Abstract: A sport shoe has a sole portion and an upper portion fixedly coupled to the sole portion. The upper portion has an inner side section, a center foot section and an outer side section. The first strap member has a first attachment portion coupled to one of the inner and outer side sections and a first pad connecting portion. The pad member has a first end portion, a center portion and a second end portion with the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member being fixedly coupled to the pad member by a fastening member. The adjustable strap buckle fixedly coupled to the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member by the fastening member. The second strap member has a second attachment portion coupled to the other of the inner and outer side sections and a second pad connecting portion that is adjustably coupled to the first strap member by the adjustable strap buckle.

Abstract: A boot having a sole and an upper, the boot extending longitudinally between a heel and a tip, the upper having an outer envelope and an inner envelope, the boot having a mechanism for tightening the inner envelope, the mechanism for tightening the inner envelope having keepers affixed to the inner envelope and at least one lace. The mechanism for tightening the inner envelope has at least one rear keeper affixed to the outer envelope, the rear keeper being located substantially toward the heel of the boot.

Abstract: A snowboard boot has a sole portion and an upper portion. The sole portion includes a mid sole having a base portion with a front catch coupled to a toe section of the base portion. The first and second rear catches are located at first and second lateral sides of a heel section of the base portion, and first and second strap attachment members extending from the heel section of the base portion. The upper portion includes a foot section fixedly coupled to the sole portion and a leg section extending upwardly from the foot section. The first and second strap attachment members are integrally formed with the base portion of said mid sole as a one-piece, unitary member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe, especially for downhill skiing, ski-touring, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, roller-skating or ice-skating. The inventive shoe essentially comprises a rigid underframe (11), which is located below the ankle of the wearer, two connecting links (30, 31) between the underframe and the leg of the wearer, and two casings (14, 15), which are arranged in such a way that they can firmly link the leg of the wearer to the connecting links. The underframe (11) comprises a front housing (18) and a rear housing (19). The housings are arranged in such a way that they can receive a soft inner boot (12). The underframe (11) also comprises shoulders (17, 17′), which enable the shoe (10) to be fixed in a conventional binding. The inner boot (12) is able to move inside the underframe.

Abstract: A sport boot is provided that is suitable for, but not limited to, use as a snowboard boot. The sport boot includes an outer shell and an inner liner received within the outer shell. The outer shell includes an outsole and a protective upper affixed to the outsole. The inner liner includes a cushioning midsole and a flexible upper affixed to the midsole. Unlike conventional sport boots that place the midsole between an insole board and a shank on the outer shell, the present invention incorporates the midsole onto the inner liner directly under a rider's foot to provide a level and more stable platform. With the midsole built into the inner liner, there is an improved relationship between the horizontal plane a rider's foot lies in and the horizontal plane of the midsole. When attached in this manner, a rider's foot and the midsole more effectively remain in parallel planes, which improves the overall comfort and performance of sport boot.

Abstract: A shell, particularly for a ski boot, constituted by a box-like main body which is open in an upward region and is rigidly coupled to a sole. The shell has, at the foot instep region, two arc-like partially overlapping plates, each of which is rotatably pivoted to the shell by pivots arranged laterally to the shell on an axis which is approximately parallel to the resting plane of the sole. The rotation of the two plates is limited by a pivot and slot connection arranged in the region in front of the heel.

Abstract: The snowboarding boot of the invention includes a boot shell having a toe portion, a heel portion, an ankle portion, and a top portion. In the preferred embodiment, a selectively inflatable bladder is disposed at each of these portions to allow the user of the snowboarding boot to selectively adjust the secureness of the fit between his foot and the boot. In one embodiment, each of the bladders is connected together so that inflation of one bladder provides fluid pressure to all of the bladders. In another embodiment, each of the fluid bladders is separate allowing the user to adjust the inflation pressure of each bladder individually.

