EP2777414B1

EP2777414B1 - Boot for ski touring

Info

Publication number: EP2777414B1
Application number: EP14000916.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matteo Paniz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: LA SPORTIVA SpA
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2016-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-13
Also published as: EP2777414A1; ITBL20130002A1

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a boot for ski touring according to the characteristics of the pre-characterizing part of claim 1.

Definitions

In the present description and in the appended claims the following terms must be understood according to the definitions given in the following. By the term ski touring one means a sport consisting partly of skiing and partly of mountaineering that includes a first walking phase for climbing a snow-covered mountain and the following descent by using skis coupled with specific boots which are provided with a lock on the ankle articulation to obtain different functions during the walking and skiing phases. The terms "fore" and "front" referred to a boot must be understood as referred to a portion of the body of the boot that corresponds to the zones of the toes and of the instep of the foot which is inserted within the boot by a user of the boot itself. Likewise the terms "back" and "rear" referred to a boot must be intended as referred to a portion of the body of the boot that corresponds to the zones of the calf or of the heel of the foot that are inserted within the boot by a user of the boot itself or, in other equivalent terms, the terms "back" and "rear" referred to a boot must be understood as referred to a zone of the boot opposite with respect to a "fore" or "front" zone according to a direction corresponding to the usual descent direction during skiing. The term "side" referred to a boot must be understood as referred to a portion of the body of the boot which corresponds to a zone of jointing between a fore zone and a back zone and which develops surrounding the sides of the foot and leg of a user of the boot itself. The term "upper" referred to the cuff of the boot is meant to be referred to the position of the cuff on the boot with respect to the ground.

Prior Art

In the field of the production of ski boots of particular relevance are the boots for ski touring which are different with respect to the other types of boots because they must meet the specific requirements of such sport. In particular the boots for ski touring must enable an effective locking of the leg of the user of the boot with respect to the foot of the user of the boot in a first mode of use of the boot corresponding to a skiing condition and must instead enable a high mobility and inclination of the leg with respect to the foot in a second mode of use of the boot corresponding to a climbing or walking condition. The boots for ski touring normally include a shell of plastic material on which a sole is obtained which is shaped to facilitate walking on fresh snow. On the shell a cuff is hinged, the hinging being obtained in correspondence with the zone of the ankle of the user of the boot. If necessary there may be closing hooks distributed on the shell and on the cuff, by means of which it is possible to tighten the shell or the cuff in such a way as to best immobilize the leg of the user of the boot.
There are prior art solutions in which the boots for ski touring are provided with a locking device intended to lock in a rigid way the cuff to the shell, in such a way as to prevent any relative movement between the shell and the cuff of the boot or to unlock the shell and cuff allowing for a certain reciprocal movement of one with respect to the other, in such a way as to be able, therefore, to selectively pass from the first mode of use of the boot corresponding to a skiing condition to the second mode of use of the boot corresponding to a climbing or walking condition.
It is necessary to take into consideration the fact that the adjustment of the boots, in particular the passage from the first mode of use to the second mode of use of the boot, normally occurs in particularly difficult conditions from the point of view of the balance and of the snowy ground on which such operation must be performed, sometimes it occurs in conditions that can also endanger the safety of the user of the boot.
Furthermore, the boots for ski touring can be without rigid elements in the front part, for the sake of lightness. However, this exposes the fore part of the leg to possible impacts with the poles or with stones or branches.
As an alternative there can be protection elements, which, however, can constitute an obstacle to the free movement in the walking or climbing phases with the skis on.
The Patent Application EP0419921 describes a ski boot provided with a locking device connected to an operating shank by means of a freewheel and which is supported on the cover by means of an additional counter-freewheel and which is provided with a tensioning element of a front closing cable in which the tensioning element is connected to the locking device by means of a bevel gear.
The Patent Application FR2845252 describes a ski boot provided with a front tongue connected by means of pins near the zone of the ankle and which is higher than the rest of the boot.
The Patent Application FR2561878 describes a closing device for ski boots provided with a lever which, by means of the rotation on pins, tensions a pair of closing strips of the boot.
The internet documents originated from the websites
" http://esquialpinismo.blogspot.nl/2013/01/nuevas-pierre-gignoux-400-morpho.html " and
"http://www.camptocamp.org/forums/viewtopic.php?id=147219 " are also part of the prior art.

