U.S. patent application number 14/307179 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-17 for lacing system for footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Burton Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is The Burton Corporation. Invention is credited to Shawn Gulla.
Application Number | 20150359296 14/307179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53546704 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150359296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gulla; Shawn |
December 17, 2015 |
LACING SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR
Abstract
Articles of footwear (e.g., soft snowboard boots) that may be
tightened from the rear side to enhance heel hold are disclosed. A
lace may be coupled to a strap that extends along a portion of the
rear side of the boot body. The lace and strap may be arranged such
that, upon tightening of the lace, the strap is pulled toward the
front side. Tensioning of the lace may cause the lace to be pulled
inward so as to exert a normal pressure against the medial and
lateral sides of the boot, resulting in the sides being drawn
inward toward the shaft region of the boot. The lacing system may
employ one or more tightening zones where separate regions of the
boot may be tightened independently from, or simultaneously with,
one another. For example, a boot that is configured to have two
tightening zones may include a first lace arranged so as to tighten
a portion of the boot including at least one of the rear side, the
medial side and the lateral side; and a second lace arranged so as
to tighten another portion of the boot, including at least part of
the front side. As a result, various "zones" of the boot may be
separately controlled, tightened independent from one another, as
desired.
Inventors: |
Gulla; Shawn; (Grand Isle,
VT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Burton Corporation |
Burlington |
VT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Burton Corporation
Burlington
VT
|
Family ID: |
53546704 |
Appl. No.: |
14/307179 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/109 ;
36/117.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 7/005 20130101;
A43C 1/003 20130101; A43C 1/006 20130101; A43C 11/165 20130101;
A43B 5/0429 20130101; A43B 5/0401 20130101; A43B 5/0476
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 7/00 20060101
A43C007/00; A43B 5/04 20060101 A43B005/04 |
Claims
1. A soft snowboard boot comprising: a body having a front side, a
rear side, a medial side and a lateral side defining a shaft
region; and a lace cooperating with a rear side of the body and
arranged to be tightened to draw at least one of the rear side, the
medial side and the lateral side of the body inward toward the
shaft region of the body.
2.-4. (canceled)
5. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein the lace is arranged
to partially circumscribe a portion of the body.
6. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, further comprising at least
one strap coupled to the lace, wherein tightening of the lace
results in at least one of the rear side, the medial side and the
lateral side of the body being drawn inward toward the shaft region
of the body.
7. The soft snowboard boot of claim 6, wherein the at least one
strap has a strap lace guide for guiding the lace.
8. The soft snowboard boot of claim 6, wherein the lace, upon
tightening, is arranged to pull against the at least one strap from
at least one of a lateral side and a medial side of the body.
9. The soft snowboard boot of claim 6, wherein the at least one
strap extends along a portion of the rear side of the body.
10. The soft snowboard boot of claim 6, wherein the at least one
strap is constructed and arranged to be pulled by the lace in a
direction substantially perpendicular to a shaft axis along which
an upper region of the body is oriented, for pulling against the at
least one strap.
11. The soft snowboard boot of claim 6, wherein the at least one
strap is constructed and arranged to be pulled by the lace in a
direction substantially parallel to a shaft axis along which an
upper region of the body is oriented, for pulling against the at
least one strap.
12. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein the lace includes a
first lace portion arranged to be tightened to draw at least one of
the rear side, the medial side and the lateral side of the body
inward toward the shaft region of the body, and a second lace
portion arranged to be tightened independently from tightening of
the first lace portion, to pull medial and lateral sides of a
tongue opening of the front side toward one another.
13. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein the lace extends
from at least one of a medial side and a lateral side of the body
toward the rear side of the body.
14. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein at least a portion
of the lace extends over the rear side of the body.
15. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein the front side of
the body has a tongue opening, and a portion of the lace extends
over the tongue opening such that, upon tightening of the lace,
medial and lateral sides of the tongue opening are pulled toward
one another.
16. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein the front side of
the body has a tongue opening, and an additional lace extends over
the tongue opening such that, upon tightening of the additional
lace, medial and lateral sides of the tongue opening are pulled
toward one another.
17. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, further comprising a
cushioning member located at the rear side of the body for
distributing pressure at the rear side of the body upon tightening
of the lace.
18. The soft snowboard boot of claim 1, wherein the lace cooperates
with a rear side of the body and is arranged to be tightened to
draw the medial side and the lateral side of the body inward toward
the shaft region of the body.
19. The soft snowboard boot of claim 18, wherein, upon tightening
of the lace, the rear side of the body remains stationary relative
to the shaft region of the body.
20. A boot comprising: a body having a front side, a rear side, a
medial side and a lateral side defining a shaft region; and a lace
arranged to partially circumscribe a portion of the body, and the
lace arranged to be tightened to draw at least one of the rear
side, the medial side and the lateral side of the body inward
toward the shaft region of the body.
21. The boot of claim 20, further comprising a tensioning member
adapted to tighten the lace to draw at least one of the rear side,
the medial side and the lateral side of the body inward toward the
shaft region of the body.
22. The boot of claim 20, further comprising at least one strap
coupled to the lace and arranged to draw at least one of the rear
side, the medial side and the lateral side of the body inward
toward the shaft region of the body.
23. The boot of claim 22, wherein the lace, upon tightening, is
arranged to pull against the at least one strap from at least one
of a lateral side and a medial side of the body.
24. The boot of claim 20, wherein the lace includes a first lace
portion arranged to be tightened to draw at least one of the rear
side, the medial side and the lateral side of the body inward
toward the shaft region of the body, and a second lace portion
arranged to be tightened independently from tightening of the first
lace portion, to pull medial and lateral sides of a tongue opening
of the front side toward one another.
25. The boot of claim 20, wherein the lace extends from at least
one of a medial side and a lateral side of the body toward the rear
side of the body.
26.-28. (canceled)
29. The boot of claim 20, wherein the boot is constructed as a soft
snowboard boot.
30. The boot of claim 20, wherein the lace cooperates with a rear
side of the body and is arranged to be tightened to draw the medial
side and the lateral side of the body inward toward the shaft
region of the body.
