Apparatus and method for securing an athletic boot

Abstract

An apparatus and methods are provided for a boot with features that increase a securing of a user's heel. Embodiments include a heel hastening device that is between an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs are provided that maintain full support of the upper portion, and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heel securing device. Also provided is a heel fastening device that is actuated by a lace. Also provided is a heel fastening device can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to footwear devices and methods. Specifically this invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing a boot, such as an ice skating boot or other boot, to the foot of a user.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Athletic footwear of various types are typically secured to a user's foot using laces. Due to an elevated level of activity during athletic use, there is a need for athletic footwear to be securely fastened to the user's foot. While laces have been used in the past to accomplish this goal, there are a number of areas in a lacing system that leave room for improvement.

[0003] As an example of athletic footwear, ice skates such as hockey or figure skates require a high degree of ankle support to provide the user with control over the skating blade. As a result, boots for ice skates are typically designed with upper boot portions that extend upwards over a users ankle. The boot materials are typically formed from a stiff material such as leather or plastic, or other stiff materials. Some designs further include doublers, or extra layers of leather, plastic, etc. to enhance stiffness of the boot. Although doublers and other stiffening designs have increased stiffness and control for users of athletic footwear, there is a need for further control to enhance user control and performance while using athletic footwear.

[0004] The high stiffness of ice skate designs, and other similar athletic footwear causes problems such as slippage of a user's heel up and down, or side to side within a boot. For example, stiff materials in a heel region of a boot do not easily conform to a user's heel. What is needed is a footwear design and a method to more securely attach a user's foot within a boot.

[0005] Another design concern includes weight of the footwear. In some athletic footwear applications, a lightweight product is desirable. Another design concern includes ease of use for the footwear user. Further, as in any manufacturing concern, cost of materials and manufacturing process costs must be kept to a minimum while maintaining product performance advantages. What is needed is a footwear design and a method that is inexpensive to produce, and yields a light weight product that is easy for a user to operate.

SUMMARY

[0006] The above mentioned problems such as securely attaching a user's foot within a boot are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

[0007] The present invention provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper portion attached to a sole portion. The article of footwear also includes a lace coupled to a substantially front portion of the upper portion, and a heel securing device coupled to the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace.

[0008] An article of footwear is also provided where the article of footwear includes an upper portion attached to a sole portion and a lining portion located substantially within the upper portion. The article of footwear also includes a length of flexible material passing between the upper portion and the lining portion and passing substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.

[0009] A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is also provided. The method includes forming an upper portion and coupling a lace to a substantially front portion of the upper portion. The method also includes coupling a length of flexible material to the lace, the length of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portion of the upper portion, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten about the rear portion of the upper when actuated by the lace.

[0010] A method of manufacturing an article of footwear is also provided including forming an upper portion attached to a sole portion and attaching a lining portion substantially within the upper portion. The method also includes passing a length of flexible material between the upper portion and the lining portion and passing the length of flexible material substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.

[0011] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an article of footwear according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2A shows a partially exploded view of an ice skate according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2B shows one embodiment of a heel fastening device.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] In the following detailed description, the term boot is used to describe an article of footwear. As described, a boot includes numerous embodiments of footwear including high cuff and low cuff footwear. A boot as described further includes, but is not limited to, a figure skating boot, other skating boots such as hockey skating boots, a hiking or running shoe, skiing footwear, etc.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a boot 100. In one embodiment, the boot includes a figure skating boot. The boot 100 includes an upper portion 110, and a sole portion 120. In one embodiment, a heel 132 is attached to the sole portion 120. Various regions of the boot 100 can further be defined, such as a heel region 130 and a toe region 140. A tongue 114 is further illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0019] In one embodiment, the upper portion 110 is formed from leather. Other materials such as injection molded plastic, synthetic leather, composite materials, etc are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the upper portion 110 is formed from two quarters. A quarter can be defined as ½ of a single boot. In one embodiment, two quarters are attached together to form a boot using an attachment technique such as stitching or sewing. Other embodiments include an upper portion formed of a single, integral piece of material, or multiple pieces of material.

[0020] FIG. 1 further shows a lace 150 that passes through a number of lace engaging features. In one embodiment, lace engaging features include holes 152, or eyelets. In one embodiment, lace engaging features include hooks 112. In one embodiment, the lace engaging features include a combination of holes 152 and hooks 112. Other lace engaging features adapted to hold a lace 150 are contemplated within the scope of the invention, including but not limited to, rings or metal loops, etc. A heel securing device 160 is further shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the heel securing device passing into the upper portion 110 through an opening 162 in the upper portion 110.

