Patent Description:
With reference to a motorcycling boot, it is known that the legs and the ankles of a motorcyclist, in particular of a motocross rider, during a race are subject to various types of stresses, such as compressive, flexing and twisting stresses. It is also known that legs and ankles, in the event of accidental falls or impacts, may be subject to injuries which may also be serious in nature.

In order to limit as far as possible such risks, during recent years special boots have been developed and have improved significantly the level of safety offered to motorcyclists.

In particular, the safety of conventional leather boots has been increased greatly by means of the introduction of suitable protections made of rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material.

Said protections, which are affixed in the zones of the leg or foot which are most exposed to injury, such as the instep and toes, shin or calf muscle, may be directly injected onto the upper forming the boot or may be affixed onto the upper by means of suitable gluing or by means of special stitches.

By using such protections not only are the motorcyclist's leg, ankle and foot suitably protected against any impacts or sliding friction on the ground, but also the forces which are generated following an impact or an accident are prevented from causing unnatural movements of the lower limb.

In such boots the freedom of movement of the leg with respect to the foot, in particular the forward and backward flexing movement, is ensured by leaving without protection some specific zones of the boot upper, such as the zones of the upper in the region of the ankle.

In this way a certain freedom of movement of the foot with respect to the leg is ensured, while keeping it, together with the ankle, protected and supported.

In order to improve the comfort of the boot it is also known to provide the protections arranged on the rear portion and the front portion of the boot with suitable lugs designed to engage slidably inside corresponding seats provided in adjacent protections.

Such a type of boot is described for example in European patent <CIT> in the name of the present Applicant. Other sport footwear is disclosed in document <CIT>.

The lugs of the protections are designed on the one hand to guide the movements of the rider's leg when riding and on the other hand to prevent the occurrence of dangerous twisting of the ankle about the longitudinal axis of the leg.

These boots, although widely used, are not without defects.

The protections with the associated lugs inevitably result in an increase in the weight of the boot.

Moreover, even if suitably shaped, the protections and the associated lugs cause stiffening of the boot upper such that the movements of the foot and the leg are less natural.

Furthermore, the lugs of the protections, even though they are shaped so as to limit the forward and backward flexing movements of the leg with respect to the foot, are not effective in absorbing or cushioning the impacts acting on the rider's ankles after a jump. In fact, when the motorcyclist lands on the ground, since the foot is resting on the footrest of the motorcycle, the entire weight of the rider's body is transmitted onto the legs which in turn cause sudden compression of the ankles and lower joints.

The lugs prevent the occurrence of excessive flexing and compression, but are unable to dampen the repeated shock effects acting on the ankle. These shock effects in the long run may cause fatigue for the rider.

Finally, the protections and the associated lugs do not have an elastic behavior which allows them to recover independently their "neutral" configuration, namely the position which they would assume in the absence of external stresses.

After forward or backward flexing of the leg, the rider is therefore not helped to reposition the boot in a neutral position where the longitudinal axis of the leg is substantially perpendicular to the surface supporting the sole.

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, a task of the present invention is that of providing sport footwear which ensures suitable protection for the user, but at the same time does not limit the freedom of movement of the leg and the foot.

Moreover, a task of the present invention is to provide sport footwear which is able to control effectively the forward and backward flexing movements of the leg with respect to the foot, gradually increasing the resistance offered to any excessive forward or backward flexing movements of the leg.

Furthermore, a task of the present invention is to provide sport footwear which is able to help the motorcyclist, following a forward or backward flexing movement of the leg, to recover a neutral position where the foot is positioned substantially perpendicular to the leg. Finally, a task of the present invention is to provide a flex adjustment device having a simplified structure and configured to control the forward or backward flexing movements of sport footwear.

The object and the main tasks described above are achieved with sport footwear according to claim <NUM>.

The characteristic features and further advantages of the invention will emerge from the description, provided hereinbelow, of a number of examples of embodiment, provided by way of a non-limiting illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

With reference to the attached figures the present invention relates to sport footwear <NUM>. In particular, the present invention relates to a motorcycling boot, preferably a motocross boot.