31. The boot of claim 30, wherein, upon tightening of the lace, the
rear side of the body remains stationary relative to the shaft
region of the body.
32.-78. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] Aspects described herein relate generally to tightening
arrangements for articles of footwear, such as boots, including
snowboard boots.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Conventional boots incorporate a lace threaded back and
forth through the medial and lateral sides of the front side of the
boot. Typically, the lace has two free ends protruding from the top
portion of the boot, which a wearer can pull to tighten the front
side of the boot about his or her foot and leg.
[0005] The same is true of many snowboard boots, particularly
snowboard boots of the "soft" variety. Soft boots, as their name
suggests, typically include relatively soft materials (e.g.,
leather, fabric, and/or thin plastic components) that are more
flexible than the more rigid, typically molded plastic shell of a
hard boot. Soft boots are generally more comfortable and easier to
walk in than hard boots, and are often favored by riders who engage
in recreational, "freestyle" or trick-oriented snowboarding.
[0006] In conventional boot lacing systems, the lace is often
threaded to extend only over the tongue opening of the boot. In
such arrangements, tightening of the lace is limited to the front
side of the boot, which may lead to an uneven distribution of
tension throughout the boot, resulting in a loose fit or feel in
various parts of the boot for the wearer.
SUMMARY
[0007] In an illustrative embodiment, a soft snowboard boot is
provided. The boot includes a body having a front side, a rear
side, a medial side and a lateral side defining a shaft region; and
a lace cooperating with a rear side of the body and arranged to be
tightened to draw at least one of the rear side, the medial side
and the lateral side of the body inward toward the shaft region of
the body.
[0008] In another illustrative embodiment, a boot is provided. The
boot includes a body having a front side, a rear side, a medial
side and a lateral side defining a shaft region; and a lace
arranged to partially circumscribe a portion of the body, and the
lace arranged to be tightened to draw at least one of the rear
side, the medial side and the lateral side of the body inward
toward the shaft region of the body.
[0009] In a further illustrative embodiment, a boot is provided.
The boot includes a body having a front side, a rear side, a medial
side and a lateral side defining a shaft region; at least one strap
extending along a portion of the rear side of the body; and a lace
coupled to the at least one strap and arranged to be tightened to
draw at least one of the rear side, the medial side and the lateral
side of the body inward toward the shaft region of the body.
[0010] In yet another illustrative embodiment, a boot is provided.
The boot includes a body having a front side, a rear side, a medial
side and a lateral side defining a shaft region, the front side
having a tongue opening; a first lace portion arranged to be
tightened to draw at least one of the rear side, the medial side
and the lateral side of the body inward toward the shaft region of
the body; and a second lace portion arranged to be tightened
independently from tightening of the first lace portion, to pull
medial and lateral sides of the tongue opening toward one
another.
[0011] In a further illustrative embodiment, a method of tightening
a boot including a body having a front side, a rear side, a medial
side and a lateral side defining a shaft region. The method
includes tensioning a lace coupled to at least one strap to draw at
least one of the rear side, the medial side and the lateral side of
the body inward toward the shaft region of the body.
[0012] In another illustrative embodiment, a method of tightening a
boot including a body having a front side, a rear side, a medial
side and a lateral side defining a shaft region, the front side
having a tongue opening. The method includes tensioning a first
lace portion to draw at least one of the rear side, the medial side
and the lateral side of the body toward the shaft region of the
body; and tensioning a second lace portion independently from the
tensioning of the first lace portion, to pull medial and lateral
sides of the tongue opening of the front side of the body toward
one another.
[0013] Various embodiments provide certain advantages. Not all
embodiments of the present disclosure share the same advantages and
those that do may not share them under all circumstances.
[0014] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure,
as well as the structure of various embodiments are described in
detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1A is a plan view of the lateral side of an article of
footwear in accordance with an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the medial side of the article of
footwear of FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the front side of the article of
footwear of FIGS. 1A-1B;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lateral side of another article
of footwear in accordance with another embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the lateral side of yet another
article of footwear in accordance with an embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a plan view of the medial side of the article of
footwear of FIG. 3A;
[0022] FIG. 3C is a plan view of the front side of the article of
footwear of FIGS. 3A-3B;
[0023] FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views from the lateral and
medial sides of an article of footwear in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0024] FIGS. 5A-5B are perspective views from the lateral and
medial sides of yet another article of footwear in accordance with
an embodiment; and
[0025] FIGS. 6A-6D show plan views from the lateral sides of
various articles of footwear in accordance with some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The inventors have appreciated that it may be beneficial to
incorporate a lacing system in an article of footwear, such as a
boot (e.g., soft snowboard boot), that provides for a greater level
of tightness control in various regions of the footwear, than has
previously been available. The present disclosure relates to
arrangement(s) and/or technique(s) for an article of footwear to
provide, when tightened, additional tightness in various regions,
which may lead to increased comfort. Embodiments discussed herein
may provide for a suitably close fit around the foot and ankle of
the wearer, for an enhanced heel hold or otherwise snug fit.
[0027] For example, it may be preferable, during tightening of one
or more lace portions, for the rear side of the boot to be squeezed
or otherwise pulled inward against the Achilles' tendon area of the
wearer. Or, upon tightening, the medial and/or lateral sides of the
boot may be drawn inward toward respective medial and/or lateral
sides of the lower leg or ankle of the wearer. In some cases,
tightening of the lace portion(s) may cause one or more straps to
be pulled inward toward the front of the boot. In some embodiments,
the strap(s) may be drawn inward toward the front side of the boot,
or the strap(s) may remain fixed along the rear backstay. As the
lace portion(s) may extend around the medial and/or lateral sides
of the boot, upon tightening, the respective medial and/or lateral
sides of the boot may be drawn inward toward the shaft region of
the boot.
[0028] As provided herein, the shaft region of the boot is a space
surrounded by an upper region of the boot which extends along the
shaft axis A (depicted in FIG. 1A) toward the location within the
boot where the heel of the wearer is placed. The shaft region
accommodates the ankle and lower leg of a wearer therein when the
boot is worn. The shaft region is the volume of space that is
circumscribed by the front side, the rear side, the medial side and
the lateral side of the body of the boot.
