US3876746A - Method for custom fitting ski boots - Google Patents

Method for custom fitting ski boots Download PDF

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Publication number
US3876746A
US3876746A US298537A US29853772A US3876746A US 3876746 A US3876746 A US 3876746A US 298537 A US298537 A US 298537A US 29853772 A US29853772 A US 29853772A US 3876746 A US3876746 A US 3876746A
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United States
Prior art keywords
fitting
cavity
pressure
boot
fitting material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US298537A
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English (en)
Inventor
Alden W Hanson
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Globeride Inc
Original Assignee
Hanson Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hanson Industries Inc filed Critical Hanson Industries Inc
Priority to US298537A priority Critical patent/US3876746A/en
Priority to AT875973A priority patent/AT333624B/de
Priority to DE19732351757 priority patent/DE2351757A1/de
Priority to CH1467773A priority patent/CH570785A5/xx
Priority to JP48116019A priority patent/JPS4995485A/ja
Priority to FR7337042A priority patent/FR2204106A5/fr
Priority to CA183,626A priority patent/CA984607A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3876746A publication Critical patent/US3876746A/en
Assigned to DAIWA SEIKO, INC., A CORP. OF JAPAN reassignment DAIWA SEIKO, INC., A CORP. OF JAPAN ASSIGNOR AND ASSIGNEE EACH QUITCLAIM, SELL, REMISE, RELEASE, TRANSFER, CONVEY AND ASSIGN THE ENTIRE INTEREST UNDER SAID PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HANSON INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED A CO CORP.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
    • A43D1/00—Foot or last measuring devices; Measuring devices for shoe parts
    • A43D1/02—Foot-measuring devices
    • A43D1/027—Shoe fit indicating devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/26—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use adjustable as to length or size
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
    • A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
    • A43B5/0405—Linings, paddings or insertions; Inner boots

