The present invention relates to a cleats arrangement for ski shoes.

It is known from other types of sports, e.g. cycling, to use so-called «cleats» to connect a shoe to a pedal in a releasable manner. As the human skeleton and biomechanical structure and motion differ, such cleats are often constructed, so that their position and angling can be adjusted and adapted. This is desirable, because a free and unrestrained movement pattern can be decisive for generation of force, prevention of injury and comfort during sporting activity. A bicycle cleat can typically be adjusted in the longitudinal direction, so that the cleat can be positioned suitably relative to the individual user's biomechanical shape, in this case typically the transition between the metatarsal and proximal phalanx bones or what is also called the toe ball. There is actually no certain point that is necessarily the right one, it may vary slightly over time depending on the user's technique, shape, basis of training and history of injuries. A bicycle cleat can typically also be pivoted in the horizontal plane, i.e. it can be angled so that the heel is either angled somewhat outwards or inwards relative to the forefoot. On a bicycle, a very large degree of freedom of this angling is allowable. The only absolute limit is at an inward rotation where the heel begins to chafe against the crank arms, but from that critical angle, there is usually 15-20° for outward movement. This degree of freedom is very important, as it may lead to major unfortunate strains of i.a. knees, hips and the lower back if the foot is forced to be in a wrong position. Bicycle cleats often also have a degree of «float» or clearance, so that the foot can also be allowed to change the angle during a round of pedalling.

In connection with skiing, the positioning of the ski shoe relative to the ski will typically be limited to an adjustability relative to a location of a binding on the ski in the longitudinal direction as well as an adjustment of the height and angling of the ski shoe, preferably by means of chocks or wedges with adjusted height, tilt and camber. Alpine shoes can to a large extent be adapted to the user by blocking, milling, camber adjustment, inner sole adaptation and tilt, but in cross-country skiing, the possibilities of adaptation of the ski shoe have usually been limited to the choice of shoe type/brand and possibly an adapted inner sole. Due to the configuration of the cross-country skis, the ski shoe and the ski binding, conventional solutions have not offered possibility of adjusting the angling of the ski shoe.

Nor has it been possible in conventional solutions to adjust the pivot point of the ski shoe in the longitudinal direction more than in 2 different positions at best, and then only to switch between positioning of the pin for skate and classic. The most common thing has been to have a fixed location defined by the predetermined location of the ski shoe coupling pin at the front of the ski shoe sole. The conventional location of the ski shoe coupling pin was originally a clear improvement compared with previous shoes with Norwegian construction, beksom, which comprises a flexible beak that could be inserted into a 75 mm bow binding or Kandahar binding, but there is still a compromise relative to the needs of the individual users. It is a fact that different users have different feet shapes as regards foot length, width, toe length, metatarsal position, flexibility, height of the arch of the foot, angling etc. and all these factors contribute to determining the optimum pivot point for the ski shoe. Skiing technique, strength and endurance are also contributory factors.

Up to now, the pivot point for classic and skating styles have primarily been the same, but the configuration of the ski boots, requirements for support and rigidity have become widely different. It is possible that as the equipment and the technique of the styles develop, it will be meaningful to have different pivot points.

The object of the present invention is therefore to be able to provide a cleats arrangement for a ski shoe, wherein the positioning of the pivot point in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction of the ski shoe is adjustable.

Moreover, it is an object to be able to provide a cleats arrangement for a ski shoe, wherein the positioning of the pivot point in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction of the ski shoe is adjustable to experiment with and optimize the position of the pivot point relative to maximum progress in the ski track. Moreover, it is an object to be able to provide a cleats arrangement for a ski shoe, wherein the positioning of the pivot point in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction of the ski shoe is adjustable to adapt the position of the pivot point relative to injury and/or prevention of injury.

Moreover, it is an object to be able to provide a cleats arrangement for a ski shoe, wherein the positioning of the pivot point in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction of the ski shoe is adjustable to be able to adapt the position of the pivot point relative to various styles, piste profiles or snow conditions.

Moreover, it is an object to be able to provide a cleats arrangement for a ski shoe, wherein the positioning of the pivot point in the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction of the ski shoe is adjustable to be able to adjust the position of the pivot point for different users, e.g. if the equipment is taken over by brothers and sisters, is sold secondhand or the like.

In the following, non-exhaustively, examples of possible embodiments of the present invention are presented with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figs 1a-b show an embodiment of the invention with the different possible elements. Fig. 1b is exploded relative to Fig. 1a,

Figs 2a-f show an embodiment for longitudinal positioning of the cleat,

Figs 3a-c show an embodiment for longitudinal positioning of the cleat, illustrating various positions of the cleat, Figs 4a-c show an embodiment for both longitudinal and transverse positioning of the cleat,

Figs 5 and 6 show an embodiment for both longitudinal and transverse positioning of the cleat, Figs 7a-c show an embodiment for both longitudinal and transverse positioning of the cleat, illustrating various positions of the cleat, Furthermore, this embodiment can have different positions in the longitudinal direction.