[0029] Further, tightening of the rear side, medial side and/or
lateral side of the boot may occur in cooperation with tightening
of the front side, simultaneously therewith or independently
therefrom. In this manner, the boot is able to provide a relatively
snug fit, along both the front, rear, medial and lateral sides of
the foot, adding to overall secureness and/or comfort for the
wearer.
[0030] This is in contrast to conventional boots noted above, where
the laces of such boots are threaded so as to extend only over the
tongue opening on the front side. Tightening of the lace of such
conventional boots causes opposing edges of the tongue opening to
be drawn toward one another, resulting in constriction of the front
side of the boot without significant tightening of the rear
side.
[0031] In certain embodiments of a boot in accordance with the
present disclosure, upon tightening of the lace(s) of the boot, a
portion of at least one of the rear side, the medial side and the
lateral side of the boot may be brought inward so as to hug or
squeeze into the leg or ankle, around the Achilles' tendon area of
the wearer. In some embodiments, the rear side of the boot may be
relatively fixed in position such that when the lace(s) of the boot
are tightened, the medial and lateral sides of the boot are drawn
inward toward the shaft region while the rear backstay remains
substantially in place. Though, in other embodiments, the rear side
of the boot may also be drawn inward toward the shaft region of the
boot upon tightening. The front of the boot may also be tightened,
for example, around the tongue. Such tightening of the front side
may occur along with the other sides of the boot, or separately
therefrom. In this manner, the boot is able to provide a snug fit,
along the circumference of the lower leg.
[0032] While various embodiments of the present disclosure include
a lacing system for a boot, such as a soft snowboard boot or other
boot (e.g., ski boot, hiking boot, snow shoes, rain boots, etc.),
aspects described herein may be incorporated with any article of
footwear, for example, a shoe, skate, or other suitable covering
for the foot.
[0033] The boot may include a lace, where a portion of the lace
extends toward the rear of the boot, though, in certain
embodiments, the lace itself is arranged to partially circumscribe
a portion of the rear side of the boot body (e.g., upper region or
shaft of the boot which surrounds the Achilles' tendon area). In
some embodiments, while the lace may be configured so as to extend
along the medial and lateral sides of the boot and to be pulled
against the rear side toward the front upon tightening, the lace is
not required to completely surround the perimeter (e.g.,
circumference) of the upper region of the boot. For example, the
lace may extend over the upper region of the front side, and
portions of the medial and lateral sides of the boot without fully
extending around the rear side of the boot in a manner so as to
circumscribe the upper region of the boot. Alternatively, the lace
may extend over the rear side of the boot, yet not extend
completely over the front side of the boot. It can be appreciated
that the present disclosure is not so limited in this respect, as
it can be appreciated that, for some embodiments, the lace may
circumscribe or completely encircle the shaft region, or another
region, of the boot.
[0034] In various embodiments, the boot includes a strap that
extends around a portion of the rear side of the boot body, for
example, the part of the rear side that covers the Achilles' tendon
area or a portion of the calf of the wearer. In some embodiments,
the strap substantially covers the rear side of the boot body. The
lace and the strap may be coupled together or otherwise arranged
such that when the lace is tightened, the strap is pulled inward
toward the front of the boot body (e.g., against the rear side of
the boot), so that the boot more suitably hugs the back of the
ankle region. Though, it is not necessary for the strap to move
inward toward the front of the boot body; for example, as further
discussed herein, the strap may remain in place adjacent the rear
backstay during tensioning of the lace(s) while the medial and
lateral sides of the boot are drawn inward toward the shaft region,
so that the boot more suitably hugs the ankle and/or lower leg
(e.g., calf/shin areas) of the wearer. For example, the rear
backstay of the boot may be stiffer in comparison to the medial and
lateral side walls of the boot.
[0035] As the laces are tightened, the tension of the laces
increases. Accordingly, the increase in tension of the laces causes
the laces to move toward a more straightened configuration. Though,
because the laces are arranged to extend along the sides of the
boot around a curved surface, this build-up of tension results in
an overall exertion of a normal force or pressure inward toward
respective sides of the boot, resulting in an inward movement
thereof. In some cases, as the sides of the boot move inward toward
the shaft region of the boot, the relatively softer material on the
sides of the boot may exhibit a slight accordion-like wrinkling
where the material tends to buckle or otherwise slightly bunches
together.
[0036] The rear backstay of the boot may incorporate any suitable
composition. For instance, the rear backstay may include a
relatively stiff material, such as an ionomer extrusion resin
(e.g., SURLYN.RTM.), or another appropriate material. The medial
and lateral sides of the boot may also include any suitable
material, for example, a fabric, polymer, or other material. As a
result, for some embodiments, upon tightening of the laces, the
material of the rear backstay of the boot may remain stationary,
maintaining its shape, while the material of the medial and lateral
sides of the boot move inward and, in some cases, exhibit the above
described crumpling effect.
[0037] The lace may be tightened and locked so as to retain its
tension by employing any suitable mechanism. In some embodiments,
the lace may be arranged so as to be graspable by a wearer or other
device, pulled to a desirable tension and locked in an appropriate
manner. For example, a free end of the lace may include a portion
of lace that is looped back onto itself to create a handle (or a
separate handle may be attached to the lace) to facilitate pulling
of the lace by a wearer. Once a preferred tension is reached, the
lace may be tied, or locked in place by a lace lock, so that the
tension of the lace is preserved for a desired period of time, for
example, until the lace is untied or unlocked. Or, in some
embodiments, an optional tensioning member is coupled to the lace
and used to pull one or more ends of the lace thereto. For example,
a rotary closure system, described further below, may be employed.
Alternatively, the tensioning member may include a ratcheting
and/or buckling device that is coupled to the lace and provides
tension thereto. It should be appreciated that the present
disclosure is not limited to the use of any particular type of
closure device, as any mechanism that is capable of taking up slack
in the lace can be used in connection with various aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0038] As noted above, various regions of the boot may be tightened
independently from, or simultaneously with, one another.
