U.S. patent application number 10/076956 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for boot liner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Hirayama, Shuichi.
Application Number | 20030154627 10/076956 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27732557 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030154627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hirayama, Shuichi |
August 21, 2003 |
Boot liner
Abstract
A boot liner basically includes a sole portion, an upper portion
and a tightening device. A tongue part is preferably mounted in a
slit formed in the upper portion. The upper portion has a
thermoformable layer with first and second non-thermoformable
members located on an inner side and an outer side of the ankle
section. The first and second non-thermoformable members are
banana-shaped or L-shaped pads that are preferably formed of a
polyurethane. The first and second non-thermoformable members are
preferably located below and rearwardly the portions of the tibia
and fibula that form the ankle of a foot corresponding to the size
of the boot liner.
Inventors: |
Hirayama, Shuichi;
(Sakai-city, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHINJYU GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Shimano Inc.
|
Family ID: |
27732557 |
Appl. No.: |
10/076956 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/10 ;
36/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/14 20130101; A43B
7/20 20130101; A43C 1/00 20130101; A43B 5/0405 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/10 ;
36/55 |
International
Class: |
A43B 003/10; A43B
017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A boot liner comprising: a sole portion; and an upper portion
having a foot section fixedly coupled to said sole portion, an
ankle section extending upwardly from said foot section and a leg
section extending upwardly from said ankle section, said upper
portion including a thermoformable layer located on an inner side
and an outer side of said ankle section and a first
non-thermoformable member located in one of said inner and outer
sides of said ankle section.
2. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said first
non-thermoformable member is located in said inner side of said
ankle section.
3. The boot liner according to claim 2, wherein said first
non-thermoformable member is located in said outer side of said
ankle section.
4. The boot liner according to claim 3, wherein said upper portion
includes a second non-thermoformable member located in said inner
side of said ankle section.
5. The boot liner according to claim 4, wherein said first a nd
second non-thermoformable members are banana-shaped pads.
6. The boot liner according to claim 5, wherein said first and
second non-thermoformable members are formed of a polyurethane.
7. The boot liner according to claim 5, wherein each of said first
and second non-thermoformable members has a height of approximately
70 millimeters and a length of approximately 70 millimeters.
8. The boot liner according to claim 7, wherein said upper portion
includes a tightening device with a first strap portion overlying a
part of said first non-thermoformable member and a second strap
portion overlying a part of said second non-thermoformable
member.
9. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said thermoformable
layer further extends along said foot section.
10. The boot liner according to claim 9, wherein said
thermoformable layer further extends along and a leg section
11. The boot liner according to claim 10, wherein said upper
portion includes a foam layer overly an exteriorly facing surface
of said thermoformable layer.
12. The boot liner according to claim 11, wherein said upper
portion includes an outer layer overly an exteriorly facing surface
of said thermoformable layer.
13. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion
includes an inner layer overly an interiorly facing surface of said
thermoformable layer with said first and second non-thermoformable
members located between said thermoformable layer and said inner
layer.
14. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said first
non-thermoformable member is a banana-shaped pad.
15. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said first and
non-thermoformable member is formed of a polyurethane.
16. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said first
non-thermoformable member has a height of approximately 70
millimeters and a length of approximately 70 millimeters.
17. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said sole portion
is a separate member that is coupled to said foot section of said
upper portion.
18. The boot liner according to claim 17, wherein said sole portion
is constructed of flexible materials.
19. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said sole portion
includes an outer sole section that is fixedly coupled to said foot
section of said upper portion.
20. The boot liner according to claim 19, wherein said outer sole
section of said sole portion includes an exterior layer of a
polyvinyl chloride material.
21. The boot liner according to claim 20, wherein said outer sole
section of said sole portion further includes an interior
thermoformable layer.
22. The boot liner according to claim 21, wherein said sole portion
further includes an inner sole section that overlies said outer
sole section of said sole portion.
23. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said sole portion
further includes an thermoformable layer.
24. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion
includes a tongue portion coupled to said upper portion and
arranged to span a longitudinal slit formed in said leg section,
and a tightening device coupled to said upper portion for drawing
opposite lateral sides of said upper portion that define said slit
towards one another.
25. The boot liner according to claim 19, wherein said tightening
device includes a first strap portion overlying a part of said
first non-thermoformable member and a second strap portion
overlying a part of said second non-thermoformable member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to a boot liner. More
specifically, the present invention relates a sport boot liner or
snowboard boot liner that is comfortable to wear.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Many cold weather footwear have an internal boot liner that
is separate from the outer shell of the footwear. For example,
hiking boots, ski boots, snowboard boots and the like often have a
boot liner. The boot liner provides thermal insulation, shock
absorption, comfort, etc. for the wearer's foot and/or the lower
part of the wearer's leg. The boot liner is typically formed with a
sole and an upper portion. The upper portion is often formed with a
central opening or slit. Some times a tongue is formed on a lower
end of the opening or slit, the tongue extending between the sides
of the central opening or slit.
[0005] It is important to keep the liner in contact with the
wearer's foot. Thus, the boot liner is sometimes provided with a
tightening device. The tightening device is typically positioned on
the sides of the central slit and usually includes loops or eyelets
with a lace extending through the loops or eyelets. The lace
typically extends through the loops or eyelets in a criss-cross
manner, e.g., going from side to side through the loops and
eyelets. Typically the eyelets or loops are formed on opposite
sides of the opening in equal numbers at equally spaced apart
intervals, defining pairs of eyelets or loops.
[0006] Boot liners are formed of a variety of materials such as
woven fabrics, sponge like materials or rubber, or various
combinations of these materials. Some boot liners are provided with
a tightening device that can tighten the boot liner around wearer's
foot.
[0007] One example of a boot liner with a tightening device is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,542, assigned to Solomon S. A.
This patent discloses a tightening device for a boot liner that
uses a single cord and a plurality of straps to tighten the boot
liner about the wearer's foot.
[0008] Recently, the boot liner has been redesigned to provide the
wearer with a more comfortable fit. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,924,218 assigned to Salomon S. A. discloses a boot liner that
utilizes thermo forming material to provide a better fit.
[0009] In view of the above, there exists a need for snowboard boot
liner which is comfortable to wear. This invention addresses this
need in the prior art as well as other needs, which will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a
snowboard boot liner that is comfortable to wear.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide boot
liner, which is securely tighten about the wears ankle.
[0012] The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing
a snowboard boot liner comprising a sole portion and an upper
portion. The upper portion has a foot section fixedly coupled to
the sole portion, an ankle section extending upwardly from the foot
section and a leg section extending upwardly from the ankle
section. The upper portion includes a thermoformable layer located
on an inner side and an outer side of the ankle section and a first
non-thermoformable member located in one of the inner and outer
sides of the ankle section.
[0013] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a boot liner in
accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the boot liner
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the
boot liner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as viewed along section
line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the
boot liner illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as viewed along section line
4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the
boot liner illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 as viewed along section line
5-5 of FIG. 4; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the
boot liner illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 as viewed along section line
6-6 of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a boot liner 10 is
illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The boot liner 10 is preferably designed to be
used with a sport boot (not shown) or the like. More specifically,
the boot liner 10 is designed to be inserted into a shell of a
sport boot such as a snowboard boot (not shown). The boot liner 10
allows for a tight fit around the foot and lower leg of the wearer.
More specifically, the boot liner 10 of the present invention
allows a tight fit around the ankle area of the wearer.