[0021] In one embodiment, the heel securing device 160 is coupled to the lace 150 in such a way as to be actuated by the lace 150 during normal lacing procedures by a user. In one embodiment, the lace 150 passes through an opening in the heel securing device 160, so that the lace 150 actuates the heel securing device by pulling on the heel securing device 160. In one embodiment, the heel securing device 160 is not coupled to the lace 150, and is separately actuated by the user, apart from a lacing operation.

[0022] FIG. 2A shows a boot 200. A lace 250 and a number of lace engaging features 252 are shown, similar to embodiments described above. A figure skating blade 240 is further shown for optional attachment to the boot 200 in embodiments that are designed for figure skating. An upper portion 210 of the boot 200 is shown with a liner 220 substantially within the upper portion 210. In one embodiment, a space 222 is located between the upper portion 210 and the liner 220 where the liner 220 is not directly attached to the upper portion 210. Although the liner 220 is not directly attached to the upper portion 210 in the space 222, embodiments are included where the liner 220 is attached to the upper portion 210 in other regions not directly adjacent to the space 222.

[0023] A liner 220 is frequently used in construction of a boot 200 to provide comfort for the user. The upper portion 210 of boots (in particular athletic boots such as ice skates) are frequently very stiff for ankle support. A stiff upper portion 210 can be uncomfortable against a users ankle without a liner 220. To add further stiffness, or to tailor specific regions with added stiffness, the upper may include additional layers of material, or doublers. The upper portion doublers are attached directly to the upper portion 210. Likewise, to add further stiffness, or to tailor specific regions with added stiffness, the liner may include additional layers of material, or doublers. The liner doublers are attached directly to the liner 220.

[0024] One embodiment of a heel fastening device 260 similar to FIG. 1 is shown in detail in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the heel fastening device 260 includes a length of flexible material 264 that passes substantially around a heel portion 230 of the boot 200. In one embodiment, use of a heel fastening device provides increased support to a user over current designs. In one embodiment, additional stiffening elements of current designs, such as doublers, can be reduced or eliminated from designs as a result of increased support provided by the heel fastening device 260. Elimination of elements currently in use allows for a lighter boot that is less expensive to manufacture.

[0025] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 passes between the upper portion 210 and the liner 220, within the space 222. This configuration has an advantage of retaining full stiffening effect of the upper portion 210 and retaining full comfort of the liner 220 while concurrently providing for supplemental heel fastening in addition to a standard lacing system. In one embodiment, no portion of the upper 210 or liner 220 is cut away or compromised to allow for the heel fastening device 260.

[0026] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 passes through a guide portion 266. In one embodiment, the guide portion 266 is also located between the upper portion 210 and the liner 220, within the space 222. Designs of a heel attachment device 260 that incorporate a guide portion 266 have additional advantages. In one embodiment, the guide portion 266 forms a channel that keeps the length of flexible material 264 in a desired location within the heel region 230. In one embodiment, the guide portion 266 protects the length of flexible material 264 during manufacturing, by keeping adhesives away from the length of flexible material 264. In one embodiment, the guide portion 266 provides a guide function, without physical attachment of the length of flexible material 264. In absence of actual physical attachment, the length of flexible material 264 is removable from the boot 200. A removable length of flexible material 264 is advantageous if repair or replacement is necessary.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one lace engaging device 262 is attached to the heel fastening device 260. Lace engaging devices include, but are not limited to D-rings, other shapes of rings, hooks, etc. In one embodiment, a single lace engaging device 262 is included on a first end of the length of flexible material 264. The single lace engaging device 262 provides a pulling force to the length of flexible material 264 that is actuated by the lace 250. If a single lace engaging device 262 is used, a portion of the length of flexible material 264 is attached to the boot 200 to provide a countering force.

[0028] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 passes through a first opening 267 in one side of the boot 200 and a second opening (not shown) in another side of the boot. The addition of a first opening 267 and a second opening makes a small impact on existing manufacturing flow and manufacturing machinery. This leads to an inexpensive improvement in the design of the boot 200.

[0029] FIG. 2B shows a heel fastening device 260, including a first lace engaging device 262 attached to the length of flexible material 264 at a first end, and a second lace engaging device 263 attached to the length of flexible material 264 at a second end. In one embodiment, the first lace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 are attached to the length of flexible material 264 using a suitable attachment method such as stitching. In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 includes a woven material. In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264 includes, but is not limited to, materials such as poly spun material, nylon, or cotton. Advantageously, the heel fastening device 260 is formed from inexpensive materials and is a relatively light weight addition to a design of the boot 200.

