Patent Publication Number: US-2015068068-A1

Title: Ski boot accessory

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory. More specifically, the present invention relates to a downhill ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole. 
     Ski boots are traditionally fabricated from rigid synthetic material in a form designed to rigidly support the user&#39;s ankle in a fixed position relative to the sole of the foot to enable the skier to exercise positive control over the action of the skis. Anyone that has walked in ski boots knows the inflexible sole and the ankle support makes walking an uncomfortable experience and knows that ski boots greatly restrict mobility. Loosening the boot clamps enables the foot to move within the boot, but walking with the clamps loosened can cause chafing and blistering of the foot if extended walking is required. In addition, walking in ski boots can cause wear and other damage to the sole of the ski boot as well as to the flanges on the front and back of the boots. Wear and damage to the flanges can impact the safety and performance of the ski boot, particularly with respect to the boots stability within the ski&#39;s bindings. 
     Previous attempts have been made to provide a solution to the problems presented by walking in ski boots. However, existing solutions have all fallen short. Representative examples are described as follows. 
     Walking blocks have been used for attachment to shoes. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,213 semi-cylindrical blocks have been attached to street shoes for purposes of amusement, because the peculiar walking action that results from use of the semi cylindrical blocks. 
     Similarly, walking blocks have also been adapted for use with downhill ski boots as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620, in which generally rectangular blocks are secured to the central portion of the sole of the ski boot which enables the skier to walk with a type of rocking motion. However, the small walking blocks taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,665,620 are relatively unstable, making walking difficult, particularly in slippery areas, and require frequent attachment and dis-attachment. 
     In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,037, a ski boot appliance for improved traction and wear protection is provided. The disclosed appliance includes heel and to portions with treaded soles. However, while the appliance addresses some of the concerns of protecting the ski boot flanges and sole, the appliance does not improve comfort and mobility, nor is the appliance adapted for use with various boot sizes. 
     In addition, each of the attempts by existing attempts to solve the problems discussed herein rely on large and bulky materials or appliances that are not easily carried with the skier when not in use. A user would make greater use of such devices if the device could more easily be carried and stored, particularly if a user is able to contain the device within a pocket or such. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole, particularly one that is easily stored when not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter addressed herein addresses these issues by providing an adjustable ski boot accessory that provides improved mobility and comfort while protecting the ski boot sole. In addition, the ski boot accessory may be easily stored when not in use. For example, in certain contemplated embodiments, the ski boot accessory may be folded and stored in the pocket of a ski garment when not in use. 
     In one contemplated embodiment, the ski boot accessory includes two soles, one sole for each ski boot. Each sole includes two pieces that are uniquely joined by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes. The surfaces of the sole pieces that interface with the walking surface are generally curved to enable the skier to walk with a rocking type of motion. In addition, the soles are constructed of a material that dampens the impact of the boot bottom as it collides with the ground when walking The combination of the rocking motion along with the dampening makes the downhill ski boot much easier to get around in. In addition, the sole surface may be ribbed to enhance traction when walking. 
     Particularly, the benefits of the claimed subject matter are provided by the unique combination of elements described herein, including: (1) the curved sole; (2) the elastomeric binding catch mechanisms; (3) the boot protector end pieces; (4) the adjustable length strap; (5) the traction ribbing and (6) the manner in which the two soles fit together in a relatively compact form enabling the easier storage and transportation. An example of a ski boot accessory incorporating these elements is described as follows. 
     The ski boot accessory includes two soles, each of which includes two pieces; a front piece and a back piece. The front and back pieces of each sole combine to form a walking surface, which interfaces the ground when the skier is walking The shape of the bottom of the sole pieces (i.e., the walking surface) has a large effect on the comfort and mobility of the device in use. Accordingly, the bottom of the sole pieces that form the walking surface are generally curved (i.e., convex) at the outer portions and flat towards the center portions to enable the skier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe type of motion 
     In addition, each of the pieces (e.g., each front piece and each rear piece) has a unique binding catch mechanism to fit around and secured to the binding catch portion of the downhill ski boot. In a contemplated embodiment, the binding catch mechanism is formed integral with the sole pieces from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretch of the elastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms keep the soles snugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot when walking. 
     The binding catch mechanisms also function to protect the front and rear ends of the boot and the binding catch portions. Due to the elastomeric material used, the binding catch mechanisms may act as bumpers or shock absorbers to lessen the impact on the boots from contact to the ski boot accessory. 
     Each of the two soles includes two pieces, a front piece and a rear piece, that are joined together by an adjustable strap. The adjustable strap enables the two pieces to be moved longitudinally relative to each other, thereby increasing or decreasing the overall length of the sole. The adjustable strap provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes. In one contemplated embodiment, the adjustable strap is a one-piece element formed unitarily with one of the sole pieces (e.g., the front piece or the rear piece) that mates with any one of a plurality of receiving holes in the corresponding sole piece. By selecting amongst the plurality of receiving holes, the length may be appropriately varied. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the number of receiving holes and the distance between the receiving holes affects the adjustability of the device. 
