Abstract: A differentially tightenable ski boot includes a lower shell and an upper cuff that is pivotally coupled with the lower shell. The ski boot includes a first tightening system that is coupled with the lower shell and a second tightening system that is coupled with the upper cuff. Each tightening system includes a reel based closure device, a tension member that is operably coupled with the reel based closure device, and at least one guide member that routes or directs the tension member along a path about the lower shell or upper cuff. The first tightening system and the second tightening system are operable independently of each other to independently and differentially tightening the lower shell and the upper cuff.

Abstract: A ski boot with a leg portion hinged to the foot portion so that the leg portion is able to rotate around a rotation axis (X-X) in relation to the foot portion. The ski boot includes a constraint mechanism for selectively blocking and/or unblocking the rotation of the leg portion in relation to the foot portion depending on whether or not the user wishes to pass from a skiing configuration to a walking configuration. The constraint mechanism comprises a rod having a fixed end hinged to the foot portion and a movable end which interfaces with the leg portion, a support attached to the leg portion and a guide connected to the support for guiding the movable end of the rod. The guide is movable in relation to the support and moves with rotation of the rod during movement of the leg portion in relation to the foot portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system including an upper shell, lower shell, and an articulation system. The upper and lower shell function to enable a user to move their encased foot in various dimensions/orientations corresponding to anatomical supination, pronation, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion. The articulation system selectively affects the articulation freedom between the upper and lower shells in locked and unlocked configurations. The articulation system includes a lower shell coupler and an upper shell coupler coupled to the lower and upper shells, respectively. The locked configuration of the articulation system includes engaging the upper and lower shell couplers to restrict freedom between the upper and lower shell. The lower shell coupler is coupled within a recess in the lower shell that substantially restricts movement to a single orientation corresponding to coronal rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe with an outer shell of injection molded plastic, comprising a front foot shell for accommodating the front foot and an adjoining shoe cuff for stabilizing the lower leg portion of a user, and with a relatively flexible inner shoe at least partially accommodated in the shell. Disposed in the outer shell is at least one elastically flexible portion which is provided as a means of reducing pressure points from the inner shoe on a user's foot when subjected to compression stress. The elastically flexible portion is provided in the form of at least one membrane element which is designed to vary the volume or width which the shell can accommodate as a function of compression stress due to its slackness or ability to deflect relative to the surrounding part-portions of the shell.

Abstract: A boot, particularly for ski-mountaineering or telemark skiing, comprising a shell and a quarter, mutually articulated about a first pivoting axis, and a device for locking relative rotation of the quarter with respect to the shell about a first pivoting axis. The locking device comprises an elongated locking element which has a first terminal pivoting portion that is supported rotatably by the shell about a second pivoting axis substantially parallel to the first pivoting axis. The elongated locking element has at least one locking body that comprises at least one retention body that can move with respect to the elongated locking element and the abutment element has at least one abutment portion for the retention body which is arranged on the side opposite with respect to the elongated locking element. The actuation body is connected kinematically to the locking body in order to actuate the movement of the retention body with respect to the elongated locking element.

Abstract: A sport boot, such as a snow ski boot, that includes a shell having a rigid foot portion. The foot portion includes a heel pocket and an instep region that is largely immovable relative to the heel pocket due to the rigidity of the foot portion. The boot also includes a highback support region that snugly engages the leg of a user during use. A heel-track is located on the dorsal side of the boot between the highback support region and the heel pocket. The heel-track provides a concave space that receives the user's heel when the user is putting-on and taking-off the boot to counter the relative immovability of the instep region of the boot against the engaging action of the user's foot. The sport boot can also include a special boot liner having an expandable dorsal region, and, optionally, other features that compliment the heel-track of the shell.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a selectable boot articulation and support system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a boot system including an intercoupled upper and lower shell configured to encase a user's foot and lower leg. The boot system further includes an articulation system effecting the articulation between the upper and lower shell. The articulation system includes an instep member coupled and positioned with respect to the upper shell in a manner that facilitates selection between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The unlocked configuration provides increased articulation and decreased stiffness between the upper and lower shell with respect to the locked configuration. The instep member may include a releasable dorsal coupling between portions of the upper shell. The instep member may also include one or more moveable lateral couplings with the upper shell.