[0039] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the boot
may be configured to have a single zone for tightening various
sides (e.g., front, rear, medial, lateral sides) of the boot at the
same time. For instance, such a boot may include a lace that is
threaded on the front side between medial and lateral sides of the
tongue opening of the boot, for drawing medial and lateral sides of
the tongue opening toward one another, and that also extends toward
the rear side of the boot, for pulling of the rear side and/or
medial and lateral sides of the upper region inward toward the
shaft region (e.g., by being coupled with a strap). The lace may be
coupled to one or more suitable tensioning members, for
appropriately tightening and loosening the lace, as desired.
[0040] Or, as discussed above, for certain embodiments, the boot
may be configured to have multiple zones where each zone is
tightened and loosened independently from the other zone(s),
separately adjustable by the wearer. Such configurations may
increase overall fitting control, comfort, flexibility and/or
performance for the wearer. For instance, a boot that is configured
to have two tightening zones may include a first lace and
tensioning member arranged so as to tighten the medial/lateral
sides of the boot (medial/lateral "zone"), and a second lace and
tensioning member arranged so as to tighten at least a portion of
the front side of the boot (front "zone"). Accordingly, the
medial/lateral zone of the boot may be tightened independent from a
portion of the front zone of the boot, separately controlled, as
desired. Alternatively, for some embodiments where two tightening
zones are employed, a first tightening zone may be arranged so as
to tighten an upper region of the front zone and the medial/lateral
sides of the boot, and a second tightening zone may be arranged to
tighten the lower region of the front zone, independent from the
first tightening zone. In some embodiments, where the rear side of
the boot is drawn inward toward the shaft region, a rear "zone" may
also be provided separate from or in combination with another zone,
whether the medial/lateral zone and/or front zone.
[0041] In some embodiments, each zone may include a dedicated lace
and tensioning member, where the tensioning member is coupled to
the lace and used to pull one or more ends of the lace thereto. For
example, a boot may be configured with a first lace and tensioning
member for adjusting a medial/lateral zone, to bring the medial and
lateral sides of the boot inward toward the shaft region. The boot
may also be configured with a separate second lace and tensioning
member for adjusting a front zone, to tighten the front side of the
boot. Or, as shown and described in various embodiments below, a
first lace and tensioning member may be arranged so as to be able
to tighten a first lacing zone, which includes an upper region of
the front side of the boot and the medial/lateral sides of the
boot; and a separate second lace and tensioning member may be
arranged so as to tighten a second lacing zone, including a lower
region of the front side of the boot.
[0042] In such examples, the wearer can choose for part of the boot
to fit more tightly, and for another part of the boot to fit less
tightly. For instance, a wearer may tighten a first lacing zone to
one tension with one lace, or portion of a lace, and a second
lacing zone to another tension with another lace, or portion of a
lace. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard,
however, as the boot may be divided into lacing zones in any
desired manner, and need not be divided into front or rear lacing
zones. Other multiple-zone configurations are also contemplated,
and will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. For instance,
more than two lacing zones (in any desired configuration) may be
employed for additional flexibility, comfort and/or
performance.
[0043] Aspects of the present disclosure may be employed in any
suitable combination as aspects are not limited in this respect to
a specific disclosed embodiment. Also, any or all of the above
aspects may be employed in a soft snowboard boot; however, the
present disclosure is not limited in this respect, as aspects
described herein may be used on any type of footwear, including
other types of boots, such as ski boots, hiking boots and non-soft
snowboard boots. Various aspects and embodiments of the present
disclosure will now be described in more detail with respect to the
accompanying drawing figures. The present disclosure is not,
however, limited to the aspects and embodiments shown.
[0044] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure, each of the figures show a boot 100, configured for the
right foot of a wearer, and constructed as a soft boot employing
soft, flexible materials such as leather, fabrics, plastics (e.g.,
non-rigid plastics) or other suitable natural or manmade materials.
Of course, aspects discussed are also applicable for the left foot
of the wearer. As used herein, the term "lateral side" is used to
refer to the side of a boot facing outward and away from the
wearer, i.e., the left side of the left boot and the right side of
the right boot, when worn by the wearer. The term "medial side" is
used to refer to the side of a boot facing inward toward the
wearer's other foot, i.e., the right side of the left boot and the
left side of the right boot, when worn by the wearer.
[0045] FIGS. 1A-1C depict a boot 100 configured to have a single
lacing zone for tightening the front side and shaft region (e.g.,
along the medial and lateral sides) of the boot, simultaneously.
The boot 100 has a boot body 110, a sole 120 and an inner lining
130. The body 110 has a lower region 112 adapted to cover the foot
of a wearer, and an upper region 114 adapted to cover at least a
portion of the wearer's shin. The lower region 112 and upper region
114 of the body may be a part of the boot upper, which is generally
known to those of skill in the art to be the portion of the boot
above the sole 120. The upper region 114 may enclose the shaft
region of the boot and be aligned along a shaft axis A, which
extends along a direction that may be preferable to urge the leg of
the wearer in an orientation that may be appropriate for the
intended purpose of the boot. For example, the upper region 114 of
the boot may be tilted at an angle slightly forward, or in another
appropriate direction, so as to assist the wearer in conforming to
a suitable riding/hiking stance. For soft boots, the shaft axis A
of the upper region 114 may shift slightly during use according to
the wearer's posture and weight distribution.
[0046] The liner 130 may be inserted into the interior region of
the boot and, for example, may be removably attached to the body
110. In some cases, the liner may be provided with cushioning so as
to provide a suitable level of comfort to the wearer. The liner 130
may also include one or more J bars (not shown in the figures)
located on medial and lateral sides toward the rear of the liner. J
bars are known in the art as shaped inserts that fill space by
extending along various regions of the Achilles' tendon region of
the boot, which may be helpful to mitigate heel lift during use.
The present disclosure is not limited in this respect, as no liner
or J bars need be employed.
[0047] A tongue stiffener, whether removable or not, may be
employed to stiffen an otherwise flexible tongue. An example of a
tongue stiffener may be found in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.
