protrusion assembly26.

The buckle22is elongated and generally any suitable shape for selectively engaging protrusions formed on the exterior surface of the shell S. More specifically, the buckle22includes a protrusion receptacle30formed on the interior surface of the buckle22that defines a protrusion interior shoulder34at its lower end. A protrusion exterior shoulder42is defined on the lower end of the buckle22.

The protrusion interior shoulder34is configured to slide against an upper buckle protrusion38formed on the exterior surface of the shell S and the protrusion exterior shoulder42is configured to slide against an upper surface of a lower buckle protrusion46formed on the exterior surface of the shell S to help secure the buckle22in the ski position against the shell S. The lower buckle protrusion46can be shaped and configured to be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the buckle22or can otherwise be configured to soften the abrupt edge of the buckle22.

The lever assembly14further includes a lever50that is pivotally secured to the cuff C for manually moving the lever assembly14between the ski and walk positions. The lever50includes a lever body54that is shaped and configured to be manually graspable by a user. The lever50includes first and second lever arms58and62extending outwardly from an upper edge of the lever body54that extend past opposite sides of the upper end of the buckle22. The first and second lever arms58and62are secured together at their distal ends through a transverse cam member66, which is positionable against the interior surface of the buckle22(seeFIG. 5A) as well as a cam surface68defined on the exterior surface of the cuff C (seeFIG. 5C).

The first and second lever arms58and62are also pivotally secured at their proximal ends (near the lever body54) to first and second linkage arms72and76of a linkage bar70. The first and second linkage arms72and76extend upwardly from the lever50through an opening(s) in the cuff C (seeFIGS. 5A-5C) and are secured together at their upper ends through a transverse linkage bar cross member80.

The linkage bar cross member80is pivotally secured to the blocking assembly18for driving a portion of the blocking assembly18into and out of engagement with the flexibility slot12in the shell S when the lever assembly14is moved between the ski and walk positions. For instance, the linkage bar cross member80may be pivotally secured within opposing snap fit protrusions84extending from a body portion88of the blocking assembly80.

The body portion88of the blocking assembly18defines a blocking member90on an interior side of the body portion88. The blocking member90is sized and configured to be slidably received within an upper end of the flexibility slot12when the lever50is used to move the lever assembly14into the ski position. The blocking assembly18further includes first and second lateral shell-engaging shoulders94and96that extend laterally along the edges of the blocking member90. The first and second lateral shell-engaging shoulders94and96are shaped and configured to engage the exterior surface of the shell S adjacent to the flexibility slot12to help guide the blocking member90into and out of the flexibility slot12.

The blocking member90is sized and configured to prevent the shell S from flexing inwardly at the flexibility slot12when received therein. With the blocking member90received within the flexibility slot12, the shell S is prevented from flexing inwardly at the flexibility slot12, and the stiffness of the shell S is maximized. It should be appreciated that the blocking member90may be any suitable shape and configuration to be disposed within any suitably shaped flexibility slot. Moreover, if the shell S includes more than one flexibility slot, the blocking assembly18may be configured to include a corresponding number of blocking members90to be disposed within the flexibility slots.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-5C, the lever50may be manipulated by a user to move the ski/walk mechanism10between the ski and walk positions. Referring first toFIG. 5A, the ski/walk mechanism10is shown in a walk position with the lever50lifted upwardly to disengage the buckle22from the upper and lower buckle protrusions38and46and to remove the blocking member90from within the flexibility slot12. In this walk position, the cuff C may pivot about point P relative to the shell S, and the shell S may flex inwardly at the flexibility slot12.

Referring toFIGS. 5B and 5C, to move the ski/walk mechanism10into the ski position, the lever50is moved downwardly so that the lever50pivots about the axis defined by the transverse cam member66. As the lever50is pushed downwardly, it engages the buckle22and urges the protrusion interior shoulder34into position beneath the upper buckle protrusion38.

As the lever50is pivoted about the transverse cam member66, the transverse cam member66pivots on the cam surface68and causes the lever50to pull downwardly on the first and second arms72and76of the linkage bar70to drive the blocking member90into engagement with the flexibility slot12. The lever50is pulled downwardly until the buckle22is fully engaged with the upper buckle protrusion38, and the blocking member90is fully disposed within the flexibility slot12, as shown inFIG. 5C. In the ski position, the cuff C cannot move relative to the shell S, and the shell S cannot flex at the flexibility slot12.

