Ski boot insert

Abstract

A ski boot insert is disclosed for use in imparting an enhanced sense of balance and for promoting and developing coordination in making downhill skiing maneuvers. The insert comprises a base member having a first rigid platform surface and a second compressible platform surface. The rigid platform surface and compressible platform surface are formed in a side-by-side fashion extending along the length of the insert. The rigid platform surface is preferably formed to be positioned beneath the outwardly facing portion of the underside of the skier's foot whereas the compressible side is formed to be positioned under the inwardly facing portion of the skier's foot. The insert may be integrated into new ski boot fabrication or may otherwise be formed for incorporation into an existing ski boot.

1 . A ski boot insert comprising: 
 a. a base portion having a peripheral edge defining a sole;    b. a first platform surface formed upon a portion of said base, said first platform surface being fabricated from a rigid, non-compressible material; and    c. a second platform surface formed upon a portion of said base and adjacent to said first platform surface, said second platform surface being fabricated from a compressible material.    
     
     
         2 . The ski boot insert of  claim 1  wherein said first platform surface and said base are integrally formed.  
     
     
         3 . The ski boot insert of  claim 2  wherein said first platform surface and said base are formed from a plastic material.  
     
     
         4 . The ski boot insert of  claim 1  wherein said second platform surface is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, gel or fluid-filled compartment.  
     
     
         5 . The ski boot insert of  claim 4  wherein said fluid-filled compartment is filled with a fluid selected from the group consisting of a gas and a liquid.  
     
     
         6 . The ski boot insert of  claim 1  wherein said first and second platform members are arranged in a side-by-side fashion extending along a medial axis, said medial axis extending along the length of said insert.  
     
     
         7 . The ski boot insert of  claim 6  wherein said medial axis bisects said base of said insert.  
     
     
         8 . The ski boot insert of  claim 1  wherein said first and second platform surfaces are arranged in a side-by-side fashion extending along a diagonally extending axis, said diagonal axis extending across said insert.  
     
     
         9 . The ski boot insert of  claim 6  wherein said first platform surface extends outwardly from said medially-extending axis and said second platform surface extends inwardly relative said medial axis.  
     
     
         10 . A ski boot insert comprising: 
 a. a base portion having a peripheral edge defining a sole;    b. a platform surface formed upon said base, said platform surface being fabricated from a compressible material; and    c. at least one spring member disposed within said platform surface, said at least one spring being operative to upwardly support said platform surface.    
     
     
         11 . The ski boot insert of  claim 10  wherein said at least one spring member comprises an elongate spring extending lengthwise within said platform surface.  
     
     
         12 . The ski boot insert of  claim 11  wherein said at least one spring member extends along the medial side of said sole defined by said base portion.  
     
     
         13 . A ski boot insert comprising: 
 a. a base portion having a peripheral edge defining a sole, said base portion defining a medially extending apex; and    b. a platform surface formed upon said base, said platform surface being fabricated from a compressible material and sized and configured to define a level platform; and    c. wherein said platform surface is operative to compress on opposed sides of said apex of said base upon application of weight thereto.