1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a boot for downhill skiing.
In a generally known manner, such downhill boots have a shell base and an upper.
The present invention relates more particularly to a rear entry ski boot, i.e., a boot having a rear portion referred to as a rear spoiler which is journaled on the shell base around a transverse axis. The front portion of the upper can be formed out of a single piece with the shell base or be a separate piece referred to as a cuff which is journaled on the shell base around a transverse axis.
The cuff and the rear spoiler are, depending upon the model, generally journaled around the same transverse axis or around two different axes, while for certain boot models, the rear spoiler is journaled on a transverse axis of the cuff.
The present invention relates to rear entry ski boots which comprise a rear spoiler journaled on the shell base around a transverse axis, regardless of the more specific arrangements which have been just described.
The present invention relates in a more specific manner to those boots which comprise an adjustment apparatus activated by a control element which must be tensioned during closure of the boot before skiing.
An adjustment apparatus of the aforementioned type can, for example, be adapted to assure the maintenance of the foot or of the lower leg of the skier or be adapted to limit the flexion of the upper of the boot.
It has previously been proposed to link the control element of such an apparatus to the rear spoiler of the boot such that it be tensioned by the movement of the rear spoiler with respect to the shell base during closure of the boot. These systems have the disadvantage of a relatively complex construction and are generally raised in relief with respect to the general profile or shape of the boot, which should be avoided.