EP0753267B1 - Snowboard boot comprising an internal shell and a rigid articulated dorsal part - Google Patents

Abstract

The boot has a sole (1) to which a relatively supple leg (2) is joined. A rigid shell (4) covers part of the sole and extends upwards, at the back, to cover the heel. A rigid back part (6) is articulated on the back of the shell (42) at the inner side of the boot. The axis of articulation of the back part (O) forms an angle of inclination of 20-45 deg with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the boot. The axis is inclined downwards from the back to the front and its angle is preferably near 30 deg.

Description

The present invention relates to a snowboard boot, in particular of the type flexible particularly suitable for the practice of disciplines such as "free-ride" or "free-style".

Currently, boots of the flexible type are designed essentially as simple high shoes, waterproof and comfortable but having no role real in the transmission of efforts.

They must be adapted to hull-shaped retainers open with a rising rear element and sufficient straps to ensure tightening. The rear element must be rigid to promote support back in the so-called "back side" turns. These sets have many disadvantages. They are very bulky due to the presence of the straps and of the rear upright support. The adjustment of the straps must be renewed each time re-engagement of the shoe in the shell after each ascent. The tightening straps should be sufficient to hold the boot on the board; which leads to very often painful constriction points for the foot due to the flexibility of the upper. Finally, these shells poorly transmit the bending forces in all directions, including rear support, due to adaptation often imprecise of the rear element with the boot.

The surfer who practices the new disciplines is led to take support and adopt a very reclining attitude forward or backward. He needs then strongly bend one of the legs inward in the direction of a bringing one knee closer to the board. The other leg also undergoes a less pronounced lateral inclination outwards. To facilitate flexing of the leg inward while maintaining a certain balance, the surfer can bend the knee; which causes the lower leg to flex from back to front.

EP-A1-646334 relates to a snowboard boot which includes a flexible inner part in the shape of a shoe, an outer part also in the shape of a shoe, with a flexible upper, and is disposed between these two parts, a rigid insert on which is articulated at the height of the foot joint and from the lower leg along an axis passing through the longitudinal plane of the shoe, a rigid dorsal part which encloses the calf.

This shoe has the advantage of favoring the taking of turns "back side "efficiently thanks to the rigid dorsal part inserted directly into the shoe while maintaining a certain lateral laxity, indifferently on the side inside or outside, to allow the surfer to adopt leg positions more or less flexed. The shoe also retains the comfort of a boot of the type flexible by the presence of an internal liner and an external flexible upper. This comfort is appreciable especially during the use of the shoe for the market. But such a shoe still uses a binding of the "shell" type with tightening straps, the drawbacks of which have been mentioned above.

In addition, the shoe according to this invention also has drawbacks which are important dissatisfaction factors and which limit their use. In particular, taking into account the position of the articulation axis in the plane longitudinal median, only the lateral flexion of the leg is actually taken into account account. The natural forward bending component of the lower leg is not particularly favored given the rigidity of the insert.

The articulation where all the efforts and constraints are concentrated is located along Achilles tendon; which creates a pain point very detrimental to comfort of the shoe. The tendon is all the more stressed when the surfer is in support rear because the lower part of the rigid dorsal part exerts pressure on the shell towards the inside of the heel under the lever joint.

The problem of comfort generated is accentuated by the choice of a construction internal insert and rigid dorsal part in the immediate vicinity of the foot.

In addition, the solution according to request EP-A1-646334 does not provide support lateral lateral necessary when the surfer is in the position to restart his board or in the skating phase, when one of the rear feet is detached from its board.

The present invention aims to provide a truly satisfactory solution to all the problems encountered by the solutions of the prior art mentioned previously. In particular, the invention aims to propose a boot of the flexible type which retains its qualities of comfort in all conditions of use while ensuring the transmission of essential forces for good control and good mastery of the board in the disciplines practiced.

Another object of the invention is to propose a boot which takes account of actually natural movements of internal and external flexions of each leg with an appropriate asymmetric solution.

Another object of the invention is to propose a boot which integrates the means essential tightening, thus dissociating the tightening functions and the retained on the board; so as to avoid the disadvantages of shell systems traditional.

For this, the invention relates to a snowboard boot comprising a sole intended to be attached to the board, a relatively flexible upper, mainly forming the outer part of the boot and connected to the sole, a rigid shell at least partly covering the sole and extending behind the the boot, upwards at the heel, and a rigid dorsal part, articulated on said shell and extending it upwards. The rigid dorsal part is articulated from the internal side of the boot, along a hinge axis forming an angle of inclination between 20 and 45 ° relative to the median longitudinal plane of the boot.

