U.S. patent application number 12/626595 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-26 for external stabilizing structure for work boots.
Invention is credited to Keith Bodner.
Application Number | 20110119959 12/626595 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44061000 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110119959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bodner; Keith |
May 26, 2011 |
EXTERNAL STABILIZING STRUCTURE FOR WORK BOOTS
Abstract
The external stabilizing structure is a structural element for
use in work boots and similar types of footwear. The external
stabilizing structure comprises a molded footbed of firm yet
flexible material that provides external support under both the
heel and arch of the wearer's foot.
Inventors: |
Bodner; Keith; (Norton,
MA) |
Family ID: |
44061000 |
Appl. No.: |
12/626595 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/91 ; 36/107;
36/17R; 36/69; 36/78; 36/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 15/00 20130101;
A43B 7/32 20130101; A43B 23/17 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/91 ; 36/17.R;
36/69; 36/107; 36/92; 36/78 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/22 20060101
A43B007/22; A43B 15/00 20060101 A43B015/00; A43B 23/08 20060101
A43B023/08; A43B 23/00 20060101 A43B023/00; A43B 7/16 20060101
A43B007/16 |
Claims
1. An external boot stabilizing structure comprising: a molded
footbed providing an arch support and a heel cup, wherein the
molded footbed is shaped to cradle the natural contours of the
human foot; and a heel support structure, providing support and
protection behind the heel; wherein the external stabilizing
structure is a single piece of stiff and resilient material for
placement beneath an upper and above an outsole of an assembled
boot or shoe.
2. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 1, wherein the
stiff and resilient material is a plastic.
3. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 1, wherein the
molded footbed is under approximately 75% of the upper.
4. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 1, further
comprising a welt deck extension.
5. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 4, further
comprising a re-enforcing strengthening channel.
6. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 5, further
comprising a heel stitching groove.
7. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 6, further
comprising an arch stitching groove.
8. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 1, wherein the
heel support structure does not exceed 50 mm in height.
9. An external boot stabilizing structure providing: a molded
footbed providing an arch support; and a heel support structure;
wherein the external stabilizing structure is a single piece of
stiff and resilient material for placement beneath an upper and
above an outsole of an assembled boot or shoe.
10. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 9, wherein the
molded footbed is under approximately 75% of the upper.
11. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 9, further
comprising a welt deck extension.
12. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 11, further
comprising a re-enforcing strengthening channel.
13. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 12, further
comprising a heel stitching groove.
14. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 13, further
comprising an arch stitching groove.
15. The external boot stabilizing structure of claim 1, wherein the
heel support structure does not exceed 50 mm in height.
16. A work boot having an external boot stabilizing structure
comprising: an outsole; an upper; and an external boot stabilizing
structure located beneath the upper and above the outsole, wherein
the external boot stabilizing structure is a single piece of
material shaped to support the arch and beneath and behind the
heel.
17. The work boot of claim 16, wherein the heel support structure
does not exceed 50 mm in height.
18. The work boot of claim 16, wherein the external boot
stabilizing structure is secured to the upper using adhesives and
stitches placed through a heel stitching groove and an arch
stitching groove.
19. The work boot of claim 16, further comprising a welt deck
extension.
20. The work boot of claim 19, wherein the outsole is attached to
the external boot stabilizing structure by stitches placed through
the welt deck extension.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a permanent external stabilizing
element for work boots.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Relevant Prior Art
[0004] A person working in construction or a similar field often
spends extended periods of time standing or walking on surfaces
that do not evenly or fully support the person's boot or shoe. This
uneven support may translate into foot discomfort and fatigue. For
example, while standing on the rung of a ladder briefly may not
result in discomfort or fatigue, a few hours of standing on the
rung of a ladder will likely result in extreme discomfort for the
person due to localizing of pressure points on a small portion of
the foot. A worker is forced to either endure the discomfort or
continually shift position in an attempt to change the pressure
points. As a result, the worker is less focused on the job at hand
and less efficient.
[0005] One common answer to this problem is to provide a leather
tuck board between the insole and the outsole or midsole (if
present) of the work boot. However, this results in an
unnecessarily heavy and stiff boot. Such a design makes walking in
the boot difficult and more strenuous. Thus, while the tuck board
addresses the problem when the wearer is standing, the tuck board
impedes the wearer's ability to walk comfortably and easily while
wearing such boots.
[0006] Some examples of external heel counters are found in
athletic shoes which are designed to completely replace an internal
shoe counter. For example, an existing design for an athletic shoe
includes an external heel counter made of a resilient material for
greater stability and comfort which is intended to completely
replace an internal shoe counter and is confined to the heel area.