Figs 1 a and b as well as 2a-f show an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cleat 1 has an underside 2 and a top side 3, wherein the underside comprises a binding portion, which is configured to be connected to a binding portion 4 of a ski, wherein the binding portions are configured to pivot about a pivot point 5, travelling perpendicularly with the longitudinal centre of the ski, wherein the top side 3 of the cleat has an interface 6, which is to abut around a corresponding interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe 8. According to an embodiment of the invention, the interface 6 under the front portion of the ski shoe comprises a number of tracks 9, wherein the interface 6 of the cleat has tracks corresponding to tracks 10 in the interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe. The tracks are configured, so that the cleat 1 can be located at a desired point in the longitudinal direction of the ski shoe to adjust the pivot point concurrently with a reference point under the heel of the shoe always coinciding with a longitudinal reference line on the ski, so that the heel is always centred on the ski in the transverse direction.

Figs 3a-c show an embodiment for longitudinal positioning of the cleat, illustrating various positions of the cleat. The cleat 1 and/or the front portion of the ski shoe 8 may comprise longitudinal stadium holes 11 , and then the cleat 1 has at least three discrete positioning options in the longitudinal direction. In the shown embodiment, it is the cleat that is provided with stadium holes, but they can also be formed on the front portion of the ski shoe 8. If both the cleat 1 and the front portion of the ski shoe 8 are provided with longitudinal stadium holes 11 , the positioning options are increased. In any case, the configuration according to the invention ensures that a reference point, which may be imagined or marked, is hit within a small reference zone 17 of the ski. A deviation of a couple of millimetres, but not much, is acceptable. Without tracks and/or longitudinal guiding means in the form of side walls 12, edges and/or tracks that contribute to determining the precise position of the cleat, small deviations at mounting of the cleat could lead to major effects behind the heel. Impacts or twisting during use may also lead to a skewed position.

The interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe 8 and the corresponding interface 6 on the cleat top side 3 can consist of tracks or a pattern selected from the group: straight tracks, arched tracks, undulating tracks, angled tracks, holes and/or notches.

The interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe 8 and the corresponding interface 6 on the cleat top side 3 can comprise longitudinal guiding means in the form of side walls 12, edges and/or tracks, so that the position of the cleat in the transverse direction is determined.

The interface 7 under the front portion of the ski shoe 8 and the corresponding interface 6 on the cleat top side 3 is configured, such that the cleat cannot be pivoted/angled relative to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. Figs 4a-c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cleat has an underside 2 and a top side 6, wherein the underside comprises a binding portion, which is configured to be connected to a binding portion of a ski, wherein the binding portions are configured to pivot about a pivot point 5, which travels perpendicularly with the longitudinal centre of the ski, wherein the top side of the cleat has an interface, which can abut around a corresponding interface under the front portion of the ski shoe. According to this alternative embodiment of the invention, the interface under the front portion of the ski shoe can comprise a number of arched tracks 13. The arched tracks are constituted by circle segments of a circle with a centre coinciding with a reference point under the heel of the shoe, the interface of the cleat corresponding to the arched tracks in the interface under the front portion of the ski shoe. This is sought to be shown in Figs 5 and 6. The tracks are configured, so that the cleat can be located at a desired point in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the ski shoe to adjust the pivot point concurrently with a reference point under the heel of the shoe always coinciding with a longitudinal reference line on the ski, so that the heel is always centred on the ski in the transverse direction.

According to an alternative embodiment, the cleat can have at least three discrete position options in both the longitudinal and the transverse direction.

According to this alternative embodiment, the cleat and the front portion of the ski shoe can comprise stadium holes, wherein the stadium holes essentially are perpendicular relative to each other.

According to the alternative embodiment, the interface under the front portion of the ski shoe can be larger than the interface of the cleat, the partially perpendicular stadium holes being configured so that the cleat can be located anywhere within the interface of the shoe.

According to the alternative embodiment, the cleat can at any position within the interface of the shoe be positioned, such that the transverse axis of the cleat forms a tangent on a circle, which has the reference point of the heel as centre.

According to the alternative embodiment, the cleat can have discrete positions in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, wherein the distance between each discrete step is defined by the distance between each track.

According to the alternative embodiment, the cleat can have discrete positions in the radial direction of the arched tracks defined by radial tracks, wherein the distance between each discrete step is defined by the distance between each radial track.

