Patent Description:
More specifically, the present invention relates to an mountaineering ski boot, to which the following disclosure will explicitly refer without thereby losing generality.

As is known, mountaineering ski boots currently on the market comprise: a rigid foot-case, which is mainly made of plastic or composite material, is substantially shoe-shaped so as to accommodate/hold the user's foot, and has the lower part specifically structured for being fixed to the back of a downhill ski or the like by means of a suitable mountaineering ski binding device; a rigid cuff, which is mainly made of plastic or composite material, is shaped so as to embrace from behind the lower part of the user's leg, and is hinged to the foot-case so as to be able to rotate about a transversal reference axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the vertical midplane of the ski boot, and also locally substantially coincides with the articulation axis of the ankle; and an internal inner-boot with a soft and thermal-insulating structure, which is inserted in removable manner into the foot-case and the cuff, and is shaped so as to accommodate and protect both the user's foot and the user's leg, approximately up to the height of the calf.

In most of the mountaineering ski boots currently on the market, the upper part of the foot-case is moreover provided with a longitudinal slit which extends in sagittal direction, over the instep and astride of the midplane of the ski boot, and the mountaineering ski boot additionally comprises an oblong and flattened in shape, protective tongue with a semi-rigid structure, which is generally separate and distinct from the foot-case, and is placed resting on the upper part of the foot-case, covering the longitudinal slit.

More specifically, the protective tongue is usually tip-hinged to the upper-front part of the foot-case so as to be able to flip forward and, when it is in abutment onto the upper part of the foot-case, it prevents snow and ice from penetrating inside the ski boot through the longitudinal slit.

The abovementioned mountaineering ski boots are finally provided with a foot-case closing mechanism, and with a cuff closing mechanism, both operated manually.

The foot-case closing mechanism is structured so as to be able to selectively close/tighten the upper part of the foot-case against the user's foot, so as to immobilise the user's foot inside the inner-boot. Whereas, the cuff closing mechanism is structured so as to be able to selectively close/tighten the upper part of the cuff against the user's leg, so as to immobilise the user's leg inside the inner-boot.

In most of the mountaineering ski boots currently on the market, the foot-case closing mechanism consists of one or two lever closing buckles that are arranged on the upper part of the foot-case, across and astride of the tongue, are fixed in rigid manner to the foot-case on opposite sides of the tongue, and are finally capable of pulling one toward the other the two edges of the foot-case flanking the longitudinal slit, so as to tighten the upper part of the foot-case against the user's foot.

Patent application <CIT>, on the other hand, shows a mountaineering ski boot wherein the foot-case closing mechanism comprises: a strip of plastic material with a flexible and inextensible structure, which has the proximal end firmly fixed to the inner side of the foot-case, at the hinge connecting the cuff to the foot-case, and extends obliquely along the inner side up to reach and superimpose the protective tongue, so as to place the distal end of the flexible strip over the tongue, approximately astride of the midplane of the ski boot; a series of fairlead members which are arranged in an alternated manner on opposite sides of the outer longitudinal edge of the protective tongue, and are firmly fixed to the foot-case or to the protective tongue immediately beneath; and a small manually-operated cablewinding winch, which is firmly fixed to the distal end of the strip of plastic material, and is provided with a metal cable that exits the winch, engages in pass-through and free slidable manner the various fairlead members, passing from one side to the other of the outer longitudinal edge of the tongue, and finally has the distal end firmly anchored to the tongue or to the foot-case.

<CIT> also shows a ski boot comprising a substantially rigid foot-case, a substantially rigid cuff, a protective tongue and/or gaiter, and foot-case closing means.

Aim of the present invention is to improve the foot-case closing mechanism described in patent application No. <CIT>.