Since this is an athletic shoe application and immediate energy
rebound is desired, the material chosen is aimed at resiliency and
energy return and not durability and toughness. Such materials
would break down quickly and offer little resistance to damage in a
working environment. As a result, these designs are ill-suited for
work boots.
[0007] Another existing design reveals the use of a multi-layered
sole on a hiking boot. The hiking boot has a reinforced element of
semi-stiff plastic that forms one layer extending beneath the
entire user's foot. It has two external stabilizing strips or arms
that extend back to protect and support the heel. The heel portion
of the layer does not connect with the stabilizing strips or arms.
The heel is not fully connected to the reinforcement under the
portion heel, but instead is only connected to the arch portion.
Since this design is used in a hiking boot, it is aimed at adding
stability while walking and allowing better return energy. As a
result, these designs are also ill-suited for work boots.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide tough, durable,
all-day support to a work boot.
[0009] It is also an object of the invention to provide support of
the wearer's foot arch.
[0010] It is also an object of the invention to provide transverse
rigidity to prevent or resist the transverse twisting of the foot
between the heel and the ball of the foot.
[0011] It is also an object of the invention to provide counter
rigidity for supporting the heel of the foot.
[0012] It is also an object of the invention to fulfill these
objectives with a single structural element without adding
unnecessary weight or significantly compromising flexibility of the
work boot.
[0013] In response to the above identified objectives, the external
stabilizing structure was developed.
[0014] The external stabilizing structure is a structural element
for use in work boots and possibly other types of footwear. The
external stabilizing structure comprises a molded footbed of stiff
and resilient material that provides external support under the
heel and arch of the wearer's foot. It also enhances the stability
of the heel by enhancing the internal counter of the boot.
[0015] More specifically, the external stabilizing structure
comprises a single piece of stiff and resilient hard-molded
material that provides arch support, internal counter enhancement,
increased transverse rigidity and counter rigidity to a work boot.
The external stabilizing structure is permanently integrated
between the upper and outsole or the midsole (if present) of a boot
and is shaped to support the wearer's foot. An outsole of a boot is
secured to the external stabilizing structure using an adhesive or
cement or a stitched welt or a combination thereof. The external
stabilizing structure is secured to the boot upper using adhesives
and stitching.
[0016] By using a single piece of stiff and resilient hard-molded
material, pressure points are defused throughout the length of the
external stabilizing structure, thereby enhancing the wearer's
comfort and stability while standing on ladder rungs, uneven or
rocky surfaces and the like. But unlike a leather tuck board, the
boot retains flexibility for comfortable walking and the weight of
the external stabilizing structure is minimal, especially compared
to a tuck board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exterior side-view of the external stabilizing
structure.
[0018] FIG. 2a is a top-down view the external stabilizing
structure.
[0019] FIG. 2b is a front to back cross-sectional side-view of the
external stabilizing structure.
[0020] FIG. 3a is an exterior side-view of the external stabilizing
structure with the arch support.
[0021] FIG. 3b is a bottom-up view of the external stabilizing
structure.
[0022] FIG. 4a is a side to side cross-sectional view of the
external stabilizing structure with the arch support.
[0023] FIG. 4b is a side to side cross-sectional view of the
external stabilizing structure.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side to side view of the
external stabilizing structure including the arch support.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an external view of the back or heel-end of the
external stabilizing structure.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a view of a work boot including the external
stabilizing structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, the external boot stabilizing
structure (10) is a structural element for use in work boots and
similar types of footwear. More specifically, the external
stabilizing structure (10) comprises a molded footbed (14) and a
heel support structure (16). The external stabilizing structure
(10) is designed to integrate into conventional work boot designs
with little or no modification of the design. The external
stabilizing structure (10) extends from the heel towards the toes
of the wearer to provide external support to the upper under
approximately 75% of the wearer's foot. It also enhances the
stability of the heel by augmenting the internal counter of the
boot upper. The external stabilizing structure (10) comprises a
single piece of stiff and resilient hard-molded material, such as
plastic, that is permanently secured to the bottom of the boot
upper and above the boot outsole or midsole (if present).
[0028] The molded footbed (14) of the external stabilizing
structure (10) has a top plane (22) and a bottom plane (24) and
extends under the heel and arch of a wearer's foot. The molded
material forming the external stabilizing structure may be molded
plastic such as TPU (thermo plastic urethane), PU (polyurethane),
PVC (polyvinylchloride), TPR (thermal plastic rubber), and ABS
(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or rubber. In addition,
combinations of materials, such as cork, rubber and laminates, may
be used. The thickness and shape of the molded footbed (14) may
vary to enhance the overall performance of the external stabilizing
structure (10) both in terms of comfort and support.