     As noted, the ski boot accessory may be formed of an elastic, resilient polymeric material. The properties of the material used to form the ski boot accessory may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walking In addition, the sole bottom may be provided with ribs or other types of surface irregularities to provide traction when used to walk. 
     The ski boot accessory is carefully designed to be able to be folded, each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzle pieces. This unique design feature enables the ski boot accessory to be folded in such a way as to maximize it compactness so it can be easily stored and transported, for example in the pocket of a ski jacket. 
     It is therefore It an advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to enable a user greater comfort and mobility when walking in ski boots. 
     It is another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to protect the sole and binding catch elements of the ski boot from wear and damage. 
     It is yet another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to be stored compactly. 
     It is still another advantage of the ski boot accessory provided herein to be adjustable to a wide range of ski boot sizes. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a ski boot accessory. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the ski boot accessory shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the front and back portions are disassembled from each other. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the ski boot accessory shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the ski boot accessory shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the ski boot accessory is attached to a ski boot. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the ski boot accessory of  FIG. 1  wherein the front and back portions are folded into each other for compact storage. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a ski boot accessory  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the ski boot accessory  10  includes a front piece  12  and a rear piece  14 , which may be joined together via an adjustment mechanism  16  to form a body including a walking surface  18  including traction elements  20  along the bottom of the body. As further shown, each of the front piece  12  and the rear piece  14  further include a binding catch mechanism  22  and boot protector end pieces  24 . 
     The example of the ski boot accessory  10  shown in  FIG. 1  is formed from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. However, it is contemplated that the ski boot accessory  10  may be formed from any number of materials and that the various elements of the ski boot accessory  10  may be formed from varied materials. For example, certain elements, such as the walking surface  18  and the boot protector end pieces  24  may particularly benefit from being formed from resilient materials. The binding catch mechanisms  22  may particularly benefit from being formed of an elastic material. The properties of the material used to form the ski boot accessory  10  and particularly that of the walking surface  18  may help to reduce the shock of the impact when walking For example, it is considered that the ski boot accessory  10  may be formed from thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyurethane plastic beneficial for its elasticity and resistance to oil, grease and abrasion. Alternatively, thermoplastic elastomers, synthetic rubbers or other synthetic materials may be appropriate. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front piece  12  and a rear piece  14  are adjustably joined together by the adjustment mechanism  16 . In the example shown, the adjustment mechanism  16  is an adjustable strap  16  including an elongated body  26  which terminates in a catch  28  that mates with any one of a plurality of receiving holes  30 . The catch  28  is passed through a selected receiving hole  30  to secure the front piece  12  and rear piece  14  together. The geometry of the catch  28  creates a secure, yet releasable, engagement between the adjustable strap  16  and the selected receiving hole  30 . By varying the receiving hole  30  with which the catch  28  is associated, the length of the ski boot accessory  10  may be adjusted to mate with various sized boots  32 . Accordingly, the adjustable strap  16  provides for easy length adjustment to accommodate multiple boot sizes  32 . In such an embodiment, the number of receiving holes  30  and the distance between the receiving holes  30  affects the adjustability of the ski boot accessory  10 . 
     In embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the adjustable strap  16  is a one-piece element formed unitarily with the rear piece  14  and the plurality of receiving holes  30  are located in the front piece  12 . However, it is understood that the adjustable strap  16  may be integrally formed with the front piece  12  and the receiving holes  30  may be located in the rear piece  14 . Alternatively, the adjustable strap  16  may be provided as an independent element. For example, the adjustable strap  16  may be formed from an adjustable length of fabric (e.g., a fabric loop whose size may be varied) with receiving holes  30  in both the front piece  12  and rear piece  14 . It is further contemplated that the adjustable strap  16  and receiving holes  30  are only one example of means for adjusting the size of the ski boot accessory  10 . For example, the adjustable strap  16  and receiving holes  30  may instead be replaced by an elastic element connecting the front piece  12  and rear piece  14  together. Alternatively, the adjustable strap  16  and receiving holes  30  may be replaced by another adjustable or telescoping element providing adjustment of the overall length of the ski boot accessory  10 . For example, the functions of the adjustable strap  16  and receiving holes  30  may be accomplished using slide, buckle or other hook and eye mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front piece  12  and the rear piece  14  may be separated from each other by disengaging the catch  28  from the receiving hole  30 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates the specific design of the adjustable strap  16  of the embodiment pictured. Although shown as separable into distinct elements, it is understood that other embodiments of the ski boot accessory  10  may not be provided with separable portions, such as the front portion  12  and rear portion  14 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the walking surface  18  of the ski boot accessory  10  is shown. In addition, an elongated receiving slot  34  is shown located in the bottom surface of the front piece  12  and oriented in a longitudinal direction indicated by double arrow  35 . The elongated body  26  of the adjustable strap  16  seats within the receiving slot  34  such that the elongated body  26  may be recessed so as to not interfere with the walking surface  18 . As shown, elongated body  26  may be substantially entirely received within receiving slot  34 . 
