Boot Insert

Abstract

A boot insert is for placement within a boot between a boot cuff and a wearer's leg and has a calf part and an ankle part. The boot insert has an inward facing leg contacting face and an outward facing cuff contacting face. The boot insert is curved to comfortably follow the contour of a wearer's leg. The boot insert is constructed to provide a physical barrier between the cuff and the wearer's leg to avoid direct contact between the leg and pinch points, folds, and the like on the cuff. The boot insert inhibits rubbing, chaffing, blisters, and related discomfort.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is related to and claims priority benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/223,230, filed on Jul. 6, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to an insert for footwear, and more particularly to an ankle insert for a boot.

2. Description of Related Art

Boots and other related footwear typically have portions that extend significantly above and over a wearer's ankle during use. These types of footwear are typically not custom-made to fit each specific user upon purchase. Such footwear also have contours that are likely not precisely compatible with the shape of a specific wearer's foot or leg. Traditional cowboy boots lack laces or other fasteners, relying instead on a tall cuff that extends closely around a wearer's lower leg or calf and, thus, over the wearer's ankle to keep the boot in place. Differences in shape and a lack of adjustable fasteners to accommodate such differences may cause the cowboy boot to bear against a wearer in an incompatible or uncomfortable manner, such as by rubbing on the wearer's ankles.

In some cases, such boot footwear may create a significant amount of friction or chaffing while rubbing on the ankle area of the wearer. In turn, the footwear may cause a user significant discomfort, blistering, and/or pain. Some cowboy boots develop indentation points, wrinkles, or folds in the cuff section in the ankle region that can also cause irritation. These indentation points often directly touch and irritate the user's ankle by repeatedly digging into and/or rubbing against the same area while walking. Such discomfort and irritation may produce blistering and/or bleeding at these spots, thereby discouraging the wearer from wearing the cowboy boots.