In accordance with these aims, the invention relates to a ski boot as specified in appended independent claim <NUM>. Additional embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the coupling assembly is adapted to tighten and keep tightened said transversal locking band.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the coupling assembly comprises: a first anchoring structure stably located on the foot-case, along the second lateral side of the foot-case; a second anchoring structure stably located on the cuff, at the second lateral side of the foot-case; and a manually-operated coupling and tensioning device, which is stably located on the transversal locking band and is selectively connectable/couplable, on choice and alternatively, to the first or to the second anchoring structure in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, so as to anchor the locking band on choice and alternatively to the foot-case or to the cuff, always along the first lateral side of the foot-case.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the coupling assembly comprises: a movable anchoring element which is fixed in a rigid and stable, though removable manner, on choice and alternatively on the foot-case or on the cuff, at said second lateral side of the foot-case; and a manually-operated coupling and tensioning device, which is firmly fixed to the transversal locking band and is adapted to couple said transversal locking band in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, to said movable anchoring element while tightening the same transversal locking band.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that said movable anchoring element is structured so as to be able to couple/interlock in a rigid and stable, though easily removable manner, on choice and alternatively into a first seat located on the second lateral side of the foot-case; and into a second seat located on the cuff, immediately over said second lateral side of the foot-case.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that said movable anchoring element is replaced by two stationary anchoring elements that are stably located one on the foot-case and the other on the cuff, along said second lateral side of the foot-case; the coupling and tensioning device being adapted to couple said transversal locking band in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, on choice and alternatively on any one of said stationary anchoring elements.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that said coupling and tensioning device is a manually-operated cable-tightening device, that is firmly fixed on the transversal locking band and is provided with a flexible cable that forms an extension of the transversal locking band, and is adapted to engage/ couple said movable anchoring element or said stationary anchoring elements.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the flexible cable has the distal end anchored in rigid manner on the body of the protective tongue or of the foot-case, and wherein said movable anchoring element or said stationary anchoring elements include a first fairlead member adapted to be engaged in free slidable manner by a segment of the flexible cable.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the coupling assembly additionally comprises a plurality of second fairlead members, which are arranged in an alternated manner on opposite sides of a longitudinal edge of the protective tongue adjacent to said second lateral side of the foot-case, and are rigidly fixed to the foot-case or to the protective tongue immediately beneath; the flexible cable of the cable-tightening device being adapted to engage in a pass-through and free slidable manner and in succession said first and second fairlead members, passing from one side to the other of said longitudinal edge of the tongue.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the cable-tightening device is a manually-operated winch.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the first end of said transversal locking band is firmly fixed to said first lateral side of the foot-case, at the hinge connecting the cuff to the foot-case.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the transversal locking band comprises a flexible ribbon-like element with a substantially inextensible structure, which has the proximal end firmly fixed to the first lateral side of the foot-case, and extends obliquely along the first lateral side of the foot-case, towards the upper part of the foot-case and the midplane of the ski boot, so as to reach said protective tongue and/or gaiter.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that said flexible ribbon-like element has a monolithic structure and/or is made of plastic material.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that said first and said second lateral side of the foot-case are respectively the inner side and the outer side of the foot-case.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the protective tongue has the front end firmly fixed to the upper-front part of the foot-case, with the capability of flipping forward.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the distal end of the flexible cable is anchored in rigid manner to the body of the protective tongue or of the foot-case, close to the front end of the protective tongue.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that a second end of said transversal locking band rests on the protective tongue, and is locally firmly fixed to the same protective tongue in a transversally sliding manner.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the ski boot is moreover characterised in that the second end of said transversal locking band is arranged resting on the protective tongue, and is provided with an oblong slot which extends transversally to the same locking band, and is engaged in free slidable manner by a protruding pin that juts out cantilevered from said protective tongue; said oblong slot being substantially rectilinear and/or parallel to said direction.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example embodiment thereof, wherein:.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, reference number <NUM> denotes, as a whole, a ski boot that can be advantageously used for practicing the ski mountaineering or Telemark.

The ski boot <NUM> firstly comprises: a substantially rigid foot-case <NUM>, which is substantially shoe-shaped and is adapted to accommodate/contain the user's foot; and a substantially rigid cuff <NUM>, which is shaped so as to surround the lower part of the user's leg and is pivotally joined to the foot-case <NUM> so as to be able to freely swing about a transversal rotation axis A that is locally substantially perpendicular to the vertical midplane of the ski boot, and preferably also substantially coincides with the articulation axis of the user's ankle.

Preferably, the foot-case <NUM> moreover has the lower part specifically structured/shaped for being able to connect/ couple in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, to a ski binding device of known type (not shown), which in turn is adapted to be fixed in rigid manner to the back of a generic downhill ski or similar equipment.

More specifically, the lower part of foot-case <NUM> is preferably provided with a front tip <NUM> and with a rear heel <NUM>.

The front tip <NUM> is preferably structured so as to connect/couple in a stable, though easily releasable manner, to the toe-piece (not shown) of a ski binding device which, in turn, is stably fixed to the back of a generic downhill ski or the like. Whereas, the rear heel <NUM> is preferably structured so as to connect/couple in a stable, though easily releasable manner, to the heel-piece (not shown) of a ski binding device which, in turn, is stably fixed to the back of a generic downhill ski or the like.