Thus localized, the joint is morphologically located in a hollow place between the internal malleolus and the achilles tendon. During rear supports, the part dorsal can deform inward without creating pain.

We can design a smaller range to respond to the most difficult situations. frequently encountered, depending on the position of the feet on the board. It is as well as the angle of inclination of the articulation axis is between 25 and 35 °, from preferably around 30 °, relative to the median longitudinal plane.

According to another characteristic, the articulation axis is oriented from the rear towards front and top to bottom, taking into account the slightly tilted position towards the front of the leg in the state of rest on the board.

Other complementary characteristics help improve the holding and tightening of the foot inside the boot. This is how the hull can include upwardly extending side edges to border the foot on each side, from a base partially covering at least the sole. Of even, the boot may also include a kick tightening strap which connects each side edge of the hull.

The direct connection of the strap to the shell allows more effective tightening in preserving the comfort of the foot.

• la figure 1 illustre de façon schématique la position d'un surfeur au cours de la pratique courante de la discipline ;
• la figure 1A est une vue de côté de l'articulation du bas de jambe selon l'axe longitudinal de la planche de snowboard ;
• la figure 2 est une vue du côté interne d'une botte de snowboard selon l'invention ;
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée de dessus de la coque rigide avec la partie dorsale destinée à s'y articuler ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la coque rigide avec la partie dorsale destinée à s'y articuler;
• la figure 5 montre schématiquement en vue de côté la partie de chaussure articulée en position debout du surfeur;
• la figure 6 montre schématiquement en vue de côté la partie de chaussure articulée lors de la flexion naturelle de la jambe vers l'intérieur;
• la figure 7 est similaire à la figure 5 mais en vue arrière ;
• la figure 8 est similaire à la figure 6 mais en vue arrière ;
• la figure 9 est une vue du côté externe de la botte de la figure 2;
• la figure 10 est une variante de la figure 9;

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, the implementation of the invention and in which:

• Figure 1 schematically illustrates the position of a surfer during the current practice of the discipline;
• FIG. 1A is a side view of the articulation of the lower leg along the longitudinal axis of the snowboard;
• Figure 2 is a view of the internal side of a snowboard boot according to the invention;
• Figure 3 is an exploded top view of the rigid shell with the dorsal portion intended to articulate therein;
• Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rigid shell with the dorsal portion intended to articulate therein;
• Figure 5 shows schematically in side view the shoe part hinged in the upright position of the surfer;
• Figure 6 shows schematically in side view the shoe part articulated during the natural bending of the leg inward;
• Figure 7 is similar to Figure 5 but in rear view;
• Figure 8 is similar to Figure 6 but in rear view;
• Figure 9 is a view of the outer side of the boot of Figure 2;
• Figure 10 is a variant of Figure 9;

Figure 1 illustrates the natural bending position frequently adopted by a surfer. The two feet are fixed to the board in a substantially oriented orientation transverse to the longitudinal axis of the board. The leg that flexes inner side (INT) is more inclined than the leg which flexes on the outer side (EXT).

The lower leg flexion is done both laterally and forward in because of the knee joint. In the maximum flexed position, the bottom of leg has a first component of lateral inclination α relative to the reference plane P, constituting the median longitudinal plane of the shoe. She also has a second component of inclination before α1 relative to the plane P1, perpendicular to P, and which constitutes the reference plane in which the leg is substantially inscribed in the uninflected position (FIG. 1A).

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the "flexible" type boot according to the invention which will be the subject of the following detailed description: in a manner known per se, the boot has an outer sole 1, adapted to the step, made of a wear-resistant material such as rubber by example. The sole includes an anchoring member 10 intended to cooperate with an additional locking member (not shown) integral with the board to form together a boot retainer on the board. In the example of FIG. 2, the anchoring member is presented as a pin oriented substantially longitudinally on the side of the sole. For more than details concerning the restraint, see French request unpublished No. 95 06169 belonging to the plaintiff. Of course, the organ anchor may look different and be located in another place by relation to the sole as in the examples contained in the request WO 95 26365.

The boot externally comprises a flexible rod 2 which connects to the sole 1 and which may consist of different parts made of different materials but all with a certain flexibility. In the example illustrated, the rod 2 is formed of a thin and impermeable rubber lower part 20 for example glued or riveted to the outer sole of wear 1, and an upper part 21 in fabric or leather, preferably sewn directly on the lower part 20.

Of course, the rod may also have a tongue and one or more laces not shown.