Below specific reference will be made to a motorcycling boot, even though the principles of the present invention may be advantageously applied also to different types of sport footwear. In the description below "front" will be used to identify the part of the boot, or its single components, which are relatively closer to the toe of the foot, while "rear" will be used to indicate the part of the boot, or its single components, which are relatively closer to the heel. Similarly, "upper" will refer to the part of the boot, or its single components, which are relatively more distant from the ground, while "lower" will be used to indicate the part of the boot, or its single components, which are relatively closer to the ground.

With reference firstly to <FIG>, the boot <NUM> comprises a sole <NUM> and an upper <NUM> in turn comprising a lower portion <NUM>, suitable for wrapping around the user's foot and ankle, and a leg piece <NUM>, suitable for wrapping around the user's leg.

The leg piece <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis L which, when the boot is in use and is not stressed by external forces, extends perpendicularly with respect to the surface T on which the sole <NUM> ideally rests. Below this condition will be defined as being a "neutral" condition. The upper <NUM> is preferably made of leather, leather-like or a synthetic fabric and is formed by several parts which generally are joined together by means of stitching.

The sole <NUM> is generally made of polymeric material, for example vulcanized rubber or polyurethane, and is fixed to the upper by means of gluing or stitches. The sole <NUM> may also be directly injection-molded onto the upper <NUM>.

As can be clearly seen in <FIG>, the boot <NUM> may comprise rigid or semi-rigid protections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> made of polymeric material.

These protections, in a known manner, are affixed to the upper <NUM> by means of suitable stitches or mechanical fastening means or using known gluing methods. The protections may also be directly over-molded onto the upper <NUM>.

The boot <NUM> preferably comprises a protection for the upper part of the shin <NUM> and a protection for the heel and the Achille's tendon <NUM>, which may extend towards the front so as to protect also the toe and the bottom part of the foot.

Advantageously, the boot <NUM> may also comprise a lateral protection <NUM>, which is arranged on the outer side surface of the boot and which may surround also the top part of the leg so as to protect also the calf muscle. This protection <NUM> is preferably composed of a lower portion 8a and an upper portion 8b which may be hinged together by means of hinging means, for example a pin, suitable for defining a lateral axis of rotation Pl (see <FIG>).

As can be clearly seen in <FIG>, the upper portion 8b of the lateral protection <NUM> may also be provided with a rear appendage 8c suitable for protecting the calf muscle of the user.

The boot <NUM> may comprise a middle protection <NUM>, which is arranged on the inner side surface of the boot and which may also surround the upper part of the foot, so as to protect the instep and the lower part of the shin.

This protection <NUM> is preferably composed of a lower portion 9a and an upper portion 9b which may be hinged together by means of hinging means, for example a pin, suitable for defining a middle axis of rotation Pm (see <FIG>).

As can be clearly seen in <FIG>, the upper portion 9b of the middle protection <NUM> may be provided with a front appendage 9c suitable for protecting the lower part of the motorcyclist's shin, while the lower portion 9a of the middle protection <NUM> may be provided with a front appendage 9d suitable for protecting the instep.

Different arrangements for the protections, as regards both their number and their position and extension, may be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art.

The arrangement of suitable hinging means along the middle axis of rotation Pm and the lateral axis of rotation Pl ensures that the leg piece <NUM> is able to flex in a controlled manner forward and backward with respect to the lower portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. At the same time, these hinging means prevent dangerous rotations of the foot around the longitudinal axis L. As can be seen in <FIG>, the lateral axis of rotation Pl and the middle axis of rotation Pm of the boot <NUM> may be staggered relative to each other. It is well-known in the art, in fact, that the leg rotates with respect to the foot about a transverse axis of rotation which, during the various movements of the foot, varies continuously, while remaining in each particular instant in an area approximately positioned in the region of the malleoli.

The provision of two separate transverse axes of rotation Pl, Pm allows the boot to adapt better to the movements of the user's foot and leg.

In the description below, for greater clarity, it is assumed that these axes of rotation coincide with each other (see for example <FIG>).

As shown schematically in <FIG>, the boot <NUM> is also provided with one or more fasteners 10a, 10b, 10c which have the function of closing together the opposite flaps of the upper <NUM> in order to allow the latter to adhere to the user's leg.

In a known manner each fastener 10a, 10b, 10c comprises a lever <NUM>, fixed to a first flap of the upper, and a strap <NUM>, fixed to a second flap of the upper <NUM>.