Abstract: A boot that includes a shell base and a collar, an articulation provided between the collar and the shell base, such that the collar can pivot with respect to the shell base about an articulation axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and further including a device for blocking the rearward rotation of the collar with respect to the shell base, the devices for blocking the rearward rotation including the following: a rocker mounted so as to rotate with respect to either the collar or the shell base, around a first pivot, the pivot being oriented along a first axis and the rocker having an elongated shape between an upper end and a lower end, and the first pivot being positioned in the vicinity of one of the two ends; a support base, positioned in the vicinity of the other of the ends, including a first support surface, which is capable of coming in contact with either the shell base or the collar; and a lever mounted so as to rotate with respect to the rocker around a second pivo

Abstract: Ski boot comprising a shell (1; 21; 41; 61) surrounding the foot and an upper cuff (2; 22; 42; 62) articulated to the shell, comprising a device for fastening and unfastening the upper cuff relative to the shell, this device being connected to a fastening and unfastening member by a cable (10; 30; 50; 70), this fastening and unfastening device being in a first, fastened, configuration when the fastening and unfastening member is in a first position in which the upper cuff is kept in a predefined inclined position relative to the shell, and in a second, unfastened, configuration when the fastening and unfastening member is in a second position in which the upper cuff is able to move relative to the shell so that it can be stood up straight, wherein the connection between the cable (10; 30; 50; 70) and the boot fastening and unfastening member is such that moving the fastening and unfastening member from the first to the second position introduces tension into the cable, this cable being directly connected to a

Abstract: Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot. Means are included for selectively covering at least one portion of each slot to restrict movement of the upper cuff relative to the lower boot.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a selectable boot articulation and support system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a boot system including an intercoupled upper and lower shell configured to encase a user's foot and lower leg. The boot system further includes an articulation system effecting the articulation between the upper and lower shell. The articulation system includes an instep member coupled and positioned with respect to the upper shell in a manner that facilitates selection between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The unlocked configuration provides increased articulation and decreased stiffness between the upper and lower shell with respect to the locked configuration. The instep member may include a releasable dorsal coupling between portions of the upper shell. The instep member may also include one or more moveable lateral couplings with the upper shell.

Abstract: A ski boot, designed for ski mountaineering, includes a rigid shell and sole, an inshoe of soft material, and a leg portion pivotally secured to the shell. A lever is located on one side of the leg portion for operating a traction cable located on the other side of the leg portion. The remote end of the traction cable is engaged with, or secured to, a retention element on the leg portion. A spoiler is pivotally mounted at the rear of the shell, and is interposed between the rear of the leg portion and the rear of the inshoe. A lug, or similar coupling element, is formed on the lever. The lever is mounted for pivotal movement in the horizontal direction, between an opened, and closed, configuration or condition. When the lever is in its closed configuration, the lug engages the leg portion and the spoiler, and blocks their pivotal movement, or articulation, relative to the shell.

Abstract: A sport boot that allows for a reduced resistance plantar extension coupled with a controlled, resistive plantar flexion motion. The preferred embodiments provide a one-piece boot made of a flexible material, such as leather. A triangular portion of the boot material, from a point just posterior to the ankle opening to a larger area anterior of the ankle on both sides of the boot, is cut out. One or more piston assemblies are attached to the boot material on both sides of the cut away portion of the boot. The piston assemblies provide resistance to compression during flexion of the boot but offer no resistance to extension during plantar extension.