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an improved 'pfr'ocess-forcustom fitting ski boots by the injection of a flowable fitting material into a cavity within the boot under controlled pressure conditions, so as to achieve equal tightness in the individual boots of a pair or, when desired, a controlled difference in the snugness with which the boots
  • a type of ski boot which is becoming increasingly popular is a shell, typically made of a substantially rigid synthetic plastic material although other relatively resilient materials such as leather can also be used, into which is fitted a deformable liner which is intended to conform to the individual contours of the users foot.
  • the outer shell gives firm support to the foot and ankle of the wearer for the purpose of allowing him to obtain precise and accurate edge control of his skis, while the inner liner is intended to provide a snug and firm yet reasonably comfortable fit for the wearers foot.
  • the rigidity of the outer shell while contributing markedly to the degree of edge control which can be obtained with boots of this type, creates a problem with respect to fitting of the boots. Whereas formerly-used leather boots can usually stretch somewhat in use to accommodate themselves to the wearers feet, outer shells made of rigid plastic materials are unyielding, and therefore the only control which can be used for proper fitting is the size, shape, and resiliency of the liners.
  • the flowable materials used to adapt the outer shell of the boot to the wearers foot can be, for example, those described in A. W. Hansons US. Pat. Nos. 3,237,319 and 3,402,41 1 or in the pending application of A. B. Hanson et al., Ser. No. 216,080, filed Jan. 7,
  • These materials can be wax; foamed-in-place materials such as polyurethanes; liquids such as mixtures of ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol with water; air; partially gelled hydrocarbon materials; thickened aqueous or hydrocarbon materials; and the like. In some instances it may be desirable to use combinations of these materials, and in addition, heating of some of the materials to obtain appropriate flowability properties may be desirable or necessary.
  • Custom fitting of ski boots by the injection ofa flowable fitting material presents the problem that the person being fitted is called on to judge subjectively the tightness of fit,- especially the equality of tightness in each boot of a pair.
  • the method of the invention removes a great deal of the uncertainty involved in custom fitting ski boots by injection, and permits equal tightness in both boots of a pair to be readily obtained.
  • the method permits the fitter to achieve a proper fit for a beginning skier who may have no knowledge of how tight properly fitting boots should feel.
  • the flowable material used in fitting is injected into the boot under conditions of controlled predetermined back pressure, which is maintained while the flowable material solidifies, or until the inner liner is sealed to enclose the material, whereby there is produced as desired a controllable and uniform degree of tightness in each boot of a pair, or greater tightness in one boot as desired or necessary to meet special conditions.
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view in partial section of a typical boot suitable for use in the invention, the boot having a liner provided with a cavity into which the flowable fitting material is injected;
  • FIG. 2 is a partially schematic diagram of one embodiment of apparatus useful in carrying out the process of the invention.
  • the boot shown in FIG. 1 is a typical boot of the type with which the process of the invention is concerned.
  • the boot shown in this figure is disclosed in the copending patent application filed on Jan. 7, 1972, Ser. No. 216,080, for Alden B.' Hanson and Chris A. Hanson.
  • the boot consists of an outer shell 10 made of a substantially rigid plastic material which is provided with a rearwardly opening tongue member 11 through which access to the interior of the boot is obtained.
  • the tongue member 11 is closed and held position by means of loops 12 which engage buckles 13 on either side of the boot.
  • inner padding member 14 which provides both padding for comfort of the wearer and the capability to custom fit the boot to the wearers foot.
  • Inner padding member 14 has an outer surface which is generally complementary to the inside of shell 10, while the inner surface of inner padding member 14 is adapted to surround and generally conform to the wearers foot and ankle.
  • Tongue member 1 l is lined with a tongue liner 16 which in conjunction with inner padding member 14 essentially surrounds the foot of the wearer with a padding layer.
  • Inner padding member 14 is provided with a cavity 17 in its outer surface which in conjunction with the inner surface of shell 10 defines a zone into which a flowable material can be injected in order to force inner padding member 14 into exact conformance with the contour of the wearers foot.
  • a thin bladder member 18 is shaped to fit the cavity between inner padding member 14 and outer shell 10.
  • bladder 18 is shaped to extend from one side of the wearers foot over his instep to the other side.
  • blad der 18 is provided with a pair of tubes 19, 19a used for filling the bladder with flowable material.
  • a single tube may'be used for this purpose, it is generally desirable to use a pair of tubes, one of which is used to inject the flowable material while the other permits the escape of air.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates schematically one embodiment of the apparatus which can be used to carry out the method of the invention. It should be understood that the specific apparatus disclosed in this figure is illustrative only and any other apparatus having an equivalent function can also be used.
  • injection gun 21 filled with a flowable material which in the case of a thermoplastic substance suitably can have a melting point within the range of about ll80F, is provided with control valve 22 at its exit end and is attached to one of the filling tubes of the boot, e.g., 19.
  • the other filling tube 19a is connected by tube 23 to a hermetically sealed, gas pressure-tight overflow conduit or container 24, which is also provided with pressure gauge 26 and a rubber squeeze bulb 27 equipped with bleed val-ve'28..All of the connections between individual components are hermetically sealed so that a superatmospheric gas pressure can be built up within the system.
  • the method of the invention has as an essential element the establishment and control of a predetermined substantially constant back pressure on the flowable fitting material while it is being injected into the boot and during the solidification or final containment thereof.
  • the bladder element of the boot is pressured with gas, such as air, rather than with the flowable material which is ultimately used, to a pressure level which the wearer of the boot agrees is comfortable while providing a sufficiently snug fit for proper edge control.
  • gas pressure is noted, and the flowable material is then injected into the boot, maintaining the predetermined back pressure until the material hardens or is finally contained.
  • control valve 22 With the foot of the wearer in place within the boot (as shown in phantom outline in FIG. 2), control valve 22 is closed and the squeeze bulb 27 is operated to build a superatmospheric pressure in the system consisting of bladder 18, overflow container "24 and the associated connecting tubing.
  • the pressure which is built up within the system is measured by means of pressure gauge 26.
  • Pre-pressurizing with air in this manner serves the advantageous function of indicating to the user the degree of tightness which is created by a given pressure level. It is advantageous to produce initially a pressure which is substantially in excess pressure level has been reached.
  • control valve 22 is opened and flowable thermoplastic fitting material is injected by means of injection gun 21 or other suitable pump means through fillingtube 19 into bladder 18.
  • the fitting mate'rial is injected steadily while the wearer moves his foot gently within the boot until an overflow of fitting material issues from exit tube 19a into overflow conduit or container 24, which is suitably transparent.
  • a transparent section may be placed in tube 23 which would show the passage therein of excess fitting material.
  • the air pressure is monitored on pressure gauge 26 and appropriate corrections in the pressure are made by manipulating bleed valve 28 as necessary. While the degree of back pressure is determined by the wearer of the boots, it will be generally found that pressures in the range of about 0.5 to 4 psig., and particularly about 1-2 psig., will be suitable for proper fitting in most cases.
  • an automatic pressure control valve set at the desired pressure or a dip tube in a column of a suitable liquid such as mercury, water or a suitable salt solution.
  • a suitable liquid such as mercury, water or a suitable salt solution.
  • mercury can be used for this purpose, the health hazards which may be created if mercury is spilled may make such use unsuitable.
  • Water can be used, but the column necessary to create the suitable back pressure might be inconveniehtly high (up to about 8 feet).
  • a suitable liquid for use in a dip-tube pressure regulating system for-this use is a solution of zinc bromide, which can be dissolved in water to an extent of about by weight to give a solution having a specific gravity of about 2.7.
  • Such a pressure-regulating system employing a solution of zinc bromide need be only approximately 3 feet in height to cover the highest back pressure which might be used.
  • the boot is provided with bladder 18 within the cavity 17 defined by liner l4 and outer shell 10
  • bladder 18 within the cavity 17 defined by liner l4 and outer shell 10
  • Suitable inlet and outlet orifices to the cavity can be made in any appropriate manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • a ski boot comprising an outer shell, a liner assembly disposed within said shell, said shell and said liner defnining in part at least one cavity therebetween, which method comprises positioning saidboot on a foot of a person to be fitted, in-
  • the method of claim 3 which includes as a step preliminary to injecting said fitting material, pressurizing said bladder with a gas to a pressure level consistent with the comfort or performance requirements of the user, noting the pressure level, and injecting said fitting material, maintaining said pressure during injection and solidification of the fitting material.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
US298537A 1972-10-18 1972-10-18 Method for custom fitting ski boots Expired - Lifetime US3876746A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US298537A US3876746A (en) 1972-10-18 1972-10-18 Method for custom fitting ski boots
AT875973A AT333624B (de) 1972-10-18 1973-10-15 Verfahren zum anpassen von schischuhen und material zur durchfuhrung des verfahrens
DE19732351757 DE2351757A1 (de) 1972-10-18 1973-10-16 Verfahren zur massanpassung von skistiefeln durch einspritzung
JP48116019A JPS4995485A (ja) 1972-10-18 1973-10-17
CH1467773A CH570785A5 (ja) 1972-10-18 1973-10-17
FR7337042A FR2204106A5 (ja) 1972-10-18 1973-10-17
CA183,626A CA984607A (en) 1972-10-18 1973-10-17 Method for custom fitting ski boots