Still more specifically, the front tip <NUM> of foot-case <NUM> is preferably structured so as to connect/couple in known manner to the tip of a mountaineering ski binding device; whereas, the rear heel <NUM> of the foot-case <NUM> is preferably structured so as to be able to connect/couple in a known manner to the heel-piece of the same mountaineering ski binding device.

Preferably, the lower part of the foot-case <NUM> furthermore has a treaded profile so as to grip on snow and/or ice, and thus enable the user to walk on snow and ice in relative safety.

More specifically, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the foot-case <NUM> preferably comprises: a substantially rigid shell <NUM> with a substantially oblong basin shape, which is preferably made of plastic and/or composite material, and is shaped so as to accommodate/contain the user's foot, preferably roughly up to the height of the ankle; and optionally a sole <NUM> preferably with treaded profile, which is preferably made of vulcanized rubber or other elastomeric material with high friction coefficient, and is firmly fixed to the bottom wall of shell <NUM> preferably by gluing.

In the example shown, in particular, the shell <NUM> is preferably made of PEBAX (polyester-amide), Nylon (polyamide) or other similar plastic polymer.

Clearly, shell <NUM> could also be made of a composite material preferably made up of one or more superimposed layers of carbon fibres and/or glass fibres and/or aramid fibres, suitably interweaved and/or superimposed on one another and embedded in a matrix of epoxy, phenolic or polyester resin preferably of thermosetting type.

In other words, the foot-case <NUM> is preferably mainly made of plastic and/or composite material.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in addition the foot-case <NUM> preferably also comprises: a rigid front insert <NUM>, preferably made of metallic material, which is stably embedded/incorporated in the bottom wall of shell <NUM> in proximity of the tip <NUM> of foot-case <NUM>, and is structured so as to connect/couple in known manner to the toe-piece (not shown) of the mountaineering ski binding device; and optionally also a rigid rear insert <NUM>, preferably made of metallic material, which is instead embedded in shell <NUM> at the heel <NUM>, and is structured so as to connect/couple in known manner to the heel-piece (not shown) of the same mountaineering ski binding device.

More specifically the rigid insert <NUM> has a plate-like structure and is dimensioned so as to surface/emerge outside of shell <NUM>, on opposite sides of the front tip <NUM> of the foot-case, preferably in a substantially specular position with respect to the midplane of the ski boot, so that the two surfacing ends of the rigid insert <NUM> can connect in axially rotatable manner to the toe-piece of the mountaineering ski binding device.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cuff <NUM> on the other hand preferably comprises a substantially rigid shell <NUM> preferably made of plastic and/or composite material, which is preferably substantially C-bent so as to cover the rear part of the user's leg, from the ankle substantially up to the height of the calf, and is moreover provided with two oblong and protruding lateral wings or flaps which extend forward on opposite sides of the midplane of the ski boot, so as to embrace from behind the user's leg roughly at the height of the calf, and then preferably superimpose one another at the front part of the leg, forming a tubular structure that surrounds the user's leg at the height of the calf.

Therefore, also the cuff <NUM> is preferably mainly made of plastic and/or composite material.

The cuff <NUM>, in addition, is preferably fixed in free rotatable manner on the upper part of foot-case <NUM>, or rather of shell <NUM>, by means of two connecting hinges <NUM> preferably made of metallic material, which are located on the inner and outer lateral sides of the foot-case <NUM> and of the cuff <NUM>, aligned along the transversal axis A, so as to allow the cuff <NUM> to freely swing forward and backward on the foot-case <NUM>, while remaining always on a reference plane orthogonal to the transversal axis A and substantially coinciding with the midplane of the ski boot.

With reference to <FIG>, in addition the ski boot <NUM> preferably also comprises an inner-boot <NUM> with a thermal-insulating structure, which is located inside the foot-case <NUM> and preferably also the cuff <NUM>, and is shaped so as to accommodate and protect the user's foot and preferably also the lower part of the user's leg. Moreover the thermal-insulating inner-boot <NUM> is preferably provided with a soft and deformable internal lining, and is preferably inserted in manually-removable manner inside the foot-case <NUM> and preferably also the cuff <NUM>.

The thermal-insulating inner-boot <NUM> minimises the heat losses towards the outside and prevents the user's foot and the user's leg from entering in direct contact with the foot-case <NUM> and/or the cuff <NUM>.

