U.S. patent application number 11/115840 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for winter sport/snow boot.
Invention is credited to Linda Chelani.
Application Number | 20060242862 11/115840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37215338 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060242862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chelani; Linda |
November 2, 2006 |
Winter sport/snow boot
Abstract
A boot used in conjunction with winter sports such as skiing and
snowboarding or used for daily purposes such as shoveling snow. The
boot includes a first fastener coupled toward the toe, a second
fastener coupled toward an upper portion of the boot, an attachment
device, a breathable, waterproof outer material and a liner. The
boot is formed of a flexible material and may be folded to couple
the first fastener with the second fastener, thereby holding the
boot in a folded, closed position. The attachment device may then
be used to attach the boot to clothing and ski equipment for
transporting the boots during snow activities. The liner is a
flexible insulation enveloped by a breathable, waterproof, flexible
material.
Inventors: |
Chelani; Linda; (Scottsdale,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHMEISER OLSEN & WATTS
18 E UNIVERSITY DRIVE
SUITE # 101
MESA
AZ
85201
US
|
Family ID: |
37215338 |
Appl. No.: |
11/115840 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/248 20130101;
A43B 3/24 20130101; A43B 7/125 20130101; A43B 5/0415 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/114 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00 |
Claims
1. A winter sport boot comprising: a first fastener coupled to a
toe of the boot; and a second fastener coupled to an upper portion
of the boot, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are
configured to removably couple to each to hold the boot in a folded
position.
2. The boot of claim 1, further comprising an attachment device for
transporting the boot.
3. The boot of claim 2, wherein the attachment device is one of a
clip, a D-ring, and O-ring, an elastic strap or any combination
thereof.
4. The boot of claim 3, further comprising a breathable, waterproof
outer material.
5. The boot of claim 4, wherein the outer material is formed with a
flexible, stretchable, foldable, shape-retaining material.
6. The boot of claim 5, further comprising a liner, the liner
comprising a flexible insulation enveloped by a breathable,
waterproof, stretchable, flexible material.
7. A portable boot for use in snow, the boot comprising: an
attachment device coupled to the boot, wherein the attachment
device is configured to transport the boot.
8. The boot of claim 7, wherein the attachment device is one of a
clip, a D-ring, and O-ring, an elastic strap or any combination
thereof.
9. The boot of claim 7, further comprising a first fastener coupled
to a toe of the boot and a second fastener coupled to an upper
portion of the boot, wherein the first fastener is removably
coupled to the second fastener.
10. The boot of claim 9, further comprising a waterproof,
breathable outer material.
11. The boot of claim 10, wherein the outer material is formed of a
flexible, stretchable, foldable, shape-retaining material.
12. The boot of claim 10, further comprising a liner, the liner
comprising a flexible insulation enveloped by a breathable,
waterproof, stretchable, flexible material.
13. A waterproof boot for use in winter sports or in snow, the boot
comprising: an attachment device coupled to the boot; a first
fastener coupled to a toe of the boot; and a second fastener
coupled to an upper, back portion of the boot corresponding to the
first fastener, wherein the first fastener is removably coupled to
the second fastener to hold the boot in a folded position with at
least two folds.
14. The boot of claim 13, wherein the attachment device is an
elastic strap configured to transport the boot.
15. The boot of claim 14, wherein the attachment device is
configured to attach to at least one of a jacket zipper, a pant
zipper, a ski pole, a glove, a belt, a lanyard, a backpack, a
combination thereof.
16. The boot of claim 13, further comprising a multilayer material
that is flexible, breathable, waterproof and insulating, wherein
the multilayer material is configured for a combined use as an
outer material and a liner.
17. The boot of claim 16, wherein the multilayer material
comprises: a nylon stretch material layer; a stretchable,
waterproof, breathable material layer; a perforated polychloroprene
layer; and a blend material layer, wherein the blend material
comprises a micro-fiber layer enveloped by a stretchable,
waterproof, breathable material layer.
18. A multilayer material that is flexible, breathable, waterproof
and insulating, the material comprising: a nylon stretch material
layer; a stretchable, waterproof, breathable material layer; a
perforated polychloroprene layer; and a blend material layer,
wherein the blend material comprises: a first stretchable,
waterproof, breathable material layer, a micro-fiber layer
comprising a blend of elastomeric fine olefin fibers and larger
staple fibers, and a second stretchable, waterproof, breathable
material layer.