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US298537A US3876746A (en) 1972-10-18 1972-10-18 Method for custom fitting ski boots

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3876746A true US3876746A (en) 1975-04-08

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US298537A Expired - Lifetime US3876746A (en) 1972-10-18 1972-10-18 Method for custom fitting ski boots

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3876746A (ja)
JP (1) JPS4995485A (ja)
AT (1) AT333624B (ja)
CA (1) CA984607A (ja)
CH (1) CH570785A5 (ja)
DE (1) DE2351757A1 (ja)
FR (1) FR2204106A5 (ja)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4837884A (en) * 1986-10-09 1989-06-13 Skischuhfabrik Dynafit Gesellschaft Gmbh Process for filling with foam the inner boot of skiboots and skiboot produced according to the process
US5253435A (en) * 1989-03-17 1993-10-19 Nike, Inc. Pressure-adjustable shoe bladder assembly
US5257470A (en) * 1989-03-17 1993-11-02 Nike, Inc. Shoe bladder system
US5317821A (en) * 1989-10-26 1994-06-07 Vargo Garry B Method for custom-fitting boots by providing attachments thereto or to an inner liner therefor
US5324460A (en) * 1990-07-23 1994-06-28 Helmets Limited Method of making a helmet liner
US5416988A (en) * 1989-03-17 1995-05-23 Nike, Inc. Customized fit shoe and bladder therefor
US5673500A (en) * 1995-12-11 1997-10-07 Raymond Hwang Shoe with weighing means
US5765298A (en) * 1989-03-17 1998-06-16 Nike, Inc. Athletic shoe with pressurized ankle collar
US6314663B1 (en) * 2000-04-10 2001-11-13 Frank Saldana Shoe cushioning system
US8984776B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2015-03-24 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Polyurethane injected boot assembly and associated manufacturing method
EP3482648A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-15 Head Technology GmbH Liner for sports shoes
USD891043S1 (en) 2015-10-15 2020-07-28 LaCrosse Footwear Boot
USD895235S1 (en) 2011-11-30 2020-09-08 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Boot

