CA2256932A1 - Sole connection for piece of footwear - Google Patents
Sole connection for piece of footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2256932A1 CA2256932A1 CA 2256932 CA2256932A CA2256932A1 CA 2256932 A1 CA2256932 A1 CA 2256932A1 CA 2256932 CA2256932 CA 2256932 CA 2256932 A CA2256932 A CA 2256932A CA 2256932 A1 CA2256932 A1 CA 2256932A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- footwear
- piece
- skate
- sole
- holder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/38—Skates of the tubular type
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
- A43B5/1625—Skating boots made from materials with different rigidities
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
- A43B5/1641—Skating boots characterised by the sole ; characterised by the attachment of the skate
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
- A43B5/1666—Skating boots characterised by the upper
- A43B5/1683—Skating boots characterised by the upper characterised by the lower part of the upper or by the shell
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
- A43B5/1666—Skating boots characterised by the upper
- A43B5/1691—Skating boots characterised by the upper characterised by the higher part of the upper, e.g. surrounding the ankle, by the quarter or cuff
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/02—Skates rigidly mounted on the sole of the boot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/22—Skates with special foot-plates of the boot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/18—Roller skates; Skate-boards convertible into ice or snow-running skates
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, comprising a footwear frame for supporting at least portions of the bottom area of a wearer's foot and having a sole portion and at least one connector, provided on said sole. The connector provides an improved connection interface between the boot and a sole or a holder for a skating member such as a blade runner or a set of wheels.
Description
Sofe Connection for Piece of footwear Field of the invention The present invention relates to a piece of footwear that can be used for the manufacture of shoes in general and more particularly for ice or roller skates.
More particularly, it relates to the connection elements allowing connecting the boot to a blade holder, a roller support or a shoe sole.
Back4round of the invention Traditional shoes, boots, ice skate or roller skate boots are manufactured for decades in the same traditional manner. An insole is made according to well known methods such as die cutting, molding, etc. The insole may then be formed to better fit to the different cavities of the foot.
A last is then used to assemble the different components together. First, the insole is temporarily attached to the last and any excess material may be removed from the edge of the insole to enable a better fit. A boot upper is placed over the last, suitable cement is applied and the bottom margin of the upper is folded over the insole. Permanent attachment is also usually made by tacking the folded portion to the insole. The adjustment of the upper to the last, the required stretching of the material before it is attached to the insole and the attachment operations are often difficult to perform and the final result may directly depend on the worker's skills and experience.
Imperfections such as folds, cement stains, or uncovered areas are very common. This traditional process is also difficult to automate. Manufacturers are thus often dependant upon the availability of experienced workers, who are not always available when needed at reasonable costs.
An outsole is usually attached to the bottom of the boot. In a shoe or boot, the primary use of the outsole is to provide a contact surface to contact the ground. It also hides all imperfections due to the assembling process.
However, the consequences of these imperfections such as reduced life or loosen material, etc, remain.
In the case of a skate, for instance an ice skate, the blade holder is then attached to the boot out sole, usually with rivets. In the case of a roller skate, the roller support is normally riveted to the boot sole. Those rivets are inserted manually, or semi automatically, and the assembling quality largely depends on the operator skills. Imperfectly assembled rivets are very often seen, in particular on low and medium price ice skates.
It is also very difficult to automate entirely the riveting operations. To compensate the difficulties to automate and the related manpower costs, the manufacturing of skates is more and more subject to be transferred in countries having low manpower costs, but this manpower is often inexperienced with these products and the quality may be affected.
The sole being normally a substantially flat surface without any line-up mark, during the assembling process it may be difficult to locate the holder with respect to the boot with a very high accuracy, causing for instance misalignments or other similar problems.
Moreover, considering the forces and stresses encountered by ice skates in use, the rivets are regularly subjected to shear stresses. On most skates, rivets must sustain all forces transmitted from the foot and the boot to the blade holder. A large amount of energy is lost during this transfer, namely because rivets are not particularly efficient in shear. However, to get optimal performance and control, as much energy as possible must be transferred from the boot to the blade.
Thus, as explained, traditional lasted boots, - due to their design and manufacturing process, present many drawbacks. For instance, the process leads to the fact that each assembled product has a different aspect, a different level of quality, etc. The force and/or energy transfer from the boot to the blade is not optimal.