Some wearers might rely on repeated wearing of the footwear to break in and re-contour problematic parts of the boot over time. This approach is undesirable because a wearer experiences discomfort unless and until the footwear is sufficiently broken in. In addition, this approach requires the wearer to put up with irritation, or worse, caused by continuous rubbing of the boot material against their skin until re-contouring of the footwear occurs. In some cases, the problematic footwear or boot simply does not improve. In many cases, the wearer may give up wearing the footwear before the discomfort is reduced or eliminated.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a boot insert has a resilient, flexible, shape-holding body with a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of opposed side edges, a length between the top and bottom edges, a lengthwise axis, a width between the pair of opposed side edges, a boot cuff facing surface, a leg facing surface opposite the boot cuff facing surface, and a thin profile between the boot cuff and leg facing surfaces. The boot insert also has a cover received over and covering at least the leg facing surface of the body. The body is concavely curved across the width in the direction of the leg facing surface and is also curved along the lengthwise axis between the top and bottom edges.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the cover can have an interior and the body can be received within the interior and covered by the cover.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the cover can have an opening therein for insertion and removal of the body relative to an interior of the cover.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the cover can be a flexible fabric material. In another example, the cover can be a flexible material.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the body can have an upper calf section and a lower ankle section. The calf section can have a width that is wider than the width of the ankle section.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the body can have a calf section that can be concavely curved along at least part of a lengthwise axis in the direction of a leg facing surface. An ankle section of the body can also be convexly curved along at least part of the lengthwise axis in the direction of the leg facing surface.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the body can have a continuous perimeter edge inclusive of the top, bottom, and opposed pair of side edges and can have a curved lip extending around a substantial majority of the perimeter edge. The lip can be convexly curved in the direction of the leg facing surface.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the body can have a continuous perimeter edge inclusive of the top, bottom, and pair of opposed side edges and can have a rounded formation extending around a substantial majority of the perimeter edge.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the cover can be a fabric material and have an interior. The body can be received within the interior and can be covered by the cover. The cover can have a slit across a width of the cover for insertion and removal of the body relative to the interior.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a boot insert for placement within a boot between a boot cuff and a wearer's leg has a calf part with an upper end forming a top end of the boot insert, an ankle part with a lower end forming a bottom end of the boot insert, and an intermediate part positioned between and interconnecting the calf and ankle parts. The boot insert has a length between the top and bottom ends. The boot insert also has an inward facing leg contacting face on the boot insert defined by the calf, ankle, and intermediate parts and has an outward facing cuff contacting face on the boot insert opposite the leg contacting face. The boot insert has a pair of opposed sides spaced apart and extending along a perimeter of the boot insert between the top and bottom ends. Each of the calf, ankle, and intermediate parts is curved concavely across the width of the boot insert in the direction of the leg contacting face.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the calf and ankle parts each can have a width between the sides that is greater than a width of the intermediate part.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a width of the calf part can be greater than a width of the ankle part.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the boot insert can include a resilient, flexible, shape-holding core formed of a plastic material and a fabric sleeve having an interior. The core can be received in the interior and can be covered by the fabric sleeve.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, boot insert can have a resilient, shape-holding core with a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of opposed side edges, a length between the top and bottom edges, a lengthwise axis, a width between the pair of opposed side edges, a boot cuff facing surface, a leg facing surface opposite the boot cuff facing surface, and a thin profile between the boot cuff and leg facing surfaces.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the boot insert can have a resilient, shape-holding core that can be concavely curved across its width in the direction of a leg facing surface of the core and that can also be curved along a lengthwise axis between top and bottom edges of the core.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the boot insert can have a core that has an upper calf section and a lower ankle section. The calf section can be wider between its pair of opposed side edges than the ankle section.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the boot insert can have a core that can have a continuous perimeter edge and can have a curved lip extending around a substantial majority of the perimeter edge. The lip can be convexly curved in the direction of a leg facing surface of the core.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the boot insert can also be curved along a lengthwise axis between the top and bottom ends.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the curve across the width of the boot insert can be generally C-shaped. The boot insert can also be curved along a lengthwise axis between the top and bottom ends. The curve along the length of the boot insert can be slightly S-shaped.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, the boot insert can be generally widthwise symmetrical over a length of the boot insert.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective rear view of one example of a boot insert constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the boot insert in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the boot insert in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a rear plan view of the boot insert in FIG. 1, with a portion of a fabric cover partially cut away to expose a flexible inner core.

FIG. 5A shows a cross section of the boot insert taken along line VA-VA in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B shows a cross section of the boot insert taken along line VB-VB in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5C shows a cross section of the boot insert taken along line VC-VC in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective rear view of the flexible core of the boot insert in FIG. 1 with the fabric cover removed.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the flexible core in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the flexible core in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a rear plan view of the flexible core in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10A shows a cross section of the flexible core taken along line XA-XA in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B shows a cross section of the flexible core taken along line XB-XB in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10C shows a cross section of the boot insert taken along line XC-XC in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a cut-away side view of a wearer's ankle and foot within a boot and showing the boot insert of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 12 shows a cut-away front view of the wearer's ankle and foot and the boot in FIG. 11 and showing two of the boot inserts in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is for a boot insert that reduces irritation and rubbing of a boot against a wearer's ankle and makes wearing the footwear of the boots more comfortable. In one example, the boot insert can be used with a cowboy boot. In other examples, the boot insert may be used with any one of a number of other types of boots or footwear and be worn in the area over the wearer's ankle as a barrier between the boot material and the user's skin.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate several views of one example of a boot insert 20 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In the disclosed example as shown in FIG. 1, the boot insert 20 is a generally thin, elongate structure with a top end 14, a bottom end 15, and a pair of opposed sides 16 extending between the ends. The top and bottom ends 14, 15 and the opposed sides 16 together form a perimeter of the boot insert 20. The boot insert 20 has an overall length L between the top end 14 and bottom end 15. The boot insert 20 also has a width W between the opposed sides 16. The boot insert 20 has numerous contours or curvatures along its length L and width W. In this example, the boot insert 20 generally includes an upper or calf part 22 and a lower or ankle part 24. In the present example, the boot insert 20 also includes an intermediate or waist part 26 connecting and extending between the upper and lower parts 22, 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the boot insert 20 also generally has a front, outer, or boot contacting face 28 and an opposite rear, back, or leg contacting face 30. In this example, each of the faces 28, 30 is defined in part by an exposed surface portion of each of the calf part 22, ankle part 24, and intermediate part 26. The boot insert 20 also has a depth D defined in this example as the overall dimension from the most forward point of the insert to the most rearward point as shown in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 1, the length L is generally the longest dimension, the width W is substantially less than the length, and the depth D is significantly less than both the length and the width.