Abstract: A sports boot, especially a ski boot, including a shell base overlaid by an upper at least partially pivotal in relation to the shell base and including a device for locking and unlocking with respect to the latter, which is constituted by an abutment zone provided on the rear portion of the upper, and by an oscillating lever forming a rocker, arranged on the rear portion of the shell base, capable of cooperating in locking with the abutment, under the action of a control member, wherein the control member of the oscillating lever forming a rocker, adapted to cooperate in locking with the abutment, is located in the rear fitting zone of the boot so as to be biased by the rear binding of an element to be fitted, and is controllably connected to the lever, located at a distance, in a zone separate from the fitting zone, by means of a cable pulling on the lever during the fitting of the boot.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot has a curb intended to allow the boot to be held on a ski by either a front binding or a rear binding. The curb has a flange (4) which is nonremovably secured to the lower part of the boot and a removable curb piece (8; 16; 16′) fixable either immediately underneath the flange, wherein the overall height of the boot measured from a lower surface of the curb piece to the top of the boot is maximized or immediately above the flange wherein the overall height of the boot from the lower surface of the boot adjacent the flange to the top of the boot is minimized.

Abstract: A sport shoe has a sole portion and an upper portion fixedly coupled to the sole portion. The upper portion has an inner side section, a center foot section and an outer side section. The first strap member has a first attachment portion coupled to one of the inner and outer side sections and a first pad connecting portion. The pad member has a first end portion, a center portion and a second end portion with the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member being fixedly coupled to the pad member by a fastening member. The adjustable strap buckle fixedly coupled to the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member by the fastening member. The second strap member has a second attachment portion coupled to the other of the inner and outer side sections and a second pad connecting portion that is adjustably coupled to the first strap member by the adjustable strap buckle.

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a heel member and a leg member positioned above the heel member. The heel member and the leg member are secured to the boot so that the leg member is capable of movement relative to the heel member about an axis of rotation that is vertically inclined no more than ±45° and that lies within a plane that is inclined relative to a longitudinal plane which divides left and right sections of the boot.

Abstract: The boot for gliding sports, particularly for skiing, comprises a rigid shell (2) for partially surrounding a user's foot, a collar (3) articulated on the shell (2), and an inner boot, said shell (2) including an open part that makes it easier to put the boot on and to take it off. The boot also comprises at least one flexible element (6) covering said open part so as to close the boot, and a semirigid element (7, 8) superposed over said flexible element (6), and means (9) for fixing said elements on the rigid shell (2).

Abstract: An articulated ski boot for releasable attachment to a binding mounted on an alpine ski is presented. The ski boot has a sole which preferably is formed of first and second rigid portions with a hinge connecting the two portions such that the first portion is upwardly pivotable when the sole is free from the binding (walking mode). The boot has a substantially rigid boot upper adapted to receive a foot and which is attached to the sole. A truss member is pivotally connected to the boot upper and pivots between the walking mode and a locked skiing mode in which the sole portions are prevented from pivoting. The ski boot also includes means for securing the skier's forefoot and heel to the sole to substantially reduce toe and heel lift.

Abstract: In a sports footwear that comprises also a rigid reinforcement structure (200), a shoe (100) of soft, flexiable amterial comprises two superimposed sub-assemblies (110, 150). The upper sub-assembly (150) slides, jointly with a leg-portion (120) that is a part of the lower sub-assembly (110), with respect to an upper (111) which is also a part of the said lower sub-assembly. USE: skates with in-line rollers, boots for cross-country skiing, snowboard and the like. Advantages: improved flexibility of the user's ankle. Improved manufacturability.

Abstract: A buckle for fastening a strap having a mounting location especially arranged relative to a force resolving location of the buckle to control dive of the buckle in a particular direction when the strap is cranked down. A mounting location includes a pair of flanges extending sideways from the buckle housing and away from a floor of the housing.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a removable strap for a snowboard boot to preventing the rider's foot from lifting in the boot. The ankle strap enables a soft boot to be used with both a strap-less step-in binding system, and a strap binding system. Another aspect is a snowboard binding including a strap adapted to releasably secure the snowboard boot and constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep bone of the rider. A further aspect is an apparatus comprising a snowboard boot and a strap attached thereto. The strap is arranged to prevent the rider's heel from lifting in the snowboard boot, and is constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep bone of the rider.