Inside the upper forming the outer part of the boot, is inserted a internal padded liner 3 which can rise more or less high on the calf and protrude from the rod for better comfort as shown in Figure 2. It is made of natural or synthetic textile material, leather, and can be padded by flexible foam, for example.

A rigid internal shell 4 is disposed between the external part formed by the sole 1 and upper 2, and the internal part constituted by the liner 3. This shell includes a base 40 in the form of a sole which extends from the heel to the limit inclined metatarsals. It is important that the insert does not extend further forward so as not to stiffen the front of the foot making walking difficult. This base can advantageously replace the first mounting sole in the construction of the rod, for example. The shell has a rigidity which must be greater than the rigidity of the rod 2 in particular. It is made up of preferably in injected plastic, reinforced or not. Among the subjects plastics likely to be suitable, one can quote for example the use of polyurethanes, polyamides, A.B.S., polypropylenes, etc. The thickness of the shell is preferably between 1 and 5 mm.

Side edges 41 extend upward from the base 40 of the shell as shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 4. These edges participate to the foot setting inside the hull and thus improve the transmission of efforts with the board. The edges are extended by two lateral ears 410 to which is secured a kick clamping strap 5 disposed meanwhile, outside the rod 2.

In its rear part 42, the shell 4 extends upwards and has a rounded and enveloping shape at the heel adapted to the morphology of the heel.

A rigid dorsal part 6 is articulated directly on the rear part 42 of the shell around an axis O inclined with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the boot. The rigid dorsal part covers part of the shell and extends in below the articulation 7 to form a rigid rear support necessary for the grip of so-called "back side turns". The dorsal part surrounds, at least in part, the calf. Its rigidity is greater than the rigidity of rod 2. It can be made in the same material as the shell. Preferably, it will be manufactured by thermoforming or by injection. In the example of figure 2, the dorsal part is located outside the boot, against the flexible outer rod 2. In this case, the joint simply passes right through the rod. This construction presents the advantage of facilitating the assembly operations of the boot. So the back part can be simply attached at the end of the chain. The adjustment of the dorsal part is also facilitated.

The rear part 42 of the shell must have sufficient rigidity in compression in the substantially vertical direction because the rear support forces during back side turns turn into compression forces on the part rear 42 due to the connection between the shell and the dorsal part.

The boot according to the mode shown is also provided with a means of tensile strength connecting the dorsal part 6 and the shell 4. This means is consisting of a single guy 8 passing on the internal side of the boot. The end top of the shroud is attached directly to the inner side of the back by an appropriate fixing means 80. The lower end is fixed through the rod at the front of the shell 4, preferably by a non-removable means 81 of the type rivet or whatever. To allow adjustment of the inclination of the dorsal part, the guy line is provided with a length adjusting means, such as, for example, a series of holes 82 made at the upper end. The guy wire is thus to be the exterior of the boot in the preferred embodiment. Therefore, the settings in length become more easily achievable without heaving. The guy line essentially has the function of withstanding traction during lateral support external exercises on the dorsal part, in the skating phase for example.

Of course, the boot can also be fitted with two side shrouds: one of the outer side, the other on the inner side of the boot, to provide more support balanced in traction, if necessary.

As shown in Figure 3, the back part is hinged on the inside (INT) of the boot around an axis O which makes an angle of inclination  relative to the median longitudinal plane P. According to the invention, this angle must necessarily be between 20 and 45 °.

Below 20 °, the lateral flexion component is favored to the detriment of the front bending component; which is not the goal. More, the joint being near the achilles tendon, the rear supports may cause pain due to pressure from the back below the joint 7.

Beyond 45 °, on the contrary, the forward bending component is favored whereas the rigidity, in particular at the level of the articulation, makes the lateral flexion difficult, if not impossible.

The dorsal part 6 is connected to the shell 4 at the articulation by any appropriate means allowing it to rotate freely around the axis O. Preferably, a rivet or an elastic clip 70 will be used.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the curved shape of the dorsal part is anatomical so as to fit the part of the calf for optimal comfort.

At the level of the overlap area, the shell and the rigid dorsal part have complementary shapes so as to limit the thickness. The joint being offset, we understand that this complementarity of the shapes will encourage bending inward (INT) of the boot while it will produce blocking points when outward bending (EXT) from a certain tilt threshold. The restraint of the leg outwards is advantageous especially in the phases stimulus when the other leg is detached from the board and is used to advance it.