[0030] Using two lace engaging devices 262, 263, a first end 254 of the lace 250 and a second end 255 of the lace 250 both actuate the length of flexible material 264 to tighten around the heel of a user. In one embodiment, the first lace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 are located substantially across from one another on the boot 200. In one embodiment, the first lace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 are located in the middle of the number of lace engaging features 252, approximately halfway up the boot 200. Other positions of the first lace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 within the number of lace engaging features 252 are also contemplated in one embodiment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the length of flexible material 264, the first lace engaging device 262 and the second lace engaging device 263 are all removably attached to the boot 200. To replace or repair a damaged assembly of the heel fastening device 260 as described above, the lace 250 is threaded out of the first and second lace engaging devices 262, 263, and the heel fastening device 260 is removed through either the first opening 267 in the upper portion 210 or the second opening in the upper portion 210.

[0032] In one method of use, a user of the boot 200 laces up the boot 200 in a conventional manner. As the user pulls on the first end 254 and the second end 255 of the lace 250 in a conventional lacing motion, the heel fastening device 260 is concurrently actuated to secure the user's heel within the boot 200. In one method of use, the user further laces the lace 250 about lace engaging features 252 above the heel fastening device 260 to complete a lacing operation.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of one method of manufacture of a boot. Upper portions are manufactured, an linings are manufactured. A length of flexible material is placed in a heel region of the lining. A guide portion is placed substantially over the length of flexible material. The guide portion serves a number of functions as described above. One function includes protecting the length of flexible material from adhesives in subsequent manufacturing operations. Once in place, the guide portion is coupled to the lining. The lining, the guide portion, and the length of flexible material are then secured to the upper portion. In one embodiment, the lining is coupled within the upper portion, such that the length of flexible material is between the lining and the upper portion. A sole portion is formed, and the previously described assembly, including the upper portion, the lining, the guide portion and the length of flexible material is attached to the sole portion. A lace is then attached to the upper to provide lacing function to the boot. In one embodiment, the lace is further coupled to the length of flexible material to provide tightening of the length of flexible material when the lace is actuated. Although one order of operations is shown in FIG. 3, other orders of operations are possible within the scope of the invention.

CONCLUSION

[0034] A boot, and methods associated with the boot have been shown with features that provide for increased securing of a user's heel. For example, side to side slippage of a user's heel and up and down slippage of a user's heel are reduced using designs as described above. Embodiments shown above optionally allow elements of current boot designs to be eliminated due to extra support provided by heel fastening devices shown. Lighter boots can therefore be manufactured at a lower manufacturing cost.

[0035] Embodiments shown above include a heel fastening device that is between an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs using features described above therefore maintain full support of the upper portion, and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heel securing device.

[0036] Embodiments shown above also include a heel fastening device that is actuated by a lace. In one embodiment, a user need only lace the boot in a conventional manner and a heel fastening device is actuated to provide supplemental tightening in a heel region.

[0037] Embodiments shown above also include a heel fastening device that is removably attached to the boot. In one embodiment, the heel fastening device can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

[0038] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper portion attached to a sole portion;

a lace coupled to a substantially front portion of the upper portion; and

a heel securing device coupled to the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel securing device includes a length of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portion of the upper portion.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the heel securing device includes a first eyelet coupled to a first end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the first eyelet.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, further including a second eyelet coupled to a second end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the second eyelet.

5. The article of footwear of claim 2, further including a lining portion, wherein the length of flexible material passes substantially between the upper portion and the lining portion.

6. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the length of flexible material includes a nylon cord.

7. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the length of flexible material is removable from the article of footwear.

8. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper portion attached to a sole portion;

a lining portion located substantially within the upper portion; and

a length of flexible material passing between the upper portion and the lining portion and passing substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the article of footwear includes a figure skating boot.

10. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the length of flexible material includes a nylon cord.

11. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the length of flexible material is removable from the article of footwear.

12. The article of footwear of claim 8, further including a lace, wherein the length of flexible material is actuated by the lace.

13. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper portion attached to a sole portion;

a lace coupled to a substantially front portion of the upper portion; and

a means for securing a heel coupled to the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the a means for securing a heel passes substantially between the upper portion and a liner.

15. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:

forming an upper portion;

coupling a lace to a substantially front portion of the upper portion;

coupling a length of flexible material to the lace, the length of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portion of the upper portion, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten about the rear portion of the upper when actuated by the lace.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the length of flexible material to the lace includes coupling a nylon cord to the lace.

17. The method of claim 15, further including attaching a first eyelet to a first end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the first eyelet.

18. The method of claim 17, further including attaching a second eyelet to a second end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the second eyelet.

19. The method of claim 15, further including forming a lining portion and locating the length of flexible material substantially between the upper portion and the lining portion.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein coupling the length of flexible material to the lace includes removably coupling a length of flexible material to the lace.

21. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:

forming an upper portion attached to a sole portion;

attaching a lining portion substantially within the upper portion; and

passing a length of flexible material between the upper portion and the lining portion and passing the length of flexible material substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.

22. The method of claim 21, further including coupling a lace to a substantially front portion of the upper portion and coupling the lace to the length of flexible material.