6,360,454, appropriate portions of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
[0048] The body 110 further includes a tongue opening 116, disposed
in a shin-to-toe direction. The tongue opening 116 may have an
upper region 117 and a lower region 118. A tongue 119 may be
disposed within the tongue opening 116, and attached e.g., via
stitching, at a lower end portion to the body 110, in a
conventional manner known in the art.
[0049] The sole 120 is attached or formed integral with the boot
body 110 and may be made up of any suitable material, such as
rubber or another synthetic material.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the boot 100 includes a lace 140
that may be threaded through the medial and lateral sides of the
tongue opening 116. For example, the lace 140 may be threaded via
lace guides 160, 162, described further below, which have channels
that accommodate passage of the lace 140 therethrough, so that the
lace 140 extends over portions of the tongue opening 116.
[0051] As shown, the lace 140 extends over an upper region 117 of
the tongue opening 116, passing through the lace guide 160. The
lace 140 also extends over a lower region 118 of the tongue opening
116, passing through the lace guide 162. Accordingly, the lace 140
may be used to tighten the entire front side of the boot 100 at
both the upper region 117 and the lower region 118. For example,
tightening of the lace 140 may serve to reduce the width of the
tongue opening 116 by drawing medial and lateral sides (e.g.,
edges) of the tongue opening 116 toward one another in a suitable
manner.
[0052] The lace 140 can be arranged in a number of different ways,
and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular
implementation. In some embodiments, the lace 140 follows a
meandering path and does not cross over itself. Or, as shown, the
lace 140 may cross over itself at appropriate locations of the
boot. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this
regard, as other lacing patterns may be used as will be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a lacing pattern in
which laces cross over themselves may be employed. Multiple laces
may also be employed in various embodiments.
[0053] The lace 140 should be sufficiently strong so as to resist
the substantial forces that can be encountered when snowboarding or
performing other activities, and in this respect may require
greater strength than the laces typically employed in conventional
footwear such as athletic shoes. For example, the lace 140 can be
formed from a monofilament or a multistrand line.
[0054] In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the
present disclosure, the lace 140 is formed of a low-friction
material capable of resisting a high tensile force without
substantial elongation to minimize frictional engagement between
the lace 140 and the lace guides 160, 162, and thereby facilitate
even pressure distribution throughout the lacing zones. While not
limited to any particular material or any particular form (i.e.,
woven, braided, monofilament, etc.), examples of materials that can
be used for the lace 140 include various types of fabrics,
plastics, cables, metals, KEVLAR.RTM. and/or SPECTRA.RTM. Cord.
[0055] Embodiments described herein may be arranged to provide a
suitable degree of tightening of the rear side of the boot. As
shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the lace 140 also extends from the front side
of the boot rearward along the medial and lateral sides through
respective lace guides 164. The lace 140 is coupled to a strap 150
that extends along the rear backstay of the boot, which is located
over the Achilles' tendon area of the wearer. In some embodiments,
the strap 150 wraps at least partially around and covers the rear
backstay.
[0056] The strap 150 may be attached or otherwise coupled to the
boot by any suitable method. For example, the strap may be stitched
at its center, or other suitable location(s), to the rear side of
the boot. Or, the strap may be arranged to slide through one or
more layers or slits provided by the boot. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 2-3B, the strap 150 extends underneath, or inside of, the
rear backstay of the boot.
[0057] As further shown, the strap 150 includes strap lace guides
152 located on opposite ends of the strap, for holding the lace 140
on respective medial and lateral sides of the boot. For instance,
FIG. 1A shows the lace 140 extending through the passageway
provided by the lace guide 152 of the strap 150 on the lateral side
of the boot, and FIG. 1B shows another side of the lace 140
extending through the passageway of the corresponding lace guide
152 of the strap 150 on the medial side of the boot.
[0058] Accordingly, at both the medial and lateral sides of the
boot, the lace 140 forms a loop with the strap 150, or is coupled
to the strap in another suitable manner, so as to be able to pull
against the strap in a direction toward the front side of the boot.
For instance, when the lace is tightened, the lace 140 may pull
against the strap 150 in a direction substantially parallel to the
direction in which the strap extends (e.g., substantially
perpendicular to the shaft axis A along which the upper region 114
of the boot is oriented), drawing or otherwise pulling against the
strap 150 toward the front side of the body. In some cases, the
strap 150 may be brought inward, in a suitable manner, so that a
suitable pressure is applied from the rear of the boot to hug the
Achilles' tendon area of the wearer. Or, the strap 150 may remain
relatively fixed while the medial and lateral sides of the boot are
drawn inward toward the shaft region so as to squeeze respective
sides of the ankle or lower leg of the wearer. In some embodiments,
the pulling action on the strap 150 causes sides of the boot
surrounding the shaft region to collapse, providing a secure, yet
snug, fit for the wearer. As discussed above, upon tightening, the
respective tension of the laces extending along the medial and
lateral sides of the boot may increase, resulting in the
application of a pressure in a direction perpendicular and inward
relative to the surface of the boot.
[0059] In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the lace
140 may be configured to only partially circumscribe the upper
region 114 of the body 110. For example, the lace is not required
to completely surround the circumference of the upper region of the
boot body, yet may still be arranged so as to be able to pull
against the rear of the body. As illustratively shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the lace may run along the front, medial
and lateral sides of the boot and may further be coupled to a rear
strap, without fully extending around the rear backstay.
[0060] Or, as illustratively shown in embodiments depicted in FIGS.
4A-4B and 5A-5B, the lace may be arranged so as to extend around
and cover a portion of the rear side, and may run along medial
and/or lateral sides of the boot, yet without extending across the
front side. In either arrangement, tightening of the lace will
result in the rear side of the boot being pulled inward in a
suitable manner. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited
in this manner, as for some embodiments, the lace 140 may fully
circumscribe the body; that is, the lace may extend completely
around the circumference of the upper region of the boot body (not
shown in the figures).