[0029] The heel support structure (16) is an integral part of the
external stabilizing structure (10). It provides exterior
reinforcement to the internal counter of the boot upper. The heel
support structure (16) is located behind and below the heel region
of the boot upper and cups the entire heel of the wearer, providing
additional rigidity and support beneath and behind the wearer's
foot. The heel support structure (16) also protects the rear heel
of the boot, which is prone to be damaged due to contact with hard
and rough materials, operating machines, and other boots.
[0030] An optional, but preferred, welt deck extension (12) borders
the bottom of the external stabilizing structure (10). The welt
deck extension is where the outsole attaches to the boot outsole or
midsole (if present). The boot outsole is the part of the completed
boot that contacts the ground. If present, the boot midsole is
located between the outsole and the external stabilizing structure
(10) attached to the upper. The outsole is secured to the bottom of
the external stabilizing structure (10) using either an adhesive or
cement welt or a stitched welt, which is sewn through the welt deck
extension (12), or a combination thereof. Stitched welts placed
through the welt deck extension (12) are preferred for easier
outsole replacement, which is an important feature for a work
boot.
[0031] A re-enforcing strengthening channel (18) provides a border
of thicker material along the top exposed edge of the external
stabilizing structure (10). The re-enforcing strengthening channel
(18) enhances the overall strength of the external stabilizing
structure (10) and increases the durability of the external
stabilizing structure (10). It also serves an aesthetic roll by
blending with design elements often found on work boots. An
optional name plate depression (20) may also be provided on the
exterior surface of the heel support structure (16) if it is
desirable to allow placement of the brand name of the manufacturer
on the heel of the boot.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2a, the top plane of the molded
footbed (22) includes an under heel area (28), an arch support (26)
and a behind heel area (30). The material of the external
stabilizing structure (10) is shaped so as to reinforce the
interior support of the boot, particularly by providing support for
the arch of the foot with an arch support (26) and support for the
heel of the foot with a heel cup formed by the under heel area (28)
and the behind heel area (30). Furthermore, by connecting these
areas into a single structure, pressure in one area is transferred
to the whole external stabilizing structure (10) helping to prevent
pressure points on the wearer's foot. In addition to preventing
pressure points, the single structure allows better support for the
wearer when the bottom of the boot is not equally supported by an
uneven surface. For example, if the wearer stands on the rung of a
ladder, it is likely that the rung would only support the area
under the arch of the foot. In a standard work boot without the
external stabilizing structure (10), the wearer's heel would
receive little support. A common response to this need is for the
work boot to utilize a leather tuck, but a leather tuck is heavy
and impedes flexibility while walking.
[0033] Unlike a standard boot without the external stabilizing
structure (10), a boot with the external stabilizing structure (10)
better distributes uneven pressure created by an uneven surface
across the molded footbed (14) and the heel support structure (16)
to prevent discomfort or fatigue at any single point in the
wearer's foot. Furthermore, the support provided to the heel is
very comfortable because the external stabilizing structure (10)
provides a one-piece molded heel cup that evenly supports the heel
from the bottom and back. Without the external stabilizing
structure (10) the wearer's foot muscles would need to act to
counteract the uneven support. The external stabilizing structure
(10), as a result, increases the wearer's comfort and decreases
fatigue.
[0034] FIGS. 2a and 2b are aligned to show the relative positions
of features of the external stabilizing structure (10) from a
top-down view (FIG. 2a) and a cross-sectional side view (FIG. 2b).
FIGS. 2a and 2b show the exterior of the heel support structure
(16), the interior surface of which is shown at 30.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the external stabilizing
structure (10) is attached beneath a boot upper by a combination of
adhesive and stitching. Referring now to FIG. 3a, the stitching
thread or cord is used to stitch through an arch stitching groove
(32) and a heel stitching groove (34) into the boot upper (not
shown) to further strengthen the attachment created using adhesives
between the external stabilizing structure (10) and the boot upper.
The heel stitching groove (34) and the arch stitching groove (32)
form depressed channels in the external stabilizing structure (10).
The depressed grooves provide some protection for the stitching
thread or cord from abrasion and wear. FIGS. 3a and 3b are aligned
to show the relative positions of features of the external
stabilizing structure (10) from an exterior side-view with the arch
support (FIG. 3a) and a bottom-up view (FIG. 3b).
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b, these figures depict side
to side cross-sectional views of the external stabilizing structure
(10). FIG. 4a shows the arch support (26). FIG. 4b shows the side
to side cross-sectional view of the area between the heel and the
arch support.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, the figure shows a cross-sectional
side to side view of the external stabilizing structure (10)
including the arch support (26). The slope of the arch support (26)
of the external stabilizing structure (10) is shown. The variable
thickness of the molded footbed (14) follows the natural contours
of the foot and increases comfort and support.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, a view of the exterior of the back
of the external stabilizing structure (10) is provided, which shows
a clearer image of the optional welt deck extension (12), heel
stitching groove (34), the heel support structure (16), the
re-enforcing strengthening channel (18), and the optional name
plate depression (20). The overall height of the heel support
structure (16), including the re-enforcing strengthening channel
(18) and the welt deck extension (12), is between 40 mm and 50 mm.