In another aspect, traditional stitched ice skates were made almost entirely of leather. Typically, as described herein above, the construction of the skate boot was made by assembling pieces of leather material over a last. Those leather pieces were connected to each other either by sewn stitches or by adhesives.
The resulting boot was flexible enough so that it would not impede the movement of the foot in any particular direction, while offering a reasonable level of ankle support. For the last few years, however, ice skate manufacturers have used different materials for manufacturing of skate boots in order to provide some required characteristics. For example, skate boots that are now currently available on the market use a combination of leather, nylon and other synthetic materials that are designed to offer an increased resistance to flexing, particularly in the ankle area. The enhanced rigidity of the skate boot in the ankle area is important, particularly for professional players who, in terms or performance gains, derive clear benefits from skates that offer an increased stability in the ankle region. However, it is often difficult to offer an appropriate balance between the rigidity requirements.
Thus, in ice hockey, it is essential for the player to have a skate which is as rigid as possible, especially in terms of resistance to supination and pronation, i.e. movement about a longitudinal axis of the foot. Such rigidity provides the player with direct control over the skate blade edges, which is essential to controlled, balanced and powerful skating.
At the same time, the skate cannot be too rigid, particularly in terms of dorsal and plantar flexion, i.e. movement about a lateral axis, because the player has to be able to flex his ankle normally to maximize power and control.
More particularly, it relates to the connection elements allowing connecting the boot to a blade holder, a roller support or a shoe sole.
Back4round of the invention Traditional shoes, boots, ice skate or roller skate boots are manufactured for decades in the same traditional manner. An insole is made according to well known methods such as die cutting, molding, etc. The insole may then be formed to better fit to the different cavities of the foot.
A last is then used to assemble the different components together. First, the insole is temporarily attached to the last and any excess material may be removed from the edge of the insole to enable a better fit. A boot upper is placed over the last, suitable cement is applied and the bottom margin of the upper is folded over the insole. Permanent attachment is also usually made by tacking the folded portion to the insole. The adjustment of the upper to the last, the required stretching of the material before it is attached to the insole and the attachment operations are often difficult to perform and the final result may directly depend on the worker's skills and experience.
Imperfections such as folds, cement stains, or uncovered areas are very common. This traditional process is also difficult to automate. Manufacturers are thus often dependant upon the availability of experienced workers, who are not always available when needed at reasonable costs.
An outsole is usually attached to the bottom of the boot. In a shoe or boot, the primary use of the outsole is to provide a contact surface to contact the ground. It also hides all imperfections due to the assembling process.
However, the consequences of these imperfections such as reduced life or loosen material, etc, remain.
In the case of a skate, for instance an ice skate, the blade holder is then attached to the boot out sole, usually with rivets. In the case of a roller skate, the roller support is normally riveted to the boot sole. Those rivets are inserted manually, or semi automatically, and the assembling quality largely depends on the operator skills. Imperfectly assembled rivets are very often seen, in particular on low and medium price ice skates.
It is also very difficult to automate entirely the riveting operations. To compensate the difficulties to automate and the related manpower costs, the manufacturing of skates is more and more subject to be transferred in countries having low manpower costs, but this manpower is often inexperienced with these products and the quality may be affected.
The sole being normally a substantially flat surface without any line-up mark, during the assembling process it may be difficult to locate the holder with respect to the boot with a very high accuracy, causing for instance misalignments or other similar problems.
Moreover, considering the forces and stresses encountered by ice skates in use, the rivets are regularly subjected to shear stresses. On most skates, rivets must sustain all forces transmitted from the foot and the boot to the blade holder. A large amount of energy is lost during this transfer, namely because rivets are not particularly efficient in shear. However, to get optimal performance and control, as much energy as possible must be transferred from the boot to the blade.
Thus, as explained, traditional lasted boots, - due to their design and manufacturing process, present many drawbacks. For instance, the process leads to the fact that each assembled product has a different aspect, a different level of quality, etc. The force and/or energy transfer from the boot to the blade is not optimal.
In another aspect, traditional stitched ice skates were made almost entirely of leather. Typically, as described herein above, the construction of the skate boot was made by assembling pieces of leather material over a last. Those leather pieces were connected to each other either by sewn stitches or by adhesives.
