Tightening system for ski boots

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12471657-B2
Application number	US-202318315340-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	May 10, 2023
Priority date	May 11, 2022
Publication date	Nov 18, 2025
Grant date	Nov 18, 2025

Abstract

A tightening device for tightening a ski boot includes an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate panel is positioned about the ski boot's shell between opposing sides of the shell. A tensioning mechanism is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel. A tension member is operably coupled with the tensioning mechanism so that an operation of the tensioning mechanism adjusts a tension of the tension member. At least one guide member is coupled with, or positioned on, the proximal end of the elongate panel adjacent to the tensioning mechanism. The tension member is coupled with the guide member to route or direct the tension member between the opposing sides of the shell and along a portion of the elongate panel.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A tightening device for tightening a ski boot, the tightening device comprising:
an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate panel being positionable about a shell of the ski boot between opposing sides of the shell; a tensioner that is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel, the tensioner comprising a knob; a tension member that is operably coupled with the tensioner so that a rotation of the knob adjusts a tension of the tension member; and at least one guide member that is coupled with, or positioned on, the proximal end of the elongate panel adjacent the tensioner; wherein the proximal end of the elongate panel includes an annular ring that is positioned above the elongate panel to allow a gaiter of the ski boot to be positioned between the elongate panel and the annular ring such that only the tensioner is positioned externally of the gaiter; and wherein the tension member is coupled with the at least one guide member so that the tension member is routed between the opposing sides of the shell and along a portion of the elongate panel.

2 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one guide member includes a first guide member positioned on a first side of the elongate panel and a second guide member positioned on a second side of the elongate panel opposite the first side.

3 . The tightening device of claim 2 , wherein the first guide member and the second guide member are positioned on arms or tabs that extend laterally from opposing sides of the proximal end of the elongate panel.

4 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate panel further comprises a second guide member that is positioned along the elongate panel between the proximal end and a distal end of the elongate panel.

5 . The tightening device of claim 4 , wherein the elongate panel is laterally wider or flared adjacent the second guide member.

6 . The tightening device of claim 4 , wherein the tension member is routed longitudinally along a center portion of the elongate panel via the second guide member such that the tension member does not cross itself along the center portion of the elongate panel.

7 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the tension member is operably coupled with one or more straps, panels, or material segments that are positioned under an outer shell of the ski boot and that engage a liner of the ski boot.

8 . The tightening device of claim 7 , wherein the straps, panels, or material segments form or define an internal harness that is positioned under the outer shell of the ski boot.

9 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the proximal end of the elongate panel curves downward to accommodate placement of the gaiter between the elongate panel and the annular ring.

10 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate panel includes a flexible member or zone that connects the proximal end of the elongate panel to a distal end of the elongate panel, the flexible member or zone allowing the proximal end of the elongate panel to bend and flex relative to the distal end.

11 . The tightening device of claim 10 , wherein the flexible member or zone is a thin material section, a hinge, or a kerf section.

12 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate panel is not attached to the shell other than via the tension member.

13 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the tensioner is removably coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel.

14 . The tightening device of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the elongate panel is substantially wider and thicker than the distal end of the elongate panel.

15 . A method of coupling a tightening device with a shell of a ski boot, the method comprising:
providing the tightening device, the tightening device including:
an elongate panel having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate panel being positionable about the shell of the ski boot between opposing sides of the shell;
a tensioner that is coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel, the tensioner comprising a knob;
a tension member that is operably coupled with the tensioner so that a rotation of the knob adjusts a tension of the tension member; and
at least one guide member that is coupled with, or positioned on, the proximal end of the elongate panel adjacent the tensioner;
wherein the proximal end of the elongate panel includes an annular ring that is positioned above the elongate panel to allow a gaiter of the ski boot to be positioned between the elongate panel and the annular ring such that only the tensioner is positioned externally of the gaiter;
wherein the tension member is coupled with the at least one guide member so that the tension member is routed between the opposing sides of the shell and along a portion of the elongate panel;
positioning the tightening device between opposing sides of the shell; attaching the tension member to a first guide on a first side of the shell; attaching the tension member to a second guide on a second side of the shell; and positioning a gaiter of the ski boot between the elongate panel and the annular ring such that only the tensioner is positioned externally of the gaiter.

16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the at least one guide member includes a first guide member positioned on a first side of the elongate panel and a second guide member positioned on a second side of the elongate panel opposite the first side, and wherein the first guide member and the second guide member are positioned on arms or tabs that extend laterally from opposing sides of the proximal end of the elongate panel.

17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the elongate panel further comprises a second guide member that is positioned along the elongate panel between the proximal end and a distal end of the elongate panel, and wherein the tension member is routed longitudinally along a center portion of the elongate panel via the second guide member such that the tension member does not cross itself along the center portion of the elongate panel.

18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the tension member is operably coupled with one or more straps, panels, or material segments that are positioned under an outer shell of the ski boot and that engage a liner of the ski boot.

19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the straps, panels, or material segments form or define an internal harness that is positioned under the outer shell of the ski boot.

20 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the elongate panel includes a flexible member or zone that connects the proximal end of the elongate panel to a distal end of the elongate panel, the flexible member or zone allowing the proximal end of the elongate panel to bend and flex relative to the distal end.

21 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the elongate panel is not attached to the shell other than via the tension member.

22 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the tensioner is removably coupled with the proximal end of the elongate panel.

23 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the proximal end of the elongate panel is substantially wider and thicker than the distal end of the elongate panel.

Assignees

• Boa Tech Inc

Inventors

• Oberhauser Isabella
• Jensen Zachary Hamilton
• Manzato Alessandro
• Armiraglio Marco
• Hoskens Brendan
• Pollack Thomas John
• Kittridge Blake
• Coe John
• Evans Stephen

Classifications

• A43C11/20

  Fastenings with tightening devices mounted on the tongue · CPC title

• A43C11/165

  characterised by a spool, reel or pulley for winding up cables, laces or straps by rotation · CPC title

• A43B5/0439

  to the heel; Heel clamping devices; Heel supports · CPC title

• A43C1/003

  Zone lacing, i.e. whereby different zones of the footwear have different lacing tightening degrees, using one or a plurality of laces (laces combined with another system A43C11/008; zone tightening using straps A43C11/14) · CPC title

• A43B5/0447 Primary

  actuated by flexible means, e.g. cables, straps · CPC title