Ski Boot Including a Foot Securing Device

Abstract

A ski boot including an inside buckle device having a fastening strap for securing a skier's foot and heel to the inside of the boot is disclosed. The device enables users to maintain constant heel contact with the footbed of the boot which prevents the boot from becoming detached from the ski. The ski boot including an inside buckle device comprises an adjustable strap component that comprises an attached buckle component. The strap component is attached to a tension line component that secures the device to the boot. The tension line is attached to the tension knob component on the outside of the boot to ensure the user's foot remains in the desired position.

Claims

1. An interior fastener for a ski boot comprising: a buckle; at least one adjustable strap; at least one hook; at least one tension line; and at least one tension knob; wherein said buckle secured to an interior of said ski boot; wherein said at least one adjustable strap having said at least one hook for securing said at least one adjustable strap to said at least one tension line; wherein said at least one tension line connected to said at least one tension knob; and further wherein said at least one tension knob turnable for tightening said at least one tension line and securing said buckle and a foot inside of said ski boot.

2. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 1, wherein said at least one tension line extending from said interior of said ski boot to an exterior of said ski boot.

3. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 1, wherein said at least one tension knob attached to said exterior of said ski boot.

4. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 1, wherein said at least one adjustable strap stretchable over a width of a user's foot.

5. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 4, wherein said at least one adjustable strap having a flexible material selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a canvas, and a nylon.

6. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 5, wherein said buckle component slidable along said at least one adjustable strap to secure said at least one adjustable strap to a desired width of the user's foot.

7. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 6, wherein said buckle is a metal clasp.

8. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 6, wherein said at least one adjustable strap having at least another hook, and further wherein said at least one hook and said at least another hook attached to each end of said at least one adjustable strap.

9. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 6, wherein said at least one tension line is a steel line having a diameter from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

10. The interior fastener for a ski boot of claim 8, wherein said at least one tension line attached through said at least one hook and said at least another hook.

11. A fastener for a ski boot comprising: a buckle; an adjustable strap; at least one hook; a tension line; and a tension knob; wherein said buckle secured to an exterior of said ski boot; wherein said adjustable strap having said at least one hook for securing said adjustable strap to said tension line; wherein said tension line connected to said tension knob; and further wherein said tension knob turnable for tightening said tension line and securing said buckle over a foot inside of said ski boot.

12. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 11, wherein said tension knob attached to said exterior of said ski boot.

13. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 12, wherein said adjustable strap stretchable over a width of a user's foot.

14. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 13, wherein said adjustable strap having a flexible material selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a canvas, and a nylon.

15. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 14, wherein said buckle component slidable along said adjustable strap to secure said adjustable strap to a desired width of the user's foot.

16. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 15 further comprising a plastic liner, wherein said plastic liner positioned under said adjustable strap for distributing pressure on a foot bridge area.

17. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 16, wherein said adjustable strap having at least another hook, and further wherein said at least one hook and said at least another hook attached to each end of said adjustable strap.

18. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 17, wherein said tension line is a steel line having a diameter from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.

19. The fastener for a ski boot of claim 18, wherein said tension line attached through said at least one hook and said at least another hook.

20. An interior fastener for a ski boot comprising: a buckle; an adjustable strap; at least one hook; at least another hook; a tension line; and a tension knob; wherein said buckle secured to an interior of said ski boot; wherein said adjustable strap having said at least one hook and at least said another hook at opposing ends for securing said adjustable strap to said tension line; wherein said tension line connected to said tension knob; wherein said tension knob turnable for tightening said tension line and securing said buckle over a foot inside of said ski boot; wherein said tension knob attached to said exterior of said ski boot; wherein said adjustable strap stretchable over a width of a user's foot; and further wherein said adjustable strap having a flexible material selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, a canvas, and a nylon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside buckle device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside buckle device of the present invention installed on the exterior of the ski boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside buckle device of the present invention showing how the device is secured to the interior of the boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside buckle device of the present invention to the interior of the boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside buckle device of the present invention attached to the exterior of the boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of securing the ski boot including an inside buckle device to the user's desired ski boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0027] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the for a ski boot including an inside buckle device that provides users with an adjustable strap to create a safer, more comfortable ski experience. There is also a long felt need in the art for a ski boot including an inside buckle device that comprises an adjustable buckle to secure the users foot and heel to the bottom of the boot. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a ski boot including an inside buckle device that enables users to secure the strap and buckle to prevent the boot from becoming detached from the equipment while skiing. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that prevents vibration from forcing the heel upward while skiing in the boot. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a ski boot including an inside buckle device that reduces the chance of injury to skiers.

[0028] The present inventions, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised on a ski boot including an inside buckle device. The device is a fastening strap that is installed to a ski boot to create a safer and more comfortable ski experience. Additionally, the device provides skiers with an opportunity of improved performance. More specifically, the ski boot including an inside buckle device is comprised of an adjustable strap component that comprises a buckle component. The strap component is used to secure the strap around the user's foot when in use. Further, the adjustable strap component is attached to a tension line component that secures the device to the boot. Further, the tension line is attached to the tension knob component on the outside of the boot to ensure the user's foot remains in the desired position.