In detail, the lever <NUM> is preferably fixed, for example by means of rivets or similar fixing means, in a mounting seat <NUM> fixed directly or indirectly to the upper <NUM>.

This mounting seat <NUM> is preferably made of polymeric material and is suitably shaped to receive the lever <NUM> when the latter is in the closed position, i.e. when it is arranged against the upper (see <FIG>).

Advantageously, the mounting seat <NUM> may be made as one piece with one of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot. Alternatively, the mounting seat <NUM> may be an insert fixed to the upper or to one of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot.

With reference to <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> of the fastener 10a situated opposite the instep may be formed directly in the appendage 9d of the middle protection <NUM>. Alternatively, the mounting seat <NUM> of the fastener 10a may be an insert which is inserted into or affixed to said appendage 9d.

Similarly, the mounting seat <NUM> of the fastener 10b situated opposite the shin may be formed directly in the appendage 9c of the middle protection <NUM>. Alternatively, the mounting seat <NUM> of the fastener 10b may be an insert inserted into or affixed to said appendage 9c.

The strap <NUM>, in turn, has preferably a first end fixed slidably inside a slot <NUM>, also made of polymeric material and fixed to the corresponding flap of the upper <NUM>, and a second end provided with a fastening element <NUM> intended to be releasably engaged with the lever <NUM>. The structure of the fasteners 10a, 10b, 10c and the methods for adjusting the length of the strap <NUM> will not be described in detail since well-known to the person skilled in the art.

Still with reference to <FIG>, the boot <NUM> according to the invention is provided with a flex adjustment device <NUM> preferably made of polymeric material.

This flex adjustment device <NUM>, referred to below in short as "adjustment device <NUM>", is configured to be mounted in a flexing area of the upper <NUM> of the boot <NUM>.

The adjustment device <NUM> may be removably mounted on the boot <NUM>. This fixing operation may be performed in a known manner by means of screws, rivets or similar fixing means. Alternatively, the adjustment device <NUM> may be fixed in a non-removable manner to the boot <NUM>, for example being overinjected onto a portion of the upper <NUM>.

Preferably, the adjustment device <NUM> is fixed to the upper <NUM> or to one of the semi-rigid protections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the boot <NUM>.

In particular, the adjustment device <NUM> is intended to be placed between two rigid or semi-rigid protections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the boot <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and as will become clear from the description below, this adjustment device <NUM> advantageously limits the forward flexing movements, indicated by the arrow Ff, and the backwards flexing movements, indicated by the arrow Rf, of the leg piece <NUM> with respect to the lower portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM> so as to avoid unnatural movements of the leg and the foot of the user wearing the boot <NUM>, preventing possible injuries.

In the embodiment of the boot <NUM> shown in the accompanying figures, the adjustment device <NUM> is positioned in a connecting area between the lower portion <NUM> and the leg piece <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, for example opposite the instep. This area, shown in <FIG>, is schematically indicated by means of the circle J. In particular, the adjustment device <NUM> is placed between the upper portion 9b and the lower portion 9a of the middle protection <NUM>. Even more particularly, the device <NUM> is placed between the appendage 9c and the appendage 9d of the middle protection <NUM> (these protections are schematically shown in <FIG>).

However, an adjustment device <NUM> may be provided alternatively, or in addition, also in a second connecting area between the lower portion <NUM> and the leg piece <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, for example in an area situated above the Achille's tendon. This area is schematically indicated by the circle K. With reference to the embodiment of the boot <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in this case the adjustment device <NUM> may be arranged between the protection on the heel <NUM> and the appendage 8c of the lateral protection <NUM>.

Similarly, an adjustment device <NUM> may be provided on the portion of the upper <NUM> designed to be arranged over the shin or on the portion of the upper <NUM> designed to be arranged over the calf muscle. These areas are respectively indicated by the circle W (see <FIG>) and by the circle Y (see <FIG>).

In these embodiments also, the adjustment device <NUM> is preferably placed between corresponding rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM> which are designed to protect respectively the shin and the calf muscle of the user.

The zones indicated by the circles W and Y, while not being arranged in a connecting area between the lower part and the leg piece of the upper, are in any case to be regarded as flexing areas of the upper and during the forward and backward movements of the leg piece are subject to compressive or tensile forces.

