Ski boot for grinding, system and method of use thereof

Abstract

A solution for newschool skiing so as to more readily be able to “grind” is provided. A ski boot may include an outer shell that has an upper portion and a lower portion; a liner, configured to fit within the outer shell; a closure system, that is attached to either, or both of, the upper portion and the lower portion, configured to suitably close the ski boot around a foot; and at least one extended portion (e.g., “lip”), that extends laterally from a side of the boot, configured to receive a rail, and further configured for travel longitudinally along the rail (e.g., allow for “grinding”). In one embodiment, an extended portion on either side of the boot is disclosed. A system that employs the boot with a ski is also disclosed, as is a method of using the ski boot.

1 . A ski boot comprising: 
 an outer shell having an upper portion and a lower portion;    a liner, configured to fit within the outer shell;    a closure system, attached to at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion, configured to suitably close the ski boot around a foot; and    at least one extended portion, that extends laterally from a side of the boot, configured to receive a rail, and further configured for travel longitudinally along the rail.    
   
   
       2 . The boot of  claim 1 , further comprising a ski binding receiving system.  
   
   
       3 . The boot of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended portion comprises two rigid lips, each extending laterally from opposites sides of the boot.  
   
   
       4 . The boot of  claim 1 , the at least one extended portion is attached to the lower portion.  
   
   
       5 . The boot of  claim 1 , wherein the side of the boot is part of the lower portion.  
   
   
       6 . The boot of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the lower portion and the at least one extended portion define a recess.  
   
   
       7 . The boot of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended portion extends laterally from the side of the boot at least in a range of approximately 1/2  inch to approximately 3 inches.  
   
   
       8 . The boot of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended portion extends longitudinally along a length of the boot at least in a range of approximately 3 inches to substantially a length of the lower portion.  
   
   
       9 . The boot of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one extended portion is monolithic with the outer shell.  
   
   
       10 . A system for skiing comprising: 
 a boot including: 
 an outer shell having an upper portion and a lower portion;  
 a liner, configured to fit within the outer shell;  
 a closure system, attached to at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion, configured to suitably close the ski boot around a foot; and  
 at least one extended portion, that extends laterally from a side of the boot, configured to receive a rail, and further configured for travel longitudinally along the rail; and  
   a ski operatively attached to the boot.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the ski is removably attachable to the boot.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the ski further comprises a bottom surface having a recess therein configured to receive a rail and further configured for travel transversely along the rail.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the recess is located substantially underneath the boot.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the recess has a cross-section shape being one selected from a group consisting of: channel-shaped, curved, angled, and box-shaped.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , the ski further comprising: 
 a binding system; and    the boot further comprising:    a ski binding receiving system for removable attachment to the binding system.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the ski is a length in a range of approximately 12 inches to approximately 250 cm.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one extended portion extends laterally from the side of the boot at least in a range of approximately 1/2  inch to approximately 3 inches.  
   
   
       18 . A method of skiing, comprising: 
 attaching a ski boot to a foot, wherein the ski boot includes: 
 an outer shell having an upper portion and a lower portion;  
 a liner, configured to fit within the outer shell;  
 a closure system, attached to at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion, configured to suitably close the ski boot around the foot; and  
 at least one extended portion, that extends laterally from a side of the ski boot, configured to receive a rail, and further configured for travel longitudinally along the rail;  
   operatively attaching a ski to the ski boot; and    traveling so that the at least one extended portion receives the rail.