Abstract: Ski boot comprising a shell (1; 21; 41; 61) surrounding the foot and an upper cuff (2; 22; 42; 62) articulated to the shell, comprising a device for fastening and unfastening the upper cuff relative to the shell, this device being connected to a fastening and unfastening member by a cable (10; 30; 50; 70), this fastening and unfastening device being in a first, fastened, configuration when the fastening and unfastening member is in a first position in which the upper cuff is kept in a predefined inclined position relative to the shell, and in a second, unfastened, configuration when the fastening and unfastening member is in a second position in which the upper cuff is able to move relative to the shell so that it can be stood up straight, wherein the connection between the cable (10; 30; 50; 70) and the boot fastening and unfastening member is such that moving the fastening and unfastening member from the first to the second position introduces tension into the cable, this cable being directly connected to a

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular a ski shoe (2), consisting of a shoe bottom part (3) comprising a sole (4) and a shell part (5) with a cuff part (7) pivotably connected to the shoe bottom part (3), and a lock mechanism (16) incorporating at least one locking means (17) displaceable between the shell part (5) and the cuff part (7), as well as an actuator drive (29) for the locking means (17). The actuator drive (29) is conductively connected to an energy store and/or an energy source (42) disposed in the shoe bottom part (3) or in the cuff part (7) and a switch means (44) is connected upstream of the actuator drive (29) to supply the actuator drive (29) with power from the energy source (42) and/or the energy store.

Abstract: Sports shoe having a shell (10) partially overlapped by a leg-piece (20) and adjusting hinge (52, 53) for allowing a flexing movement of controlled amplitude of the leg-piece about a hinging axis. In the overlapping zones (ZE, ZI) plates (42, 41; 47) provided on the outer surfaces of the leg-piece (20) allow selective insertion and subsequent locking of at least one hinge (52, 53) in any one of the matching seats (33, 34, 35, 36; 37; 34′, 36′) provided on the shell (10). The hinging axis thus able to assume at least two different angular positions (X1, X2, X3, X4) relative to the longitudinal centre plane (M) of the shoe, as required by the user.

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: 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: A rear support device having a rear support element, an abutment, and a mechanism for immobilizing the abutment with respect to the rear support element. The device includes a first wedge connected to the rear support element, and a second wedge connected to the abutment, at least one of the two wedges being movable to occupy at least two stable positions with respect to the piece to which it is connected, such that various portions of a wedge can be in contact with the other wedge.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage having an end coupled to a first rigid boot portion, and a second linkage coupled to the first linkage through a pin disposed in a slot in the first linkage. The mechanism provides stable orientation of the first portion to the second portion in a “ski” position, and allows rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a “release” position, the “release” position being established upon imposition of a predetermined level of rearward force on the boot.

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: The present invention relates to a ski boot comprising a first component, consisting essentially of a sole and an upper which encloses the foot and the malleolar region, and a second component consisting of a cuff which is articulated with respect to the upper so as to allow the cuff to move from front to rear and vice versa, and means for retaining the cuff which counteract the rearward tilting of the cuff but give way when the force tending to tilt the cuff exceeds a specific value. The retaining means are bistable. They consist of a stop (11) integral with one component of the boot and an elastically deformable part (6), for example a convex leaf, which is integral with the other component of the boot and is intended to be deformed by the stop.

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage arm, a latch, and a second linkage arm. The latch is connected to a first end of the first linkage arm, and is configured for direct or indirect pivotal connection to a first portion of the boot (e.g., an upper portion), which is pivotally connected to a second portion of the boot (e.g., a lower portion). The second linkage arm is pivotally connected to a second end of the first linkage arm at a pivot point, and is configured for pivotal connection to the second portion of the boot.

Abstract: A telemark ski boot including a shell of plastic material and a sole is provided. The shell is provided with a pair of lateral walls and a flexible portion extending transversely to the shell in the metatarsus area from one side to the other of the sole. The shell includes a pair of stiffening elements which extend along respective lateral walls between an intermediate portion of the sole in proximity with the flexible portion and a rear portion of the shell.