U.S. patent application number 12/098742 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for armouring/reinforcing applications associated with a sports skate or shoe.
Invention is credited to Jeff Demmers, Mark A. Young.
Application Number | 20080252061 12/098742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39853035 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080252061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Demmers; Jeff ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
ARMOURING/REINFORCING APPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A SPORTS SKATE
OR SHOE
Abstract
The present invention is a retrofit applique kit for use with a
sport skate and which includes a plurality of reinforcing articles,
each exhibiting the features of flexibility and rigidity, and which
are secured to exterior locations associated with the sport skate
in order to provide localized protection and impact resistance. In
one embodiment, the reinforced appliques each exhibit an upper
flexible rubber layer and a second rigid metal or aramid fiber
based composite exhibiting a carbon backbone. In a further
embodiment, a plurality of Keviar impregnated mat constructed
reinforcing attachments are secured along the sides and rear of
each hockey skate. A Kevlar mat tongue is securely fastened in
place over a laced skate, by looping the straps around the
underside of the skate boot through an aperture configured between
the boot and the blade portion.
Inventors: |
Demmers; Jeff; (Lake Orion,
MI) ; Young; Mark A.; (Clinton Township, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
39853035 |
Appl. No.: |
12/098742 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60910368 |
Apr 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/811 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/32 20130101; A43B
5/0415 20130101; A43B 5/049 20130101; A43B 5/1683 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/811 |
International
Class: |
A63C 3/00 20060101
A63C003/00 |
Claims
1. A retrofit applique kit for use with a sport skate, comprising:
at least one three dimensional article exhibiting the features of
flexibility and rigidity; and said article being secured to an
exterior location associated with the sport skate to provide
localized protection and impact resistance to a user.
2. The applique kit as described in claim 1, said at least one
article exhibiting a specified shape and size and further
comprising a first flexible layer and a second rigid layer.
3. The applique kit as described in claim 2, said flexible layer
including at least a rubber.
4. The applique kit as described in claim 2, said rigid layer
including at least one of a metal or an aramid fiber based
composite exhibiting a carbon backbone.
5. The applique kit as described in claim 1, further comprising at
least one of a UV, heat or oxygen based input for curing an
initially soft applique into a hardened end state upon being
applied to an exterior location of the skate.
6. The applique kit as described in claim 1, further comprising at
least a further reinforced tongue applique portion affixed to a
front and upper extending surface of the skate.
7. The applique kit as described in claim 1, said article
exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a
Kevlar impregnated carbon fiber material.
8. The applique kit as described in claim 7, each of said articles
further comprising a substantially planar mat shaped portion.
9. The applique kit as described in claim 8, further comprising a
plurality of Kevlar impregnated mat constructed reinforcing
attachments secured at locations along both sides and rear of each
skate.
10. The applique kit as described in claim 9, further comprising a
chemical adhesive for securing each of said mats in a selectively
removable fashion.
11. The applique kit as described in claim 9, further comprising
said mats being permanently secured through the use of at least one
of adhesives and in-molding techniques associated with said
skate.
12. The applique kit as described in claim 9, further comprising a
Kevlar mat tongue portion including front apertures for receiving a
first looped portion of a skate lace, upon fully lacing the skate,
said tongue portion is securely fastened in place by looping
associated straps around an underside of the skate boot and through
an aperture configured between the boot and an underside extending
blade portion and secured in place by inter-engaging clip ends
associated with said straps.
13. A retrofit applique kit for use with a hockey skate,
comprising: a plurality of Kevlar impregnated mat constructed
reinforcing attachments secured at locations along both sides and
rear of each skate; and a Kevlar mat tongue portion including front
apertures for receiving a first looped portion of a skate lace and,
upon fully lacing the skate, said tongue portion being securely
fastened in place by looping associated straps around an underside
of the skate boot.
14. The applique kit as described in claim 13, further comprising a
chemical adhesive for securing each of said mats in a selectively
removable fashion.
15. The applique kit as described in claim 13, further comprising
said mats being permanently secured through the use of at least one
of adhesives and in-molding techniques associated with said skate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Non-Prov of Prov (35 USC 119(e))
application 60/910,368 filed on Apr. 5, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is a sports skate or shoe which can be
either produced or retrofitted with reinforcing/armoring portions
or appliques secured upon the shoe at vulnerable locations
associated with a user's foot or ankle. Such appliques can include
multiple layered articles (e.g. flexible rubber and rigid Kevlar),
as well as other thermoplastic and heat/light curable materials
which provide critical impact protection to the user.
[0003] In a further embodiment, the external applique can take the
shape of a Kevlar impregnated carbon fiber mat, such as 3/16'' in
thickness. A the external appliques are provided in the form of a
number of individual mat sections which are secured at various
locations associated with the skate and including the toe, sides,
heel and, with the inclusion of a composite reinforced tongue
secured to a top of the skate, provides impact protection at
various locations around the skate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Athletic footwear such as hockey skates are well known in
the relevant art. A problem associated with such conventional
skates is the possibility of injury which can be caused by a wearer
of the skate being struck by such as a heavy rubberized hockey puck
traveling at a high rate of speed.