[0022] It would be apparent to the one skilled in the art from this
disclosure that the boot liner 10 can come in a variety of sizes to
accommodate various sizes of feet. In other words, the boot liner
10 is so dimensioned to correspond to a particular size of foot for
a particular size of boot liner. As explained below, the boot liner
10 is especially constructed to provide a tight fit around the
ankle area of the wearer. Thus, for a given size of foot, the boot
liner 10 is shaped to snuggly fit the ankle joint A which is
basically comprised of three bones, i.e., the tibia which forms the
inside or medial portion of the ankle joint, the fibula which forms
the lateral or outside portion of the ankle joint and the talus
that forms the underneath of the ankle joint. The boot liner 10 of
the present invention is designed based on the average location of
the ankle joint A formed by the tibia and the fibula portions of
the ankle joint A to a particular size of foot.
[0023] The boot liner 10 basically includes a sole portion 12, an
upper portion 14 coupled to the sole portion 12 and a tightening
device T coupled to the upper portion 14 for drawing opposite
lateral sides of the upper portion 14 together via a lace or cord
L. As used herein, the following directional terms "forward,
rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and
transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to
those directions of the boot liner 10 in the normal upright
position. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the
present invention should be interpreted relative to a wearer's foot
with the boot liner 10 in the normal upright position.
[0024] As best seen in FIG. 4, the sole portion 12 is preferably a
separate element that is coupled to the upper portion 14 in a
conventional manner such as by sewing the two portions together.
Preferably, the sole portion 12 is preferably different from the
upper portion 14. The sole portion 12 is preferably a two part
construction with each part being constructed of two layers of
flexible material. Specifically, the sole portion 12 has an outer
sole section 15 that is sewn to the upper portion 14 and an inner
sole section 16 the removably overlies the outer sole section
15.
[0025] More specifically, as seen in FIG. 4, the outer sole section
15 should have a bottom outer layer 15a and an inner layer 15b.
This layered configuration is preferably bonded together in a
conventional manner such as with adhesives. In the drawings, the
thickness of each of the layers 15a and 15b is not drawn to scale.
Rather, the thickness of the layer 15a has been exaggerated for
purposes of illustration.
[0026] The outer layer 15a of the outer sole section 15 is
constructed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. In
other words, when the boot liner 10 is located within the boot (not
shown) the sole portion 12 will frictionally contact the inner
surface of the boot to limit relative movement therebetween. The
outer layer 15a of the outer sole section 15 is preferably
constructed of a flexible rubber material such as a synthetic
rubber, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer
(EVA) or leather or any other suitable material. The bottom surface
of the outer layer 15a of the outer sole section 15 is preferably
textured to increase the non-slip characteristics thereof. The
inner layer 15b of the outer sole section 15 is preferably formed
of a thermoformable material such as ULTRALON, which can conformed
the bottom of the foot. In other words, the thermoformable inner
layer 15b of the outer sole section 15 has thermoplastic qualities
rendering capable of being adjusted and/or adapted after being
heated at its thermoforming temperature, to the specific volume of
the wearer's foot.
[0027] As seen in FIG. 4, the inner sole section 16 is preferably a
removable insert that overlies the outer sole section 15. The inner
sole section 16 is preferably constructed of a bottom layer 16a and
an upper layer 16b. This layered configuration is preferably bonded
together in a conventional manner such as with adhesives. In the
drawings, the thickness of each of the layers 16a and 16b is not
drawn to scale. Rather, the thickness of the layer 16b has been
exaggerated for purposes of illustration. The bottom layer 16a of
the inner sole section 16 is preferably constructed of a
compressible, flexible material such as an ethyl vinyl acetate
copolymer (EVA) that provides a cushion for the wearer's foot. The
upper layer 16a of the inner sole section 16 is preferably formed
of a polyester fabric or textile material.