The resulting boot was flexible enough so that it would not impede the movement of the foot in any particular direction, while offering a reasonable level of ankle support. For the last few years, however, ice skate manufacturers have used different materials for manufacturing of skate boots in order to provide some required characteristics. For example, skate boots that are now currently available on the market use a combination of leather, nylon and other synthetic materials that are designed to offer an increased resistance to flexing, particularly in the ankle area. The enhanced rigidity of the skate boot in the ankle area is important, particularly for professional players who, in terms or performance gains, derive clear benefits from skates that offer an increased stability in the ankle region. However, it is often difficult to offer an appropriate balance between the rigidity requirements.
Thus, in ice hockey, it is essential for the player to have a skate which is as rigid as possible, especially in terms of resistance to supination and pronation, i.e. movement about a longitudinal axis of the foot. Such rigidity provides the player with direct control over the skate blade edges, which is essential to controlled, balanced and powerful skating.
At the same time, the skate cannot be too rigid, particularly in terms of dorsal and plantar flexion, i.e. movement about a lateral axis, because the player has to be able to flex his ankle normally to maximize power and control.
Also, since injury to the foot and ankle through impact is always a concern, whether through impact from a hockey puck or via a deliberate or accidental slash from a hockey stick, impact protection is highly desirable.
This leads to say that there is a need in the industry for developing a piece of footwear, a skate boot, or a shoe easier and cheaper to manufacture and offering improved mechanical characteristics.
Objects and statement of the invention It is thus an object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing improved comfort and performance.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing impraved quality, namely more stability from product to product during the manufacturing process.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing improved automatization possibilities for the manufacturing process.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing a wide range of design possibilities, in using a limited number of modified elements.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, offering possibilities to extend the life of the skates and enabling to maintain the high level of performance over a longer period.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, offering a good force transmission and/or strain distribution.
9.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, offering ease of insertion and removal.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a skate which improves the overall strength and rigidity of the skate boot, particularly in terms of restricting supination and pronation, i.e. movement about a longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the invention restricts supination and pronation, but permits a certain amount of dorsal and plantar flexion, i.e. movement about a lateral axis.
It is a further object of the invention to provide improved impact protection.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, comprising:
a footwear frame for supporting at least portions of the bottom area of a wearer's foot and having a sole portion at least one connector, provided on said sole.
The traditional lasted boots and the "old fashioned" assembly process, with its difficulties to automate, its unstable quality and other drawbacks may be replaced by a more cost effective process, involving a more stable quality and more possibilities for automatization. For instance, molding techniques may be used to produce the footwear frame.
Advantageously, the piece of footwear comprises at least one connector, extending outwardly from the sole or defined in the outer portion of the sole.
The number, shape and dimensions of the connectors may vary almost infinitely from product to product. The materials may also vary. The connectors are preferably made of the same material as the frame, and may be made as a projection from the sole. In the case of a skate boot, this contributes to enhance the force transmission from the boot to the skating member holder that connects to the boot connectors.
Preferably, the connector extends substantially along more than half or two third of the total length of the sole portion. A long intersection between the sole or the holder and the sole may provide an increased force transmission and provides a better mechanical connection between the members.
Preferably, a front connector is provided in a front portion of the sole and a rear connector is provided in a rear portion of the sole. Independent connection points at the front and at the rear provides optimal connection. It enables a good transmission of lateral forces.
Preferably, the front connector andlor the front connector have either at least one substantially transversal wall or at least one substantially transversal slot defining a first generally transversal plane. The male and female arrangement is provided so that the male element may either be placed on the sole or on the connecting element.
Advantageously, the first and second plane are not equally angled with respect to a given common at rest plane on which the piece of footwear may be placed in an at rest position. This arrangement may help to secure the connecting element, for instance the holder, to the sole.