More specifically, the thermal-insulating inner-boot <NUM> is preferably shaped substantially like a boot, and is dimensioned so as to accommodate and protect the user's foot and the lower part of the user's leg preferably roughly up to the top of the cuff <NUM>. Preferably the inner-boot <NUM> furthermore has a structure of thermo-formable type.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in addition the ski boot <NUM> also comprises an oblong and flattened protective tongue <NUM>, which is adapted to close the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather the upper part of shell <NUM>, so as to prevent snow and ice from penetrating inside the ski boot.

More specifically, the protective tongue <NUM> has a rigid or semi-rigid structure and is adapted to substantially entirely cover a large longitudinal slit (not visible in the figures), which preferably extends in a substantially sagittal direction along the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather of the shell <NUM>, while remaining over the user's instep and substantially astride of the midplane of the ski boot.

The protective tongue <NUM>, in addition, is preferably separate and distinct from the foot-case <NUM>, or rather from the shell <NUM>, and is arranged resting on the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather on the upper part of shell <NUM>, substantially astride of the midplane of the ski boot.

Therefore, the protective tongue <NUM> extends in a substantially sagittal direction (i.e. parallel to the midplane of the ski boot), flush to the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather to the upper part of shell <NUM>, so that its two longitudinal edges, hereafter indicated by reference number 13a and 13b, are arranged resting on the foot-case <NUM>, on opposite sides of the longitudinal slit of the foot-case <NUM> and of the midplane of the ski boot.

More specifically, the longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM> is adjacent and adapted to rest on the outer side of the foot-case <NUM>, whereas the longitudinal edge 13b is adjacent and adapted to rest on the inner side of the foot-case <NUM>. Clearly, the longitudinal edges 13a and 13b are opposite one to the other.

Preferably, the protective tongue <NUM> is moreover made of plastic and/or composite material, and/or preferably has a monolithic structure.

Additionally, the protective tongue <NUM> is preferably stably fixed to the foot-case <NUM>, or rather to the shell <NUM>, with the capability of flipping forward, optionally also moving laterally toward the outer or inner side of the foot-case <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in the example shown, in particular, the oblong protective tongue <NUM> is preferably substantially L-bent, and is preferably structured so as to be able to substantially bend only at the elbow of the L.

Furthermore the protective tongue <NUM> is preferably arranged resting on the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather on the upper part of shell <NUM>, so that the front part of protective tongue <NUM> substantially entirely covers the longitudinal slit of the foot-case <NUM>. Whereas, the rear part of protective tongue <NUM> extends cantilevered upward flush to the thermal-insulating inner-boot <NUM>, preferably up to reach and optionally slip beneath the two oblong and protruding lateral wings or flaps of cuff <NUM>, for covering and protecting the front part of the user's leg.

Additionally, the front end of tongue <NUM> is preferably firmly fixed to the upper-front part of the foot-case <NUM>, or better of the shell <NUM>, so that the protective tongue <NUM> can flip forward, preferably while remaining astride of a reference plane which is oblique (i.e. not perpendicular and not parallel) with respect to the midplane of the ski boot.

In the example shown, in particular, the tongue <NUM> is preferably fixed to the upper-front part of the foot-case <NUM>, so as to be able of flipping forward moving laterally toward the inner side of the foot-case <NUM>.

More specifically, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the example shown the front end of protective tongue <NUM> is preferably fixed in a rigid and stable manner to the foot-case <NUM>, or rather to the shell <NUM>, by means of a series of anchoring screws <NUM> located next to the front edge of the tongue <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> furthermore has, behind the anchoring screws <NUM>, a transversal bending line I which is structured so as to allow the rest of the protective tongue <NUM> to freely rotate forward. Preferably the bending line I moreover extends along the body of tongue <NUM> obliquely (i.e. not perpendicularly and not parallel) to the midplane of the ski boot, and the front edge of protective tongue <NUM> is preferably locally substantially parallel to the bending line ℓ.

Clearly in a different embodiment, the front end of the protective tongue <NUM> may be firmly fixed to the upper-front part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather of the shell <NUM>, via a normal hinge.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in addition the ski boot <NUM> is also provided with a foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> and with a cuff closing mechanism <NUM>, preferably both manually operated.

The foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> is structured so as to selectively close/tighten the upper part of the foot-case <NUM> against the user's foot, in order to immobilise the user's foot inside the foot-case <NUM>, or rather inside the inner-boot <NUM>.

The cuff closing mechanism <NUM>, in turn, is structured so as to selectively close/tighten the upper part of the cuff <NUM> against the user's leg, in order to immobilise the user's leg inside the cuff <NUM>, or rather inside the inner-boot <NUM>.