Problems of the prior art

The prior art solutions for boots for ski touring which provide the resort to closing hooks which must be operated manually by the user have safety problems because for the tightening of the cuff by means of the hooks the user must take bent positions during which he/she may lose his/her balance, also considering that the tightening often occurs in conditions of sloping or snowy ground which may be critical from the point of view of the skier's safety.
The prior art solutions for boots for ski touring which provide the use of a locking lever which is hinged and is automatically locked in correspondence with a clamping element for a protrusion present on the lever itself are conceived in such a way that the lever is hinged in such a way as to enable a rotation of the lever on a plane which essentially corresponds to a plane of symmetry of the shell of the boot, except for the differences given by the different shape of the right foot and of the left foot or the shape of the tightening hooks. The locking and unlocking movement of the lever occurs, therefore, according to an essentially vertical direction. Although such solutions may partially solve the problem relative to the locking phase, as they allow to obtain the locking by means of a quite simple movement that can be performed without the aid of the hands of the user of the boot, they, however, are subject to some drawbacks among which those concerning the difficulty of unlocking the cuff once it has been locked on the shell by the lever system. In fact, the locking of the lever with the protrusion within a seat obtained on a coupling element is very strong and the release of the lever is difficult.
Furthermore, in the prior art solutions there are further elements that make the walking or the movement that is performed during the climbing difficult, such as the tongues or the front closures of the boot, which constitute an impediment to the free movement of the leg with respect to the foot.

Aim of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide a boot for ski touring that enables an easy and effective reciprocal locking of the shell and cuff of the boot and also an easy and fast reciprocal unlocking of the shell and cuff of the boot.

Concept of the invention

The aim is achieved with the characteristics of the main claim. The sub-claims represent advantageous solutions.

Advantageous effects of the invention

The solution according to the present invention, by the considerable creative contribution the effect of which constitutes an immediate and important technical progress, presents various advantages.
An advantage concerns in particular the solution related to the removable tongue which advantageously allows to obtain maximum freedom in the walking or climbing phases with the skis on and which, therefore, allows for the maximum freedom of movement of the cuff with respect to the shell and the maximum freedom of movement of the skier's leg.
The solution according to the present invention enables an easy unlocking of the cuff from the shell for the passage from a first mode of use of the boot corresponding to a skiing condition to a second mode of use of the boot corresponding to a climbing or walking condition. Furthermore, the solution according to the present invention also enables an easy locking of the cuff to the shell for the passage from the second mode of use of the boot to the first mode of use of the boot.
Such aspects have a positive influence also on the safety of the user of the boot, which is advantageously increased thanks to the easiness in performing such operations, which often occur in conditions of precarious balance.

Description of the drawings

In the following a solution is described with reference to the enclosed drawings, which are to be considered as a non-exhaustive example of the present invention in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of the boot made in accordance with the present invention in a second configuration of use.
Fig. 2 is a back view of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the boot of Fig. 1 in a configuration of passage from the second configuration of use to the first configuration of use.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated by "A" in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a side view of the boot of Fig. 1 in the first configuration of use.
Fig. 6 is a back view of the boot of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the detail indicated by "B" in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a plan view of the boot of Fig. 5.
Fig. 9 is a side view of the boot of Fig. 1 in a different configuration of use.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 11 shows a detail of the locking lever of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 12 is a plan view of the tongue of the boot 9.
Fig. 13 is a side view of the tongue of the boot 9.
Fig. 14 is a view of the sole of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 15 is a view of a first insert of the sole of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 16 is a view of a second insert of the sole of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 17 is a view of a third insert of the sole of the boot of Fig. 1.
Fig. 18 is a view of a fourth insert of the sole of the boot of Fig. 1.

Description of the invention

With reference to the figures (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 10, Fig. 11), the boot (1) made according to the present invention is a boot (1) for ski touring which comprises (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) a shell (6) provided with a sole (10) for resting on the ground. The sole (10) is shaped with teeth which can be made of rigid material or of rubbery material or a combination thereof in order to facilitate walking on the snow: On the shell (6) an upper cuff (3) is applied which is fixed to said shell (6) in correspondence (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) with a first hinging point (12) placed on a first flank (30) of the boot (1) and a second hinging point (32) placed on a second flank (31) of the boot (1). The first hinging point (12) and the second hinging point (32) enable (Fig. 3) an inclination of the upper cuff (3) with respect to the shell (6). The boot (1) is provided with locking means (16, 17, 23) comprising a lever hinged in a third hinging point and rotating between at least:

a first position (Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 10) in which the lever is mechanically locked on a coupling member (23), said mechanical locking corresponding to a mechanical locking of the upper cuff (3) on the shell (6) preventing the inclination of the upper cuff (3) with respect to the shell (6);
a second position (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 11) in which the lever is in an unlocked condition with respect to the coupling element (23), the lever (17) releasing the mechanical locking enabling the inclination of the upper cuff (3) with respect to the shell (6).