The boot insert 20 in this example has an elongate core or body 32 received inside a sleeve or cover 34 that envelops the core as shown in FIGS. 4-5C. In this example, the cover 34 is made from a sewn fabric material and the core 32 is molded from a resilient and flexible, but somewhat stiff, plastic material. The core 32 is generally a thin profile, non-flat panel of material. The cover 34 in this example has a slit 36 in the fabric that is positioned on the back face 30 of the boot insert 20. The core 32 can be inserted within and removed from the cover 34 through the slit 36. The slit 36 in this example is oriented widthwise across the upper part 22 of the boot insert 20 to make insertion of the core 32 into, or removal of the insert from, the cover 34 simple and easy. The boot insert 20 generally has a thickness T defined by the material layers of the cover 34 and the core 32 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. The thickness T is included in the depth D of the boot insert 20, but does not define the entire depth of the insert, as depicted in FIG. 3.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, the cover and core materials and fabrication methods can vary within the spirit and scope of the invention. The fabric material of the cover 34 can be a relatively soft, durable, and machine washable material to provide comfort for the wearer while yielding a lasting product. The fabric material can also be a relatively thin material so as to help minimize the thickness T of the boot insert 20. A thinner insert will take up less space during use and thus can result in a more comfortable wearing experience for a user. The fabric material can also be created in a variety of colors and/or having a variety of decorative patterns. The cover 34 can be formed from two fabric layers that are sewn along a seam 38 around the perimeter of the cover. Alternatively, the cover can be formed as a tube with top and bottom ends that are sewn or otherwise fastened closed. In one example, one end of the cover 34 can be open, replacing the slit 36, for insertion and removal of the core 32. The open end can include a closure flap and/or can include a fastener such as a VELCRO, i.e., hook and loop, or other fastening or adhering mechanism. The cover can be or include a pad or cushion to further improve comfort for a user. In one example, the cover can include a material layer, such as a pad or cushion, which is exposed on only one side of the boot insert, i.e., on the leg contacting face 30. For example, the cover can be a single layer adhered to one surface of the body or core 32.

