Abstract A shoe or boot construction is disclosed incorporating a rigid sole (as for wear while skiing) and possessing a self-cleaning capability. Structurally, the sole incorporates external flexible-wall areas or spaces along with means for flexing these areas to removed foreign matter, e.g. ice or snow. As disclosed, flexible-wall spaces are provided on the bottom of the sole and are backed by an elongated flat cavity that functions as a fluid reservoir. As the wearer of the boot moves about, varying pressures are applied to the fluid reservoir which result in flexure of the spaces to remove snow and ice. Springs are also incorporated to accomplish more reliable flexure and furthermore as disclosed, a fluid bladder is coupled to the fluid reservoir within the sole that may be impacted to develop a fluid-pressure shock for additionally distorting the flexible sole sections and thereby removing foreign matter. Various operating fluids may be employed in the construction as disclosed, including silicone liquid.
A construction for rigid-sole ski boots comprising: a boot upper for lovering the upper portion of the foot; a rigid boot sole adapted for use with a ski, said sole being affixed to said upper for covering the lower portion of the foot, and including a rigid platform sole and a flexible external wall means defining a space therebetween; and means for developing variable forces between said platform sole and said external wall means for flexing at least portions of said external wall to clear foreign matter from said sole.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A construction for rigid-sole ski boots comprising: a boot upper for lovering the upper portion of the foot; a rigid boot sole adapted for use with a ski, said sole being affixed to said upper for covering the lower portion of the foot, and including a rigid platform sole and a flexible external wall means defining a space therebetween; and means for developing variable forces between said platform sole and said external wall means for flexing at least portions of said external wall to clear foreign matter from said sole.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A construction for boots according to claim 1 wherein said means for developing comprises resilient means for forcefully distorting said external wall means upon said boot being lifted from a contact surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A construction according to claim 1 wherein said means for developing includes spring means for forcefully engaging said external wall mens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A construction according to claim 1 wherein said means for developing includes fluid means for varying the pressure on said external wall during use of said boot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A construction according to claim 1 wherein said means for developing includes bladder means defined in said boot upper and means connecting said bladder means to said external wall.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A boot construction according to claim 1 further including a liquid force-transfer medium disposed in said space.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A boot construction according to claim 6 further including bladder mean defined in said boot upper and means connecting said bladder means to said external wall.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A boot construction according to 7 wherein further said upper includes a high ankle-covering portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A boot construction according to 7 wherein further said upper includes a high ankle-covering portion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A boot construction according to claim 8 further including spring means for forcefully engaging said external wall means.