19. The material of claim 18, further comprising at least three
laminate layers, wherein each laminate layer is used to couple two
layers together such that: the nylon stretch material layer is
coupled to the stretchable, waterproof, breathable material layer;
the stretchable, waterproof, breathable material layer is coupled
to the perforated polychloroprene layer; and the perforated
polychloroprene layer is coupled to the blend material layer,
thereby forming a multilayer, flexible, breathable and waterproof
material.
20. The material of claim 19, wherein the first and second
stretchable, waterproof, breathable material layers of the blend
material are a single layer that envelops the blend of elastomeric
fine olefin fibers and larger staple fibers layer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to boots used in
conjunction with recreational activities and daily purposes and
more particularly to boots used after snow skiing or snowboarding
and for other non-recreational purposes.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] Skiing and snowboarding are sports that require a rigid ski
boot for providing the proper support for the various terrains that
a user may encounter when descending a run. These boots often do
not have a typical walking sole and are adapted to clip onto skis.
In addition, ski boots are designed to support a user's ankle and
lower leg to help provide stability and avoid injury. The very
specific purpose of a ski boot makes them difficult and
uncomfortable to walk in. This type of specialized foot equipment
is not specific to skiing and snowboarding alone, but similar
footwear may be used for other snow recreational activities.
[0005] Skiers often times wish to change into other types of
footwear than that used for their winter sport. These alternate
types of footwear are generally full size and are not easily
transported. They require the use of a locker or other storage unit
and often require some walking to reach the storage. While other
types of footwear may be smaller with less bulk than the ski boot,
they lack the warmth, water-resistance and traction that
conventional snow boots provide while walking in snow.
[0006] In addition snow sport boots often retain snow and ice in
the narrow boot crevasses. Inadvertently carrying the ice and snow
can cause a variety of difficulties such as forming slippery areas
at the resort or residence. The size and weight of the boots also
limits agility and can create situations where tripping may
occur.
[0007] In extreme situations those wearing boots may be tempted to
leave their boots on while they drive to their lodge, residence or
nearby ski area. Doing so reduces reaction time and can cause
interference when moving from one pedal to another.
[0008] When renting equipment it is generally required that the
renter turn in their footwear to receive their boots. Mistakes in
this procedure are common. Also, the renter has to go without
alternate footwear until the boots are returned, which is generally
at the end of the outing or trip.
[0009] In addition to skiing or alternate snow sports and
recreation, other winter activities take place, which require
interaction with snow, ice, slush or water are common. Tasks around
a home such as shoveling snow, feeding or walking animals, getting
the mail or other activities such as traveling to work or school
and various other types of everyday activities that take place
during the winter season, all subject the participant to the
elements. Conventional boots are big and bulky and often have other
types of limitations and problems. For example, a child wearing a
boot to school will often retain snow and ice in the narrow boot
crevasses. Inadvertently carrying the ice and snow can cause a
variety of difficulties such as forming slippery areas in the
school hall and/or classroom. Additionally, storing the boots to
put on other footwear while at school is difficult due to the size
of the boot. Other problems may also exist due to the size of the
boot and the common inefficient insulation and in flexibility of
the boot.
[0010] Accordingly what is needed is a winter boot that is portable
during skiing or other snow sports and recreational activities that
may be worn after the sports or for other daily purposes and
provides proper warmth, protection, traction, and water-resistance
in snow.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to a boot that is portable
during skiing and other snow sports and may be conveniently
accessed and used during breaks and down-time, or used for other
daily purposes. While particular embodiments are most useful for
after snow activities, other embodiments of the invention are
useful after all forms of snow recreational activities and for
daily purposes. In particular embodiments, the snow boot comprises
a flexible, water-proof, breathable outer material, a liner, a
first fastener coupled toward the toe of the boot, a second
fastener coupled toward an upper portion of the boot and an
attachment device which may be an elastic strap.
[0012] In particular embodiments, the winter sport boot folds into
a closed position with the first fastener and the second fastener
coupled together to retain the boot in a closed position for
portability. The attachment device may be, but is not limited to a
clip, a D-ring, an O-ring, a strap and any device wherein the
attachment device may be used to secure the boots to a compatible
attachment device during skiing.