In the solution according to the present invention the lever is a lever (17) rotating on the third hinging point (18) according to (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 7, Fig. 10, Fig. 11) a first rotational axis (19) which lies on a first plane (36) which is essentially orthogonal with respect to a second plane (37) corresponding to the resting plane of the boot (1) on the ground, said first plane (36) being a longitudinal plane of essential symmetry for the shape of the upper cuff or the shell, except for shape differences due to the asymmetry of the user's right foot and left foot. In practice on the boot and, correspondingly, on the shell and upper cuff, it is possible to identify a plane of essential symmetry in the sense that the condition of symmetry can be approximate in the sense that there may be differences between one side and the other of the plane of symmetry due to the non-exact symmetry of the foot.
The locking of the lever (17) on the coupling element (23) occurs following a rotation of the lever (17) around the first rotational axis (19) from the second position to the first position and following the insertion of a clamping element which is inserted being coupled with the coupling element (23), as will be explained in the following of the present description. The unlocking of the lever (17) from the coupling element (23) occurs following a rotation of the lever (17) around the first rotational axis (19) from the first position to the second position with the extraction of the clamping element which is extracted with respect to the coupling element (23) following the rotation of the lever. This is advantageous with respect to the prior art solutions with lever locking because the unlocking of the levers of the prior art which are locked by rotation on an orthogonal plane with respect to that indicated for the present invention, make the operation of unlocking of the lever difficult.
Preferably the locking means (16, 17, 23) are essentially placed at the back of the boot (1), "at the back" being referred to a zone of the boot which is a zone in correspondence with which a back connection (9) is obtained for hooking to a ski, "at the back" being referred to a zone of the boot which is an opposite zone with respect to a fore zone in correspondence with which a front connection (8) is obtained for hooking to a ski according to the usual conventions adopted in the field of skiing.
The first rotational axis (19) is inclined (Fig. 5) at a first angle (a) with respect to a second axis (38) which coincides with the axis according to which the upper cuff (3) is inclined with respect to the second plane (37), said second axis (38) being inclined with respect to the second plane (37) of a second angle (b). The first angle (a) is an angle between 75° and 105°, preferably between 85° and 95°, even more preferably of approximately 90°. The solution at 90° is advantageous in the case in which one wants to favour the easiness of release of the lever because the release in that case occurs according to a tangential direction with respect to the movement of rotation with respect to the third hinging point (18). The solutions with an angle other than 90° are advantageous in the case in which one wants to favour the maintenance of the hooking condition because in this case the release occurs according to a direction which is not tangential with respect to the movement of rotation with respect to the third hinging point (18) and, therefore, it meets a certain difficulty due to a greater interference compared to the case of release according to a tangential direction with respect to the movement of rotation with respect to the third hinging point (18). The second angle (b) is an angle between 45° and 130°, preferably between 70° and 110°, even more preferably of approximately 75°.
The lever (17) is advantageously rotating between at least three positions of which:

one is the previously described first position (Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 10) in which the lever is mechanically locked on the coupling element (23);
one is the previously described second position (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 11) in which the lever is in an unlocked condition with respect to the coupling element (23) enabling the inclination of the upper cuff (3) with respect to the shell (6), in said second position, the lever (17) being in an essentially spaced position and separated with respect to the coupling element (23);
a third position (Fig. 3, Fig. 4) in which the lever (17) is in an unlocked condition with respect to the coupling element (23), in said third position the lever (17) being in a support condition on a sliding surface (24) obtained on the upper part of the coupling element (23), on the upper part being referred with respect to the ground in a condition in which the boot (1) rests on the ground by means of the sole (10).

The sliding surface (24) is intended to drive the lever (17) between the third position and the first position. The locking movement, advantageously, can be induced by the skier by simply moving his/her weight towards the back of the boot, without the aid of the hands except for their use to bring the lever into the third position, a movement which does not require any efforts and which therefore does not expose the skier to particular risks.
In the second position described (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 11) the lever (17) is placed according to a position which is rotated by approximately 180 degrees with respect to the position of the lever (17) in correspondence with the first position (Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 10).
The sliding surface (24) is inclined at a third angle (c) with respect to a surface of fixing (25) of the coupling element (23) on the shell (6). Advantageously said third angle (c) is greater than 90°, the third angle (c) being preferably between 120° and 145°. The fact of having an angle greater than 90° prevents the formation of a pocket within which the pin (21) can get stuck, facilitating, instead, the exit of the pin for its insertion into the corresponding locking seat.
The third hinging point (18) is obtained (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 10, Fig. 11) on a element (16) which is fixed on the upper cuff (3) at the back of the boot (1) in correspondence with a zone of the calf of the user of the boot. The base element (16) comprises (Fig. 11) a first abutment surface (39) intended to constitute an abutment surface for the lever (17) in the condition in which the lever (17) is in the second position. The first abutment surface (39) lies on a plane essentially parallel to the first plane (36). In the second position in which the lever (17) is in an abutment condition on the first abutment surface (39), the lever (17) is placed according to a layout in which a third axis (41) of longitudinal development of the lever (17) is in an essentially vertical position with respect to the second plane (37), a tip end (42) of the lever (17) being placed on the side opposite the coupling element (23) with respect to the third hinging point (18). The coupling element (23) is preferably in correspondence with a zone of the heel (11) of the shell (6). Preferably the base element (16) includes a second abutment surface (40) intended to constitute an abutment surface for the lever (17) in the condition in which the lever (17) is in the first position. The second abutment surface (40) lies on a plane essentially parallel to the first plane (36). In the first position in which the lever (17) is in an abutment condition on the second abutment surface (40), the lever (17) is placed according to a layout in which a third axis (41) of longitudinal development of the lever (17) is in an essentially vertical position with respect to the second plane (37), a tip end (42) of the lever (17) being placed on the side opposite the coupling element (23) with respect to the third hinging point (18). Preferably the first abutment surface (39) and the second abutment surface (40) are reciprocally aligned on the first plane (36).
In the preferred solution of the present invention the first abutment surface (39) and the second abutment surface (40) enable the rotation of said lever (17) around the third hinging point (18) according to a rotational direction which is different depending on the fact whether the boot (1) is a boot adapted to be worn on a right foot of the user of the boot (1) or a boot adapted to be worn on a left foot of the user of the boot (1):