[0061] In some embodiments, the lace 140 may have two opposing ends
where one of the ends is anchored at a suitable location of the
boot and the other end is manually tensioned (e.g., by pulling).
Or, both ends of the lace may be free so as to be anchored or tied
at appropriate locations of the lace. In some embodiments, one or
both ends of the lace 140 may be coupled to a tensioning member
170. For example, as discussed further below, the tensioning member
170 may be coupled to both ends of the lace in a rotary closure
arrangement such that, upon tightening by the tensioning member,
the tensioning member 170 reels or otherwise brings the lace 140 in
from both ends. Or, one of the ends of the lace may be coupled to
the tensioning member 170 and the opposite end of the lace may be
anchored at a location away from the tensioning member. In such a
configuration, with one end of the lace remaining in the anchored
position, the tensioning member may pull the lace taut from the
opposing end.
[0062] As noted above, any suitable tensioning member 170 may be
incorporated in embodiments of the present disclosure. In various
embodiments, also shown and described herein, the tensioning member
170 may employ a rotary closure device, such as the BOA.RTM.
closure system. With such a device, one or both free ends of the
lace may be threaded into the body of the device and wrapped around
a spool as the spool is rotated to reel the lace in to achieve the
desired tension. Such closure devices may be used in other
applications, such as for use with a cable tightening system to
replace conventional laces in an athletic shoe. Examples of such
rotary closure devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,738,027;
3,808,644; 4,433,456; 4,616,524; 4,660,300; 4,748,726; 4,761,859;
4,787,124; 4,796,829; 4,841,649; 4,884,760; 4,961,544; 5,042,177;
5,065,481; 5,150,537; 5,152,038; 5,157,813; 5,325,613; 5,600,874;
5,606,778; 5,638,588; and 5,669,116; and European patent
applications EP056,953 and EP264,712.
[0063] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of the tensioning
member 170, which has a knob that is rotatable by a wearer to
tighten or loosen the lace. As further shown in this embodiment,
the tensioning member 170 is coupled to both opposing ends of the
lace. Accordingly, the tensioning member may be actuated to create
tension in the lace by pulling the lace in from the two ends. When
desired, the tensioning member may also be actuated, for example,
rotated in a loosening direction or moved to an unlocked position
(e.g., by pulling the rotary knob upward relative to the base), so
as to loosen the lace and, thus, create a suitable amount of
slack.
[0064] For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1A-1C depict arrows along
the lace 140 that indicate the direction in which tension is
applied to the lace upon actuation of the tensioning member 170,
for pulling the lace in and tightening of the boot. For example,
FIG. 1C shows the knob of the tensioning member 170 being rotated
in a clockwise direction, resulting in tightening of the lace 140
from both ends. That is, both ends of the lace 140 are pulled into
the tensioning member 170, resulting in the strap 150, to which the
lace is hooked at the medial and lateral sides of the boot, being
pulled in a direction toward the front side of the body. In this
embodiment, tightening of the lace 140 not only secures the front
of the boot 100 about the tongue 112, by drawing medial and lateral
edges of the upper and lower regions of the tongue opening 116
together, but also pulls against the strap 150 in a direction
toward the front of the boot. This pulling action against the strap
150 may result in medial and lateral sides of the boot being drawn
inward toward the shaft region.
[0065] The tensioning member 170 is shown in the figures to be
secured at an upper region 114 of the body. Such a location may be
convenient for a wearer to reach down and adjust the tension of the
lace without having to bend over excessively. However, it can be
appreciated that the tensioning member may be located at any
appropriate location of the boot. For example, the tensioning
member may be located on a surface of the lower region 112 of the
boot, or at another suitable location. Or, the tensioning member
may be located at a medial or lateral side of the boot, as further
described herein.
[0066] As discussed above, in various embodiments, a number of lace
guides may be provided for suitably guiding and positioning the
lace 140. The lace guide(s) may be formed in any desired
configuration or arrangement. For example, they may comprise tubes
(e.g., defining channels or passageways) and/or openings, hooks,
eyelets, posts, and any other configuration or structure suitable
to guide the lace. In some embodiments, the lace guide(s) may be
secured to the body of the boot substantially limiting movement of
the lace guide(s). Though, in other embodiments, one or more lace
guides may be loosely coupled to the body of the boot where the
lace guide(s) are attached to the boot, yet may be re-positioned as
desired.
[0067] In some embodiments, the lace guides 160, 162 around the
tongue opening may have semi-circular or generally "C" shaped
guiding surfaces. For example, the lace guide may be partially
closed to capture the lace and prevent the lace from dislodging
from the lace guide when tension in the lace is relieved. The
present disclosure is not limited in this regard, however, and any
appropriate configuration of the lace guide to trap the lace may be
used. For example, the back portion of the lace guide may comprise
a piece of flexible material to block the lace from becoming
dislodged when tension in the lace is relieved. Other
configurations are also contemplated and will readily occur to one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0068] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature "r" of the guide
surface provides a gradual reversal of direction for the lace. Such
a gradual reversal reduces kink points and reduces the chance that
the lace will bind in the guide. In this manner, the efficiency
with which the force applied to the lace is translated to the
tightening tension on the lace is maximized. That is, drag or other
losses are minimized. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature
"r" is approximately 1/2 inch. Other suitable radii of curvature,
or other suitable shapes for the lace guide, may be employed as the
present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0069] The lace guides may be made from a low-friction material,
such as polytetrafluoroethylene or other plastic/polymer, to reduce
frictional drag on the laces. The present disclosure is not limited
in this regard, however, as the lace guides can be made from any
appropriate material, such as metal, polymer(s) or fabric.
[0070] In some embodiments, one or more of the lace guides are
provided so as to be suitably concealed from view. For example, the
lace guide(s) may be located internal to the boot body, or
positioned underneath the external surface of the body. This is in
contrast to other embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1A-1C where the lace guides visibly extend over the outer
surface of the boot body 110. However, in other embodiments, lace
guides may be located at a position beneath the outer surface of
the boot, or may otherwise be covered. As a result, a substantial
portion of the lace guides and, hence, lace that runs therethrough,
may be hidden from view. In some cases, the lace guide(s) are
stitched or otherwise attached to the body of the boot at a
suitably concealed location.