[0005] A few examples of toe or end cap protectors are known in the
art, these attempting to protect one high risk area associated with
the hockey skate. Examples of reinforced toe cap devices are shown
in Staples U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,453, Wang U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,633
and Yang U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,329.
[0006] Hoshiza U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,033 teaches a skate boot with
molded plastic overlay which is sewn or otherwise secured to the
boot of the skate, wrapping around the heel of the boot from the
medial to the lateral side of the ankle. The overlay increases the
rigidity of the rear of the skate while adding impact resistance.
To facilitate dorsal and plantar flexion, the plastic overlay
includes several cut-out areas which allow for a controlled amount
of flexion about a lateral axis such as the heel flex cut-out area
and slide flex cut-out areas on either side of the instep. Flexible
inserts are installed in the cut-out areas to maintain extra impact
protection while permitting flexion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a retrofit applique kit for use
with a sport skate and which includes a plurality of reinforcing
articles, each exhibiting the features of flexibility and rigidity,
and which are secured to exterior locations associated with the
sport skate in order to provide localized protection and impact
resistance, such as in response to being struck by a heavy
rubberized hockey puck traveling at high speed. In one embodiment,
the reinforced appliques can each exhibit a first flexible layer
and a second rigid layer, the flexible layer including at least a
rubber and the rigid layer at least one of a metal or an aramid
fiber based composite exhibiting a carbon backbone.
[0008] Additional features include at least one of a UV, heat or
oxygen based input for curing an initially soft applique into a
hardened end state, and such as upon the same being applied to a
desired reinforcing exterior location of a conventional skate. A
reinforced tongue applique portion is likewise affixed to a front
and upper extending surface of the skate.
[0009] According to a second preferred embodiment, a plurality of
Kevlar impregnated mat constructed reinforcing attachments are
secured along the sides and rear of each hockey skate. The flexible
and planar shaped mat construction can exhibit such as a 3/16''
Kevlar impregnated carbon fiber and which exhibits the necessary
properties of flexibility and controlled rigidity for securing to
exterior contoured surfaces of the skate. Such can include securing
the mat portions utilizing a chemical adhesive, such as in a
selectively removable fashion. Alternatively, the mat layers can be
pennanently secured, such as again through the use of other types
of adhesives or through in-molding techniques associated with the
fabric/canvas skate surface.
[0010] A Kevlar mat tongue portion is again provided and may
include such as front apertures for receiving a first looped
portion of the skate. Upon fully lacing the skate, the tongue
portion is securely fastened in place by looping the straps around
the underside of the skate boot through an aperture configured
between the boot and the blade portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a skate incorporating the
reinforcing appliques according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rotated perspective view illustrating an
alternate variant of the present design, and which provides a
composite reinforced tongue;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a composite
construction of a reinforcing applique including both rubber and
aramid fiber (e.g. Kevlar) based layers;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a succeeding sectional illustration of an
arcuately configured reinforcing applique in the form of a
flexible/rubberized under-layer with an overlaying rigid
material;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a pair of Kevlar impregnated
mat constructed reinforcing attachments which are secured along a
selected side of the hockey skate;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective of a skate incorporating the mat
constructed reinforcing attachments shown in FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is top view of a forward portion of the skate in FIG.
6; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective of the strap attachable
tongue illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated at 10 is a side plan
view of a skate 12 incorporating a plurality of reinforcing
appliques, see as further shown at 14, 16, 18 and 20, according to
one preferred embodiment of the present inventions. As shown, the
appliques are strategically positioned such that they protect
various locations of a user's foot and lower ankle (not shown
however understood to include the bridge of the foot, the ankle
bone and the like) and which are particularly vulnerable to injury
in response to a velocity impact of such as a hardened rubber
hockey puck or other like sports ball.
[0021] As previously described, the present invention teaches a
sports skate or shoe which can be either produced or retrofitted
with reinforcing/armoring portions or appliques secured upon the
shoe at vulnerable locations associated with a user's foot or
ankle. Such application can include a number of different
possibilities, ranging from affixing the appliques with rivets or
other mechanical fasteners, to the use of strong adhesives or other
chemical-type fasteners.
[0022] As will also discussed in additional detail, the application
of a curing step of some defined type may be used in order to both
incorporate a desired shaping to the applique, as well as firmly
anchor it to the desired location of the sport skate. It is also
contemplated that the sofi and rigid composite layers can be
pre-heated or otherwise preformed to favor a specific non-planar
shape or configuration, and which will facilitate greater ease of
attachment to the desired surface location of the skate through any
of the attachment protocols described herein. As will be further
described in detail, such appliques can include multiple layered
articles (e.g. flexible rubber and rigid Kevlar), as well as other
thermoplastics, and which can further be cured upon application
with the input of such as UV light, oxygen, heat or the like in
order to provide critical impact protection to the user.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, a sectional view illustrates a
composite construction of a reinforcing applique according to one
preferred embodiment of the inventions: this including both rubber
22 and aramid fiber 24 (e.g. Kevlar) based layers. The commercially
known composite Kevlar is constructed from such strong,
heat-resistant fibers formed of polymer with repeating aramidic
fiber groups branching from a carbon backbone, such as is used in
materials for bullet proof vests, radial tires and the like.