if the boot (1) is a boot adapted to be worn on a right foot of the user of the boot (1), then the first abutment surface (39) and the second abutment surface (40) enable a rotation of the lever (17) according to a clockwise rotation direction from the second position to the first position with reference to a view of the boot (1) from a back point of view (Fig. 2) and, vice versa, the first abutment surface (39) and the second abutment surface (40) enable a rotation of the lever (17) according to a counter-clockwise rotation direction from the first position to the second position with reference to a view of the boot (1) from a back point of view;
if the boot (1) is a boot adapted to be worn on a left foot of the user of the boot (1), then the first abutment surface (39) and the second abutment surface (40) enable a rotation of the lever (17) according to a counter-clockwise rotation direction from the second position to the first position with reference to a view of the boot (1) from a back point of view and, vice versa, the first abutment surface (39) and the second abutment surface (40) enable a rotation of the lever (17) according to a clockwise rotation direction from the first position to the second position with reference to a view of the boot (1) from a back point of view.

The term "back" is referred to a zone of the boot which is an opposite zone with respect to a fore zone in correspondence with which, in a toe portion (7), a front connection (8) is obtained for hooking to a ski according to the usual conventions adopted in the field of skiing. The solution described with reference to the right boot (that is to say, adapted to be worn on a right foot) and to the left boot (that is to say, adapted to be worn on a left foot) is advantageous because the movement of the lever occurs in both cases towards the flanks of the body, that is to say, the lever of the right boot performs the movement of rotation involving the side of the right boot facing outside of the user and vice versa the lever of the left boot performs the movement of rotation involving the side of the left boot facing outside of the user. In this way the movement of each lever does not risk to find obstacles given by the presence of the other boot with respect to that on which there is the lever that is moved.
The coupling element (23) comprises (Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7, Fig. 9) a keyhole (22) having an essentially "C" shape. The keyhole (22) is intended for the insertion of a protrusion (21). The protrusion (21) is integral with an end of the lever (17) which is an opposite end of the lever with respect to the end on which there is the third hinging point (18). Preferably the protrusion (21) has an essentially cylindrical shape.
Furthermore (Fig. 5, Fig. 9, Fig. 12, Fig. 13) the boot (1) for ski touring according to the present invention can comprise a front closing tongue (4) for closing at least one front portion of the upper cuff (3) in correspondence with a zone of the leg of the user of the boot (1). Advantageously the tongue (4) is selectively removable and applicable onto the upper cuff (3). In this way one combines the advantages of the previously described solution with respect to the locking of the shell and upper cuff with the advantages of a removable tongue so that in the condition of use of the boot in the walking or climbing phase, the user can configure the boot according to a configuration which allows for maximum freedom of movement with the shell and upper cuff reciprocally released except in the first hinging point (12) and in the second hinging point (32) and with the upper cuff without the tongue. Preferably the tongue (4) and the upper cuff (3) comprise fastening means (26, 28) intended to reciprocally couple to fix in a removable way the tongue (4) onto the upper cuff (3). The fastening means (26, 28) preferably comprise a first pin (26), a second pin (27), a first hole (28), a second hole (29). The first pin (26) is integral with (Fig. 12, Fig. 13) a first wing (34) which develops sideways and in an essentially orthogonal way with respect to a central body (33) of the tongue (4). The second pin (27) is integral with a second wing (35) which develops sideways and in an essentially orthogonal way with respect to a central body (33) of the tongue (4). The tongue (4) is in practice made up of the central body (33) and of the side wings (34, 35) and has an essentially "C" shape in a plan view in which the first wing (34) and the second wing (35) develop in an essentially reciprocally parallel way from the central body (33). The first wing (34) is intended to be inserted within a first air space which is obtained between an internal side of the upper cuff (3) and an external side of an internal light-shoe (2) inserted within the boot (1). The fixing of the tongue (4) on the upper cuff (3) occurs (Fig. 2, Fig. 5, Fig. 9) by means of the insertion of the first pin (26) within a first hole (28) obtained on the upper cuff (3) according to a direction of insertion from inside outwards with respect to the volume delimited by the upper cuff (3). Likewise, the second wing (35) is intended to be inserted within a second air space which is placed on the opposite side with respect to the first air space, the second air space being obtained between the internal side of the upper cuff (3) and the external side of the internal light-shoe (2) inserted within the boot (1), the fixing of the tongue (4) on the upper cuff (3) occurring by means of the insertion of the second pin (27) within a second hole (29) obtained on the upper cuff (3) according to a direction of insertion from inside outwards with respect to the volume delimited by the upper cuff (3).