Abstract: A boot is constituted, on the one hand, of a shell (1), a cuff (2) joined to the shell, the shell and the cuff presenting zones of differing rigidity (18, 19a, 27, 28). The zones of lesser rigidity (14, 16, 18) of the shell permitting the support, on the sides of the shell, of a rigid heel zone (5) extending toward the front by a lateral oblique band (10) carrying the buckles (11, 12). The rigid zone of the cuff comprises two lateral flaps (19) and at least a collar (20) wherein the rearward portion of the collar is connected to the heel by a joining component (24) regulating the flexing and the rear support. The surface of the rigid zones is minimal.

Abstract: A device for guiding a flap of a closure and, more particularly, a flap of a closure of an article of footwear. More particularly, the invention is directed to an article of footwear in the form of a sports boot equipped with at least two semi-rigid upper elements, i.e., flaps, which overlap during the closing or adjustment of the footwear, thus defining an upper flap and a lower flap, the footwear also being equipped with a tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism, according to the invention, includes a structural arrangement for ensuring the guiding of the lower flap beneath the upper flap, the guiding arrangement prohibiting the engagement of the lower flap over the upper flap.

Abstract: A bracket that supports an electrical component, such as a battery pack, comprising a main plate that includes opposing first and second surfaces, a mounting portion, and a retaining portion. A mounting extends from the mounting portion of the main plate and supports the electrical component. A first support leg extends from the main plate with a first slot being defined between the retaining portion and the first support leg.

Abstract: An embodiment of a snowboard boot with removable upper support includes a sole portion that cooperatively with an upwardly extending boot upper provides a volume for receiving a user's foot. The boot upper has a high back portion that includes an interior pocket adapted to receive a generally Y-shaped stiffening insert. The pocket is provided at the back of the upper, by attaching a back panel to the upper, the back panel having a front panel attached to the front side, thereby forming a pocket. Slots are provided at the top corners of the back panel that can slidably engage the upper tabs of the insert, thereby locking the insert in place.

Abstract: Highback for a snowboard binding intended to come into contact with the rear part of the user's boot in order to withstand the back thrusts thereof, having a median longitudinal plane of symmetry, which has a stiffer region located asymmetrically with regard to the median longitudinal plane of symmetry of the highback.

Abstract: An articulated ski boot for releasable attachment to a binding mounted on an alpine ski is presented. The ski boot has a sole which preferably is formed of first and second rigid portions with a hinge connecting the two portions such that the first portion is upwardly pivotable when the sole is free from the binding (walking mode). The boot has a substantially rigid boot upper adapted to receive a foot and which is attached to the sole. A truss member is pivotally connected to the boot upper and pivots between the walking mode and a locked skiing mode in which the sole portions are prevented from pivoting. The ski boot also includes means for securing the skier's forefoot and heel to the sole to substantially reduce toe and heel lift.

Abstract: Ski boot whose upper consists of a variable-volume plastic shell (1) provided with at least one tightening device (5, 6). The outer side (A) of the shell has zones (A′, A″) which are of substantially lower rigidity than the rest of the shell and lie on either side of a stronger band (15) which extends obliquely from the heel to the front end of the shell and bears one of the parts of the tightening device. The effect of said band is to keep the foot bearing against the inner side of the shell, and thus to improve edge setting.

Abstract: A boot has a rigid core (1, 2) consisting, in some areas, of the inside surface of the boot into which a liner is received and of an envelope of supple material (11, 12) covering the rigid core, and making up the inside surface of the boot in the areas where the rigid core is absent. The rigid core comprises means of reinforcement (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that are not covered by the aforementioned envelope of supple material (11, 12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device composed of a cover (1) and of an insert in the form of a shaft (5) inserted in the thickness of the front portion of the sole (9) and constituting a journalled system, adapted to ensure control of the flexural rigidity of a shoe, in particular a snowboard boot, or adapted to ensure the protection of the front surface of the shoe, partially or in its entirety.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strap assembly (150) for a sports boot (100), that includes a first strap (151) pivotally connected at one end to the boot heel portion (130), and a second strap (161) pivotally connected to the opposite side of the heel portion. A clasp (159) is provided that allows the first strap to be adjustably connected to the second strap. One or both of the straps are attached to the heel portion with a slider mechanism (180) that allows the proximal ends of the straps to be selectively adjusted. The slider mechanism includes a slider plate (181) attached to the boot upper (120) having a medial channel (184) with an elongate slot (186). A nut plate (200) is slidably disposed in the medial channel, and a screw (210) connects the strap to the nut plate.