[0024] As is further contemplated, these applique constructions can
be either heat or light activated and such that, upon being applied
to an exterior located surface of the sport shoe or skate (again as
referenced in FIG. 1), the individual appliques 14, 16, 18, 20 will
conform and harden to the exterior surface of the skate 12 in a
manner so as to provide localized protection (e.g. impact
cushioning and resistance) and upon the incidence of such as hockey
pucks or other hard sport-ball items. While an ice skate is
illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is understood that
other sport skate or shoe designs, not limited to in-line roller
blades or the like, may be alternatively utilized along with the
exterior appliques and within the scope of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 presents a further succeeding sectional illustration
of an arcuately configured reinforcing applique, this in the form
of a flexible/rubberized under-layer 26 with an overlaying rigid
material 28. As described previously, the rigid layer can again
include such as a Kevlar based material, however can also
incorporate a durable metal (e.g. steel or aluminum) within the
contemplated scope of the invention and in order to establish the
dual requirements of flexibility and durability/impact resistance,
and in particular relating to the user's tissue and bone structure
associated with the foot and lower ankle.
[0026] The illustration of FIG. 4 is intended to show that the
appliques can be constructed with the flexible and rigid composite
layers reversed (i.e. with the soft layer contacting the exterior
surface of the skate/sport shoe and the hard/rigid layer exteriorly
exposed), and without substantial sacrifice of effectiveness. The
cross sectional view of FIG. 4 is further intended to illustrate
that such appliques can be preformed in a desired configuration,
following which they may be cured (again by UV, heat or oxygen) and
in order to provide a durable and ergonomically appropriate
application to the skate exterior. In certain applications, an
effectively attached applique on its soft side and provide an
additional degree of force deflection or cushioning, given the
ability of the applique to deflect or move upon being impacted by a
puck or other hard object.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 2, an additional feature contemplates
the application of a composite reinforced tongue, see at 30, built
into the skate 12. The tongue 30 can mimic the composite material
construction of either of the appliques shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and
is intended to be secured to the front and upper contoured
locations of the skate 12, such as along at least front 32 to rear
34 locations in which the skates existing laces are utilized in
order to secure the reinforced tongue in place. The application of
such a tongue portion 30 protects against the likelihood of injury
resulting from a puck being shot head on against the skater's foot
and lower ankle.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustration is shown at 36 and
38 of a pair of Kevlar impregnated mat constructed reinforcing
attachments, and which are secured along a selected side of a
hockey skate 40 as further shown in FIG. 6. The mat attachments can
exhibit a planar configuration or, as shown, can exhibit an angled
or bent edge. According to this embodiment, a plurality of Kevlar
impregnated mat constructed reinforcing attachments are secured
along both the sides and rear of each hockey skate, and as
additionally shown by rear positioned reinforcing mats 42 and 44
and pair of opposite side secured attachments (not shown in FIG. 6
but evident at 46 and 48 in the overhead view of FIG. 7).
[0029] Each flexible and planar shaped mat exhibits any thickness
(such as a 3/16'' thick layer in a preferred embodiment) Kevlar
impregnated carbon fiber and which exhibits the necessary
properties of flexibility and controlled rigidity and which enable
the mat elements to be secured to exterior contoured surfaces of
the skate 40. As is known in the art, the commercial identification
of Kevlar refers to such as aramid fibers, these being strong, heat
resistant fibers formed of polymer with repeating groups branching
from a carbon backbone, and used in such known materials as bullet
proof vests, radial tires (polyaramid) and the like.
[0030] Options for securing the mat portions to the surface
locations of the skates can include utilizing a chemical adhesive,
such as in a selectively removable fashion. Alternatively, the mat
layers can be permanently secured, such as again through the use of
other types of adhesives or alternatively through the application
of in-molding (or heat staking) techniques associated with the
fabric/canvas skate surface.
[0031] A Kevlar mat tongue portion 50 is again provided, which is
likewise constructed of a Kevlar impregnated carbon fiber mat and
which may include such as front apertures 52 for receiving a first
looped portion 54 of a skate lace. Upon fully lacing the skate
(again FIG. 6), the tongue portion 50 is securely fastened in place
by looping associated straps 56 and 58 around the underside of the
skate boot and through an aperture configured between the boot and
an underside extending blade portion 60 and secured in place by
inter-engaging clip ends 62 and 64 associated with said straps.
[0032] In addition to the embodiments disclosed, other types of
reinforcing elements can be provided which provide exterior
protection or armoring of such as a hockey skate, and which protect
against such as the impact of a rubberized hockey puck fired at
high speed.
[0033] Having described my invention, other and additional
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of
the appended claims. These include incorporating such lightweight
reinforcing appliques into such as wrist or knee pad protectors,
these perhaps including a flexible fabric base upon which
individualized appliques are provided along the same conceptual
lines as described in reference to the preferred embodiments
illustrated herein.
* * * * *