In a different embodiment (not shown), the first pin (26) is integral with the upper cuff (3) in correspondence with the first flank (30) of the boot (1) and the second pin (27) is integral with the upper cuff (3) in correspondence with the second flank (31) of the boot (1). In this case the tongue (4) will be provided with first hole (28) and with the second hole (29) in correspondence with opposite sides of the tongue (4). That is to say, the tongue (4) will be provided with the first hole (28) in correspondence with the first wing (34) and with the second hole (29) in correspondence with the second wing (35). In that case the tongue (4) is intended to be fixed on the upper cuff (3) by means of a widening apart action on the wings (34, 35) to couple the holes (28, 29) on the pins (26, 27) of the upper cuff.
Furthermore, the boot (1) for ski touring according to the present invention comprises a cable (15) which is fixed in correspondence with a first end of its ends in correspondence with the boot or with the upper cuff and which exerts an action of traction on the lever (17) according to a traction direction opposing to the rotation of the lever (17). The cable also acts as a closing element and is preferably fixed in correspondence with a fixing hole on the lever (17). The cable is fixed in correspondence with its opposite end on the upper cuff by means of a fastening element (13) which also enables its easy release. For example the fastening element (13) can be a hook within which a ring is inserted which is obtained by means of a knotting of an end of the cable itself. The closing cable (15) is fixed in correspondence with a fixing hole on the lever (17) and the hole is in a position along the longitudinal development of the lever which is a position between the third hinging point (18) and an opposite end of the lever with respect to the end on which there is the third hinging point (18). The cable (15) is wound at least partially around the upper cuff (3), in order to perform a tightening action of the upper cuff on the leg when the lever is in the locking position. The winding of the cable (15) around the upper cuff (3) is guided by means of at least one loop (14, 20) intended for the insertion of the cable (15). Preferably there is a first loop (14) which guides the cable (15) from the fastening element (13) along the front portion of the upper cuff for the tightening of the leg within the upper cuff. From the first loop (14) the cable (15) is guided towards the lever by means of a second loop (20) which is preferably fixed on the base element (16). The cable (15) is fixed to the upper cuff (3) in correspondence with a side of the upper cuff which is an opposite side with respect to the side of the base element (16) on which there is the first abutment surface (39). In this way the lever (17) performs on the cable (15) a traction action which contributes to the tightening of the upper cuff. Furthermore, with this configuration the cable (15) tends to keep the lever (17) in the locked position within the coupling element (23) preventing any possible unlocking during skiing.
As an alternative or in combination one can also provide a magnetic coupling by means of magnetic coupling means between the lever (17) and the base element (16) at least in a position selected from the previously described first position (Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 10) and the previously described second position (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 11). In this way the magnetic coupling means will tend to keep the lever in the locked position as regards both the first position and the second position or in one of the two positions according to preferences.
In an embodiment the boot does not include hooks for tightening the shell or the upper cuff but it will be evident that in different embodiments one can provide tightening hooks without departing from the domain of application of the present invention. Furthermore, the boot according to the present invention has a particularly light structure, suitable for carrying out ski touring activities. In particular, the boot is provided with a front cover (5) of the soft type which lightens the structure and also allows for greater freedom of movement, in combination with the effects obtained by means of the described locking device and removable tongue.
The boot according to the present invention, moreover (Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18) preferably includes in correspondence with the sole (10) at least one insert (45, 46, 47, 48) provided with blocks intended to grip on a snow-covered surface in the walking phase. The insert can be selected from the group consisting of:

a first insert (45) made of foam rubber;
a second insert (46) made of wear-resistant vulcanized rubber;
a third insert (47) made of foam rubber;
a fourth insert (48) made of wear-resistant vulcanized rubber.