     The geometry of the walking surface  18  has a substantial effect on the comfort and mobility of the ski boot accessory  10  in use. In the example shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the bottom of the walking surface  18  is generally curved (i.e., convex) at the outer portions (e.g., at the heel portion and at the toe portion) and flat towards the center portions to enable the skier to walk with a rocking, heel-to-toe, type of motion. More particularly, front portion  12  includes a front bottom surface  18   a  having a substantially flat center portion  19   a  and a convexly curved front portion  21   a . Rear portion  14  includes a rear bottom surface  18   b  having a substantially flat center portion  19   b  and a convexly curved rear portion  21   b.  This overall convex curvature of walking surface  18  may be best seen in the profile view of  FIG. 4 . As a result, the walking surface  18  is described as including a first sloping surface at the toe and a second sloping surface at the heel, even when the two sloping surfaces are formed by a continuously curved surface. 
     In the example provided, the middle of the walking surface  18  is a flat surface which may rest flatly on the ground while the outer edges of the walking surface  18  slope away from the ground. For example, the flat center surface may be approximately one inch wide and the sloping portions may angle up from the ground at an angle of approximately five to fifteen degrees. The angled portion of the walking surface  18  may be angled linearly at a single angle or may include several segments angled at different angles (e.g., an inner section angled at five degrees, a middle section angled at ten degrees and an outer section angled at fifteen degrees). Alternatively, the entirety of the sloping portions, or any one or more segments thereof, may be radiused or otherwise curved. It is also to be understood that the entirety of the walking surface  18  may be sloping or curved. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the walking surface  18  includes a plurality of traction elements  20 . The fraction elements  20  may be ribs or other types of surface irregularities that provide traction along the walking surface  18  to improve user stability and safety. The location, geometry, pattern, etc. of the traction elements  20  may be varied to meet the expected conditions in which the ski boot accessory  10  will be used. For example, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the traction elements  20  may include ice spikes or nodules to provide improved traction on hard snow and ice. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , the ski boot accessory  10  is shown in cooperation with a ski boot  32 . As shown, the binding catch mechanisms  22  fit around and secure the ski boot accessory  10  to the binding catch portions  36  of the ski boot  32 . In the embodiment shown, the binding catch mechanisms  22  are formed integrally with the front piece  12  and the rear piece  14  from an elastic, resilient polymeric material. Due to the stretch of the elastomeric material, the binding catch mechanisms  22  keep the ski boot accessory  10  snugly fastened to the bottom of the ski boot  32 . A grasping portion  38  (shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 ) is provided along the outer edge of the rear piece  14  to provide the user with a convenient place to grasp the ski boot accessory  10  during attachment and removal from a ski boot  32 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the binding catch mechanisms  22  also provide boot protector end pieces  24  to help buffer the binding catch portions  36  of the ski boot  32  from shock and damage. Accordingly, the ski boot accessory  10  provides the user with a more comfortable walking surface  18  while protecting the ski boot  32 , both the ski boot sole  39  and the binding catch portions  36 , from wear and tear. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the ski boot accessory  10  is designed to be able to be folded, each piece into the other, to fit together like puzzle pieces. This unique design feature enables the ski boot accessory  10  to be folded in such a way as to maximize its compactness so it can be easily stored and transported, for example in the pocket of a ski jacket. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the binding catch mechanisms  22  of the ski boot accessory  10  fold one into the other, to secure the ski boot accessory  10  in the folded position, wherein substantially flat center portion  19   a  of front bottom surface  18   a  is substantially parallel to and non-coplanar with substantially flat center portion  19   b  of rear bottom surface  18   b.  The flexibility of the adjustment strap  16  enables the ski boot accessory  10  to be folded while the front piece  12  and the back piece  14  are joined. 
     It is contemplated that in embodiments in which the elastomeric materials are used to form the ski boot accessory  10 , various elements of the ski boot accessory  10  may be reinforced by metal cabling or wires to increase the ski boot accessory&#39;s  10  resistance to wear and degradation. For example, the adjustable strap  16  and/or the binding catch mechanisms  22  may be reinforced. It is further understood that other materials may be used for reinforcement, such as, for example, other polymeric materials, resilient fabrics or fibers, etc. 
     Various embellishments and adornments may be provided in the ski boot accessory  10 . For example, it is contemplated that one or more miniature diode lights may be provided around the edge of the ski boot accessory  10  such that the diodes may light on impact or, alternatively, be activated by a switch. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.