Preferably, the ski boot <NUM> is finally also provided with a manually-operated cuff locking device <NUM>, which is structured so as to selectively lock the cuff <NUM> to the foot-case <NUM> in a predetermined downhill position, in which the cuff <NUM> is tilted forward with respect to the vertical of a given angle preferably ranging between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

More specifically, the cuff locking device <NUM> is preferably fixed to the cuff <NUM> in the zone above the heel of the ski boot, substantially astride of the midplane of the ski boot, and is structured so as to, on choice and alternatively,.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in turn, the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> comprises: a transversal locking band <NUM>, oblong in shaped and with a flexible and substantially inextensible structure, which extends transversally to the midplane of the ski boot, is arranged astride of the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, over and flush to the protective tongue <NUM>, and has a first end firmly fixed to the inner side of foot-case <NUM>, preferably at the connecting hinge <NUM>; and a manually-operated coupling assembly <NUM>, which is adapted to connect the second end of the locking band <NUM> selectively and alternatively to the foot-case <NUM> or to the cuff <NUM>, at the outer side of the foot-case <NUM> and preferably in proximity of connecting hinge <NUM>.

Preferably, the coupling assembly <NUM> is moreover capable of tightening and keeping tightened the transversal locking band <NUM>.

Additionally, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the transversal locking band <NUM> preferably consists of, or anyway comprises, a flexible ribbon-like element <NUM> with a substantially inextensible structure, which has the proximal end firmly fixed to the foot-case <NUM> and/or to the cuff <NUM>, along the inner side of the foot-case <NUM> and in proximity of the connecting hinge <NUM>, and extends obliquely along the inner side of the foot-case <NUM>, toward the upper part of foot-case <NUM> and the midplane of the ski boot, so as to reach and rise over the protective tongue <NUM>, preferably arriving at least up to the centreline of the protective tongue <NUM>.

More specifically, the proximal end of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM> is preferably firmly fixed to the connecting hinge <NUM>, along the inner side of the foot-case <NUM>.

Additionally, the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM> preferably has a monolithic structure and is preferably made of plastic material.

In other words, the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM> preferably basically consists of a flexible and substantially inextensible strip of plastic material.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, preferably the manually-operated coupling assembly <NUM> in turn comprises: a first anchoring structure stably located on the foot-case <NUM>, along the outer side of foot-case <NUM>; a second anchoring structure stably located on the cuff <NUM>, at/flush to the outer side of foot-case <NUM>; and a manually-operated coupling and tensioning device, which is stably located on the transversal locking band <NUM>, preferably at or in proximity of the second end of the same transversal locking band <NUM>, and is selectively connectable/couplable, on choice and alternatively, to the first or to the second anchoring structure in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, so as to anchor the locking band <NUM>, on choice and alternatively, to the foot-case <NUM> or to the cuff <NUM>, always along the outer side of the foot-case <NUM>.

More specifically, the coupling assembly <NUM> preferably comprises: a movable anchoring element <NUM> which is fixed/ fixable in a rigid and stable, though easily removable manner, on choice and alternatively to the foot-case <NUM> or to the cuff <NUM>, in proximity of the outer longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM> and/or in the proximity of the connecting hinge <NUM>; and a manually-operated coupling and tensioning device, which is firmly and stably fixed to the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather to the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, and is adapted to couple in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, to the movable anchoring element <NUM> and then to tighten the entire transversal locking band <NUM>.

In other words, the coupling and tensioning device is adapted to couple the second end of the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather the second end of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, in a rigid and stable, though easily releasable manner, to the anchoring element <NUM>, and then to tighten the entire transversal locking band <NUM>.

Preferably said coupling and tensioning device is moreover a manually-operated cable-tightening device <NUM>, which is provided with a flexible cable <NUM> with a substantially inextensible structure, which forms an extension of the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, and is adapted to firmly couple to the anchoring element <NUM>.

The cable-tightening device <NUM> is adapted to selectively tighten the flexible cable <NUM>, in order to tighten the entire transversal locking band <NUM>.

More specifically, with reference to Figures from <NUM> to <NUM>, the movable anchoring element <NUM> is preferably structured so as to couple/interlock in a rigid and stable, though easily removable manner, on choice and alternatively into a first seat <NUM> located on the outer side of the foot-case <NUM>, preferably in proximity of the outer longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM> and/or in proximity of the connecting hinge <NUM>; and into a second seat <NUM> located on the outer side of cuff <NUM>, immediately over the outer side of foot-case <NUM>, preferably in proximity of the outer longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM> and/or in proximity of the connecting hinge <NUM>.