[0071] For example, FIG. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of a
boot 100 that is similar to the boot of FIGS. 1A-1C, except here, a
substantial portion of the lace guides through which the lace
extends is hidden from view, indicated by the dashed lines. As
shown, substantial portions of the lace 140 that extend through the
lace guides 160, 162, 164, and the lace guides themselves, run
underneath the outer surface of the boot and are not visible to
observers. In some embodiments, the lace guides are aesthetically
incorporated with various layers of the boot.
[0072] Though, some parts of the lace 140 may be visible. For
instance, as further shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the lace 140
that extends between the lace guides 152, 164 may be visible. In
some cases, such visibility of the lace 140 may allow a wearer to
assess how tightly the strap 150 has been pulled inward toward the
front, the degree to which the medial and lateral sides have been
drawn into the shaft region, or whether the lace is functioning
properly. While various combinations of internally and/or
externally positioned lace guides are described and shown in the
figures, other combinations are within the scope of the present
disclosure and will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0073] As described herein, embodiments in accordance with the
present disclosure may be configured such that one or more regions
of the boot may be tightened independently from one another. As
shown in FIGS. 1A-2 and described above, the lace 140 is arranged
so as to provide a single zone where the front and medial/lateral
sides of the boot may be tightened at the same time. That is,
tightening of the lace 140 to pull against the strap 150 at the
back of the boot not only brings medial and lateral sides (e.g.,
opposing edges) of the tongue opening 116 together, but also draws
or otherwise pulls the medial and lateral sides of the boot inward
toward the shaft region of the boot.
[0074] FIGS. 3A-3C depict another embodiment of a boot 100 that
incorporates a lacing system which is configured to pull against a
strap 150 positioned at the rear side of the boot body 110 so that
at least portions of the medial and lateral sides are brought
together. Similar to FIG. 2, the lace guides 160, 162, 164 are
located underneath the outer surface of the boot and so are hidden
from view. Though, in this embodiment, the boot is arranged to have
more than one lacing zone.
[0075] As discussed above, it is not required for a single lace to
extend over both upper and lower regions of the tongue opening 116,
for tightening the front side of the boot, while also extending
rearward to couple to a strap 150 at medial and lateral sides of
the boot, for tightening the rear side of the boot. For certain
embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the boot 100
may include multiple laces 140, 142 each having a tensioning member
170, 172 for manipulating the tension of the respective laces.
[0076] Alternatively, while not expressly shown in the figures, for
some embodiments, a single lace may be employed for tensioning
multiple zones. For example, the lace may be divided into various
portions that are each arranged so as to correspond to distinct
tensioning zones for the boot. One portion of the lace may be
configured to tighten the front side tongue opening of the boot,
and another portion of the lace may be configured to pull against
the strap located along the rear side of the boot. In some cases,
the lace may be appropriately anchored at particular locations of
the boot so as to demarcate between lace portions that are used to
tighten respective regions of the boot. In some embodiments,
distinct portions of the lace used to tighten particular regions of
the boot may be suitably coupled to respective tensioning members
for tightening thereof. Or, a single tensioning member may be
coupled to various portions of the lace, and may be used to tighten
each portion of the lace and, hence, tighten each respective region
of the boot.
[0077] Referring back to the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, a first
lace 140 extends over the upper region 117 of the tongue opening
116 and also extends rearward so as to couple to the strap 150.
Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-2, both ends of the lace 140
are coupled to a first tensioning member 170. Accordingly,
tightening of the first lace 140 results in bringing medial and
lateral sides of the upper region 117 of the tongue opening 116
toward one another and also pulling against the strap 150 at the
rear side of the boot. Such pulling may bring medial and lateral
sides of the shaft portion of the boot together, and optionally
draw the strap 150 inward toward the front as well. That is, the
first lace 140, coupled with the first tensioning member 170, may
be tensioned so as to tighten both the upper region 117 of the
front side of the boot and the rear/medial/lateral side(s) of the
boot, simultaneously, independently from the lower region 118 of
the front side of the boot.
[0078] Also in this embodiment, a second lace 142, separate from
the first lace 140, is threaded along medial and lateral sides of
the lower region 118 of the tongue opening 116. Here, one end of
the lace 140 is coupled to a second tensioning member 172 and the
opposing end of the lace is anchored or otherwise secured to the
body of the boot at a location 144 distal from the tensioning
member 172. Accordingly, upon tightening, the tensioning member 172
draws in the one end of the lace 142 to which it is coupled while
the opposite end of the lace is fixed to the boot, bringing medial
and lateral sides of the lower region 117 of the tongue opening 116
toward one another. As a result, the second lace 142, coupled with
the second tensioning member 172, may be tensioned so as to tighten
the lower region 118 of the front side of the boot, independently
from the upper region 117 of the front side and the
rear/medial/lateral side(s) of the boot.
[0079] It can be appreciated that embodiments in accordance with
the present disclosure may employ any suitable arrangement of
lace(s) and tensioning member(s). For example, three separate
laces, each optionally coupled to a respective tensioning member,
or anchored/tied at suitable locations, may be used for tightening
three separate zones of the boot, such as the upper region of the
front side, the lower region of the front side and the
rear/medial/lateral side(s) of the boot. Alternatively, as
discussed above, one lace may be used to tighten multiple zones
independently (e.g., by being appropriately coupled to multiple
tensioning members).
[0080] In some embodiments, a cushioning member may be provided at
the rear of the boot so as to provide added comfort for the wearer.
For instance, it may be preferable that compressive pressure
provided to the rear side of the boot be distributed in a
substantially even manner. While pulling inward against the rear of
the boot may provide for a more snug fit for a wearer, stress
concentrations applied at certain locations may lead to overall
pain or discomfort. Accordingly, a cushioning member may be
provided at the rear of the boot (e.g., between the strap and the
boot body), so as to provide for a more comfortable fit when the
strap is tightened inward.