Obviously, a boot <NUM> in accordance with the present invention may be provided with one or more adjustment devices <NUM> combined if necessary with each other and positioned in different flexing areas of the upper <NUM> in order to satisfy further specific requirements. Reference is now made to <FIG> for a description of the structure of the adjustment device <NUM>.

In accordance with the invention, the adjustment device <NUM> comprises at least one first transverse rib <NUM> and one second transverse rib <NUM> which, when the adjustment device <NUM> is fixed to the boot <NUM>, extend at right angles with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the leg piece <NUM>.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the transverse ribs <NUM> and <NUM> are connected together by a longitudinal constraint member <NUM>. In particular the longitudinal constraint member <NUM> connects corresponding ends of the transverse ribs <NUM> and <NUM>.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the transverse ribs <NUM> and <NUM> are also fastened together by means of a reinforcing element <NUM>. This reinforcing element <NUM> extends parallel to the constraint member <NUM> and preferably connects corresponding middle portions of the two transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>.

As will become clear from the description below, the function of the reinforcing element <NUM> is to prevent, during use of the boot <NUM>, following high compressive forces acting on the adjustment device <NUM>, the two transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM> from flexing excessively and coming into contact with each other.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the reinforcing element <NUM> may be positioned inclined with respect to the two transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and the constraint member <NUM>.

Advantageously in this embodiment the reinforcing element <NUM> allows more effective distribution of any compressive forces acting on the two transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the adjustment device <NUM> comprises a third transverse rib <NUM> which is also fastened to the longitudinal constraint member <NUM> and positioned between the first and second transverse ribs. Preferably, the third transverse rib <NUM> extends in a central position between the first and second transverse ribs.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a reinforcing element <NUM>, arranged inclined with respect to the transverse ribs, may fasten together the three transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

In accordance with a further embodiment, which is not shown but may be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art, the three transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected together by a reinforcing element <NUM> arranged along a longitudinal direction, in a manner similar to that shown in <FIG>.

Obviously, an adjustment device <NUM> may comprise, remaining within the scope of the present invention, a different number of transverse ribs and a different number of reinforcing elements in order to satisfy specific requirements.

Different arrangements of the reinforcing element <NUM> may also be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art in order to meet specific needs.

The adjustment device <NUM> may be fixed to one of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM>. The adjustment device <NUM> may be fixed to one of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM> by means of a lug <NUM> provided preferably on the longitudinal constraint member <NUM>.

For example, with reference to the embodiment of the boot <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the adjustment device <NUM> may be fixed by means of the lug <NUM> to the protection 9a. This connection is also clearly visible in <FIG>.

As shown schematically in <FIG>, the adjustment device <NUM> may be shaped so as to extend along a curve R, so as to adapt better to the upper and be able to follow better the anatomy of the user's leg and foot.

The single transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, in turn, have preferably a hollow profile. As shown schematically in <FIG>, the ribs preferably have a profile with a C-shaped cross-section. Obviously ribs with profiles having a different cross-section may be used in order to satisfy specific requirements.

The specific configuration of the ribs is such that the adjustment device <NUM>, as a whole, has an accordion profile which provides the adjustment element <NUM> with an elastic behavior.

As will be explained in detail below, the adjustment device, when subjected to compressive or tensile forces, will tend to be compressed or extend and then return into its neutral configuration, once the external forces cease to act.

In particular, when the adjustment device <NUM> is subject to compression, the transverse ribs tend to move towards each other and at the same time the corresponding C-shaped cross-sections of the ribs tend to be deformed, moving closer together.

Similarly, when the adjustment device <NUM> is subject to a tensile force, the transverse ribs tend to move away from each other and at the same time the corresponding cross-sections of the ribs tend to be deformed, moving away from each other.

In both cases, once the compressive or tensile force ceases to act, the transverse ribs will tend to recover their original position and the corresponding cross-sections resume a profile with a C-shaped cross-section.

As mentioned above, the provision of any reinforcing element <NUM> advantageously has the effect that the transverse ribs, when subjected to compression, do not move towards each other by more than a given amount. Similarly, in the case where tensile forces act on the adjustment device <NUM>, the reinforcing element <NUM> ensures that the transverse ribs are not spaced from each other by more than a given amount.