[0029] The method of the present invention also includes a novel method of securing a skier's foot or heel to the desired ski boot. The method includes the steps of providing a ski boot including an inside buckle device with at least one adjustable strap comprised of a buckle, at least one tension line, and at least one tension knob. The method also comprises installing the device on the exterior or interior of the desired ski boot. Further, the method comprises inserting the user's foot into the ski boot. The method also comprises adjusting the strap component to the appropriate foot width using the buckle component. Finally, the method comprises tightening the device using the tension knob installed on the exterior of the boot until the desired tautness is met.

[0030] Accordingly, the ski boot including an inside buckle device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that eliminates vibration of the ski boot. More specifically, the ski boot including an inside buckle device can be applied to a ski boot to prevent the detachment of the boot from the ski. Furthermore, the device can be applied to establish a safer and more comfortable ski experience. In this manner, the ski boot including an inside buckle device helps reduce the chance of injury while skiing. In this manner, the ski boot including an inside buckle device, provides a universal solution to disconnection of the ski boot.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 is a fastening strap for securing the skier's foot 10 inside of the ski boot 20. Specifically, the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 comprises at least one adjustable strap component 110 with at least one buckle component 112 to meet the desired size for a plurality of foot widths. The adjustable strap component 110 comprises at least one hook component 116 to secure the adjustable strap component 110 to at least one tension line component 114. In one embodiment, a plastic liner or pad 111 can be positioned under the adjustable strap component 110 for distributing the pressure on the muscles and ligaments in the bridge area of the foot (FIG. 1). Further, the tension line component 114 is connected to at least one tension knob component 120 through an interior to exterior boot opening 30. The tension knob component 120 installed on the exterior of the boot 20.

[0032] Generally, the present invention is directed to a ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 that has particular utility in securing a skier's foot 10 inside of the desired ski boot 20. In the present invention, the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 can enable users to maintain constant heel 10 contact with the footbed of the boot 20, providing stability and comfort.

[0033] FIG. 2, illustrates the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 installed on the exterior of the boot 10. Further, when the device 100 is installed on the exterior of the boot 10, the interior to exterior boot opening 30 is not necessary. The adjustable strap component 110 and tension knob component 120 are used to maintain the appropriate width and tension of the desired ski boot 20.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 of the present invention secured to the interior of the boot 20 through the tension line component 114 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 comprises at least one adjustable strap component 110. Further, the adjustable strap component 110 is typically a synthetic material that stretches over the width of the user's foot 10. Additionally, the adjustable strap component 110 is preferably made of a flexible, durable material, such as but not limited to, woven fabric, canvas, nylon, etc. Moreover, the material should enable proper blood flow to the foot while in use.

[0035] In use, the adjustable strap component 110 is adapted and secured using at least one buckle component 112. Typically, the buckle component 112 moves (i.e., slides) along the adjustable strap component 110 to secure the adjustable strap component 110 to the desired width of the user's foot 10. Further, the buckle component 112 is typically a durable material, such as but not limited to, a metal clasp, that is easily maneuvered over the adjustable strap component 112. Further the plurality of buckle components 112 can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art.

[0036] Further, the adjustable strap component 110 is secured to the boot 20 through at least one tension line component 114. The tension line component 114 is attached to the adjustable strap component through at least one hook component 116. Typically, at least one hook component 116 is attached to each end of the adjustable strap component 110. Further, the hook component 116 is typically a durable, synthetic material, such as but not limited to, a plastic loop, that can easily contain the tension line component 114. Additionally, the tension line component 114 is preferably a steel line, from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm in diameter, or any other durable means as is known in the art. The material of the tension line component 114 should prevent the loosening of the device 100 while in use. When installed on the boot, the tension line component 114 is attached through the hook component 116 at both ends of the adjustable strap component 110. Moreover, the tension line component 114 is woven through at least one interior/exterior opening 30 on the boot 20.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 of the present invention installed to the exterior of the boot 20 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The adjustable strap component 110 is aligned with the existing bootstraps when installed to the exterior of the boot 20. The tension line component 114 connects the adjustable strap 110 to the tension knob component 120 that is installed on the back of the boot 20 using the tension line component 114.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of securing the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 to the user's desired ski boot 20 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The method includes the steps of providing a ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 with at least one adjustable strap component 110 comprised of at least one buckle 112, at least one tension line 114, and at least one tension knob 120. The method also comprises at 602, installing the device 100 on the exterior or interior of the desired ski boot 20. Further, the method comprises at 604, inserting the user's foot 10 into the ski boot 20. The method also comprises at 606, adjusting the strap component 110 to the appropriate foot 10 width using the buckle component 112. Finally, the method comprises at 608, tightening the device 100 using the tension knob 120 installed on the exterior of the boot 20 until the desired tautness is met.

[0039] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein ski boot including an inside buckle device, ski boot device, boot device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the ski boot including an inside or interior buckle device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0041] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0042] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.