Advantageously, the piece of footwear further comprises at least one substantially longitudinal wall or slot provided in said sole. To provide a best connection and to ensure as much force transfer as possible, in as much direction as possible, the connection preferably considers the two main axis of the sole, longitudinal and transversal. An almost infinite number of combinations of these two axis may be provides, to provide connection configuration of various shapes and profiles. -Preferably, in accordance with the invention, the footwear frame further comprises an upper comprising lateral portions extending at least partially along each side of a wearer's foot, a heel portion, extending substantially along the wearer's heel, an ankle portion, extending at least partially along the ankle portion of a wearer's foot, said lateral portions defining an opening for insertion of the wearer's foot.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a skate comprising a piece of footwear as defined herein above, further comprising a skating member holder having at least one connection portion adapted for connection to said at least one connector, and a skating member, connected to said holder on the opposite side of said connection portion. The footwear frame and the connectors are preferably integral. The holder may be a blade holder in which case the skate is an ice skate provided with a blade runner connected to said holder, or the holder may be a wheel holder in which case the skate is a roller skate provided with a set of wheels connected to said holder.
The holder is advantageously provided with the other one of at least one substantially transversal wall or slot for connection to the corresponding other element, wall or slot, of the sole portion.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a shoe comprising a piece of footwear as defined herein above.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings.
Brief description of the drawings A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided hereinbelow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a skate boot according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a variant of the skate boot of figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a further variant of the skate boot of figure 1;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a further variant of the skate boot of figure 1;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a skate boot and a blade assembly before final assembly;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a blade holder integrated to the frame;
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an a frame with an all length connector;
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are respectively perspective, side elevational and bottom views of a skate boot having a frame with a front connector and a rear connector;
Figures 11 and 12 are respectively side elevational and rear fragmentary views showing the connection between the boot and the blade holder of an ice skate, before connection;
Figures 13 and 14 are respectively side elevational and rear fragmentary views showing the connection between the boot and the blade holder of an ice skate, after connection;
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate rear fragmentary views showing variants of the connection between the boot and the blade holder of an ice skate, before connection;
Figure 17 illustrates side elevational views showing the assembly axis between the front and rear connectors and the blade holder before assembly;
Figure 18 illustrates the skate of figure 17 after assembly and an example of a locking member used to lock the assembly;
Figure 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of longitudinal type connectors;
Figure 20 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of transversal type connectors;
Figure 21 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming a series of V attached together;
Figure 22 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming opposed hemispherical connection bodies;
Figure 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming opposed triangles;
Figure 24 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming cylindrical connection bodies;
Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of a variant of a frame provided with a resilient portion;
Figure 26 illustrate a perspective view of another variant of a frame provided with a resilient portion;
Figure 27 illustrates a view of the resilient portion from the plane x-x of figure 26;
Figure 28 illustrates a side elevational view of an example of a boot according to the invention;
Figure 29 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example of a shoe according to the invention;
Figure 30 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the boot of figure 28 before assembly;
In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
IQ
Detailed description of preferred embodiments The present invention provides a novel piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot construction that features a novel arrangement and a novel manufacturing process. The described features can be used either on their own or combined together in a skate boot or other type of footwear embodying the principles of the present invention. Most preferably, however, these elements are used together to offer the highest benefits.
As shown in particular in figures 1 and 2, the piece of footwear of the invention comprises first a footwear frame. This footwear frame is advantageously of monocoque construction, and made for example by molding. This element is the "heart" of the boot. Its role may be considered from two different angles. First, on the construction point of view, the frame is used to receive or attach most, or all the other elements of the boot. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the outer cover and the toe cap and tongue assembly are all attached to the frame. As will be described later, the blade holder is also attached to the frame.
Second, considering the design, the frame is preferably used as the main structural element of the boot. It provides support. Through the application, the word support is used in reference to the concept of supporting the user's foot. This concept is very important, namely in the embodiments related to the skate boots. In fact, due to the presence of an equilibrium line (the blade runner) efficient skate boots must provide a lateral support as good as possible. This is important to ensure the foot stability, to provide efficient control, and for comfort. A longitudinal support is also wished, to provide an efficient energy transfer from the foot to the blade. A boot with rigid walls is probably the most natural solution to provide longitudinal andJor lateral support. But other arrangements are also possible.
The skilled man in the art will understand that different degrees of support may be required, depending on the embodiment and the nature of the footwear; for instance, a hockey skate boot needs a high rigidity, for instance to provide very high lateral stability, essential to support a blade runner, whereas a walking boot only requires a limited rigidity compared to the skate boot, as it is not provided with a blade runner. Moreover, a walking boot is subject to be worn for longer periods and thus requires appropriate comfort.