[0013] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed
description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a winter snow boot in an
opened position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a winter snow boot in a closed
position;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a winter sport boot in an opened
position with a D-ring and hook-and-loop opening fastener;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of a winter sport boot in a closed
position with a D-ring;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a winter sport boot with an elastic
strap;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side of a winter sport boot that uses a double
fold; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of a winter sport boot held in a
rolled position by an elastic strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0021] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to an after snow skiing boot that is portable during skiing.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise an outer material, a
liner, a first fastener, a second fastener corresponding to the
second fastener, and an attachment device or elastic strap.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, winter sport boot 10 comprises an outer
material 12, a first fastener 14, a second fastener 16, an
attachment device 18 and a liner 20. The outer material 12 may be
formed with a material that is flexible, foldable, breathable and
waterproof, with material properties that will retain the boot
shape when in an open position. The first fastener 14 is coupled to
the toe of the boot 10 and the second fastener 16 is coupled to an
upper portion of the boot 10. The first and second fasteners 14 and
16 respectively are configured to removably couple together by
folding the boot for better transportation of the boot 10. The
attachment device 18 may be, but is not limited to, a clip, a ring,
a D-ring, an O-ring, a carabiner, and any other attaching device.
Liner 20 may be, but is not limited to a thermal liner for
providing added warmth and a comfort liner for added support.
[0023] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the outer material 12 may be any type of flexible foldable
material that is also waterproof, breathable, durable, degradation
resistant from sun and weather and shape retaining, such as, and
without limitation, Neoprene.TM. or other polychloroprene material.
The outer material may be formed of a combination typical neoprene
in some areas, coupled to a perforated for other areas neoprene,
thereby providing breathability while maintaining the waterproof,
durability, resistance to degradation from sun and weather and
shape retaining characteristics. Additionally, the liner 20 may be
formed of any material that provides insulation and warmth, even
when wet, while remaining flexible and breathable such as, and
without limitation, Thinsulate.TM. Flex FX100 or other type of
micro-fiber material or a material blend of elastomeric fine olefin
fibers and larger staple fibers that is able to trap a greater
amount of air than conventional insulation layers and better
reflect back the body's radiant heat. Further, the liner 20 may
also comprise a material that is waterproof, breathable and
stretchable such as, but not limited to, Darlex.TM. or
Freestyle.TM. made by Schoeller Textil AG, which may also be used
to envelop a micro-fiber layer or layer formed of a blend of
elastomeric fine olefin fibers and larger staple fibers, thereby
providing a flexible, waterproof, and breathable insulation.
[0024] In another particular embodiment of the winter sport boot,
the outer material 12 or shell and the liner 20 or insulation may
be coupled together to create a unitary shell/insulation. The
shell/insulation may comprise a nylon stretch material or
nylon-lycra mix material as the outer-most layer, a waterproof,
breathable and stretchable layer, a perforated neoprene layer, and
a blend material layer, wherein the blend material may comprise a
waterproof, breathable and stretchable layer, a blend of
elastomeric fine olefin fibers and larger staple fibers layer or
micro-fiber layer and another waterproof, breathable and
stretchable layer. A first laminate layer that couples the nylon
stretch layer to the waterproof, breathable and stretchable layer.
A second laminate layer couples the waterproof, breathable and
stretchable layer to the perforated neoprene layer. A third
laminate layer couples the perforated Neoprene layer to the blended
material layer. The shell/insulation formed retains the properties
of being flexible, stretchable, durable, breathable, waterproof and
insulated to provide a boot that fits easily onto virtually any
size foot and effectively warms and performs in the snow or other
wet and/or cold environments. The boot may also comprise a wicking
layer that may comprise a sock or other prior art wicking
material.
[0025] Another embodiment of the material that may be used may
comprise neoprene coupled on its edge to a perforated neoprene on
its edge, such that the neoprene and perforated neoprene are side
by side allowing air to pass through only the perforated neoprene.
It is also contemplated that a material may be used where neoprene
and perforated neoprene are each used in selected areas. This
allows the boot or any other purpose that may be benefited from
such a material to be formed with the structural, insulative and
waterproof properties provided by neoprene, while providing a form
of ventilation or a breathable portion through the perforated
neoprene.
[0026] Another particular embodiment of material may comprise a
waterproof, breathable and stretchable material layer such as
Darlex.TM. and Freestyle.TM. coupled to a perforated neoprene
layer. This material would provide for the ventilation or breathing
through the perforated neoprene while maintaining the structure of
neoprene and the keeping the material waterproof that may be used
for various different purposes in addition to a winter sport/snow
boot. This particular material may be formed using a method that is
accomplished by a single pass lamination of the Darlex.TM.to the
perforated neoprene. Possible uses may include, but is not limited
to a top boot panel.