Also advantageously, the flexural rigidity of the shell decreases gradually from at least the middle zone to its end anterior. This facilitates the unrolled movement of the front part of the foot at the level of the metatarsal joint during walking. Different means can be considered to achieve this characteristic. As shown in the figure 4, the side edges 41 have a height which decreases progressively towards the front. Finally, for a comparable result, the base 40 can include zones localized attenuation or have a thickness which decreases gradually forward.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the base 40 of the shell can advantageously include a recess 44 at the heel. This recess can be filled with a flexible material, preferably a shock absorbing foam for example. This promotes walking comfort when attacking the heel on floor.

As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, the anchoring means 10 of the boot, which has an anchor plate 100 and a lateral pin 101 which is integral with it and intended to cooperate with a locking means fixed to the board, is directly connected to the shell 4 at three fixed points at least 10a, 10b, 10c. A such a construction allows a better transmission of forces and times support by the power circuit thus created.

Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the kinematics of the rigid and articulated assembly formed by the shell 4 and the dorsal part 6. Before bending, the reference line L represents the intersection of the median longitudinal plane P and the reference plane P1 (Figures 5 and 7). This line L moves at an angle α1 forwards with respect to the plane P1 during the natural flexion movement of the lower leg (Figure 6). In the at the same time, the line L moves at an angle α inward (INT) relative to the plane P (figure 8).

Figure 9 illustrates the external view of the boot according to the embodiment previous showing only one side of the strap and which includes particular a tensioning means 50, known per se, formed by a loop 51, a pawl with clasp 52 in which a notched strip 53 slides.

Of course, other adjustable or non-adjustable tensioning systems could also be used

On the other side of the boot, the tightening strap 5 is fixed to the edge of the shell through the rod by a fixing means 54, preferably removable. A series of holes 55 are arranged along the end of the strap constituting a means of adjusting the length of the strap (Figure 2).

As shown in the variant of FIG. 10, the dorsal part can also be inserted inside the boot; between the outer rod 2 and the liner 3 by example. In this case, the guy 8 connecting between the dorsal part and the hull is also internal. The back part could also be integrated into the construction and contained in a pocket formed by several folds or thickness of the outer rod sewn together for example. In all cases, the articulation between the party dorsal and the shell will be made in the same way and will cross the folds separation intermediaries.

The outsole can be molded, glued or simply positioned leaving visible the locking means.

Of course, the hull can integrate several anchoring means allowing a binding of the boot on the board at several points.

It goes without saying that the construction examples described and illustrated constitute simply non-limiting preferential modes and that the scope of the claims below also extend to other constructions incorporating all equivalent means.

Claims (12)

1. Snowboard boot including a sole (1) adapted to be attached to the board, a relatively flexible upper (2), mainly forming the outer portion of the boot and connected to the sole (1), a rigid shell (4) at least partially covering the sole and extending upwardly at the rear of the boot, at the level of the heel, and a rigid back portion (6) journalled on said shell and extending it upwardly, characterized in that the rigid back portion (6) is journalled on the interior side (INT) of the boot, along a journal axis (O) forming an angle of inclination () comprised between 20 and 45 ° with respect to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the boot.
2. Snowboard boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination () of the journal axis (O) is comprised between 25 and 35 °, preferably close to 30°, with respect to the median longitudinal plane (P).
3. Snowboard boot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the journal axis (O) is inclined from rear-to-front and from top to bottom.
4. Snowboard boot according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the rigid back portion (6) covers a portion of the shell and extends beneath the journal (7) to form a rigid rear support.
5. Snowboard boot according to claim 4, characterized in that the rigid back portion (6) is located outside of the boot, against the flexible external upper (2), the journal (7) crossing through the flexible external upper (2).
6. Snowboard boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (4) includes lateral edges (41) extending upwardly, adapted to bind the foot on each side, from a base (40) covering the sole (1) at least partially.
7. Snowboard boot according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes a strap for tightening the instep (5) that connects each lateral edge of the shell (4).
8. Snowboard boot according to claim 7, characterized in that the strap (5) includes a tensioning means (50) and at least one means for adjusting the length of the strap (55).
9. Snowboard boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the back portion (6) is connected to the front portion of the shell (4) by a single traction resisting guy (8) passing on the interior side of the boot.
10. Snowboard boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (4) extends from the heel up to the inclined limit of the metatarsus of the foot.
11. Snowboard boot according to claim 10, characterized in that the flexional rigidity of the shell (4) decreases progressively from at least the median zone up to its front end.
12. Snowboard boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (4) has a rounded and enveloping rear portion (42) adapted to the heel morphology.

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