The plastic material of the core 32 can be any suitable material that is rigid or stiff and resilient enough to hold its shape, but flexible enough to bend or give as needed during use. The thickness of the core 32 material can also be relatively thin. In one example, the core 32 can be thermoformed or injection molded from a thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, or polypropylene material. Alternatively, the core 32 can be formed from NYLON or from another suitable non-plastic material.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5C, the boot insert 20 is not flat, but instead has a complex curved profile defined primarily by the shape and contour of the core 32. As shown in FIGS. 6-10C, the body or core 32 has a front, boot facing, or outer surface 40 and a rear, leg facing, or inner surface 42 that correspond, respectively, with the front or boot contacting face 28 and the rear or leg contacting face 30 of the boot insert 20. FIGS. 6 and 9 show the rear or inner surface 42 of the core 32. The core 32 has an upper or calf section 44, a lower or ankle section 46, and a waist or mid-section 48 between the upper and lower sections. Each section 44, 46, 48 corresponds to and defines the respective upper part 22, lower part 24, and intermediate part 26 of the boot insert 20. The upper section 44 terminates at a top edge 50 of the core 32 and the lower section 46 terminates at a bottom edge 52 of the core. The top and bottom edges 50, 52 correspond, respectively, to the top and bottom ends 14, 15 of the boot insert 20. The core 32 also has a pair of side edges 54 that define the lateral boundaries of the body. The side edges 54 correspond to the sides 16 of the boot insert 20 and join to the top and bottom edges 50, 52 at respective top and bottom corners 56 and 58 of the core or body 32. In this example, the top and bottom corners 56, 58 are curved or rounded and gradually transition between the side edges and the top and bottom edges. The four corners 56, 58, side edges 54, top edge 50, and bottom edge 52 together define a perimeter of the body or core 32.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10C, the core is generally symmetrical along the lengthwise axis A, but the width W of the core 32 varies over its length L. Thus, the side edges 54 are not linear or parallel to one another over the entire length of the core 32. The width of the upper section 44 between the side edges 54 is greater than both the width of the mid-section 48 and lower section 46. The width of the upper section 44 tapers and becomes narrower toward the top edge 50 and toward the mid-section 48. The width of the lower section 46 is greater than the width of the mid-section 48 and also tapers, becoming narrower toward the bottom edge 52 and toward the mid-section 48. The width of the mid-section widens as it transitions to the upper and lower sections. In this example, the slit 36 in the cover 34 is sized to receive the wider upper section 44 therethrough and thus can easily receive the narrower lower and mid-sections as well. The slit 36 is positioned to coincide with the upper section 44, making it easier to pass the core 32 through the slit, narrowest sections first. The transitions between the adjacent side edges 54, corners 56, 58, top edge 50, and bottom edge 52 are gradually tapered and smooth to avoid sharp corners on the core perimeter. As a result, the core 32 is widest across a portion of the upper section 44, narrower across a portion of the lower section 46 and narrowest across a portion of the mid-section 48 in this example. In one example, the upper section can be about 4 inches across at its widest point, the mid-section can be about 2.5 inches across at its narrowest point, and the lower section can be about 3 inches across at its widest point. The length of the core 32 in one example between the top and bottom edges 50, 52 can be about 8 to 9 inches.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the overall size and shape of the perimeter of the core 32 can vary from the example shown and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the widths of the upper, lower, and mid-sections along the length can vary. In some examples, the mid-section can be eliminated, leaving only an upper and lower section. The side edges can incorporate different curvatures along the length or have sharp, abrupt, or non-gradual transitions between the sections. Portions of the side edges can parallel to one another. The core can also be asymmetric relative to the lengthwise axis A. The broadest and narrowest widths of the core 32 could be found in different sections. Alternatively, the upper and lower sections could have the same width and/or the core could have a generally rectangular shape defined by the perimeter. The top and bottom edges can also vary in shape and can be linear, non-linear, gradually curved or the like. The transitions along the perimeter can also differ from the example shown and described herein. The length of the core 32 can also vary from the example show and the proportion of length to width can also vary. A variety of design features and characteristics can be varied and yet maintain the intended function of the boot insert 20.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4-5C, the cover 34 in this example is formed from two layers of fabric 34a, 34b that are joined or sewn to one another around their respective perimeters at the seam 38. The shape of the sleeve or cover 34 matches the shape of the core 32, but is slightly larger to fully encompass and encapsulate the core. The cover 34 can be flat when not installed on the core 32. The cover can also be cut and sewn in such a manner so as to take on a similar shape as the core 32. Adhesive patches (not shown) or other adhesive mechanisms or means can be provided on the surfaces 40, 42 of the core 32 and/or on the inner surfaces of the cover 34 so that the fabric cover material temporarily adheres to the core and conforms to its shape when the core is inside the cover (see FIGS. 5A-5C). Alternatively, the fabric can be loosely fitted to, or stretched taut over, the core 32 and only take the core shape during use within a boot or footwear item.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, 7, 8, and 10A-10C, one can see that the core 32 has complex curves and is not a flat structure. The core 32 has a slight S-shaped curvature or profile in side view (see FIG. 7) over its length from the top edge 50 to the bottom edge 52. The core 32 also generally has a C-shaped curvature across in top or bottom view (see FIGS. 8 and 10A-10C). In this example, C-shaped curvature across the width of the core 32 is concave in the direction of the inner or leg facing surface 42 and thus convex in the direction of the outer or boot facing surface 40. The C-shaped curvature across the width of the core 32 forms a depression or trough over the length of the core. The trough or C-shape is intended to assist in the boot insert 20 conforming to or fitting the contour of a wearer's leg during use.