[0027] Further, another particular embodiment of material may
comprise a stretchable micro-fiber layer or layer formed of a blend
of elastomeric fine olefin fibers and larger staple fibers such as
Thinsulate.TM. FX100 encased within a waterproof, breathable and
stretchable material layer such as Darlex.TM. and Freestyle.TM. to
create a stretchable package of insulated, waterproof, breathable
material. The layers may be coupled together by sewing the
micro-fiber layer within the waterproof, breathable and stretchable
material layer.
[0028] Yet, another particular embodiment of material may comprise
a micro-fiber layer or layer formed of a blend of elastomeric fine
olefin fibers and larger staple fibers such as Thinsulate.TM.
FX100, a waterproof, breathable and stretchable material layer such
as Darlex.TM. or Freestyle.TM. and a neoprene layer coupled
together.
[0029] Further still another embodiment may comprise a micro-fiber
layer or layer formed of a blend of elastomeric fine olefin fibers
and larger staple fibers such as Thinsulate.TM. FX100, a
waterproof, breathable and stretchable material layer such as
Darlex.TM. or Freestyle.TM. and a perforated neoprene layer coupled
together.
[0030] Additionally, another embodiment of material may include a
waterproof, breathable stretchable material with fleece inside the
surface such as Aquashell.TM.. For extra warmth, the Aquashell.TM.
layer may be attached to Thinsulate.TM. for double insulation, or
may be other various combinations such as, but not limited to,
Aquashell.TM., Thinsulate.TM. and Darlex.TM.; Aquashell.TM.,
Thinsulate.TM. and Aquashell.TM.; and Aquashell.TM., Thinsulate.TM.
and nylon.
[0031] Generally, while these particular embodiments of material
are usable with a winter sport/snow boot, the use of the materials
are not limited strict use with boots, but may also be used for any
covering and garment. Areas where you do not want to hold the heat
in use perforated neoprene with a waterproof, breathable
stretchable material such as Darlex.TM. or Freestyle.TM. on the
inner and/or outer surface of the perforated neoprene. Inner layers
of garments may have an insulation material such as Thinsulate.TM.
or Aquashell.TM.. Since Thinsulate.TM. comes raw, it must be
encased. However, an insulation material such as Aquashell.TM. does
not have to be encased. Areas where breathability is not required
would be made of regular neoprene as opposed to perforated
neoprene.
[0032] It will be understood that a winter sport/snow boot of the
present invention may be formed of all one type of material or any
combination of material. For the exemplary purposes of this
disclosure and without limitation, the boot may be formed of
various panels comprising a back panel, two side panels, a top
panel and a sole. The back panel and the side panels may comprise a
neoprene coupled to a nylon stretch layer, wherein the nylon
stretch layer is the outer layer. The top panel may comprise a
nylon stretch material or nylon-lycra mix material as the
outer-most layer, a waterproof, breathable and stretchable layer, a
perforated neoprene layer, and a blend material layer, wherein the
blend material may comprise a waterproof, breathable and
stretchable layer, a blend of elastomeric fine olefin fibers and
larger staple fibers layer or micro-fiber layer and another
waterproof, breathable and stretchable layer. The sole may comprise
a silk screen layer as the outer layer, a neoprene nylon layer and
a blend material layer that comprises a blend of elastomeric fine
olefin fibers and larger staple fibers or micro-fiber layer.
[0033] During transportation and according to FIG. 2, particular
embodiments of the winter sport boot 10 may be folded in a closed
position, coupling the first fastener 14 and the second fastener 16
together to form coupled fastener 22. For example, and without
limitation, attachment device 18 may be used to attach the boot 10
to the users clothing, such as a jacket, pants, zipper and ring, to
the ski pole, to a lanyard or any existing object located on ski
equipment whereby attachment of the boot 10 would not interfere
with the proper functionality of the equipment.
[0034] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that while particular embodiments of the present invention show a
winter sport boot, the boot may be adapted for other snow uses,
such as shoveling snow, getting the mail, traveling to work or
school or other tasks or recreation that may require walking in
deeper snow. In these particular embodiments, a snow boot may
comprise an upper portion of the boot that is taller to inhibit the
entry of snow into the top of the boot when walking in deeper snow.