The seat <NUM> is furthermore moved upwards with respect to the seat <NUM>. In other words, the seat <NUM> is at a height from the sole <NUM> greater than the seat <NUM>.

The cable-tightening device <NUM>, on the other hand, is preferably located on the distal end of the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather on the distal end of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>.

Preferably, the cable-tightening device <NUM> is furthermore a small manually-operated winch, which is structured so as to selectively wind the flexible cable <NUM> inside itself, stably lock the flexible cable <NUM>, and finally unwind the flexible cable <NUM>. The flexible cable <NUM>, additionally, is preferably made of metallic material.

In the example shown, in particular, the cable-tightening device <NUM> is preferably a manually-operated winch marketed by the American company Boa Technology Inc. , and being a component already widely known and used in the sports footwear sector it will not be further described.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, preferably the distal end 23a of flexible cable <NUM> is moreover anchored in rigid manner to the body of protective tongue <NUM>. The movable anchoring element <NUM>, in turn, preferably consists of, or anyway comprises, at least one first fairlead member <NUM> structured so as to be stably engaged in free slidable manner by a segment of the flexible cable <NUM>.

Besides the main fairlead member <NUM>, the coupling assembly <NUM> preferably moreover comprises a plurality of supplementary fairlead members <NUM>, which are arranged in an alternated manner on opposite sides of the outer longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM>, and are rigidly fixed to the foot-case <NUM> or to the protective tongue <NUM> immediately beneath.

Preferably, the flexible cable <NUM> of cable-tightening device <NUM> moreover engages in pass-through and free slidable manner and in succession the fairlead members <NUM> and <NUM>, passing from one side to the other of the outer longitudinal edge 13a of the tongue.

More specifically, after engaging the fairlead member <NUM>, the flexible cable <NUM> preferably extends along the outer longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM>, toward the tip <NUM> of foot-case <NUM>, engaging in succession the supplementary fairlead members <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in the example shown, in particular, the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, is preferably has a dimensioned so as to place its distal end over the protective tongue <NUM>, preferably substantially astride of the midplane of the ski boot and/or next to the cuff <NUM>.

In other words, the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, is preferably dimensioned such as to place the cable-tightening device <NUM>, or rather the manually-operated winch, over the tongue <NUM> and next to the cuff <NUM>, substantially astride of the midplane of the ski boot.

The flexible cable <NUM>, in turn, is preferably arranged so as to engage in succession the fairlead members <NUM> and <NUM>, alternatively passing from one side to the other of the outer longitudinal edge 13a of protective tongue <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in the example shown, additionally, the coupling assembly <NUM> preferably comprises two supplementary fairlead members <NUM> fixed in rigid manner to the foot-case <NUM>, and one to the protective tongue <NUM>. Preferably, the supplementary fairlead member <NUM> integral with the protective tongue <NUM> is moreover arranged in quincunx with respect to the fairlead members <NUM> and <NUM> integral with the foot-case <NUM>.

Preferably, the distal end 23a of flexible cable <NUM> is finally firmly fixed to the body of protective tongue <NUM>, close to the front end of protective tongue <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, on the other hand, the cuff closing mechanism <NUM> preferably comprises: at least one manually-operated lever closing buckle <NUM>, which is located astride of the two oblong and opposite, lateral wings or flaps of cuff <NUM>, so as to be able to selectively pull on toward the other the two wings or flaps of cuff <NUM>, in order to tighten the upper part of the cuff <NUM> against the user's leg; and optionally also an auxiliary tightening belt <NUM> with Velcro closure, which is looped arround the top of the cuff <NUM> so as to selectively close/tighten the top of cuff <NUM> against the calf of the user's leg.

General operation of ski boot <NUM> is easily inferable from what described above, and does not require further explanations.

As regards instead the operation of the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM>, when the coupling assembly <NUM> connects the transversal locking band <NUM> to the foot-case <NUM>, the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> operates as a traditional foot-case closing mechanism (see for example the one described in patent application <CIT>) and is capable of tightening the upper part of foot-case <NUM> against the user's foot, locking it inside the ski boot.

When the coupling assembly <NUM> connects the transversal locking band <NUM> to the cuff <NUM>, on the other hand the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> succeeds in locking/immobilising the user's ankle, and additionally aids the cuff locking device <NUM> to keep the cuff <NUM> still/stationary in the downhill position.