The ski/walk mechanism10may include an adjustability assembly (not depicted) for adjusting the position of the blocking member90within the flexibility slot12. For instance, it may be desired to disengage the blocking member90slightly from the flexibility slot12such that a small gap exists between the blocking member90and the flexibility slot12. In this manner, the shell S may flex slightly at the flexibility slot12.

The adjustability assembly may be configured to adjustably position the blocking member90within the flexibility slot12in any suitable manner. For instance, the lever50may be adjustably secured to the first and second linkage arms72and76of the linkage bar70such that the overall length of the first and second linkage arms72and76is adjustable. By adjusting the length of the first and second linkage arms72and76, the position of the blocking member90within the flexibility slot12can be adjusted.

In another non-limiting example, the adjustability assembly may be configured to include an additional buckle protrusion formed on the exterior surface of the shell S positioned upwardly from the upper buckle protrusion38that is engageable by the buckle22. The protrusion interior shoulder34of the buckle22may engage the additional buckle protrusion to lift the blocking member90from within the flexibility slot12such that a small gap exists between the blocking member90and the flexibility slot12. In this manner, the shell S may flex slightly at the flexibility slot12.

A stiffness mechanism or ski/walk mechanism110formed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may best be seen by referring toFIGS. 6-10d. The ski/walk mechanism110is shown in use with a ski boot B having a hard, exterior shell S and an upper cuff C pivotally secured to the shells S at a pivot point P. The ski/walk mechanism10is configured to selectively lock the cuff C relative to the shell S to secure the ski boot B in a ski position. When moved into the locked, ski position, the ski/walk mechanism110also simultaneously closes out a flexibility slot112(seeFIG. 8) in the shell S to increase the stiffness in the shell S.

The ski/walk mechanism110is also configured to selectively unlock the cuff C relative to the shell S to move the ski boot B into a walk position. When moved into an unlocked, walk position, the ski/walk mechanism110also disengages the flexibility slot112in the shell S to open the slot112and increase the flexibility in the shell S.

Although the ski/walk mechanism110will be hereinafter described for use with a ski boot B, it should be appreciated that the ski/walk mechanism110may instead be used with any suitable shoe or boot assembly that can benefit from being moved into a ski or walk position. For instance, the ski/walk mechanism110may be configured for use with shoes or boots having a hard shell, such as Nordic boots, inline skates, mountaineering boots, etc. Moreover, the ski/walk mechanism110may be used with or modified to include any of the features described above with respect to the ski/walk mechanism10. Thus, the descriptions and illustrations set forth herein should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, a portion of the ski/walk mechanism110suitable for engaging with portions of the shell S and cuff C to move the ski boot B into ski and walk positions will now be described in detail. The ski/walk mechanism110includes a lever assembly114pivotally secured between a buckle assembly116and a biasing assembly118, and a blocking assembly120pivotally secured to the biasing assembly118. The lever assembly114is moveable between a first position to secure the cuff C to the shell S, and to dispose a portion of the blocking assembly120within the flexibility slot112to maximize the stiffness of the shell S in a ski mode, and a second position to disengage the cuff C from the shell S and disengage the blocking assembly120from the flexibility slot112to maximize the flexibility of the shell S in a walk mode.

The buckle assembly116includes an elongated buckle122that is any suitable shape and configuration for selectively engaging protrusions formed on the exterior surface of the shell S. More specifically, the buckle122includes a shell-engaging protrusion130formed on an interior surface of the buckle122at the lower end of the buckle122. The shell-engaging protrusion130is selectively receivable within a buckle receptacle136defined on the exterior surface of the shell S (seeFIG. 8). The buckle122may be shaped and configured to be substantially flush with the exterior surface of the shell S when the shell-engaging protrusion130is disposed within the buckle receptacle136. The shell-engaging protrusion130is disposed within the buckle receptacle136to move the ski/walk mechanism110into a locked, ski mode.

The shell-engaging protrusion130is moved into and out of the buckle receptacle136(and into and out of ski mode) through the movement of the lever assembly114. In that regard, the buckle assembly116includes a lever-engaging protrusion140extending from an upper end of the buckle122that is pivotally secured to a portion of the lever assembly114.