In this example, the calf or upper section 44 is also concavely curved in the direction of the leg facing or inner surface 42 from the top edge 50 toward the mid-section 48 (see FIG. 7). The lengthwise and widthwise curvature of the upper section 44 forms a bowl shape (see FIGS. 7 and 10A) that is convex to the direction of the outer of boot facing surface 40. From the upper section 44 downward through the mid-section 48, the curvature from top to bottom lessens gradually and transitions from the convex, rear facing curvature (see FIG. 7). However, the curvature in the widthwise direction in the mid-section 48 is still convex (see FIG. 10B). From the mid-section 48 downward through the lower section 46, the curvature from top to bottom flattens out and then begins to curve in the opposite direction. In other words, the lower region of the lower section 46 trends toward a convex curvature in the direction of the rear, inner, or leg facing surface along the lengthwise axis A, even though the lower section is still convexly curved in the widthwise direction (see FIGS. 7 and 10C). This lower convex curvature in the lower section 46 will help hold the boot insert in position and help prevent the bottom end 15 of the insert from digging into the user's foot or ankle during use, as illustrated below.

The boot insert 20 as a whole takes on generally the same shape as the core or body 32 (see FIGS. 1-5C). This is particularly true during use of the boot insert 20 because the material of the cover 34, even if loosely fitted over the body or core 32, is displaced into contact with the core. In the disclosed example, the thickness T of the boot insert layers is substantially uniform. Each layer 34a, 34b of the fabric cover 34 in this example also has a substantially uniform thickness. In this example, the layers are depicted as being adjacent to and directly contacting the core 32. In other examples, the fabric cover 34 may be stretched taut over the core 32 with one layer adjacent the inner facing surface 42 extending directly across the core between the side edges 54 instead of following the widthwise concave curvature. In such an example, the fabric layer 34b will be displaced against the core when inserted in a boot during use.

In one example, the concave curvature of the core 32 in the widthwise direction can be similar to an arc of a sector of an ellipse. In other examples, the widthwise curved shape can be consistent with the form of an arc of a circle sector, a parabola sector, a prolate spheroid sector, or another curved shape. Similarly, the shape of the lengthwise top to bottom curve can also vary from the shape disclosed herein.

The arc size or length defined by any portion of the curved upper section 44 (see FIG. 10A) in the widthwise direction is preferably an arc of a sector (of a full circle, ellipse, parabola, etc.) that is less than half of a full circumference of the shape, i.e., an arc of a sector with a central angle of less than 180°. This is to inhibit the boot insert 20 from clamping onto a user's leg during use and/or digging into their flesh during use. The central angle of the sector being less than 180° also will allow for two of the boot inserts 20 to be used on either side of a wearer's leg without overlapping or coming into contact with one another inside of a boot. In one example, the arc defined by the curved upper section can be that of a sector with a central angle of roughly 45°. In other examples, the arc can be that of a sector with an angle of less than 45° or greater than 45° but less than 180° first central angle may be greater than 180°. The radii of the sector will determine the flatness or sharpness of the curve across the upper section. The radii of the sector can vary within the spirit and scope of the invention and, thus, the flatness or sharpness of the widthwise curvature of the core 32 and boot insert 20 can also vary.