Advantageously one provides the resort to different rubber materials which allow to obtain a better grip on the snow or anyway on the surface during the walking phase. In particular, one provides the resort to inserts of vulcanized rubber which is a wear-resistant vulcanized rubber which is placed in the zones subject to greater stress when walking on the snow, while one provides the resort to inserts of foam rubber, which is lighter but more subject to wearing, in the zones subject to less stress when walking on the snow. In this way it is possible to have a light and wear-resistant boot (1) advantageously obtaining a great grip on the snow thanks to the blocks and a high friction coefficient thanks to the resort to rubber materials on large surfaces of the sole (10).
In particular (Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16) the second insert (46) is essentially "U" shaped with two arms joined by a base of the "U" shape. The second insert (46) is placed on the sole (10) with the jointing base placed in correspondence with the toe portion (7) of the boot (1) and with the arms of the "U" shape which develop in a direction directed towards the heel (43) of the boot (1). The first insert (45) is inserted within the space delimited by the arms of the essentially "U" shape of the second insert (46).
In particular (Fig. 14, Fig. 17, Fig. 18) the fourth insert (48) is essentially "U" shaped with two arms joined by a base of said "U" shape and is placed on the sole (10) with the jointing base placed in correspondence with the heel (43) of the boot (1) and with the arms of the "U" shape which develop in a direction directed towards the toe portion (7) of the boot (1). The third insert (47) is inserted within the space delimited by the arms of the essentially "U" shape of the fourth insert (48).
In this way the second insert (46) and the fourth insert (48) made of wear-resistant vulcanized rubber surround at least partially the first insert (45) and the third insert (47) respectively, also constituting some wear protections of the latter because the second insert (46) and the fourth insert (48) are placed in correspondence with the zones which are more subject to stresses.
If necessary one can also provide the resort to an additional fifth insert of rubber (not shown) also in correspondence with an intermediate portion (44) which is between the toe portion (7) and the heel (43).
The description of the present invention has been made with reference to the enclosed figures in a preferred embodiment, but it is evident that many possible alterations, changes and variants will be immediately clear to those skilled in the art in the light of the previous description. Therefore, it should be underlined that the invention is not limited to the previous description, but it includes all alterations, changes, and variants in accordance with the appended claims.

Nomenclature used

With reference to the identification numbers shown in the enclosed figures, the following nomenclature was used:

1. Boot for ski touring
2. Internal light-shoe
3. Upper cuff
4. Tongue
5. Front cover
6. Shell
7. Toe portion
8. Front connection
9. Back connection
10. Sole
11. Heel portion
12. First hinging point
13. Fastening element
14. First loop
15. Cable
16. Base element
17. Lever
18. Third hinging point
19. First axis
20. Second loop
21. Protrusion
22. Keyhole
23. Coupling element
24. Sliding surface
25. Fixing surface
26. First pin
27. Second pin
28. First hole
29. Second hole
30. First flank
31. Second flank
32. Second hinging point
33. Body
34. First wing
35. Second wing
36. First plane
37. Second plane
38. Second axis
39. First abutment surface
40. Second abutment surface
41. Third axis
42. Tip
43. Heel
44. Intermediate portion
45. First insert
46. Second insert
47. Third insert
48. Fourth insert
1. a. First angle
2. b. Second angle
3. c. Third angle

Claims

Boot (1) for ski touring, comprising a shell (6) which is provided with a sole (10) for resting on the ground, on said shell (6) an upper cuff (3) being applied, upper being referred to the position of said upper cuff on said boot with respect to the ground, said upper cuff (3) being intended to be fixed to said shell (6) in correspondence with a first hinging point (12) which is located on a first flank (30) of said boot (1) and a second hinging point (32) which is located on a second flank (31) of said boot (1), said first hinging point (12) and said second hinging point (32) allowing for an inclination of said upper cuff (3) with respect to said shell (6), said boot (1) being provided with locking means (16, 17, 23) comprising a lever hinged at a third hinging point and rotating between at least:
- a first position in which said lever is mechanically locked on a coupling element (23), said mechanical locking corresponding to a mechanical locking of said upper cuff (3) on said shell (6) preventing said inclination of said upper cuff (3) with respect of said shell (6);

- a second position in which said lever is in an unlocked condition with respect to said coupling element (23), said lever (17) releasing said mechanical locking enabling said inclination of said upper cuff (3) with respect to said shell (6);
wherein said lever is a rotating lever (17) which is rotating on said third hinging point (18) according to a first rotational axis (19) which lies on a first plane (36) which is an essentially orthogonal plane with respect to a second plane (37) corresponding to the resting plane of said boot (1) on the ground, said first plane (36) being a longitudinal plane of essential symmetry for the shape of said upper cuff or said shell, the locking of said lever (17) on said coupling element (23) occurring following a rotation of said lever (17) around said first rotational axis (19) from said second position to said first position and following an insertion of a clamping element which is inserted into and couples with said coupling element (23), the unlocking of said lever (17) from said coupling element (23) occurring following a rotation of said lever (17) around said first rotational axis (19) from said first position to said second position with the extraction of said clamping element which is extracted with respect to said coupling element (23) following said rotation of said lever, said locking means (16, 17, 23) being essentially placed at the back of said boot (1), "at the back" being referred to a zone of the boot which is a zone in which a back connection (9) is obtained which is suitable for hooking to a ski, "at the back" being referred to a zone of the boot which is an opposite zone with respect to a fore zone in which a front connection (8) is obtained which is suitable for hooking to a ski according to the usual conventions adopted in the field of skiing, said boot (1) being characterised in that said first rotational axis (19) is inclined at a first angle (a) with respect to a second axis (38) which coincides with the axis according to which said upper cuff (3) is inclined with respect to said second plane (37), said second axis (38) being inclined with respect to said second plane (37) at a second angle (b), said first angle (a) being an angle preferably between 75° and 105°, even more preferably between 85° and 95°, the preferred value being approximately 90°, said second angle (b) being an angle preferably between 45° and 130°, even more preferably between 70° and 110°, the preferred value being approximately 75°.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to the previous claim, characterised in that said lever (17) is intended to be rotating between at least three positions of which:
- said first position in which said lever is mechanically locked on said coupling element (23);