As can be clearly seen in <FIG>, the upper profile <NUM> of the first rib <NUM> and the lower profile <NUM> of the second rib <NUM> are step shaped so as to be able to act as stops.

As will be described below, in the case where a rigid or semi-rigid protection of the boot, following movements of the user's leg, comes into contact with the ribs of the adjustment device <NUM>, the provision of these stepped profiles <NUM>, <NUM> ensures that the protection is locked in position and cannot slide above the adjustment device <NUM>.

At the same time, the accordion structure of the adjustment device <NUM> ensures that the contact between protection and stepped profile is cushioned.

The elastic behavior of the adjustment device <NUM> is also assisted by a specific choice as to the thicknesses of the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the reinforcing element <NUM>.

The thickness of the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and any reinforcing element <NUM> present may be varied with respect to each other depending on the position of the adjustment device <NUM> and the flexing movement which is to be controlled.

With reference to <FIG>, provided by way of example, the thickness q of the reinforcing element <NUM> may be greater than the thickness u of the central rib <NUM>.

Similarly, the thicknesses of the first and second transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM> may be greater than the thickness of the central rib <NUM> and the thickness of the reinforcing element <NUM>.

The elastic behavior of the adjustment device <NUM> is also assisted by the choice and the hardness of the polymeric materials from which it is made.

In this case also, the hardness and the type of polymeric materials from which the adjustment device <NUM> is made may be chosen depending on the position of the adjustment device <NUM> and the flexing movement which is to be controlled.

The adjustment device <NUM> is preferably made of thermoplastic polymeric material using an injection-molding process. Preferably, the adjustment device <NUM> is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyamide (PA) or using a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or a similar polymeric material. Preferably, the adjustment device <NUM>, considered as a whole, is semi-rigid. Advantageously, as shown schematically in <FIG>, the adjustment device <NUM> may be made by combining two different polymeric materials S, H which have different mechanical properties. The adjustment device <NUM> may be made using a first material S and second material H, where the first material S has a hardness, measured for example as a Shore A hardness value, less than that of the second material H.

Two different compounds may also be used, i.e. a harder compound H and a softer compound S of the same polymeric material.

With reference to <FIG>, preferably the material or compound H with a greater hardness is used to form the central rib <NUM> and the inner profile of the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>. The material or the compound S with a lower hardness is used to form the reinforcing element <NUM> and the outer profile of the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>. As can be clearly seen in <FIG>, in the region of the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM> the material or the compound S with a lower hardness is intended to be arranged on top of the material or the compound H with a higher hardness. The softer material or compound influences the elongation, the flexing resistance and the sliding resistance of the adjustment device <NUM>, while the harder material or compound provides the adjustment device <NUM> with stability and strength.

With reference to <FIG>, the adjustment device <NUM> may be provided with at least one lug <NUM>, <NUM> extending at the top from the first transverse rib <NUM> or at the bottom from the second transverse rib <NUM>.

Preferably, the adjustment device <NUM> comprises a first lug <NUM> extending at the top from the first transverse rib <NUM> and a second lug <NUM> extending at the bottom from the second transverse rib <NUM>.

The lugs <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be positioned underneath the rigid or semi-rigid protections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, which are situated adjacent to the adjustment device <NUM>.

Preferably, the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be positioned inside corresponding seats provided in the inner surface, i.e. in the surface facing the upper <NUM>, of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM>.

Advantageously, the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> may be fixed in position or slidably received inside said seats.

As will be explained in greater detail below, the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> help control the forward and backward flexing movements of the boot.

In the attached figures the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> are provided in an adjustment device <NUM> which has three transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Lugs <NUM>, <NUM> may also be provided in the adjustment device <NUM> shown in <FIG> or in an adjustment device with four or more transverse ribs.

With specific reference to <FIG>, the lower lug <NUM> may be provided with at least one fixing hole <NUM>, <NUM>, by means of which the lug <NUM> - and consequently the adjustment device <NUM> - may be fixed to one of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM>.

With reference to the embodiment of the boot shown in <FIG>, in the case where the adjustment device <NUM> is arranged opposite the instep, the lug <NUM> may be advantageously fixed to the protection 9d.