Abstract: A ski boot, in particular a telemark boot, having a shell made of plastic material and in turn having a bottom wall, two lateral walls, a toe portion, and a flexible portion extending crosswise with respect to the shell, from one side to the other of the bottom wall at the metatarsus; and a frame embedded in the shell and having, integrally, two longitudinal elements extending along respective lateral walls from a rear portion of the shell to an intermediate portion of the bottom wall adjacent to respective lateral ends of the flexible portion, and a transverse structure connected integrally to respective front ends of the longitudinal elements and defined by a flat bottom portion embedded in the bottom wall, and by a top portion extending along the connecting portion between the toe portion and the flexible portion.

Abstract: An embodiment of a snowboard boot with removable upper support includes a sole portion that cooperatively with an upwardly extending boot upper provides a volume for receiving a user's foot. The boot upper has a high back portion that includes an interior pocket adapted to receive a generally Y-shaped stiffening insert. The pocket is provided at the back of the upper, by attaching a back panel to the upper, the back panel having a front panel attached to the front side, thereby forming a pocket. Slots are provided at the top comers of the back panel that can slidably engage the upper tabs of the insert, thereby locking the insert in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strap assembly (150) for a sports boot (100), that includes a first strap (151) pivotally connected at one end to the boot heel portion (130), and a second strap (161) pivotally connected to the opposite side of the heel portion. A clasp (159) is provided that allows the first strap to be adjustably connected to the second strap. One or both of the straps are attached to the heel portion with a slider mechanism (180) that allows the proximal ends of the straps to be selectively adjusted. The slider mechanism includes a slider plate (181) attached to the boot upper (120) having a medial channel (184) with an elongate slot (186). A nut plate (200) is slidably disposed in the medial channel, and a screw (210) connects the strap to the nut plate.

Abstract: A snowboard boot (200) includes an upper boot (204) secured to an outsole (206). The boot upper includes a vamp opening (208) that is closed by a tongue (210) and a selectively securable vamp fastener (216). The tongue (210) carries a pocket (218) on a lower end (212) thereof, and first and second snap fasteners (222) on an upper end (214) thereof. A semi-rigid tongue stiffener (202) can be selectively secured to an anterior side of the tongue (210) utilizing the pocket and snap fasteners to selectively increase the stiffness of the boot and resistance to forward flexure by a predetermined degree.

Abstract: A binding has a heel loop and a highback pivotally connected to the heel loop. A lever mechanism has a first portion pivotally connected to the highback and a second portion which operably engages the heel loop. Rotation of the lever mechanism causes the highback to move between a neutral position and a forward lean position. In certain preferred embodiments, the first portion of the lever mechanism is adjustably pivotally connected to the highback. In certain preferred embodiments, the second portion of the lever mechanism is secured to the heel loop.

Abstract: A removable reinforcing element for a sports boot, particularly a snowboarding boot, of the type including an outer boot and an inner liner, the outer boot including an external sole and an external upper, the inner liner including a close-fitting envelope covering the foot and the leg. The reinforcing element includes a bottom part forming a heel stiffener and equipped with a tightening arrangement exerting a tightening force at the level of the instep. It also includes a top part extending vertically upward from the bottom part and including a rear wall and two lateral walls surrounding the lower leg.

Abstract: A ski boot consisting of a flexible upper (1) in the form of a shoe fixed to a rigid intermediate sole (4) on which smooth bearing surfaces (6a, 7a) are formed, the intermediate sole being covered by a walking sole (11) leaving free the bearing surfaces which are preferably set back from the walking surface. These bearing surfaces are intended to bear on and slide over the corresponding surfaces of a safety binding.