With reference to FIG. 10B, the mid-section 48 in this example has a shorter arc length than the upper section 44. However, as noted above, the arc length (and thus the central angle of it's sector) of the mid-section 48, if present at all, can be equivalent to the upper section or at least proportionally varied from the example shown and described. Also, the radii of the mid-section sector that defines the flatness or sharpness of it's widthwise curvature can be the same as the upper section or different from the upper section, as desired. Similarly, with reference to FIG. 10C the lower section 46 in this example has an arc length that is shorter than that of the upper section 44 but longer than that of the mid-section 48. However, as noted above, the arc length (and thus the central angle of it's sector) of the lower section 46 can also be equivalent to the upper section and/or the mid-section or at least proportionally varied from the example shown and described. Also, the radii of the lower section sector that defines the flatness or sharpness of it's widthwise curvature can also be the same as the upper section and/or mid-section or different from one or both, as desired. The central angle of the widthwise curvature for any part of the boot insert 20 is preferably less than 180° for the reasons noted above.

In this example, the core 32 is widthwise curved over its entire length, forming a trough-like shape over the length of the insert along the lengthwise axis A. In other examples, the core 32 may not be widthwise curved along the entire length of the boot insert 20 and instead can have portions that are not concave between the side edges. A narrow, flat region may be formed, such as for the mid-section 48. Depending on the type of material used for the cover 34 and whether the cover is tightly stretched or loosely fitted over the core 32, the perceived shape of the boot insert 20 may vary. For instance, if the cover 34 is stretched taut between the side edges, the inner leg facing side may appear flat and have no trough shape, even though the core 32 is widthwise curved.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the overall shape and structure of the insert can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the thickness of the core and/or the cover material as a whole may vary. In some examples, the thickness of the core may vary over the width or length of the core. Surface features can be added to the core surfaces. Materials may be used for the core so that the core changes in shape during use to accommodate the specific wearer's leg contour. The cover 34 can be provided from or with materials (i.e., a gel-like material pad or path) that re-contour when pressure is applied during use. Many variations of the insert are possible while allowing the boot insert 20 to function as intended. In one alternate example, the core 32 can be provided and used without a cover or added material layer and the cover can be eliminated. In another example, the inner, leg facing surface of the core 32 can carry a pad, cushion, or gel-like region as well.

With reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10A-10C, the core or body 32 has a lip 60 on the perimeter edge inclusive of the side edges 54 the top edge 50, the bottom edge 52, and the corners 56, 58. In this example, the lip is continuous around the core. In an alternate example, the lip could be discontinuous and extend around a substantial majority of the core or part of the core, if configured to perform as intended. The lip 60 in this example is provided as a comfort feature to eliminate any sharp edges contacting the user's skin or flesh. The lip 60 is formed by the perimeter edge being curved convexly in the direction toward the inner, leg facing surface 42. The convex exposed side 62 will bear against the user's leg, instead of the outermost point of the perimeter edge on the core. The curvature of the lip 60 in this example directs and spaces the edges 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 away from the user. In another alternate embodiment, the lip 60 could be replaced by a rounded or bulbous rib molded onto the edges or by some other rounded or softening feature.

FIG. 11 shows a cut away side view of a leg 70 including a calf 72, an ankle 74, and a foot 76. The leg 70 is illustrated wearing a cowboy boot 78 with a boot insert 20 positioned therein. The cowboy boot 78 has a boot section 80 sized to receive the foot 76 of the user. The cowboy boot 78 also has a cuff section 82 projecting up from the boot section 80 and surrounding the wearer's ankle 74 and lower calf 72. The boot insert 20 is placed such that the ankle 74 of the wearer is covered by the lower ankle-contacting part 24 of the insert. The upper or calf-contacting part 22 of the boot insert 20 is positioned adjacent the lower calf 72 of the wearer's leg 70.