In particular, in the case where the mounting seat <NUM> of the fastener 10a situated opposite the instep is formed as one piece with the appendage 9d of the middle protection <NUM>, the lug <NUM> may be fixed underneath the mounting seat <NUM>.

In this way, a fixing hole <NUM>, <NUM> of the lug <NUM> may be directly engaged by the rivet used to fix the lever <NUM> to the mounting seat <NUM>.

With reference again to <FIG>, the upper lug <NUM> may advantageously be provided with two guide recesses <NUM>, <NUM>.

These guide recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, which are suitably shaped, have the function of guiding any sliding movement of the lug <NUM> underneath the adjacent protection of the boot. In particular, in the case where the upper lug <NUM> is configured to slide underneath a mounting seat <NUM> for a fastener of the boot <NUM>, these recesses are intended to slidably engage the bottom portion of the rivets with which the lever <NUM> is fixed to the seat <NUM>.

In this case, the bottom portion of the rivets acts as a guiding means for the lug <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the lower lug <NUM> may be provided with a guide recess <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the upper lug <NUM> may be provided with a fixing hole <NUM>, by means of which the lug <NUM>, and consequently the adjustment device <NUM>, may be fixed to one of the rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM>.

With reference to the embodiment of the boot shown in <FIG>, in the case where the adjustment device <NUM> is arranged opposite the instep, the lug <NUM> may be advantageously fixed to the protection 9c.

As described above, in the case where the mounting seat <NUM> of the fastener 10b situated opposite the shin-bone of the foot is formed as one piece with the appendage 9c of the middle protection <NUM>, the lug <NUM> may be fixed underneath the corresponding mounting seat <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, fixing holes <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in both the lugs <NUM>, <NUM>. In this case both the lugs <NUM>, <NUM>, and consequently the adjustment device <NUM>, will be fixed to adjacent protections of the boot.

With reference to <FIG>, relating to the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the reinforcing element <NUM>, the comments made above in connection with <FIG> are also applicable here.

With reference to the lugs <NUM>, <NUM>, preferably the upper lug <NUM> is made with a material or with a compound S having a lower hardness, calculated for example as a Shore A hardness value, than a second material or a second compound forming the adjustment device <NUM>.

Similarly, the second lug <NUM> is preferably made using a harder material or compound H, which may be lined with a softer material or compound S.

As will be described below, the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to come into contact with the adjacent surfaces of the boot protections, underneath which they slide, if the forward or backward flexing of the leg piece exceeds given values.

The manufacture of these lugs using a softer material has the effect that, in the event of relative sliding of the lugs and protections, there is a greater friction and therefore a greater possibility of limiting the relative movements of the adjustment device <NUM> and protections and therefore of controlling flexing of the boot.

At the same time, in the case where the lugs are made of a harder material, a greater solidity of the adjustment device <NUM>, considered as a whole, will be ensured.

The choice of one of the embodiments of the adjustment device <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be performed depending on the type of adjustment which is to be made to the forward and backward flexing movements of the boot <NUM>.

Assuming that the adjustment device <NUM> is arranged opposite the instep between the two protections 9a and 9b, in particular between the respective appendages 9d and 9c, the embodiment shown in <FIG>, being able to be rigidly fixed to the appendage 9d, allows the forward flexing Ff of the boot <NUM> to be controlled, while the backward flexing may be limited by the friction which is generated between the lug <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> and the appendage 9c of the protection 9b.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> also allows both the forward flexing and the backward flexing of the boot to be controlled, however, since the lug <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> is no longer rigidly fixed to the appendage 9d, it allows the boot to flex backward by a greater amount compared to the embodiment of <FIG>.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> allows control of both the forward flexing movement, by means of the interference between the guide recess <NUM> and a possible projecting part of the protection 9d, for example the rivet by means of which the lever is fixed to the protection 9d, and the backward flexing movement.

In this case, since the lug <NUM> is rigidly fixed to the protection 9c, the adjustment device <NUM> allows the boot <NUM> to flex backwards by a smaller amount compared to the embodiment of <FIG>.

Finally, with reference to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, since both the upper lug <NUM> and the lower lug <NUM> are rigidly fixed to the respective adjacent protections 9c, 9d, the adjustment device <NUM> allows the boot to flex forward and backward by a smaller amount compared to the embodiments of <FIG>.