[0028] The upper portion 14 is preferably constructed of two parts,
e.g., a main part 17 and a tongue part 18. These parts 17 and 18
are sewn together by stitching 19 to form a foot section 20, an
ankle section 21 and a leg section 22. The foot section 20 is
fixedly coupled to the sole portion 12 in a conventional manner,
preferably by stitching 21. The ankle section 21 is located in the
area between the foot section 20 and the leg portion 22. The leg
portion 22 extends upwardly from the foot section 20 with a
longitudinal slit 24 formed in both the foot section 20 and the
ankle section 21. The longitudinal slit 24 is substantially located
along the middle or median plane of the boot liner 10. Thus, the
longitudinal slit 24 is defined by a pair of opposite lateral sides
26a and 26b of the upper portion 14. Preferably, the longitudinal
slit 24 extends along both the foot section 20 and the leg section
22.
[0029] As seen in FIGS. 3-6, each of the parts 17 and 18 of the
upper portion 14 is constructed of four layers of flexible
materials as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. More specifically, the
upper portion 14 has an outermost layer 28a, an outer intermediate
or thermoformable layer 28b, an inner intermediate or spongy layer
28c and an innermost layer 28d. This layered configuration is
preferably bonded together in a conventional manner such as with
adhesives. In the drawings, the thickness of each of the layers
28a-28d is not drawn to scale. Rather, the thickness of each of the
layers 28a and 28d has been exaggerated for purposes of
illustration.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the outermost layer 28a is
preferably constructed of an elastane material such as spandex. The
outermost layer 28a preferably has a lateral thickness or dimension
of approximately 0.3 millimeters to approximately 0.5 millimeters.
The outer intermediate (thermoformable) layer 28b is preferably
constructed of a thermoformable material such as ULTRALON. The
thermoformable layer 28b has thermoplastic qualities rendering
capable of being adjusted and/or adapted after being heated at its
thermo forming temperature, to the specific volume of the wearer's
foot. The thermoformable layer 28b preferably has a lateral
thickness or dimension of approximately 7 millimeters. The inner
intermediate (spongy) layer 28c is preferably constructed of a
conventional foam or sponge material such as an open cell
polyurethane. The inner intermediate layer 28c preferably has a
lateral thickness or dimension of approximately 3.5 millimeters.
The innermost layer 28d is preferably constructed of a cloth
material such as a NYLEX.RTM. polymer knit fabric. The innermost
layer 28d preferably has a lateral thickness or dimension of
approximately 0.3 millimeters to approximately 0.5 millimeters. Of
course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure that the upper portion 14 can be constructed of other
suitable flexible materials that will carry out the present
invention.
[0031] As seen in FIG. 3, the ankle section 21 has a pair of
non-thermoformable members 29 located in the inner and outer sides
of the ankle section 21. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and
second non-thermoformable members 29 are preferably located between
the thermoformable layer 28b and the inner spongy layer 28c. The
first and second non-thermoformable members 29 are banana-shaped or
L-shaped pads that are preferably formed of a polyurethane
material. The first and second non-thermoformable members 29 form a
pair of banana-shaped or L-shaped bulges B that extend laterally
towards each other.
[0032] As seen in FIG. 4, each of the first and second
non-thermoformable members 29 has a vertical height or dimension
D.sub.1 of approximately 70 millimeters and a horizontal length or
dimension D.sub.2 of approximately 70 millimeters. The
non-thermoformable members 29 preferably have a lateral thickness
or dimension D.sub.3 of approximately 11.5 millimeters. The
tightening device T is arranged and configured on the upper portion
14 such that first and second strap portions overlie parts of the
non-thermoformable members 29 as best seen in FIG. 4.
[0033] The non-thermoformable members 29 are positioned just
rearwardly of an average location of the fibula and tibia that form
portions of the ankle joint. In other words, the non-thermoformable
members 29 basically cradle or support the ankle joint at the
bottom and rearward sides of the ankle joint A. Of course, it would
be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
for each size of boot liner 10, the location of the
non-thermoformable members 29 should be located based on the
average location of the ankle joint A for a wearer's foot that is
sized for the particular size of boot liner 10.