The lever assembly114includes a lever144having a lever body148that is shaped and configured to be manually graspable by a user. First and second lever arms152and156extend from an upper end of the lever body148. The first and second lever arms152and156are positionable on each side of the lever-engaging protrusion140for pivotal connection thereto. A first pivot pin160defining a first pivot axis164extends transversely through the upper end of the lever-engaging protrusion140, and is moveably received within substantially transverse, coaxially aligned openings (not labeled) in each of the first and second lever arms152and156. The first pivot pin160is also moveably received within substantially transverse, coaxially aligned openings166and170in the cuff C (seeFIG. 8) such that the lever144and buckle122are pivotally secured to the cuff C and moveable about a first pivot axis164.

Referring additionally toFIGS. 9 and 10a-10d, a first cam assembly174is defined between the upper end of the lever144and the cuff C for moving portions of the ski/walk mechanism110as the lever144is pivoted about the first pivot axis164. The first cam assembly174includes a first contoured cam surface178defined within a cuff cavity184formed within the exterior of the cuff C.

The first cam assembly174also includes a cam follower192defined on the upper end of each of the first and second lever arms156and158for engaging and following the contour of the cam surface178. The first and second lever arms156and158are substantially identical; and therefore, the cam follower192will be described only with reference to the second lever arm156shown inFIGS. 10a-10d. Moreover, the contour of the cam follower192will be described with directional terms referencing the position of the lever144when the ski/walk mechanism110is in ski mode (as shown inFIG. 10a). However, it should be appreciated that the description hereinafter provided should not be seen as limiting.

The cam follower192is defined by the upper end of the second lever arm156surrounding the first pivot pin160. More specifically, a substantially flat bottom portion204extends from the interior surface of the second lever arm156toward the shell S and cuff C, and the substantially flat bottom portion204transitions into a curved corner portion206. The curved corner portion206extends upwardly and intersects a substantially flat top portion214, with a pointed corner portion216defined therebetween. The transition of the curved corner portion206into the pointed corner portion216defines a corner cavity218therebetween. The substantially flat top portion214extends outwardly away from the shell S and cuff C, and the substantially flat top portion214intersects a substantially flat angled exterior portion222, defining an exterior corner226therebetween.

The cam follower192is engageable with the cam surface178as the lever144pivots about the first pivot axis164for moving the buckle assembly114into an unlocked, walk position (seeFIG. 10d). More specifically, the lever144is moved clockwise about the first pivot axis164until the exterior corner226engages the cam surface178. At the same time, the corner cavity218receives an upper, interior corner of the buckle122. With the upper, interior corner of the buckle122disposed within the corner cavity218, the lever144is further moved clockwise such that the exterior corner226pivots against the cam surface178. With this movement, a lever force is transferred from the body148of the lever144to the upper end of the lever144to urge the buckle122clockwise about the first pivot axis164. The force is exerted until the shell-engaging protrusion130of the buckle assembly114moves out of the buckle receptacle136(seeFIG. 10d).

The lever144is also moveably engageable with the biasing assembly118for urging the biasing assembly118into engagement with the blocking assembly120. The biasing assembly includes a rod member176slidably and coaxially received within a hollow interior of a sleeve member180. The rod member176likewise includes a hollow interior that opens toward the sleeve member180. An extension spring182extends between the lower interior end of the rod member176and the upper interior end of the sleeve member180for biasing the rod member176toward the sleeve member180.

The lever144is pivotally secured to the biasing assembly118about a second pivot axis168. The second pivot axis168is defined by a second pivot pin172extending substantially transversely through the lower end of the rod member176. The second pivot pin172is pivotally secured within the first and second lever arms152and156of the lever144in a substantially transverse manner. As such, the lever144is moveable about the second pivot axis168relative to the biasing assembly118.

As noted above, the lever144is configured to urge the biasing assembly118into engagement with the blocking assembly120as the lever144is moved into the walk position. In that regard, a second cam assembly175is defined between the cam follower192on the upper ends of the first and second lever arms152and156and a bottom end of the sleeve member180.

As the lever144is pivoted clockwise about the first pivot axis164from the ski position (seeFIG. 10a), the exterior corner226and substantially flat angled exterior portion222of the cam follower192pass beneath the bottom end of the sleeve member180. The lever144continues to move clockwise until the exterior surface of the first and second lever arms152and156engage and lift the bottom end of the sleeve member180. In this lifted position, shown inFIGS. 10cand10d, the lever144urges the sleeve member180upwardly against the blocking assembly120.