- said second position in which said lever is in an unlocked condition with respect to said coupling element (23) enabling said inclination of said upper cuff (3) with respect to said shell (6), in said second position said lever (17) being in an essentially spaced position from and separated with respect to said coupling element (23);

- a third position in which said lever (17) is in an unlocked condition with respect to said coupling element (23), in said third position said lever (17) being in a support condition on a sliding surface (24) which is obtained on the upper part of said coupling element (23), on the upper part being referred with respect to the ground in a condition in which said boot (1) rests on the ground by means of said sole (10);
said sliding surface (24) being intended to drive said lever (17) between said third position and said first position.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 2, characterised in that said lever (17) ion said second position is placed according to a position which is rotated by approximately 180 degrees with respect to the position of said lever (17) in correspondence with said first position.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 2 to 3, characterised in that said sliding surface (24) is inclined at a third angle (c) with respect to a fixing surface (25) of said coupling element (23) on said shell (6), said third angle (c) being preferably greater than 90°, said third angle (c) being even more preferably between 120° and 145°.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said third hinging point (18) is obtained on a base element (16) which is fixed on said upper cuff (3) at the back of said boot (1) in correspondence with a zone of the calf of the user of said boot, said base element (16) comprising a first abutment surface (39) which is intended to constitute an abutment surface for said lever (17) in the condition in which said lever (17) is in said second position.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 5, characterised in that said first abutment surface (39) lies on a plane essentially parallel to said first plane (36)_; in said second position in which said lever (17) is in an abutment condition on said first abutment surface (39), said lever (17) being placed according to a layout in which a third axis (41) of longitudinal development of said lever (17) is in an essentially vertical position with respect to said second plane (37), a tip end (42) of said lever (17) being placed on the side opposite to said coupling element (23) with respect to said third hinging point (18).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 5 to 6, characterised in that said base element (16) comprises a second abutment surface (40) intended to constitute an abutment surface for said lever (17) in the condition in which said lever (17) is in said first position, said second abutment surface (40) lying on a plane essentially parallel to said first plane (36), in said first position in which said lever (17) is in an abutment condition on said second abutment surface (40), said lever (17) being placed according to a layout in which a third axis (41) of longitudinal development of said lever (17) is in an essentially vertical position with respect to said second plane (37), a tip end (42) of said lever (17) being placed on the side opposite to said coupling element (23) with respect to said third hinging point (18).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 5 and according to claim 7, characterised in that said first abutment surface (39) and said second abutment surface (40) are reciprocally aligned on said first plane (36).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 5 and according to claim 7, characterised in that said first abutment surface (39) and said second abutment surface (40) enable said rotation of said lever (17) around said third hinging point (18) according to a rotational direction which is different depending on the fact whether said boot (1) is a boot adapted to be worn on a right foot of the user of said boot (1) or a boot adapted to be worn on a left foot of the user of said boot (1):
- if said boot (1) is a boot adapted to be worn on a right foot of the user of said boot (1), said first abutment surface (39) and said second abutment surface (40) enabling a rotation of said lever (17) according to a clockwise rotation direction from said second position to said first position with reference to a view of said boot (1) from a back point of view and, vice versa, said first abutment surface (39) and said second abutment surface (40) enabling a rotation of said lever (17) according to a counter-clockwise rotation direction from said first position to said second position with reference to a view of said boot (1) from a back point of view;