The frame can be made of a single material, for simplicity and economy. It can also be made of two, three, four, or even more materials. A mufti-material frame provides the advantages related to each material. For instance, the frame can be provided with rigid areas, for example to offer a good support, while other areas are made of flexible or resilient material, for example in association with sensitive areas of the foot, to enhance comfort. The wall thickness may also vary from place to place, for instance to provide enhanced or reduced rigidity. All these features may be provided with well-known molding techniques, such as mufti-injection molding or the like.
The frame configuration may follow an almost infinite number of patterns.
Many examples are shown in the annexed drawings. For instance, some configurations may enclose most of the user's foot (such as the example illustrated in figure 1 ), while other configurations may cover only a limited area mainly concentrated in specific portions to provide support.
In the figure 1 example, the footwear frame is provided with a sole portion and an upper comprising lateral portions extending at least partially along each side of the foot, a heel portian, extending substantially along the wearer's heel, an ankle portion, extending at least partially along the ankle portion of a wearer's foot. The lateral portions define an opening for insertion of the wearer's foot. An upper connection portion extends downwardly and forwardly from the rear top portion of the lateral ~ivalls, to the top lateral walls of the toe portion. This connection portion may be provided with eyelets.
The frame is preferably of monocoque construction. It may be provided with upper wings, extending upwardly from the rear of the ankle portion.
An outer cover, in one or more parts, is placed adjacent the footwear frame and substantially adapted to the outer profile of the frame. In figure 1, the cover is made of a single piece and its profile is substantially adapted to the outer contour of the frame. The cover is advantageously glued to the frame.
The frame may also be attached to the frame by any other mechanical or chemical process.
The frame comprises a toe cap for substantially covering a wearer's toes. It also comprises a tongue. The tongue is advantageously connected to the toe cap. The resulting toe cap and tongue assembly may be manufactured as a single element, for example by molding. It can also be made of two (or more) elements connected together for instance with glue, or with any other mechanical or chemical process.
The toe cap rigidity may vary considerably depending on the embodiment.
For instance, with skate boots, the toe cap is usually relatively hard, namely to ensure protection, for instance against puck or hockey stick impacts. To the contrary, walking shoes or sport shoes use a rather smooth toe cap, to maximize comfort.
The toe cap is advantageously shaped complementary to the front portion of the frame. In the example illustrated in figure 1, the toe cap is shaped to cover the upper lateral and top portions of the toes region. The tongue extends upwardly and rearwardly from the rear top portion of the toe cap.
The boot central aperture, provided for the insertion and removal of the foot, is thus covered. In most footwear arrangements, the tongue is maintained and the shoe attached with laces, going through a series of eyelets provided on the upper portion of each lateral wall. Once the laces are loosed, the 1.3 tongue may easily be pulled up, to facilitate the insertion or removal of the foot.
Figure 2 illustrates a variant of the frame without upper wings.
Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the frame without eyelets. In such a design, the upper cover may be provided with series of eyelets on each side thereof.
The portions provided with the eyelets extend from the frame, so that the laces may be installed without interference with the frame.
Figure 4 illustrates a variant where the frontal portion or toe portion of the frame is only connected to the rear portion via the sole, or bottom portion of the frame. The upper connection portion connecting the rear upper and front portions of the frame, as shown in figure 1, has been removed in the variant of figure 4. This resulting variant may be used to provide different mechanical properties to the boot, for instance more flexibility, or reduced weight. The outer cover may also be designed to provide the required properties. It may for instance be made more rigid, to compensate the absence of the upper connection portion, or flexible, if a flexible front portion is required.
The desired characteristics of the outer cover may be obtained in using different materials andlor different wall thickness andlor using composites.
In the variant illustrated in figure 4, the eyelets are provided partly on the outer cover (for the lower eyelets) and partly on the frame side portions (for the upper eyeletsj.
Figure 5 illustrates the example of figure 1 before assembly with a blade holder provided with a blade runner. These elements are well known in the art. For instance, a blade holder as the one manufactured by Bauer Nike hockey Inc. and sold under the name TUUK and the corresponding blade runner may be used. Other assemblies may also be used. The blade older may be attached to the sole of the boot with rivets, as traditionally done in the ice skate industry. Other attachment types are also possible, as described herein below.