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01249001A (ja) * 1988-03-30 1989-10-04 Yamaha Corp スキー靴及びその製法
IT1259139B (it) * 1992-07-28 1996-03-11 Dolomite Spa Metodo di regolazione ausiliaria del volume libero tra scafo e scarpetta in una calzatura sportiva e calzatura, quale scarpone da sci,scarpa per pattinaggio e simili, con regolazione ausiliaria del volume libero tra lo scafo e scarpetta secondo tale metodo
FR3135037B1 (fr) 2022-04-29 2024-03-15 Psa Automobiles Sa Peau de pare-chocs permettant l’évacuation de liquide, pour un véhicule terrestre

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3632241A (en) * 1969-03-18 1972-01-04 Uniroyal Inc Molding system
US3640003A (en) * 1970-03-02 1972-02-08 Roland M Anderson Method and construction of a ski boot
US3736612A (en) * 1971-03-11 1973-06-05 Bass Sports Inc Method of fitting ski boots
US3744159A (en) * 1971-03-20 1973-07-10 K Nishimura Sports shoe
US3746486A (en) * 1969-11-29 1973-07-17 Akzona Inc Apparatus for controlling polymer pressure

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3632241A (en) * 1969-03-18 1972-01-04 Uniroyal Inc Molding system
US3746486A (en) * 1969-11-29 1973-07-17 Akzona Inc Apparatus for controlling polymer pressure
US3640003A (en) * 1970-03-02 1972-02-08 Roland M Anderson Method and construction of a ski boot
US3736612A (en) * 1971-03-11 1973-06-05 Bass Sports Inc Method of fitting ski boots
US3744159A (en) * 1971-03-20 1973-07-10 K Nishimura Sports shoe

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4837884A (en) * 1986-10-09 1989-06-13 Skischuhfabrik Dynafit Gesellschaft Gmbh Process for filling with foam the inner boot of skiboots and skiboot produced according to the process
US5253435A (en) * 1989-03-17 1993-10-19 Nike, Inc. Pressure-adjustable shoe bladder assembly
US5257470A (en) * 1989-03-17 1993-11-02 Nike, Inc. Shoe bladder system
US5416988A (en) * 1989-03-17 1995-05-23 Nike, Inc. Customized fit shoe and bladder therefor
US5765298A (en) * 1989-03-17 1998-06-16 Nike, Inc. Athletic shoe with pressurized ankle collar
US5317821A (en) * 1989-10-26 1994-06-07 Vargo Garry B Method for custom-fitting boots by providing attachments thereto or to an inner liner therefor
US5324460A (en) * 1990-07-23 1994-06-28 Helmets Limited Method of making a helmet liner
US5673500A (en) * 1995-12-11 1997-10-07 Raymond Hwang Shoe with weighing means
US6314663B1 (en) * 2000-04-10 2001-11-13 Frank Saldana Shoe cushioning system
US9204685B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2015-12-08 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Polyurethane injected boot assembly and associated manufacturing method
US8984776B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2015-03-24 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Polyurethane injected boot assembly and associated manufacturing method
USD895235S1 (en) 2011-11-30 2020-09-08 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Boot
US10912347B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2021-02-09 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Polyurethane injected boot assembly and associated manufacturing method
US11666114B2 (en) 2011-11-30 2023-06-06 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Polyurethane injected boot assembly and associated manufacturing method
USD891043S1 (en) 2015-10-15 2020-07-28 LaCrosse Footwear Boot
USD940439S1 (en) 2015-10-15 2022-01-11 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Boot
USD988648S1 (en) 2015-10-15 2023-06-13 Lacrosse Footwear, Inc. Boot
EP3482648A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-15 Head Technology GmbH Liner for sports shoes
US20190142111A1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-16 Head Technology Gmbh Liner for sports shoes
CN109757823A (zh) * 2017-11-10 2019-05-17 黑德技术有限公司 用于运动鞋的衬里及使其适配于脚部的方法以及运动鞋

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH570785A5 (ja) 1975-12-31
FR2204106A5 (ja) 1974-05-17
CA984607A (en) 1976-03-02
JPS4995485A (ja) 1974-09-10
DE2351757A1 (de) 1974-05-02
AT333624B (de) 1976-12-10
ATA875973A (de) 1976-03-15

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GB1233172A (ja)

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Owner name: DAIWA SEIKO, INC. P.O. BOX 1 14-16 MAESAWA, 3-CHOM

Free format text: ASSIGNOR AND ASSIGNEE EACH QUITCLAIM, SELL, REMISE, RELEASE, TRANSFER, CONVEY AND ASSIGN THE ENTIRE INTEREST UNDER SAID PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS;ASSIGNOR:HANSON INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED A CO CORP.;REEL/FRAME:004085/0150

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