Consequently, the mountaineering skier can, in any moment, choose the configuration of the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> that he/she deems the most suitable.

More specifically, the mountaineering skier will anchor the transversal locking band <NUM> to the foot-case <NUM> when going up along the snowy slope, and will instead anchor the transversal locking band <NUM> to the cuff <NUM> when going down, thus increasing the overall rigidity of the ski boot <NUM>.

The advantages connected to the new foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> are remarkable and evident.

The foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> is capable of adapting its tightening onto the foot-case <NUM> at the use conditions of the ski boot <NUM>, with the enormous advantages that this entails during the practicing of mountaineering ski.

Additionally, the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> allows to eliminate, from the inner side of the foot-case <NUM>, any protruding metallic element that may, during use, damage the inner side of the other ski boot.

Last, but not least, the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM> is much simpler to operate, with the functional advantages that this entails.

It is finally clear that modifications and variations may be made to the above-described ski boot <NUM> without however departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the protective tongue <NUM> may be made in a single block with the foot-case <NUM>, or rather with the shell <NUM>, and cover the longitudinal slit of the foot-case <NUM> in overlap configuration.

In other words, one side of the oblong protective tongue <NUM> is seamlessly joined/merged to the foot-case <NUM>, or rather to the upper part of shell <NUM>, on the side of the longitudinal slit of the foot-case <NUM>, whereas the rest of the protective tongue <NUM> extends over the longitudinal slit of the foot-case <NUM>, and overlaps the foot-case <NUM>, or rather the upper part of shell <NUM>, on the opposite side with respect to the same longitudinal slit.

The protective tongue <NUM> is thus provided only with the outer longitudinal edge 13a.

In a further not-shown embodiment variation, the distal end 23a of flexible cable <NUM>, instead of being firmly fixed to the protective tongue <NUM>, may be anchored to the foot-case <NUM>, preferably in proximity of the front end of the protective tongue <NUM>.

According to the embodiment variation illustrated in <FIG>, on the other hand, instead of being provided with a movable anchoring element <NUM>, the manually-operated coupling assembly <NUM> is provided with two stationary anchoring elements <NUM> and <NUM>, which are permanently located one on the foot-case <NUM> and the other on the cuff <NUM>, along the outer side of the foot-case <NUM> and in the proximity of the connecting hinge <NUM>.

In other words, the stationary anchoring element <NUM> is fixed in a rigid and optionally also unmoveable manner to the foot-case <NUM>, preferably in the point where the seat <NUM> was formerly located. The stationary anchoring element <NUM>, in turn, is fixed in a rigid and optionally also unmoveable manner to the cuff <NUM>, preferably in the point where the seat <NUM> was formerly located.

Also in this embodiment, furthermore the stationary anchoring elements <NUM> and <NUM> may be fairlead members <NUM>.

According to an embodiment variation illustrated in <FIG>, instead, the longitudinal slit of foot-case <NUM>, or rather of shell <NUM>, is closed, preferably watertight, by a gaiter <NUM> made of fabric, preferably of waterproof type, or other flexible sheet material. In this variation, the protective tongue <NUM>, if present, is preferably arranged resting on the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather on the upper part of shell <NUM>, over the gaiter <NUM>.

Additionally, the protective tongue <NUM> is preferably dimensioned so as to cover only the front part of gaiter <NUM>, and thus of the longitudinal slit of foot-case <NUM>, preferably up to arrive next to the distal end of the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>.

Preferably, in this embodiment the front end of protective tongue <NUM> is furthermore firmly fixed to the upper-front part of the foot-case <NUM>, or rather of shell <NUM>, without the capability of flipping forward more or less obliquely to the midplane of the ski boot.

More specifically, in this embodiment the protective tongue <NUM> is preferably substantially triangular in shape. Preferably, the protective tongue <NUM> is finally provided with one or more lightening through openings or slits.

Furthermore, in this embodiment the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, extends obliquely along the inner lateral side of foot-case <NUM>, toward the upper part of the foot-case <NUM>, and is dimensioned so as to arrange its terminal part over the user's instep, flush to the gaiter <NUM>.

Also in this embodiment the coupling assembly <NUM> is adapted to connect the locking band <NUM> selectively and alternatively to the foot-case <NUM> or to the cuff <NUM>, at the opposite side of the foot-case <NUM> and preferably in proximity of connecting hinge <NUM>. Preferably the coupling assembly <NUM> is furthermore adapted to tighten and keep tightened the transversal locking band <NUM>.