This is the preferred height range for the heel support structure
(16) because this range offers the best support to the heel without
contacting the wearer's ankle or interfering with the movement of
the wearer's ankle joint.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7, the external stabilizing structure
(10) is shown integrated into a work boot (35). The external
stabilizing structure (10) is secured beneath the upper (36) with
adhesives and stitching. Stitching is placed through the heel
stitching groove (34) and arch stitching groove (32). The external
stabilizing structure (10) is secured to the top of the outsole
(38) using adhesives, stitching through the optional welt deck
extension (12), or a combination thereof.
[0040] While the external stabilizing structure (10) may be
composed of any suitable stiff and resilient material, TPU (thermo
plastic urethane) is preferred if the outsole is stitched to
external stabilizing structure (10), but any material demonstrating
the same or similar durability, flexibility and strength
characteristics may be chosen. If the outsole is secured with
adhesive cement, then the external stabilizing structure (10) is
preferably formed from carbon fiber composite.
[0041] In manufacturing any particular external stabilizing
structure for use in a shoe or boot, the dimensions will vary in
proportion to standard shoe and boot sizing parameters. As
referenced below, a "last" or rough model of the human foot is used
to assist in manufacturing the external stabilizing structure. For
example, the external stabilizing structure for use in a standard
men's size 9 work boot will have a length between 170 mm to 180 mm.
During construction of a work boot containing the external
stabilizing structure, the molded footbed of the external
stabilizing structure ends 5 mm short of the ball of the last on a
standard men's size 9 work boot. This leaves the ball of the last
unsupported by the external stabilizing structure and free to flex.
Again, on a standard men's size 9 work boot, the beginning of the
arch support is positioned 65 mm to 75 mm from the heel, the center
of the arch support is positioned 105 mm to 120 mm from the heel,
and the end of the arch support is positioned 160 mm to 175 mm from
the heel. These dimensions and ranges are important because the
external stabilizing structure channels energy to flex at the ball
of the boot and not at the heel breast which is where boots and
shoes without the support will tend to flex in addition to at the
ball of the foot. In addition to the shoe or boot size, the final
dimensions of any external stabilizing structure manufactured will
vary due to other elements, such as insulation which would change
the overall size of the boot.
[0042] In manufacturing any particular external stabilizing
structure, the molded footbed of the external stabilizing structure
is contoured, in part, based on the last used in designing the
boot. As a result, the contour of the molded footbed will vary in
order to address changes in the last that are the result of
different heel heights. When constructing boots, the height of the
heel determines the application of the boot. A standard work boot
is built to have a 5/8 inch heel height. In contrast, a cowboy boot
has a 2 inch heel to hold the boot in the stirrup and a logger boot
has a 21/2 inch heel to hold onto the spike when climbing trees.
This heel height, in part, determines the shape of the bottom of
the last. Therefore, the exact contour of the molded footbed varies
depending, at least in part, on the function of the boot and the
related heel height.
[0043] The external stabilizing structure (10) provides additional
material to support the wearer's arch by enhancing the arch support
present in the upper. However, the thickness of the material on the
external stabilizing structure (10) varies in other areas as well.
The varying thickness supports the natural contours of the human
foot. The bone structure in the foot is not flat, but instead is
shaped to naturally absorb the forces encountered when the foot
impacts the ground. The external stabilizing structure (10) cradles
the foot. By cradling the foot, the external stabilizing structure
(10) supports, instead of cushions, the foot and ankle so they are
positioned to naturally absorb the impact of a step.
[0044] In addition to the direct advantages of the external
stabilizing structure (10), the external stabilizing structure (10)
also offers manufacturing advantages. First, since the external
stabilizing structure (10) is a single piece of molded plastic, it
can be integrated into footwear much faster than placing support
and protection in the arch support and heel area separately, saving
labor costs. Second, it is faster and less costly to utilize the
external stabilizing structure (10) than to utilize a leather tuck,
which is commonly used to attempt to address some of the problems
that the external stabilizing structure (10) solves. Finally, since
the external stabilizing structure (10) can be integrated into most
footwear without any or significant reworking of existing designs,
it offers a less costly way to address support problems that may
come up after a shoe or boot has already been designed and
sold.
[0045] The foregoing descriptions and figures of the invention are
explanatory and illustrative only, and various changes and details
may be made within the scope of the appended claims without
departing from the true spirit of the invention
* * * * *