[0081] For example, FIGS. 3A-3B show a cushioning member 180
located at the rear side of the body along the rear backstay of the
boot body 110. As shown, the cushioning member is located between
the boot body 110 and the strap 150. Though, other arrangements
that include a cushioning member may be employed, for example, a
cushioning member may be located between the interior of the boot
body 110 and the foot of the wearer.
[0082] The cushioning member 180 may be useful to distribute
pressure at the rear side of the body upon tightening of the lace.
The cushioning member 180 may have any appropriate shape and may be
relatively soft (e.g., made up of a polymer, neoprene, etc.)
compared to other portions of the body, so as to provide an added
amount of comfort for the wearer upon tightening of the lace. When
the lace 140 and strap 150 are tightened inward, the cushioning
member 180 may provide a gradual transition for the wearer from a
relatively loosened position to the more tightened position.
[0083] Other configurations are possible, as particular
arrangements of the lace(s) and strap(s) in accordance with the
present disclosure are not limited in this respect. For example,
rather than a lace being secured, looped or otherwise coupled to a
strap associated with the rear side of the boot at both opposing
ends of the strap, the lace may be secured to the strap at one end
while the other end of the strap is anchored to the boot body.
Accordingly, upon tightening of the lace, the strap may be pulled
by the lace toward the opposing medial or lateral side. For
example, upon tightening of the lace 140, the strap may be pulled
in a direction from the medial side toward the lateral side, or
from the lateral side toward the medial side, pulling the strap
against the rear of the boot 100 and toward the front.
[0084] FIGS. 4A-4B depict an embodiment of a boot 100 that shows
such an arrangement where one end of the strap is anchored to the
boot body. The boot 100 includes a lace 140 that extends from the
lateral side through a strap 150 and around the rear backstay,
terminating at the medial side of the boot. As shown, one end of
the lace 140 extends upward so as to be coupled to a tensioning
member 170 on the lateral side of the boot, and the opposite end of
the lace 140 is anchored at a suitable location 144 on the medial
side of the boot. When the lace 140 is tightened, the lace 140 is
pulled from the medial side across the rear backstay to the lateral
side of the boot, pulling the strap 150 inward against the rear of
the boot, which may serve to squeeze portion of the Achilles'
tendon area of the wearer. The medial and/or lateral sides of the
boot may also be drawn inward. While not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, for
some embodiments that incorporate the rear lacing system depicted
in FIGS. 4A-4B, the boot may suitably employ a separate lacing
system for the tongue opening on the front side.
[0085] In some embodiments, not shown in the figures, one end of
the strap may be anchored on a medial or lateral side of the boot,
and the lace may form a loop or be coupled to the opposing end of
the strap. The lace may pull on the end of the strap to which the
lace is coupled, resulting in pulling of the strap inward so as to
tighten the rear side, as well as other sides, of the boot.
[0086] In FIGS. 5A-5B, the boot 100 includes a lacing system that
is arranged to pull up on the strap 150 in a manner that may bring
the rear side of the boot inward. In some cases, the medial and
lateral sides of the boot may also be brought inward toward the
shaft region. As shown, similar to other embodiments described
herein, the strap 150 extends across the portion of the rear side
of the boot that covers the Achilles' tendon area of the wearer.
Though, in this embodiment, the ends of the strap on the lateral
and medial sides of the boot are re-routed through respective
adapters 154 (e.g., D-rings), so as to extend from a substantially
horizontal direction to a substantially vertical direction. Here,
the lace 140 extends above the strap 150 and hooks on to respective
ends of the strap through the lace guides 152.
[0087] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5B, the tensioning member 170
is coupled to both ends of the lace 140. When the lace 140 is
tightened, the strap 150 is pulled in a direction substantially
parallel to the shaft axis along which the upper region of the body
is oriented (e.g., in a vertical direction, substantially
perpendicular to the direction in which the strap extends),
cinching the strap (e.g., at the adapters) against the rear side of
the boot. As tension builds in the lace 140, the strap may also be
drawn inward toward the shaft region at the medial and lateral
sides of the boot. Such an embodiment may be beneficial to keep the
lace confined to a particular region of the boot. For example, in
some cases, tensioning of the lace may cause pressure build up in
an undesirable manner in regions where the lace is located.
Accordingly, it may be preferable to restrict the lace to a region
of the boot where tightening thereof does not lead to
discomfort.
[0088] The strap 150 may include any suitable material. For
example, as discussed above, the strap may be constructed so as to
provide for a relatively comfortable fit for the wearer when pulled
against the Achilles' tendon area of the wearer. In some
embodiments, the strap may be made up of a relatively soft
material, such as a fabric, plastic/polymer (e.g., polyurethane,
polyimide, polyester, polyethylene, etc.), foam, webbing or other
suitable material that is able to transfer pressure (e.g., for
applying compression against the rear backstay) while also having
an appropriate degree of flexibility (e.g., for distributing stress
in a comfortable manner).
[0089] The strap may further have any suitable shape or
configuration that allows for various regions of the boot body to
be pressed inward, while distributing pressure over a large area,
in a relatively even manner. For instance, FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a
number of examples of straps 150 that are shaped so as to flare
outward from the point of attachment of the lace 140, for example,
at the strap lace guide.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6D, the strap 150 may be
protected or otherwise covered by a strip of material (e.g.,
fabric, skin, etc.) on the boot body so as not to expose the rear
of the outer surface of the strap. Or, as shown in FIG. 6C, the
outer surface of the strap 150 may be exposed, extending over the
rear of the boot.
[0091] In some embodiments, the strap 150 may positioned over the J
bar insert(s) located along the liner of the boot. Accordingly,
upon tensioning of the lace portion(s), the strap may be pulled
against the respective J bars, further limiting lift of the heel
that may otherwise be prone to occur during use.
[0092] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other
embodiments, modifications, and equivalents are within the scope of
the present disclosure recited in the claims appended hereto.
Further, although each embodiment described above includes certain
features, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.
Thus, one or more of the above-described or other features of the
boot or methods of use, may be employed singularly or in any
suitable combination, as the present disclosure and the claims are
not limited to a specific embodiment.
* * * * *