US 10,271,610 B2Granted

Flexible and precisely fitting ski boot for maximum efficiency and foot and leg health during Nordic skiing

OwnerHeidi Henkelinventor

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Abstract

A comfortable, flexible Nordic ski boot with embodiments for classic, skate, combi, and roller skiing enables full ski control while remaining comfortable and allowing movement to help avoid overuse injuries including compartment syndrome. The boot provides precise fit at the heel and ball of the foot while allowing flexible movement. In embodiments, a strap attaches the ball of the foot. A custom heel fit and/or a strap can attach the heel. A removable, adjustable cuff can limit eversion and inversion. Some embodiments are made on multiple lasts, provide toe box room, provide partial or full movement about the ball of the foot, and/or allow twisting between the heel and ball of the foot. Embodiments are configured to elastically return to a flat configuration after flexing, while remaining in alignment with a ski. The sole can include carbon fibers and/or elastic cords, spring cables, and/or such like to enhance elasticity.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A cross country ski boot comprising:

a cross country ski boot having a sole, the cross country ski boot being configured for attachment at a toe area of the boot to a cross country ski by a cross country ski binding, the cross country ski boot being sufficiently flexible to accommodate cross country skiing leg and foot movements by allowing a user to raise a heel of the cross country ski boot off of the cross country ski when the toe area is attached to the cross country ski binding;
a customizable ball attachment mechanism incorporated into the cross country ski boot, the customizable ball attachment mechanism including a first band extending over the ball region of the boot from left and right attachments to the sole, said ball attachment mechanism being capable of maintaining firm and customizable contact between the ball of a user's foot and a ball region of the sole;
and
a customizable heel attachment mechanism incorporated into the cross country ski boot, the customizable heel attachment mechanism including at least one of a second band extending over an arch region of the boot from left and right attachments to the sole, an inflatable pocket, and a moldable interior material, said heel attachment mechanism being capable of maintaining firm and customizable contact of a user's heel with a heel region of the sole.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/880,555Filed 21 Oct 2011 · us provisional application
Priority: 21 Oct 2010
Published: US 2013/0212910 A122 Aug 2013
Granted: 30 Apr 2019
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

A43B 5/0411
Ski or like boots: for cross-country
A43B 5/046
Including flex control; Dampening means: with the actuator being disposed at the lateral or medial side of the boot
A43B 5/0472
Provided with means to improve walking with the skiboot: having a flexible toe portion; provided with a hinge at the ball of the foot
A43B 7/20
Joint supports, e.g. instep supports: ankle-joint supports or holders