- if said boot (1) is a boot adapted to be worn on a left foot of the user of said boot (1), said first abutment surface (39) and said second abutment surface (40) enabling a rotation of said lever (17) according to a counter-clockwise rotation direction from said second position to said first position with reference to a view of said boot (1) from a back point of view and, vice versa, said first abutment surface (39) and said second abutment surface (40) enabling a rotation of said lever (17) according to a clockwise rotation direction from said first position to said second position with reference to a view of said boot (1) from a back point of view;
"back" being referred to a zone of the boot which is an opposite zone with respect to a fore zone in which a front connection (8) is obtained for hooking to a ski according to the usual conventions adopted in the field of skiing.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said coupling element (23) comprises a keyhole (22) having an essentially "C" shape, said keyhole (22) being intended for the insertion of a protrusion (21), said protrusion (21) being integral with one end of said lever (17) which is an opposite end of said lever with respect to the end on which there is said third hinging point (18), said protrusion (21) having an essentially cylindrical shape.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it includes a front closing tongue (4) for closing at least one front portion of said upper cuff (3) in correspondence with a zone of the leg of the user of said boot (1), said tongue (4) being selectively removable and applicable on said upper cuff (3), said tongue (4) and said upper cuff (3) including fastening means (26, 28) which are intended to reciprocally couple to fix in a removable way said tongue (4) onto said upper cuff (3).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 11, characterised in that said fastening means (26, 28) include a first pin (26), a second pin (27), a first hole (28), a second hole (29).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 12, characterised in that said first pin (26) is integral with a first wing (34) which develops sideways and in an essentially orthogonal way with respect to a central body (33) of said tongue (4) and said second pin (27) is integral with a second wing (35) which develops sideways and in an essentially orthogonal way with respect to said central body (33) of said tongue (4), said tongue (4) being made up of said body (33) and said wings (34, 35) and having an essentially "C" shape in a plan view in which said first wing (34) and said second wing (35) develop in an essentially reciprocally parallel way from said central body (33), said first wing (34) being intended to be inserted within a first air space which is obtained between an internal side of said upper cuff (3) and an external side of an internal light-shoe (2) inserted within said boot (1), the fixing of said tongue (4) onto said upper cuff (3) occurring by means of the insertion of said first pin (26) within a first hole (28) which is obtained on said upper cuff (3) according to an insertion direction from inside outwards with respect to the volume delimited by said upper cuff (3), and said second wing (35) being intended to be inserted within a second air space placed on the opposite side with respect to said first air space, said second air space being obtained between said internal side of said upper cuff (3) and said external side of said internal light-shoe (2) inserted within said boot (1), the fixing of said tongue (4) onto said upper cuff (3) occurring by means of the insertion of said second pin (27) within a second hole (29) which is obtained on said upper cuff (3) according to an insertion direction from inside outwards with respect to the volume delimited by said upper cuff (3).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 13, characterised in that said first pin (26) is integral with said upper cuff (3) in correspondence with said first flank (30) of said boot (1) and said second pin (27) is integral with said upper cuff (3) in correspondence with said second flank (31) of said boot (1), said tongue (4) being provided with said first hole (28) and with said second hole (29) in correspondence with opposite sides of said tongue (4), that is to say, said tongue (4) being provided with said first hole (28) in correspondence with said first wing (34) and with said second hole (29) in correspondence with said second wing (35), said tongue (4) being intended to be fixed on said upper cuff (3) by means of a widening apart action on said wings (34, 35) to couple said holes (28, 29) on said pins (26, 27).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 14, characterised in that it includes a cable (15), said cable (15) being fixed in correspondence with a first end of its ends in correspondence with said boot or said upper cuff and exerting an action of traction on said lever (17) according to a traction direction opposing to the rotation of said lever (17), said cable (15) being at least partially wound around said upper cuff (3), the winding of said cable (15) around said upper cuff (3) being guided by means of at least one loop (14, 20) intended for the insertion of said cable (15).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 15, characterised in that said cable (15) is fixed in correspondence with a fixing hole on said lever (17), said hole being in a position along the longitudinal development of said lever which is a position between said third hinging point(18) and an opposite end of said lever with respect to the end on which there is said third hinging point (18).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 15 to 16 and according to any of the previous claims 6 to 14, characterised in that said cable (15) is fixed to said upper cuff (3) in correspondence with one side of said upper cuff which is an opposite side with respect to the side of said base element (16) on which there is said first abutment surface (39).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 17, characterised in that it includes magnetic coupling means between said lever (17) and said base element (16) at least in one position selected from said first position and said second position.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 1 to 18, characterised in that in correspondence with said sole (10) it comprises at least one insert (45, 46, 47, 48) which is provided with blocks intended to grip on a snow-covered surface in a walking phase, said insert being selected from the group consisting of:
- a first insert (45) made of foam rubber;

- a second insert (46) made of wear-resistant vulcanized rubber;

- a third insert (47) made of foam rubber;

- a fourth insert (48) made of wear-resistant vulcanized rubber.
Boot (1) for ski touring according to claim 19, characterised in that said second insert (46) is essentially "U" shaped with two arms joined by a base of said "U" shape and is placed on said sole (10) with the jointing base placed in correspondence with a toe portion (7) of said boot (1) and with the arms of the "U" shape which develop in a direction directed towards a heel (43) of said boot (1), and further characterised in that said first insert (45) is inserted within the space delimited by said arms of said essentially "U" shape of said second insert (46).
Boot (1) for ski touring according to any of the previous claims 19 to 20, characterised in that said fourth insert (48) is essentially "U" shaped with two arms joined by a base of said "U" shape and is placed on said sole (10) with the jointing base placed in correspondence with said heel (43) of said boot (1) and with the arms of the "U" shape which develop in a direction directed towards said toe portion (7) of said boot (1), and further characterised in that said third insert (47) is inserted within the space delimited by said arms of said essentially "U" shape of said fourth insert (48).