[0034] The density of the thermoformable material forming the
thermoformable layer 28b is preferably around 50 kg/m3 and has a
hardness of approximately 35-40 on a rubber hardness tester C scale
of the Japan Rubber Association. On the other hand, the
polyurethane material of the non-thermoformable members 29
preferably have a hardness of 20 on the rubber hardness tester C
scale of the Japan Rubber Association. The polyurethane material of
the non-thermoformable members 29 is denser such that the
non-formable members 29 are not as compressible as the spongy layer
28c. Thus, the thermoformable layer 28b is harder than the inner
intermediate layer 28c and the non-thermoformable members 29. The
non-thermoformable members 29 are preferably harder than the spongy
layer 28c. Preferably, both the spongy layer 28c and the
non-thermoformable members 29 are formed of a polyurethane
material. However, the non-thermoformable members 29 are not as
dense as the thermoformable layer 28b such that the
non-thermoformable members 29 are more compressible in the lateral
direction than the thermoformable layer 28b.
[0035] As seen in FIG. 3, the tongue part 18 is arranged to span
the longitudinal slit 24 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tongue part
18 is preferably constructed of four layers 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d.
Preferably, the materials of the layers 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d
corresponds to the same materials used for the layers 28a, 28b, 28c
and 28d of the main part 17 of the upper portion 14, respectively.
Accordingly, the tongue part 18 is constructed of a flexible
cushioned material, which is preferably the same flexible
cushioning materials used for the main part 17 of the upper portion
14. This layered configuration is preferably bonded together in a
conventional manner such as with adhesives. In the drawings, the
thickness of each of the layers 30a-30d is not drawn to scale.
Rather, the thickness of each of the layers 30a and 30d has been
exaggerated for purposes of illustration.
[0036] The tightening device T is coupled to the upper portion 14
for drawing opposite lateral sides 26a and 26b of the upper portion
14 towards one another. The tightening device T basically includes
an upper lacing member 32 and a lower lacing member 34. The upper
and lower lacing members 32 and 34 are sewn via stitching to the
upper portion 14 at four rearwardly located points 35 (only two
points shown in FIG. 1). The lower lacing member 34 also has its
two lateral bottom portions glued to the outer sole section 15 at
side points 36 (only one point shown in FIG. 1). The upper lacing
member 32 includes four (two pairs) upper strap or lacing portions
41, 42, 43 and 44, while the lower lacing member 34 includes a pair
of lower strap or lacing portions 45 and 46. The upper lacing
member 32 primarily tightens the leg section 22 of the upper
portion 14, while the lower lacing member 34 primarily tightens the
ankle section 21, which is located at the intersection of the foot
section 20 and the leg section 22. Of course, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that depending
upon the size of the boot liner 10 and its desired used, fewer or
more primary lacing portions can be utilized to carry out the
present invention.
[0037] The strap or lacing portions 41-46 are preferably
constructed of conventional strap material that is commonly used in
the art. The strap or lacing portions 41-46 are constructed of a
flexible material such as leather, nylon or any other suitable
material. Of course, a variety of arrangements can be utilized. For
example, the lacing portions 41-46 can be merely eyelets or holes
formed directly in the upper portion 14. Alternatively, the lacing
portions 41-46 can be formed as hooks and/or rigid ring
members.
[0038] The tightening device T is positioned on the sides of the
central slit 24 with the cord L extending through the looped
members formed by the lacing portions 4146. The cord L typically
extends through the looped members formed by the lacing portions
41-46 in a criss-cross manner, e.g., going from side to side
through the loops. Typically, the looped members formed by the
lacing portions 41-46 are located on opposite sides of the central
slit 24 in equal numbers at equally spaced apart intervals so as to
define pairs of looped members.
[0039] The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and
"approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of
deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not
significantly changed. These terms should be construed as including
a deviation of at least .+-.5% of the modified term if this
deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
[0040] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore,
the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the
present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for
the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *