U.S. patent application number 10/436250 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for multipurpose boot.
Invention is credited to Martinez, Manolito M..
Application Number | 20040226195 10/436250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33417125 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040226195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martinez, Manolito M. |
November 18, 2004 |
Multipurpose boot
Abstract
The multipurpose boot is constructed in essentially the same
manner as conventional racing boots, being formed of leather and
including a relatively thick, abrasion resistant sole and steel toe
guard. However, the boot is cut much lower than a conventional
racing boot, extending only to just above the ankle. The boot top
also includes a padded collar for greater comfort. No integral shin
guard is provided due to the low cut, which provides for greater
flexibility and comfort due to the removability of the separate
shin guard when it is not required. The boot top also includes a
series of fasteners, which may be used to attach the
correspondingly equipped cuff of a pants leg to the boot.
Inventors: |
Martinez, Manolito M.; (New
Orleans, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. BOX 15035 CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
33417125 |
Appl. No.: |
10/436250 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 19/00 20130101;
A43B 5/145 20130101; A43B 7/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/131 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/00 |
Claims
1. A multipurpose boot configured both as a racing boot and as a
boot for casual wear, comprising: a thick, abrasion resistant sole
having a toe end and a heel end opposite said toe end; a steel toe
guard affixed to the toe end of said sole; an upper portion having
at least an instep portion and an ankle portion, and extending
upwardly from said sole, the ankle portion having a front opening
and an upper periphery adapted for extending to just above the
ankle when being worn; a padded upper collar disposed about the
upper periphery of the ankle portion; a plurality of pants cuff
fasteners disposed upon the ankle portion, adjacent to the upper
periphery thereof; a first lateral strap and buckle fastener
extending across the instep of said upper portion; and a second
lateral strap and buckle fastener extending across the front
opening of said ankle portion; said sole is formed of a thick sheet
of resilient material having a high durometer; and said upper
portion is formed of at least one heavy sheet of coated
leather.
2. (Canceled)
3. The multipurpose boot according to claim 1, further including:
pants having legs, each of said legs having a distal ankle cuff;
and a plurality of boot top fasteners disposed upon each said ankle
cuff, and removably securing to said pants cuff fasteners of said
boot.
4. The multipurpose boot according to claim 3, wherein said pants
cuff fasteners and said boot top fasteners are selected from the
group consisting of mating snap fasteners and mating hook and loop
material.
5-12. (Canceled)
13. A pair of multipurpose boots in combination with pants
attachable thereto, comprising: a pair of boots, each having a sole
with a toe end and a heel end opposite said toe end; each of said
boots further having an upper portion with at least an instep
portion and an ankle portion, and extending upwardly from said
sole, the ankle portion of each of said boots having a front
opening and an upper periphery adapted for extending to just above
the ankle when being worn; a plurality of pants cuff fasteners
disposed upon the ankle portion, adjacent to the upper periphery
thereof; a pair of pants having legs, each of said legs having a
distal ankle cuff; a plurality of boot top fasteners disposed upon
each said ankle cuff of said pants, and removably securing to said
pants cuff fasteners of a corresponding one of said boots; a steel
toe guard affixed to the toe end of said sole of each of said
boots; a padded upper collar disposed about the upper periphery of
the ankle portion of each of said boots; a first lateral strap and
buckle fastener extending across the instep of said upper portion
of each of said boots; and a second lateral strap and buckle
fastener extending across the front opening of the ankle portion of
each of said boots; said pants cuff fasteners and said boot top
fasteners are selected from the group consisting of snaps and hook
and loop material; said sole of each of said boots is formed of a
thick sheet of resilient material having a high durometer; and said
upper portion of each of said boots is formed of at least one heavy
sheet of coated leather
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to footwear, and
more specifically to a specialized boot for use in the sports of
freestyle riding, motocross, and/or BMX for bicyclists. The boot of
the present invention is cut lower than conventional motocross
boots and the like, and utilizes a separate shin guard rather than
incorporating such a guard integrally therewith. This provides
additional flexibility and ventilation, enabling the boot to be
worn either as a racing boot or as casual wear by fans and others
who do not actually participate in racing events.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Freestyle motorcycle riding and the motor sport of motocross
in which motorcycles are raced over a rough and unimproved course,
and its related sport of BMX in which bicyclists compete under
similar conditions, have gained popularity over the years. These
sports are very athletic pursuits, and are very demanding of
participants. Motorcyclists and BMX participants use their feet to
a considerable degree when racing over such harsh terrain, and thus
must protect their feet as well as the rest of their bodies in the
event of a fall or collision.
[0005] As a result of these needs, a great deal of specialized
protective wear has been developed, with much of this protection
mandated by various sanctioning groups. While details differ
between motorcyclists and bicyclists, there are similarities,
particularly in footwear. It is essential that footwear for use in
motocross and BMX have relatively thick and tough soles, as the
feet are used extensively for balance at low speeds, to fend off
rocks and other obstructions, etc. Preferably, motocross and BMX
boots include steel toe reinforcement for additional protection.
The upper portions of such boots are generally formed of a
relatively heavy and tough leather, perhaps with some plastic
components as well. Many, if not most, such boots extend upwardly
to cover at least the lower portion of the calf, and include a shin
guard formed of hard plastic or other suitable material formed
integrally with the upper portion of the boot.
[0006] The resulting boots serve their purpose reasonably well,
i.e. protecting the rider's feet and lower legs and allowing the
rider to use his or her feet for balance and maneuvering the cycle
across rough terrain. However, such boots are not particularly
comfortable, and do not provide the flexibility and light weight
desired for wear when not actually racing. The relatively high
upper portion, along with the integral shin guard generally
provided, greatly reduce ventilation and ankle flexibility. Such
flexibility is of course necessary when walking, but is also
greatly appreciated by motorcyclists as well, as rear wheel braking
and shifting are accomplished using foot action.
[0007] Complete protection for riders engaged in freestyle riding,
motocross, and BMX racing is critical, and mandated by various
sanctioning bodies, as noted further above. Riders must be
protected literally from head to toe, in most events. One problem
existing with conventional boots is the lack of positive securing
of the upper portion of the boot to the lower leg cuffs of the
pants of the rider. While this may not be critical in the case of
very high boots, where there is considerable overlap between the
upper portion of the boot and its shin guard and the lower portion
of the pants leg, there can still be occasions where a gap may open
between the lower leg of the pants and the top of the boot. This
can clearly be hazardous in such extreme sports as freestyle
riding, motocross and BMX.
[0008] The multipurpose boot of the present invention provides a
solution to the problems noted above, by providing a boot with a
lower top and separate shin guard. This greatly increases the ankle
flexibility of the boot, allowing for greater comfort for casual
wear by the non-racing fan, or by racers when not actually racing.
Moreover, the relatively low top portion greatly increases
ventilation to provide greatly improved comfort in comparison to
conventional boots, particularly when the shin guard is removed.
Finally, the addition of attachment means to the top of the boot to
engage mating attachment means installed along the lower leg or
ankle cuff of the pants, provides positive attachment of the lower
portion of the pants to the top of the boot, thereby assuring that
no gaps in coverage will occur in this area to provide complete
protection for the rider.
[0009] A discussion of the related art of which the present
inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the
present invention, is provided below.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,203 issued on Sep. 17, 1991 to Robert J.
Kling, titled "Athletic Shoe With An Enhanced Mechanical
Advantage," describes a generally conventional athletic shoe having
a fabric upper portion and relatively soft and thick rubberized
sole. The Kling disclosure is primarily directed at a specific sole
configuration which provides greater flexibility to the shoe. This
teaches away from the strong and relatively inflexible sole
required for shoes used in bicycle and motorcycle racing. Moreover,
Kling does not provide other features conventional in BMX and
motocross racing shoes, such as a steel toe guard or reinforcement,
and leather upper construction. Finally, Kling does not provide a
padded upper collar or any positive attachment means for securing
the upper portion of the shoe to the cuff of a pants leg, as
provided by the present multipurpose boot.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,960 issued on Jul. 11, 1995 to Willie C.
Richardson, titled "Lightweight Athletic Shoe With Foot And Ankle
Support Systems," describes a shoe much like that of the Kling shoe
described immediately above. Richardson provides removable lateral
ankle supports, and a circumferential ankle strap, but does not
disclose an abrasion resistant sole, steel toe reinforcement,
leather upper portion, padded collar, or means for positively
attaching the shoe to the cuff of a pants leg, all of which
features are a part of the present multipurpose boot.
[0012] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/166,260 published on Nov.
14, 2002 to Bruno Borsoi, titled "Sports Boot," describes a boot
for winter sports in which the lace attachment loops are placed
upon the inner surfaces of the opposed flaps to each side of the
upper portion, rather than on the outer surfaces. The object is to
better protect the laces, particularly where they pass through the
attachment loops. No features conventionally provided in a
motocross or BMX boot are provided by Borsoi in his boot, nor does
he provide any means of securing the ankle cuff of a pants leg to
the top of the boot. While Borsoi does provide a liner, the liner
is relatively soft and flexible, and cannot serve the function of a
shin guard.
[0013] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 173,971 issued on Feb. 1, 1955 to Maurice
C. Smith III, titled "Rubber Ski Boot Or Similar Article,"
illustrates a design having a generally conventional outward
appearance, excepting a pair of straps extending from the heel and
instep to the upper front of the boot. No padded upper collar,
pants cuff securing means, or features conventional to a motocross
or BMX boot, are apparent in the Smith III design.
[0014] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 349,807 issued on Aug. 23, 1994 to Tinker
L. Hatfield et al., titled "Shoe Upper," illustrates a design
having an ankle wrapping strap of hook and loop fastening material,
as well as a vertically disposed strap and buckle along one side of
the ankle. Again, no padded upper collar, pants cuff securing
means, or features conventional to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX
boot, are apparent in the Hatfield et al. design.
[0015] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 356,664 issued on Mar. 28, 1995 to
Fernando Cesaretti, titled "Boot With Side Pocket," illustrates a
design for a relatively high boot having a small pocket disposed
above the ankle on one side thereof. None of the novel features
particular to the present multipurpose boot invention are apparent
in the Cesaretti design.
[0016] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 384,492 issued on Oct. 7, 1997 to Pamela
A. Parker, titled "Boot," illustrates a design for a boot having a
relatively high top. No padded upper collar, steel toe
reinforcement, or means for securing the upper portion of the boot
to the ankle cuff of a pants leg, are apparent in the Parker boot
design.
[0017] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 397,544 issued on Sep. 1, 1998 to Sinisa
Egelja, titled "Article Of Footwear," illustrates a design having a
series of central lacing loops along the tongue and a strap which
extends across the front of the ankle. The tongue extends
relatively high in the front of the boot, with the thickness of the
tongue and upper appearing to preclude the desired flexibility of
the present multipurpose boot invention. No disclosure is apparent
of features specifically required in freestyle, motocross, or BMX
boots, nor is any ankle cuff attachment means shown.
[0018] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 404,190 issued on Jan. 19, 1999 to
Michael Toschi, titled "Lace-Up Boot," illustrates a design which
closely resembles the design of the Parker '492 U.S. Design Patent
discussed further above. The same points of distinction noted in
that discussion, are seen to apply here as well.
[0019] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 404,542 issued on Jan. 26, 1999 to
Thierry Donnadieu et al., titled "Upper For Sports Footwear,"
illustrates a design apparently having a series of securing straps
and buckles. The upper portion apparently provides a single
overlapping wrap about the ankle. However, no steel toe
reinforcement, abrasion resistant sole for freestyle riding or
motocross and BMX use, padded upper collar, or means of attaching
the upper portion of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg, are
illustrated in the Donnadieu et al. design.
[0020] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 424,797 issued on May 16, 2000 to Denis
Norton et al., titled "Shoe Upper," illustrates a design having a
small number of external lace attachment loops, with most of the
upper components being stitched together. As in the other footwear
known to the present inventor and discussed further above, the
Norton et al. design does not appear to include most of the
specific features critical to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX boot,
nor is any means apparent for attaching the upper portion of the
boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg.
[0021] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 433,788 issued on Nov. 21, 2000 to Eddie
Ragland, titled "Sports Boot," illustrates a design apparently
comprising a conventional tall, lace-up boot, but having a number
of decorative design elements thereon. None of the elements
depicted appear to be of features critical to use as a freestyle,
motocross, or BMX boot, however, nor is there any indication of any
means for attaching the upper portion of the boot positively to the
ankle cuff of a pants leg, as provided by the present multipurpose
boot invention.
[0022] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 447,322 issued on Sep. 4, 2001 to Horace
Auberry, titled "Boot," illustrates a design which closely
resembles a U.S. military combat boot. Accordingly, no disclosure
is apparent of any of the specialized features critical to a
freestyle, motocross, or BMX type boot, or of any of the novel
features provided by the present multipurpose boot.
[0023] U.S. Des. Pat. No. 447,619 issued on Sep. 11, 2001 to James
R. Carey et al., titled "Boot Upper With Detachable Holster,"
illustrates another design resembling a conventional military
combat boot, with the exception of a handgun holster strapped to
one side of the boot. Again, no disclosure is apparent of any of
the specialized features critical to a freestyle, motocross, or BMX
type boot, or of any of the novel features provided by the present
multipurpose boot.
[0024] Finally, European Patent Publication No. 986,969 published
on Mar. 22, 2000, titled "Boot Particularly For Motorcycling,"
describes a high top boot with an integral shin guard extending
from a lateral flap, which wraps over the front of the shin when
the boot is secured. The present boot differs considerably, in that
(1) it is cut considerably lower; (2) does not include a shin guard
integrally therewith; and (3) includes means for positively
securing the top of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pants leg.
[0025] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed. Thus a multipurpose boot solving the aforementioned
problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention comprises a multipurpose boot which
provides greater versatility and flexibility of use than
conventional specialized boots for freestyle, motocross, and BMX
racing use. The present multipurpose boot is cut considerably lower
than conventional motocross boots and eliminates the integral shin
guard commonly provided with such conventional boots, thus
providing considerably greater ankle flexibility. This is
particularly important in motocross, where shifting and rear wheel
braking are accomplished with the feet, and where the feet are used
extensively for maneuvering and balance at low speeds. In BMX
riding, the feet are of course used to power the bicycle, as well
as being used for balance and maneuvering. All of these activities
are greatly enhanced when a boot having good ankle flexibility is
worn.
[0027] Another advantage of the low top of the present boot is the
greater ventilation provided by eliminating the high top which
would otherwise cover the lower leg and shin. Protecting this area
with a separate shin guard and pants legs greatly improves airflow
to this area for greater comfort for the rider. The present
multipurpose boot also includes a padded upper collar for greater
comfort, and incorporates a series of fasteners which may be used
to engage mating fasteners provided about the ankle cuff of the
pants being worn, thus providing positive attachment of the pants
cuffs to the boot tops. This is particularly helpful in preventing
dirt and debris from entering the top of the boot.
[0028] The present multipurpose boot is thus quite useful in
various two wheeled racing sports and activities, but also provides
good comfort for casual wear when not racing, or for wear by a
racing fan who wishes to "look the part." Before the development of
the present multipurpose boot, the only alternative to wearing hot,
uncomfortable, and expensive racing boots, was to wear athletic
shoes of some sort. The present boots may be worn with racing or
seasonal apparel, as desired, and complete the outfit otherwise
provided by available pants, shirts, jackets, etc.
[0029] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a multipurpose boot which may be used for freestyle riding,
motocross racing, and/or BMX racing, as well as for casual wear
when not engaged in racing or riding.
[0030] It is another object of the invention to provide a
multipurpose boot having a relatively low top extending just above
the ankle, and including a padded collar at the top of the
boot.
[0031] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
multipurpose boot having a series of fasteners disposed about the
upper portion of the boot, for positively securing the boot to the
ankle cuff of a pants leg.
[0032] Still another object of the invention is to provide a pair
of pants configured for wear with multipurpose boots, and having a
series of mating fasteners disposed about the ankle cuffs thereof
for positive attachment to the upper portions of the boots.
[0033] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0034] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded, left side, perspective view of a left
foot multipurpose boot and lower cuff of a pant leg attaching
thereto, according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded, right side, perspective view of a
left foot boot of a slightly different embodiment than that shown
in FIG. 1, illustrating a different type of fastener.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a left side, perspective view of the multipurpose
boot of FIG. 1, shown with a mating ankle cuff of a pant leg
attached thereto.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a left side, perspective view of a left foot
motocross racing boot of the prior art, illustrating its relatively
high top and integral shin guard.
[0039] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present invention comprises a multipurpose boot,
configured to provide versatility as a boot for use in motocross,
BMX, and freestyle riding competitions and activities. The present
multipurpose boot also includes fasteners for securing the upper
periphery of the boot to the ankle cuff of a pair of pants, thereby
providing positive means for securing the pants cuff to the boot in
order to preclude a gap forming therebetween, and also preventing
or greatly reducing the entry of dirt, debris, etc. into the cuff
of the pants leg and/or the upper portion of the boot.
[0041] FIG. 1 of the drawings provides a left side, perspective
view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a
multipurpose left boot 10a and removably attachable ankle cuff 12a
for a pair of pants 14a (shown in FIG. 3). The left boot 10a will
be understood to be the left one of a mirror image pair of boots,
as is conventional in footwear. The opposite right side boot is not
shown in FIG. 1, for clarity in the drawing.
[0042] The boot 10a of FIG. 1 includes a relatively thick and
durable sole 16a having a toe end 18a and an opposite heel end 20a.
The sole 16a is preferably formed of a relatively thick sheet of
resilient material (rubber, neoprene, etc.) having a relatively
high durometer, i.e., being relatively hard, in order to provide
good wear characteristics and to resist abrasion. A steel toe guard
22a is also affixed to the toe end 18a of the sole 16a, for further
wear resistance for the boot 10a.
[0043] An upper portion 24a extends upwardly from the sole 16a,
with the upper portion 24a including at least an instep portion 26a
and an ankle portion 28a. The boot upper portions 24a are
preferably constructed of a relatively thick and heavy leather, and
may be coated or protected with a plastic material (e.g.,
polyurethane, etc.), if so desired. The upper portion 24a of the
boot 10a preferably includes some form of frontal opening 30a
therein, e.g. the overlapping flap construction illustrated in FIG.
1. Other closure configurations may be used as desired.
[0044] The present multipurpose boot 10a also includes some means
of adjustably securing the boot about the foot of the person
wearing the boot 10a, e.g. the first or lower and second or upper
lateral strap and buckle fastener assemblies, respectively 32a and
34a, extending respectively over or across the instep area 26a and
across the front 36a of the ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a.
Other alternative fastening or closure means may be provided with
the present multipurpose boot if so desired, but the dual strap 32a
and 34a arrangement has been found to work well, and precludes the
hazard of lace loops which can become entangled in various
mechanisms and/or be pulled loose.
[0045] The ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a has an upper periphery
38a extending to and terminating at a height just above the ankle
of the wearer, when the boot 10a is being worn. This is
considerably shorter than the conventional motocross, freestyle, or
even BMX boot, with those conventional boots extending a
considerable height up the lower leg and including an integral shin
guard, particularly in the case of motocross boots.
[0046] The relatively low cut of the present multipurpose boot 10a
provides numerous advantages over the relatively high boots used
conventionally in motocross and similar sports and activities. The
present low cut multipurpose boot 10a provides considerably greater
ankle flexibility for the rider, as ankle flex is not limited by
additional, relatively stiff material in the upper portion of a
taller boot. Moreover, the present boot 10a clearly cannot
incorporate a shin guard integrally therewith, due to the upper
periphery 38a terminating at the lower end of the shin of the
wearer. The use of a separate shin guard permits greater
flexibility between the separate shin guard and the present
multipurpose boot 10a.
[0047] In order to prevent abrasion of the ankles of the person
wearing the present multipurpose boots 10a due to the upper
peripheral edge 38a of the ankle portion 28a chafing the ankle as
the ankle is flexed, the present boot 10a incorporates a padded
upper collar 40a disposed about the upper periphery 38a of the
ankle portion 28a. The padded collar 40a extends from within the
ankle portion 28a, just below the upper periphery 38a thereof, to
just above the upper periphery 38a of the ankle portion 28a. This
provides the comfort desired for the wearer, and avoids chafing the
ankle, lower shin, and/or Achilles tendon area of the ankle of the
wearer.
[0048] The present multipurpose boots 10a include an additional
feature which provides further utility, i.e. a series of pants cuff
fasteners 42a disposed about the ankle portion 28a, adjacent the
upper periphery 38a thereof. These pants cuff fasteners 42a may
each comprise one half of a complementary or mating snap fastener
pair, or other suitable temporary or separable fastener means, as
desired. The provision of a series of fasteners, e.g. the pants
cuff snap fasteners 42a, adjacent the upper periphery 38a of the
boot 10a enables the lower leg or ankle cuff 12a of a pair of pants
14a (shown in FIG. 3) to be removably secured to the ankle portion
28a of the boot 10a, by providing a corresponding series of mating
boot top fastener components 44a about the ankle cuff 12a of the
pants 14a.
[0049] This provides positive attachment means between the pants
cuff 12a and the boot 10a, thereby assuring that the pants cuff 12a
cannot ride up the shin or calf of the wearer and expose the leg of
the wearer to the elements, e.g. brush, gravel, etc., commonly
encountered in motocross, freestyle, and BMX riding. While shin
guards provide substantial protection against such elements, they
are not a complete solution to the problem. The relatively short
boot 10a of the present invention is somewhat more susceptible to
allowing a gap to open between the top of the boot and the ankle
cuff of the pants. However, the positive attachment of the ankle
cuff 12a of the pants to the ankle portion 28a of the boot 10a
provides a solution to this problem and precludes the entry of
foreign matter into the pants cuff 12a or boot 10a.
[0050] FIG. 2 provides a right side perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of a left boot of the present multipurpose
boot, designates as boot 10b, and its associated ankle cuff 12b of
a pair of pants which may be worn with the present multipurpose
boots. The boot 10b of FIG. 2 is essentially the same as the boot
10a of FIG. 1, including a sole 16b having heel and toe ends 18b
and 20b, a toe guard 22b, an upper portion 24b including at least
an instep portion 26b and ankle portion 28b with a front opening
30b, first and second securing straps 32b and 34b extending
respectively over the instep 26b and across the front 36b of the
ankle portion 28b, and an upper periphery 38b with a padded collar
40b.
[0051] However, rather than utilizing snap fasteners, as in the
boot embodiment 10a of FIGS. 1 and 3, the multipurpose boot 10b of
FIG. 2 includes a series of hook and loop fastening material first
portions 42b (e.g. Velcro.RTM.) disposed about the upper portion of
the ankle portion 28b. The mating ankle cuff 12b of the pants
includes a corresponding series of mating hook and loop fastener
components 44b therein, enabling the ankle cuff 12b of the pants to
be positively secured over the outside of the upper ankle portion
28b of the boot 10b. As in the case of the boot 10a of FIGS. 1 and
3, any practicable number of mating fastener components 42b and 44b
may be used, and/or different fastener means may be employed, so
long as the fastener means used provides for the positive, yet
quickly removable, attachment of the pants cuff to the upper
portion of the underlying boot.
[0052] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of the lower portion of a
pair of pants 14a which may be used with the present multipurpose
boot 10a. The pants 14a are essentially conventional for use in
motocross and similar sports and activities, with the exception of
their boot top fastening means affixed to each distal ankle cuff.
While FIG. 3 illustrates only the left leg 46a of the pants 14a, it
will be understood that the pair of pants 14a forms a laterally
symmetrical unit, with a left leg 46a and an opposite right leg.
The illustration of FIG. 3 shows the pants cuff 12a secured to the
top of the boot 10a by means of the snap fasteners 44a installed
about the ankle cuff 12a, with the mating and underlying fasteners
42a of the boot 10a (shown in FIG. 1) being concealed in FIG. 3 by
the overlying pants ankle cuff 12a. This assembly provides positive
attachment means for the pants ankle cuff to the top of the boot,
thereby assuring that the lower leg will remain protected at all
times and that no significant amount of dirt debris, etc. can enter
between the pants cuff and boot.
[0053] FIG. 4 provides an illustration of a conventional left boot
of the prior art. The conventional prior art motocross boot B of
FIG. 4 includes many of the features of the present multipurpose
boot, but has a relatively high top portion T, which extends a
considerable distance up the leg of the wearer, covering most of
the calf in the back and most of the shin in the front. The boot B
of FIG. 4 includes an integral shin guard G, and with the height of
the boot top T, relatively stiff materials used, and the integral
shin guard G, results in a relatively stiff and inflexible boot B
which is not suitable for casual wear.
[0054] In conclusion, the present multipurpose boot provides
superior versatility and comfort in comparison to boots of the
prior art used for competition and freestyle motocross and BMX
sports. The present boot, with its relatively low cut, provides
much greater ankle flexibility in comparison to higher boots of the
prior art, which greatly improves the control and response of the
rider. The lower cut also greatly improves ventilation and airflow
to the lower leg of the rider, resulting in greater comfort. The
provision of a padded collar around the top of the boot also
provides further comfort for the wearer of the present boot. The
relatively low height of the present boot precludes the inclusion
of a shin guard integrally therewith. This allows the rider to wear
the shin guard as a separate component, which again greatly
improves ankle flexibility for the rider.
[0055] The present multipurpose boot also includes a series of
ankle cuff fasteners about its upper edge or top, for removable
attachment to the correspondingly equipped ankle cuff of a pair of
pants. This provides better sealing of the gap between the top of
the boot and the cuff of the pants, thereby greatly reducing or
preventing the entry of dirt and debris into the top of the boot
and the pants cuff.
[0056] The present multipurpose boot, with its considerably greater
flexibility and comfort than conventional motocross boots, permits
the present boot to be worn as casual wear, as well as for use
during racing events and activities. The present boot, with its
racer-like appearance, combines well with other racing apparel for
wear by the racer or fan alike. The present multipurpose boot thus
provides versatile footwear for all around wear, either on or off
the track as desired.
[0057] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
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