Abstract: Ski boot whose upper consists of a variable-volume plastic shell (1) provided with at least one tightening device (5, 6). The outer side (A) of the shell has zones (A′, A″) which are of substantially lower rigidity than the rest of the shell and lie on either side of a stronger band (15) which extends obliquely from the heel to the front end of the shell and bears one of the parts of the tightening device.

Abstract: A boot having an outer sole and an external upper covering the user's foot and lower leg. The external upper has a flexible frame made of a flexible, substantially non-stretchable material, arranged along preferred directions of forces/supports affixed to both the external upper and the outer sole. The flexible frame has a dorsal portion extending from the outer sole substantially up to the top end of the external upper, and at least one lateral arm laterally connecting the upper end of the dorsal portion to one side of the boot.

Abstract: A flexible skate boot having lower and upper portions made of leather, synthetic leather or similar material is provided with a flexible ankle encircling cuff made of synthetic moldable plastic material capable flexing designed in amounts in the forward and aft and lateral directions to act as an energy storage and release device and without wrinkling so as to minimize discomfort and abrasion on the user's ankle and extend the useful life of the boot. The tongue portion of the boot has a similar molded synthetic flexible panel separating the upper and lower sections of the tongue, the tongue panel being aligned with the flexible ankle encircling cuff which separates the upper and lower parts of the boot from each other. The parts are designed to essentially lock the tongue in the desired frontal position to prevent tongue migration from the desired frontal position during skating.

Abstract: A sports boot, particularly for gliding sports, of the type including a rigid sole, an external upper, and a removal liner, the external upper including a first portion made of a rigid and substantially non-flexible material including at least one heel stiffener; a second portion, attached to the first portion and/or to the sole, made of a substantially rigid and flexible material; a third portion attached to the second portion and made of a flexible material. The second portion includes a collar adapted to at least partially surround the user's ankle, and a vamp. The third portion includes a saddle attached to the vamp, and on which a device for tightening the forefoot is arranged. The third portion can also include two flaps attached to the collar, and on which a tightening device is arranged.

Abstract: A tongue construction for footwear is configured with a tongue and a stiffener that is able to move relative to the tongue, thereby resisting pinching of the rider's foot as the boot is flexed. As a result, footwear having desired stiffness while substantially reducing discomfort, especially during flexing of the footwear is provided. By allowing the stiffener to slide rather than bend, or at least to reduce the extent of bending of the stiffener, pinching of the dorsal area near the ankle may be minimized as may be digging of the stiffener into the dorsal area near the toe. Consequently, a soft or hybrid snowboard boot is provided that provides both enhanced power transmission as well as improved wearer comfort.

Abstract: A snowboard boot including at least one recess adapted to mate with a corresponding engagement member on a binding, and an interface for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding. The interface comprises a body having at least one recess arranged to be disposed along an outer surface of the snowboard boot, the recess being adapted to mate with a corresponding engagement member on the binding. The interface may be molded of a non-metallic material and bonded to a snowboard boot.

Abstract: The top of the shell (2) made of molded plastic forms part of a flexible upper (1) in which a longitudinal opening line (9) forming a flap (12) is formed. The front lateral side of this flap is connected to the upper by an extensible elastic part (15).

Abstract: Ski boot has a shell (1), a collar (4) articulated on the shell and an inner reinforcement element (7) fixed to the collar. The reinforcement element is in the form of a half-collar surrounding the upper edge of the shell. The boot has a wedge-shaped projection (12) of the reinforcement for making the reinforcement interfere with the shell. The projection (12) engages in a notch (13) of the shell, in such a manner that the reinforcement element controls the flexibility of the boot.

Abstract: A comfort upper for footwear adapted in particular to equip a sports boot and an inner liner for a sports boot. The upper includes a stiffener, positioned between the inner lining and the outer covering, which is made of a thermoformable material. The upper also includes a comfort element, positioned between the inner lining and the stiffener, which is softer than the stiffener and which is possibly made of thermoformable material. This comfort element includes perforations enabling the thermoforming of the stiffener by propulsion of hot air within the footwear.

Abstract: A scuffing protector for shielding a standard snowboard boot from the edge of a snowboard during the ride up a chairlift is disclosed. Snowboard riders traditionally remove one of their boots from its binding for the ride up the chairlift. The free boot allows the rider to maneuver through the chairlift lines and onto the chairlift itself. The snowboard boot protector is removably attached to the dorsal surface of the free boot of a snowboarder, so when riding the chairlift, the snowboard can rest upon the boot protector without causing any damage to the free boot. The boot protector is composed of a tough plastic or rubber material that has both flexibility and durability. Additionally, the boot protector is strong enough to support the weight of the snowboard, so as to equalize the load between both legs.

Abstract: The boot has a cuff (4) articulated to a shell (1) and means for retaining the cuff which counteract the rearward tilting of the cuff but give way when the force tilting the cuff exceeds a specific value. These means consist essentially of a ramp (12) which is integral with the shell or the other component of the boot and against which a bearing element (8) integral with the cuff bears. The ramp and the bearing element can push one another against the action of a spring (9). An escape position allows the cuff to tilt. Such a boot is intended to prevent tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Abstract: A shell, particularly for a ski boot, constituted by a box-like main body which is open in an upward region and is rigidly coupled to a sole. The shell has, at the foot instep region, two arc-like partially overlapping plates, each of which is rotatably pivoted to the shell by pivots arranged laterally to the shell on an axis which is approximately parallel to the resting plane of the sole. The rotation of the two plates is limited by a pivot and slot connection arranged in the region in front of the heel.

Abstract: A sports boot adapted to be associated to a glide board for snowboarding, via a detachable binding device that includes a rear support spoiler that is relatively rigid. The boot includes an external sole overhung with a shell base that extends towards the lower part of the user's leg via a relatively flexible upper that is capable of cooperating with the rear support spoiler which is relatively rigid, and affixed to the board, during a rear edge setting, wherein the upper includes an arrangement for distributing the pressure exerted on the lower part of the user's leg when the upper takes support on the spoiler, such arrangement including a relatively rigid plate attached to a more flexible rear zone of upper and insulated from all the rigid parts of the boot in order to maintain the flexibility of the upper.

Abstract: A sport boot sole of the type having on its lower surface two connecting members, offset one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the boot, and arranged substantially transversely, wherein the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion, and the second connecting member is arranged behind the first connecting member, and substantially in front of the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone (&Dgr;). Advantageously, the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion of the toes or right in front of this end portion.

Abstract: A contact configuration between boot and binding for snowboarding. Contact pins are provided on opposing sides of the boot at both the heel area and the toe area. This 4-point contact configuration assures heel and toe stability and reliable side boot restraint. Concave mating receptacles at matching locations on the binding assure easy and simple interconnection which is also secure and reliable. A release mechanism is provided to selectively retract the pins using a simple pull cord arrangement. Strap linkages permit more convenient tightening and loosening of the boot straps. A strap/yoke configuration provides improved interconnection between the boot and the user's foot. The pull cord is routed within the sole of the boot and upward along the ankle area of the boot for more convenient access. The pull cord is connected to retract linkages at both heel and toe areas, both of those linkages being spring loaded to provide normally extended pins.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding mechanism includes a base member having a recessed channel. The first plate is slidably attached to the base member. A first pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the first plate. Each of the first pair of engagement rods has a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for selectively engaging and locking a fist bar attached to a first side of the snowboard boot. A second plate is fixedly attached to the base member. A second pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the second plate. Each of the second pair of engagement rods have a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for engaging and locking a second bar attached to a second side of the snowboard boot which is disposed opposite of the first side.

Abstract: An improved boot for snowboarding. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally resilient upper boot portion mounted to a generally rigid lower boot portion. The lower boot portion extends substantially upwardly from the sole, over the foot, and ends proximate to the tarsal bone of the lower ankle. A calf support member is mounted at the heel of the boot and relatively perpendicular thereto. A lip extends from the toe and heel of the boot lower portion. Upon cooperation of the lip with plate bindings on a snowboard, the boot is releasably secured thereto.