The boot insert 20 is shaped, as described above, so as to closely match the contours of the wearer's leg 70 in use. As shown in FIG. 12, the boot insert 20 will be sandwiched between the leg 70 and the inside surface of the cuff section 82 of the boot in use. The shape of the insert 20 will help to retain it in position, as will pressure applied by the tight space between the leg 70 and cuff section 82. The boot insert 20 is not fixedly attached to any part of the wearer's leg 70 or the boot 78 and can be user-adjusted to optimize comfort and/or protection of the wearer's leg. In this example, the bottom end 15 and lower ankle-contacting part 24 of the insert 20 are contoured and compatibly curved with the user's ankles to hold the insert at the proper elevation and position. However, the boot insert 20 in this example does not overlap or extend around the user's leg or across the footwear interior. The insert may thus also self-adjust during use as a wearer walks and yet maintain coverage of the wearer's ankle 74. The boot insert 20 may be inserted before, after, or simultaneously as the footwear is put on. If a wearer is using a sock, the insert may be placed either within or outside of the sock, depending on the desired comfort and placement. FIG. 12 also shows two of the boot inserts 20 in use simultaneously within the same cowboy boot 78 interior and adjacent both the lateral and medial portions of a wearer's ankle 74. Either one or both can be comfortably worn within the cowboy boot 78.

As is known in the art, the cowboy boot 78 often has indentation points, wrinkles, or folds located near the lower cuff section 82 and particularly where the cuff section meets the boot section 80. These wrinkles or fold typically dig into the wearer's skin or flesh and can cause discomfort, irritation, pain, or even blistering or bleeding. The disclosed boot inserts 20, in accordance with the teachings of this invention, can be inserted into the cowboy boot. As shown, each insert can be positioned to block such wrinkles, folds, or contact points in the cuff section or boot material from contacting the wearer's leg 70. The inserts can cover the wearer's lateral and medial malleolus. The inserts 20 may thus act as a floating barrier between the boot interior wall and the wearer's leg 70 and foot 76. The inserts 20 can prevent contact of the footwear interior wall with lateral and medial sides of the wearer's leg. In some examples, the insert can work as a spacer to create a gap between the user and the footwear interior and relieve discomfort.

The disclosed boot insert 20 can also re-contour the footwear interior wall over extended use. The insert 20 may be received within a footwear interior during use and be sufficiently loose. As a wearer moves, the insert can shift and prevent extended contact of one portion of the insert with a wearer's leg or foot to relieve discomfort. Simultaneously, the insert may reposition the boot material and, over extended use, change its folded or wrinkled shape, i.e., by altering the “memory” of the boot material. The boot insert 20 may thus eventually be taken out while the boot is worn without the boot causing discomfort to the user. On occasion, the boot inserts may need to be re-inserted into the boot in order to re-contour and maintain the proper shape of the boot material. During use, a user may only need to use one insert, either on the inside or the outside of the ankle, instead of two of the inserts. In addition, a user may start with using two of the inserts, but then only need to periodically use one insert to re-shape one side of the boot or the other.

The insert in this example is configured to hold in place without the use of fasteners. The insert is also configured to fit within the footwear interior sufficiently loosely to permit movement of the insert while maintaining a barrier between the wearer's leg and a potential rubbing surface of the footwear interior wall. In this example, the core or body 32 of the boot insert 20 can be made from resilient but sufficiently rigid plastic to adequately perform the barrier function.

Although certain footwear or boot inserts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

1. A boot insert comprising:

a resilient, flexible, shape-holding body having a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of opposed side edges, a length between the top and bottom edges, a lengthwise axis, a width between the pair of opposed side edges, a boot cuff facing surface, a leg facing surface opposite the boot cuff facing surface, and a thin profile between the boot cuff and leg facing surfaces; and

a cover received over and covering at least the leg facing surface of the body,

wherein the body is concavely curved across the width in the direction of the leg facing surface and is also curved along the lengthwise axis between the top and bottom edges.