The blocking assembly120includes an elongated body member186and a blocking member190secured to an upper, interior end of the elongated body member186. The blocking member190is sized and configured to pass through an opening in the cuff C (not labeled) and fit within the flexibility slot212of the boot B. When received within the flexibility slot212, as shown inFIGS. 10aand10b, the blocking member190maximizes the stiffness of the shell S for ski mode. When removed from the flexibility slot212, as shown inFIGS. 10cand10d, the blocking member190minimizes the stiffness of the shell S for walk mode.

The blocking member190is moved into and out of the flexibility slot212by the movement of the elongated body member186. In that regard, the elongated body member186includes first and second arms188and190extending from a bottom edge of the body member186on opposite edges of the body member186. The distal, lower ends of the first and second arms188and190are pivotally secured to the first pivot pin160. In this manner, the body member186is pivotally secured to the lever144, and the body member186is moveable about the first pivot axis164.

A third pivot pin194extends substantially transversely through the upper proximal ends of the first and second arms188and190that is receivable within a substantially transverse opening (not labeled) in the upper end of the sleeve member180. In this manner, the sleeve member180is pivotal with respect to the body member186about a third pivot axis196defined by the third pivot pin194.

As noted above, the exterior surface of lever144urges the sleeve member180upwardly against the blocking assembly120(as shown inFIGS. 10cand10d). As the lever144engages the bottom end of the sleeve member180the sleeve member180pushes up against the bottom end of the elongated body186to lift the blocking member190out of the flexibility slot212.

The pivotal connections between the lever assembly114, the biasing assembly118, and the blocking assembly120, in combination with the force of the extension spring182, define an over-the-center hinge for urging the lever144into and out of ski and walk positions. Referring toFIG. 10a, the lever144is shown in a locked, ski position, with the lever body148positioned against the buckle122. In this locked, ski position, the second pivot axis168is positioned above the first pivot axis164near the exterior corner226of the cam follower192of each of the first and second lever arms152and156.

As the lever144and the first and second lever arms152and156are moved clockwise, as shown inFIG. 10b, the second pivot pin172moves along an arc-shaped path. With the rod member176secured to the second pivot pin172, the rod member176moves along the arc-shaped path with the second pivot pin172. As the rod member176travels along the arc-shaped path, the rod member172is urged upwardly, thereby compressing the extension spring182. Moreover, to accommodate the movement of the rod member176, the sleeve member180pivots about the third pivot axis196.

The lever144and the first and second lever arms152and156are moved further clockwise, until the second pivot pin172moves more than halfway along the arc-shaped path, as shown inFIG. 10c. Upon reaching this point, the extension spring182may extend, urging the second pivot pin172to the end of the arc-shaped path. At the same time, the extension spring182urges the lever144clockwise into the unlocked, walk position, as shown inFIG. 10d.

To help control the movement of the lever144between the ski and walk positions, the sleeve member180of the biasing assembly118includes an upper body member engaging surface configured to selectively engage the body member186. Referring toFIG. 10a, the upper body member engaging surface is defined by a curved corner portion198on the upper interior corner of the sleeve member180(toward the shell S/cuff C). A flattened corner portion202is defined on the upper exterior corner of the sleeve member180and extends downwardly from the curved corner portion198.

In the unlocked walk position, as shown inFIG. 10d, the curved corner portion198is engaged with a bottom, substantially flat edge of the body member186. As the lever144is moved counterclockwise about the first pivot pin axis164, the rod member176, and thus the sleeve member180, travel along the arc-shaped path of the second pivot pin172. To accommodate this movement, the sleeve member180pivots about the third pivot axis196relative to the body member186. As the sleeve member180pivots, the curved corner portion198of the sleeve member180rolls along the bottom edge of the body member186, as shown inFIGS. 10cand10b.

The sleeve member180pivots, until the flattened corner portion202is engaged with the bottom, substantially flat edge of the body member186. The transition between the curved corner portion198and the flattened corner portion202helps urge the lever144into the locked, ski position, as shown inFIG. 10a. Moreover, the transition creates a snap-lock tactile sensation, indicating to the user that the ski/walk mechanism is locked.