Additionally, the boot may also eliminate the use of the first and
second fastening devices.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of the present
invention is shown. The winter sport boot 30 comprises an outer
material 32, a first fastener 34, a second fastener 36, a D-ring
38, a first boot fastener 40 and a second boot fastener 42. The
outer material 32 may be formed with a material that is flexible,
foldable, stretchable and waterproof, with material properties that
will retain the boot shape when in an open position. The first
fastener 34 is coupled to a mid-portion of the boot 30 and the
second fastener 36 is coupled to an upper portion of the boot 30.
The first and second fasteners 34 and 36 respectively are
configured to removably couple together by folding the boot 30,
thereby enabling easier transportation of the boot 30. The D-ring
38 may also be a clip, a ring, an O-ring, a carabiner, and any
other attaching device. The first and second boot fasteners 40 and
42 may be hook-and-loop fasteners. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that while first and second boot fasteners 40
and 42 are shown as hook-and-loop fasteners, they may be other
forms of fasteners such as, but not limited to, a zipper, snaps and
buttons.
[0036] According to FIG. 4, particular embodiments of the winter
sport boot 30 may be folded in a closed position, coupling the
first fastener 34 and the second fastener 36 together to form
coupled fastener 44. For example, and without limitation, D-ring 38
may be used to attach the boot 30 to the skiers clothing, such as a
jacket, pants, zipper and ring, to the ski pole, to a lanyard or
any existing object located on ski equipment whereby attachment of
the boot 30 would not interfere with the proper functionality of
the equipment.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, particular embodiments of the winter
sport boot 50 may comprise a shell/insulation material 52, a first
fastener 54, a second fastener 56, an elastic strap 58, a first
boot fastener 40, a second boot fastener 42 and a sole 60. The
shell/insulation material may comprise a nylon stretch material as
the outer-most layer, a waterproof, breathable and stretchable
layer, a perforated neoprene layer, and a blend material layer. The
first and second boot fasteners 40 and 42 may be hook-and-loop
fasteners. The first fastener 54 is coupled toward the toe of the
boot and the second fastener 56 is coupled toward an upper, back
portion of the boot. The sole 60 may comprise a neoprene nylon
layer, a blend material layer and a layer of a blend of elastomeric
fine olefin fibers and larger staple fibers or micro-fiber layer.
The blend material layer may comprise a waterproof, breathable and
stretchable layer, a blend of elastomeric fine olefin fibers and
larger staple fibers layer or micro-fiber layer and another
waterproof, breathable and stretchable layer.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, the boot 50 may then be placed in the
folded position by first folding down the upper portion such that
the second fastener 56 faces in a direction away from the sole 60
of the shoe and is exposed. The toe portion of the boot 50 is then
folded over so that the first fastener 54 is coupled to the second
fastener 56 to form coupled fastener 62 for retaining the boot 50
in the folded position for easy transportation. The boot 50 may
also comprise an elastic strap 58 that may be formed of, but is not
limited to, polyester braided elastic. The elastic strap 58 may be
coupled to the upper portion of the boot 50 with the elastic strap
58 on the inside of the boot. The elastic strap 58 may then be used
as an attachment device that attaches to similar objects, as does
the attachment device 38 in FIG. 4 when the boot 50 is in the
folded position.
[0039] According to FIG. 7, the elastic strap 58 may hold the boot
50 in a folded position or to further fold the boot 50 after
coupling the first and second fasteners 54 and 56 together, wherein
the boot 50 is folded or additionally folded or rolled and the
elastic strap 58 is placed around the folded or rolled boot 50. It
will be understood that the elastic strap 58 may be used to hold
the boot 50 in a rolled position without the use of the first and
second fasteners 54 and 56.
[0040] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its practical
application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the
art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and
examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and
example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the
forthcoming claims. For example, the attachment device may be a
clip, a D-ring, an O-ring, a snap ring, a hook-and-loop fastener, a
toggle, a snap, a buckle, a strap or any other type of attachment
device that does not interfere with the proper functionality of ski
equipment. Also, the first fastener and the second fastener, may
be, but is not limited to, a snap, a hook-and-loop fastener, a
toggle, a buckle, a button and hole, a magnet, or any other device
that has sufficient coupling strength to hold a boot of the present
invention in a closed, folded position for portability.
* * * * *