Reference is now made to <FIG> for an explanation of the operating principle of the adjustment device <NUM>.

In these figures specific reference is made to the embodiment of the adjustment device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, it being assumed that it is arranged between the protections 9a and 9b, in particular between the appendages 9d and 9c thereof.

It is also assumed that the adjustment device <NUM> is rigidly fixed to the protection 9a not only by means of the lug <NUM>, but also by means of the holes <NUM>, <NUM> which are designed to be engaged by corresponding fixing means provided in the region of the mounting seat <NUM>.

The following comments also apply to the case where the adjustment device <NUM> is situated in a different zone of the upper and between different rigid or semi-rigid protections of the boot <NUM>.

<FIG> shows, for greater clarity, only the middle protection <NUM> and the adjustment device <NUM>. It is clear how a forward or backward flexing of the leg piece <NUM> with respect to the lower portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM> causes a rotation of the upper portion 9b with respect to the lower portion 9a of the middle protection <NUM> about the axis of rotation Pm.

As schematically shown in <FIG>, the adjustment device <NUM> may be affixed to the middle protection <NUM> so that, in a neutral configuration, i.e. a configuration in which there are no external forces acting on the boot <NUM>, the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM> are situated close to, preferably in contact with, the adjacent lower edge <NUM> and upper adjacent edge <NUM> of the protections 9c and 9d.

Advantageously, as shown again in <FIG>, the lower profile of the protection 9c and the upper profile of the protection 9d may each have a flexing point <NUM>, <NUM> designed to favor, in combination with the adjustment device <NUM>, the forward and backward flexing of the boot <NUM> as well as recovery of the neutral configuration, once the compressive and tensile forces have ceased.

Reference is now made to <FIG> which show the positioning of the adjustment device <NUM> between the protections 9c and 9d. <FIG> shows the positioning of the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the adjacent protections 9c, 9d. As already mentioned, the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged so as to face corresponding inner surfaces of the respective protections.

<FIG> shows in schematic form the adjustment device <NUM> with the boot <NUM> in the neutral configuration. It is assumed in this configuration that the longitudinal axis L1 of the protection 9b is perpendicular.

In this configuration, the transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced from each other by a distance c. The adjustment device <NUM> is also in a neutral configuration, not being compressed by the protections 9c, 9d of the boot <NUM>.

In the case where the leg piece of the boot <NUM> is subject to a forward flexing movement (indicated by Ff in <FIG>), the protection 9b will be subject to a rotation in the anticlockwise direction about the axis of rotation Pm. This rotation is schematically indicated by a rotation of the axis L1 about the axis of rotation Pm equal to an angle α.

As already mentioned, the lower lug <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> is rigidly locked together with the protection 9d and therefore cannot slide underneath it. Therefore the rotation of the protection 9b causes a compression, by the lower edge <NUM>, of the upper transverse rib <NUM>. The accordion structure of the adjustment device <NUM> is such that the latter may be subject to a compression. In other words, the upper transverse rib <NUM> moves towards the lower transverse rib <NUM> owing to a compression of the reinforcing element <NUM> and a deformation of the cross-sections of the ribs.

Following this compression, the transverse ribs are spaced from each other by a distance c1 which is less than the distance c which can be measured in a neutral configuration.

The particular form of the adjustment device <NUM> is able not only to limit the rotation of the appendage 9b, but also to dampen the impact between the appendage 9d and the transverse rib <NUM>. In fact, the adjustment device <NUM> acts in the manner of an elastic element arranged between the two protections 9c and 9d.

Moreover, the energy stored by the adjustment device <NUM>, once the compressive force acting on the transverse rib <NUM> ceases, is released by the adjustment device <NUM> which therefore makes it easier for the user to reposition the boot in the neutral configuration, reducing the fatigue to which the lower limbs are subject. The adjustment device <NUM>, once the compressive force ceases, tends to recover its neutral configuration (see <FIG>).

Similarly, in the case where the leg piece of the boot <NUM> is subject to a backward flexing movement (indicated by Rf in <FIG>), the protection 9b will be subject to a corresponding rotation in the clockwise direction about the axis of rotation Pm. This rotation is schematically indicated by a rotation of the axis L1 about the axis of rotation Pm equal to an angle β (see <FIG>).