2. A boot insert according to claim 1, wherein the cover has an interior and the body is received within the interior and covered by the cover.

3. A boot insert according to claim 2, wherein the cover has an opening therein for insertion and removal of the body relative to the interior.

4. A boot insert according to claim 2, wherein the cover is a flexible fabric material.

5. A boot insert according to claim 1, wherein the cover is a flexible material.

6. A boot insert according to claim 1, wherein the body has an upper calf section and a lower ankle section, the calf section having a width that is wider than the width of the ankle section.

7. A boot insert according to claim 6, wherein the calf section is concavely curved along at least part of the lengthwise axis in the direction of the leg facing surface, and wherein the ankle section is convexly curved along at least part of the lengthwise axis in the direction of the leg facing surface.

8. A boot insert according to claim 1, wherein the body has a continuous perimeter edge inclusive of the top, bottom, and opposed pair of side edges and has a curved lip extending around a substantial majority of the perimeter edge, the lip being convexly curved in the direction of the leg facing surface.

9. A boot insert according to claim 1, wherein the body has a continuous perimeter edge inclusive of the top, bottom, and pair of opposed side edges and has a rounded formation extending around a substantial majority of the perimeter edge.

10. A boot insert according to claim 1, wherein the cover is a fabric material and has an interior, the body being received within the interior and covered by the cover, and wherein the cover has a slit across a width of the cover for insertion and removal of the body relative to the interior.

11. A boot insert for placement within a boot between a boot cuff and a wearer's leg, the boot insert comprising:

a calf part with an upper end forming a top end of the boot insert;

an ankle part with a lower end forming a bottom end of the boot insert;

an intermediate part positioned between and interconnecting the calf and ankle parts, the boot insert having a length between the top and bottom ends;

an inward facing leg contacting face on the boot insert defined by the calf, ankle, and intermediate parts;

an outward facing cuff contacting face on the boot insert opposite the leg contacting face; and

a pair of opposed sides spaced apart and extending along a perimeter of the boot insert between the top and bottom ends,

wherein each of the calf, ankle, and intermediate parts is curved concavely across the width of the boot insert in the direction of the leg contacting face.

12. A boot insert according to claim 11, wherein the calf and ankle parts each have a width between the sides that is greater than a width of the intermediate part.

13. A boot insert according to claim 12, wherein the width of the calf part is greater than the width of the ankle part.

14. A boot insert according to claim 11, further comprising:

a resilient, flexible, shape-holding core formed of a plastic material; and

a fabric sleeve having an interior, the core being received in the interior and covered by the fabric sleeve.

15. A boot insert according to claim 14, wherein the core has a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of opposed side edges, a length between the top and bottom edges, a lengthwise axis, a width between the pair of opposed side edges, a boot cuff facing surface, a leg facing surface opposite the boot cuff facing surface, and a thin profile between the boot cuff and leg facing surfaces.

16. A boot insert according to claim 15, wherein the core is concavely curved across the width in the direction of the leg facing surface and is also curved along the lengthwise axis between the top and bottom edges.

17. A boot insert according to claim 15, wherein the core has an upper calf section and a lower ankle section, the calf section being wider between the pair of opposed side edges than the ankle section.

18. A boot insert according to claim 14, wherein the core has a continuous perimeter edge inclusive of the top, bottom, and opposed pair of side edges and has a curved lip extending around a substantial majority of the perimeter edge, the lip being convexly curved in the direction of the leg facing surface.

19. A boot insert according to claim 11, wherein the boot insert is also curved along a lengthwise axis between the top and bottom ends.

20. A boot insert according to claim 19, wherein the curve across the width of the boot insert is generally C-shaped, and wherein the curve along the length of the boot insert is slightly S-shaped.

21. A boot insert according to claim 11, wherein the boot insert is generally widthwise symmetrical over the length of the boot insert.