As appears from the above, the various embodiments of the present invention have the feature in common that a point or a zone under the heel is used as a reference point. This point or zone must always coincide with a corresponding matching zone or point in a heel part on the ski. This is important, because it is desired that the weight and force exerted on the ski by the user are reasonably centred relative to the width of the ski. Otherwise, the balance and generation of force on the ski will be skewed. Referring to the other embodiment of the invention, with this point or zone as reference point or centre, and referring to Figs 5 and 6, a number of arcs of circle with different radiuses at the front edge relative to the longitudinal direction of the ski can be imagined. The radius will correspond to the optimum or desirable distance between a point under the heel and pivot point location under the metatarsal zone of an individual foot. With the same point or the zone under the heel as reference point, an angle towards the right or left relative to the longitudinal direction of the ski can be imagined, see Figs 7a-c. This angle could e.g. be determined by the natural angling of the foot relative to the rest of the skeleton, it can be inwardly angled (toe in), neutral or outwardly angled (toe out). If these two degrees of freedom are collected within a square, rectangular, circular or oval area, a number of arcs of circle is located in a longitudinal direction. The width of the arc of circle and the number of arcs contribute to defining a number of positions in the longitudinal direction as well as angular effect or angling. Furthermore, radial tracks can be arranged, giving predetermined angular effects of e.g. -2, -1 .5, -1 , -0.5, 0, 0.5, 1 , 1 .5 and 2 degrees. If there are also 5 tracks in the longitudinal direction, wherein each track defines a selectable longitudinal position, 9 x 5 = 45 individual positions are obtained for each foot, adapted to the length and angling of each foot. It should be understood that this is merely an example of the number of positions, both in terms of angle and longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment with adjustability in both the longitudinal and the transverse direction, the tracks are described as arched. It should be understood that other track patterns are possible, as long as the cleat location follows the imagined circle segment arches shown in Fig. 5.

The cleat according to the present invention comprises an underside 2 and a top side 3. On the underside 2, an attachment means is arranged, which is configured, so that it is attached to a complementary attachment means on the top side of the ski. The attachment means can e.g. consist of a pin corresponding to those found on the so- called NNN system, or it may consist of two pins protruding in different directions and fitting into complementary holes in a binding portion on the ski. One or both pins can be movable. Other similar solutions are also possible. The pin or pins define the pivot point 5 between the ski shoe and the ski, and it is desirable to adjust this one by adapting the position of the cleat under the ski shoe. The top side 3 of the cleat forms an interface 6 together with said area under the front half 8 of the ski shoe and is complementarily configured relative to said arches and/or tracks.

The cleat is longitudinally and/or transversely (along said arches) attachable. According to an embodiment of the present invention, this is obtained by means of oval stadium holes on the cleat 1 and the ski shoe 8, transversely arranged in the cleat and the ski shoe in such a manner that the two desired degrees of freedom are obtained, as screws or the like are inserted through the holes and can be tightened to clamp and thereby attach the cleat fixedly under the ski shoe in the desired position. Thus, the cleat can be attached fixedly under the ski shoe in the desired position concurrently with heel being located in the right position above said reference point. Alternatively, a grid of holes can be imagined, wherein the cleat can be moved around between different hole positions. In this case stadium holes will not be required. It is also possible to imagine other ways of attachment are also possible, e.g. one or more bolts that protrude from the ski shoe sole, which by means of one or more discs with one or more eccentrically located holes allows for various positions of the cleat to be selected, before the cleat is attached by means of a nut, pin, snap lock or the like. Other ways of attachment are also possible.

The cleats can be arranged in the same or different positions on each ski shoe, which gives a desired flexibility and freedom of choice. The distance between the reference point on the heel and the cleat may vary depending on shoe sizes. The height and camber of the cleat can vary according to wishes and requirements, possibly an intermediate part can be disposed in between, making it possible to vary the height and camber according to wishes and requirements. Furthermore, the position of the binding can be adjusted according to prior art on the ski as can both the distance between a heel part and the front binding housing if the binding is in two or multiple parts.

One advantage of a discreet positioning of the cleat is that it is easier to return to a specific position after experimenting, if you acquire new shoes or for other reasons so wish. Alternatively the cleat can be located anywhere within a limited area, but then the tracks should have a different configuration, e.g. by the interfaces being more characterized as friction surfaces. Regardless, it is important that the cleat does not move during attachment or use.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention a suitable jig is used for determining precisely where the cleat is to be located in terms of angle and distance from the heel. When mounting the cleat, an assessment is made of the user's foot and movement pattern, whereupon the jig is used for keeping the cleat in the right position relative to the shoe, while the cleat is attached fixedly, e.g. by means of screws or the like. The perpendicular, oval stadium holes on the cleat and the shoe, respectively, are still necessary to provide sufficient adjustment area. For subsequent reference a marker pen or the like can be used for marking the mounting point, as different colours can be used for marking different relevant mounting points. Due to the arched tracks, the cleat does not move around as desired, e.g. in case of impacts, or if the screws or the like should come loose. What is decisive is that the jig uses the heel as a reference point, as the front is angled relative to the cleat, and the cleat is adjusted forwards or backwards relative to a desirable distance between the heel and the cleat. It should be understood that this distance is determined by the metatarsal zone of the foot and the user preference. To obtain the proper location, the user/adapting person must partly rely on experience and partly on testing. E.g. it may occur that the location that feels right still gives slower progress than another location, but that this is not clear until after some trial rounds with timing. It may also be that injuries or pain partly determine how to place the cleat rather than optimum progress.