Following rotation, the protection 9c comes into contact with the lug <NUM> since the latter, extending substantially vertically from the transverse rib <NUM>, interferes with the rotational movement of the protection 9c. In particular, the protection 9c with its inner surface comes into sliding contact with the lug <NUM>.

This movement is opposed by the friction which is generated between the surfaces and causes backward flexing of the lug <NUM>. The amplitude of this flexing movement depends both on the rotation of the protection 9b and on the resistance of the lug <NUM>, which in turn depends on the material from which the latter is made.

The backward flexing of the upper lug <NUM>, together with the fact that the lower lug <NUM> is locked at the protection 9d, causes an increase in the distance c2 between the transverse ribs <NUM> and <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM>.

In this configuration, the adjustment device <NUM> is therefore subject to an elongation caused by a deformation of the profile of the transverse ribs and also by an elongation of the reinforcing element <NUM> where applicable.

In this case also, the adjustment device <NUM> is able to release the energy stored during elongation, so as to make it easier for the user to reposition the boot in the neutral configuration, once the external stresses cease to act. The adjustment device <NUM> tends in fact to recover the neutral configuration of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, which schematically illustrate the aforementioned movements of the protection 9b with respect to the protection 9a, the distance d indicates the distance between the lower edge <NUM> of the protection 9d and the upper edge <NUM> of the protection 9c.

Depending on the way in which the adjustment device <NUM> is fixed to the protection 9c, essentially the distance d coincides with the distance c between the two transverse ribs <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, in the case of forward flexing (see <FIG>), the distance d1 between the lower edge <NUM> of the protection 9d and the upper edge <NUM> of the protection 9c coincides substantially with the distance c1 between the two transverse ribs.

In the case of backward flexing (see <FIG>), the distance d2 between the lower edge <NUM> of the protection 9d and the upper edge <NUM> of the protection 9c may be greater than the distance c2 between the ribs.

These distances will be substantially equal to each other in the case where both the lugs <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustment device <NUM> are fixed to the adjacent protections (see embodiment of the adjustment device shown in <FIG>).

From the above description, it is now clear how the sport footwear, in particular the motorcycling boot according to the present invention, is able advantageously to achieve the predefined objects.

In particular, the boot according to the present invention, owing to the provision of the adjustment device <NUM>, together with the rigid or semi-rigid protections affixed to the upper, provides the user with a better level of protection, without limiting the freedom of movement of the foot and the leg piece.

Moreover, the adjustment device <NUM>, owing to the its particular structure, acts as a cushioning element between two adjacent protections of the boot, thus controlling the forward and backward flexing movements of the leg and gradually increasing the resistance to any excessive and unnatural movements of the leg.

Furthermore, the provision of the adjustment device <NUM> does not negatively influence the overall weight of the boot and, owing to its particular structure, increases the breathability of the boot without reducing the protection against impacts or friction.

Finally, the particular structure of the adjustment device <NUM>, owing to its particular accordion configuration, helps the user to reposition the boot in its neutral position following a forward or backward flexing movement, reducing the fatigue affecting the user.

Obviously, the above description of an embodiment applying the innovative principles of the present invention is provided by way of example of these innovative principles and must therefore not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed herein.

For example, the characteristic features of the various solutions shown here may be combined with each other according to specific needs and wishes.

Claim 1:
Sport footwear (<NUM>) comprising:
- a sole (<NUM>);
- an upper (<NUM>) comprising a lower portion (<NUM>), suitable for wrapping around the user's foot and ankle, and a leg piece (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and suitable for wrapping around the user's leg;
- a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid protections (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) affixed to the upper (<NUM>);
- a flex adjustment device (<NUM>); wherein said flex adjustment device (<NUM>) comprises at least one first transverse rib (<NUM>) and one second transverse rib (<NUM>),
and wherein said flex adjustment device (<NUM>) is configured to be affixed in a flexing area of the upper (<NUM>), so as to limit the forward (Ff) or backward (Rf) flexing movements of the leg piece (<NUM>) with respect to the lower portion (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>),
characterized in that
said flex adjustment device (<NUM>) is configured to be placed between two of said rigid or semi-rigid protections (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and in that
said at least one first transverse rib (<NUM>) and said at least one second transverse rib (<NUM>) are connected together by means of a longitudinal constraint member (<NUM>).