In other words, also in this embodiment the coupling assembly <NUM> preferably comprises: a cable-tightening device <NUM> firmly fixed to the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather to the distal end of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>; and a movable anchoring element <NUM>, or rather a fairlead member <NUM>, fixed in a rigid and stable, though easily removable manner, on choice and alternatively on the foot-case <NUM> or on the cuff <NUM>.

Clearly, as an alternative to the movable anchoring element <NUM>, the coupling assembly <NUM> may comprise two stationary anchoring elements, or rather two fairlead members, fixed in rigid manner one to the foot-case <NUM> and the other to the cuff <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in a more sophisticated embodiment of the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM>, the second end of the locking band <NUM>, or rather the distal end 20a of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, is preferably arranged resting on the protective tongue <NUM>, and is locally stably fixed to the same protective tongue <NUM> so as to be able to freely slide on the surface of the tongue, in a direction d transversal to the locking band <NUM>.

More specifically, the second end of the transversal locking band <NUM>, or rather the distal end 20a of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, is preferably fixed to the protective tongue <NUM> via a slidable mechanical connection, which allows said second end to freely move on the protective tongue <NUM> only in a direction d that is flush to the surface of protective tongue <NUM> and is preferably also locally substantially parallel to the midplane of the ski boot and/or locally substantially perpendicular to the same locking band <NUM>.

Still more specifically, the second end of locking band <NUM>, or rather the distal end 20a of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, preferably has a plate-like structure.

Additionally, the locking band <NUM> preferably has, on the second end, a large oblong-shaped through slot <NUM>, which extends transversally to the locking band <NUM>, or rather to the longitudinal axis of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, and is stably engaged in free slidable manner by a protruding pin <NUM> which in turn juts out cantilevered from, and is rigidly integral with, the protective tongue <NUM>.

The through slot <NUM> is preferably also substantially rectilinear and/or parallel to the direction d. Clearly, the through slot <NUM> could also be arched.

In the example shown, in particular, the through slot <NUM> is preferably substantially straight, and is preferably substantially perpendicular to the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>, or rather to the longitudinal axis of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM>.

The protruding pin <NUM>, in turn, preferably has a mushroom structure so as to retain the distal end 20a of the flexible ribbon-like element <NUM> stably in abutment against the surface of the oblong protective tongue <NUM>, and is preferably made in a one piece with protective tongue <NUM>.

Finally, in a different embodiment of the foot-case closing mechanism <NUM>, the first end of the transversal locking band <NUM> may be firmly fixed to the outer side of foot-case <NUM>, preferably at connecting hinge <NUM>, whereas the coupling assembly <NUM> may be structured so as to connect the second end of the transversal locking band <NUM> selectively and alternatively to the foot-case <NUM> and/or to the cuff <NUM>, along the inner side of the foot-case <NUM> and in proximity of the connecting hinge <NUM>.

In other words, in this variation the movable anchoring element <NUM> is fixed in a rigid and stable, though easily removable manner, on choice and alternatively to the foot-case <NUM> or to the cuff <NUM>, in proximity of the inner longitudinal edge 13b of protective tongue <NUM> and/or in proximity of the inner connecting hinge <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A ski boot (<NUM>) comprising: a substantially rigid foot-case (<NUM>) which is adapted to accommodate the user's foot and has the lower part structured to couple with a ski binding device; a substantially rigid cuff (<NUM>) which is adapted to surround the lower part of the user's leg and is pivotally joined to the foot-case (<NUM>) so as to be able to rotate about a transversal axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the ski boot; a protective tongue and/or gaiter (<NUM>, <NUM>) that closes the upper part of the foot-case (<NUM>); and foot-case closing means (<NUM>) adapted to selectively close/tighten the foot-case (<NUM>) on the user's foot;
said foot-case closing means (<NUM>) including an oblong, transversal locking band (<NUM>) with a flexible and substantially inextensible structure, which extends transversally to the midplane of the ski boot, astride of and flush to the protective tongue and/or gaiter (<NUM>, <NUM>), and has a first end firmly fixed/connected to a first lateral side of the foot-case (<NUM>);
wherein the foot-case closing means (<NUM>) additionally comprise a manually-operated coupling assembly (<NUM>) which is adapted to connect the second end of said transversal locking band (<NUM>) selectively and alternatively to one between the foot-case (<NUM>) and the cuff (<NUM>), at a second lateral side of the foot-case (<NUM>) opposite to said first lateral side, and is adapted to tighten and keep tightened said transversal locking band (<NUM>).