Referring toFIGS. 10a-10d, a summary of the operation of the ski/walk mechanism110will now be provided. Referring toFIG. 10a, the ski/walk mechanism110is shown in a locked, ski position. To move the ski/walk mechanism110into an unlocked, walk position, the lever144is moved clockwise about the first pivot axis164.

Referring toFIG. 10b, as the lever144is moved clockwise, the first lever pivot pin172travels along the arc-shaped path of the lever144. The rod member176travels within the first lever pivot pin172, causing the extension spring182to compress within the biasing assembly118.

Referring toFIG. 10c, the lever144is moved clockwise until the first lever pivot pin172travels more than halfway along the arc-shaped path. Upon passing the half-way point, the extension spring182urges the first lever pivot pin172toward the end of the arc-shaped path, thereby urging the lever144toward the unlocked walk position. At the same time, the lever144engages the bottom end of the sleeve member180, urging the sleeve member180upwardly. The upward movement of the sleeve member180moves the body member186upwardly until the blocking member190is removed from the flexibility slot212. In this initial, unlocked, position, the flexibility of the shell S is maximized.

When moved into the initial, unlocked, position, the upper interior corner of the buckle122is received within the corner cavity218of the cam follower192. Referring toFIG. 10d, to further increase the flexibility of the boot B, the lever144is pushed further toward the boot B (in the clockwise direction) until the exterior corner226of the cam follower192engages and pivots against the cam surface178. With this movement, a lever force is transferred from the body148of the lever144to the upper end of the lever144to urge the buckle122clockwise about the first pivot axis164. The force is exerted until the shell-engaging protrusion130of the buckle assembly114moves out of the buckle receptacle136(seeFIG. 10d). With the buckle assembly114disengaged from the shell S, the cuff C may pivot with respect to the shell S to allow for maximum flexibility in walk mode. The force of the extension spring182helps secure the ski/walk mechanism110in this fully unlocked walk position.

To move the ski/walk mechanism110back into ski mode, the lever144is pivoted counterclockwise about the first pivot axis164. The exterior corner226of the cam follower192disengages the cam surface178to release the buckle122from the locked walk position (seeFIG. 10c). As the lever144is moved counterclockwise, the first lever pivot pin172travels in reverse along the arc-shaped path of the lever144. The rod member176travels within the first lever pivot pin172, causing the extension spring182to compress within the biasing assembly118(seeFIG. 10b).

The lever144is moved counterclockwise until the first lever pivot pin172travels more than halfway along the arc-shaped path. Upon passing the half-way point, the extension spring182urges the first lever pivot pin172toward the beginning of the arc-shaped path, thereby urging the lever144toward locked, ski position. At the same time, the lever144disengages the bottom end of the sleeve member180, allowing the sleeve member180to move away from the body member186. The downward movement of the sleeve member180and the pulling force of the extension spring182urge the body member186downwardly until the blocking member190is again disposed within the flexibility slot212. In this initial, locked, position, the stiffness of the shell S is maximized.

To secure the shell S to the cuff C, the lever144is moved counterclockwise until an interior surface of the lever144engages the exterior surface of the buckle122, moving the shell-engaging protrusion130into the buckle receptacle136. During this movement, the first lever pivot pin172continues to travel along the arc-shaped path and the sleeve member180pivots about the third pivot axis196relative to the body member186. As the sleeve member180pivots, the curved corner portion198of the sleeve member180rolls along the bottom edge of the body member186.

The sleeve member180pivots until the flattened corner portion202is engaged with the bottom, substantially flat edge of the body member186. The transition between the curved corner portion198and the flattened corner portion202, provides a tactile sensation and helps urge the lever144into the locked ski position, as shown inFIG. 10a. In addition, the force of the extension spring182helps keep the lever144in the locked ski position for a reliably stiff boot B while performing an activity.

While the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For instance, it should be appreciated that any suitable lever and cam assembly may be used to move the ski/walk mechanisms10and110between the walk and ski positions. In addition, the ski/walk mechanism110may be adjusted or modified as needed to accommodate the boot, shoe, or other piece of footwear on which it is used. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the ski/walk mechanism110may be modified to include any features, benefits, and/or assemblies of the ski/walk mechanism10, and vice versa.