Figure 6 illustrates an example provided with a blade holder advantageously molded with the footwear frame. Such an embodiment provides many advantages. For instance, a major assembly operation is no longer required, that is to say the blade holder attachment operation. When done traditionally, with rivets, this operation is very time consuming and also very critical. The quality of the riveting operation may vary from skate to skate, leading to quality or reliability problems. These drawbacks are thus avoided. Moreover, the direct link created between the boot and the blade holder provides enhanced energy transfer and support.
Figure 7 illustrates a variant of the piece of footwear provided with an elongated connector, extending longitudinally below the sole. It may extend on substantially all length of the sole as shown in figure 7, or on a shorter portion.
Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a variant with a front connector and a rear connector.
Figures 11 to 18 illustrate examples of the connection between the connectors and the blade holder. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a skate boot and a blade holder before connection, and figures 13 and 14 illustrate these elements after connection. The connection is advantageously provided with a male/female arrangement. The male may be provided either on the boot (as shown in figures 12, 14 and 15) or on the holder (as shown in figure 16).
For a better connection, the connector and the blade holder are advantageously provided with indentations. For instance, as shown in figure 12, corresponding male and female indentations, preferably transversally 1 '~
oriented, that interpenetrate each other, may contribute to secure the assembly between the two elements. Moreover, lateral efforts, torque forces and even the longitudinal forces are better transmitted from the boot to the holder and then to the blade runner. The indentations may be arranged as a clic-in arrangement. The female element is thus designed so that its lateral walls slightly moves outwardly mainly due to the elasticity of the element.
Once the connection is established, the male element is "locked in" the female element. The number, size and orientation of the indentations may follow an almost unlimited number of patterns. For instance, in figure 12 and 14, there are two substantially transversal indentations on each inner portions of the lateral walls. In figure 15, the upper indentation is substantially vertical. The combination of angularly spaced indentations may provide increased performance, for instance with regard to the force transmission.
Variants with removable blade holder may be provided. The assembly is then preferably made without permanent assembly element or compound such as glue or the like. The elasticity of the female element is thus sufficient to allow the disassembly of the two elements. Such a variant is particularly advantageous for the product categories sold as reparable. If the blade holder is damaged, it can be replaced. The user does not have to buy a new pair of skates. This may be of particular interest for the high-end (more expensive) skates. This may also be advantageous for the custom made skates, because the boots may be used with an almost unlimited number of holders. A special tool may be designed to facilitate the removal operation.
Variants with permanently attached holder may also be provided. A
permanent fixation element or compound may then be used. The elasticity of the female element may be lower than with a variant with a detachable holder. Permanent attachment may be desired for some products less subject to damage.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an example of connection between a boot having a front male connector and a rear male connector and a corresponding blade holder. The assembly axis is preferably established in considering the main forces and stresses of the skate when used in normal condition. For instance, the assembly axis is advantageously oriented to be as different as possible from the main forces or stresses generated at the bootlframe interface. This is highly desirable to minimize involuntary disassembly risks. In this example, both connectors are adapted for substantially simultaneously assembly.
Locking elements are also preferably used to avoid involuntary disassembly risks. In the illustrated example, a locking key or pin is inserted at the assembly interface, for example in front of the front connector. In this example, the locking key fills a gap between the connector and the holder that is located at least partially outside the assembly/disassembly path.
Thus, the holder can not be removed without removing first the locking key. In this example the key is inserted from the top of the sole, following a locking key axis that is angularly spaced from the assembly axis. Other types of locking elements andlor other location for insertion may be provided. For instance, one or more (for example a front and a rear) locking pins could be inserted from the lateral portions of the holder. Rivets, screws, pins, or any other type of locking elements may be used.
Apart from the connection portion, the blade holder as well as the blade runner, may be of traditional types, for instance such as the above mentioned TUUK blade arrangement.
Figures 19 to 24 illustrate variants of boots provided with examples of different types of connectors. The boot of figure 19 is provided with longitudinal ribs. In this example, two spaced apart ribs at the front and two spaced apart ribs at the rear are provided. The number, dimensions and position of the ribs may vary in other examples. The holder is provided with corresponding slots. The longitudinal arrangement of the ribs/slots provides la an efficient lateral support. The lateral forces and lateral efforts are thus efficiently transmitted from the boot to the holder. Efforts oriented in other directions are also transmitted, but not as efficiently as the lateral ones.
Other configurations provide better transmission for other types of forces. For instance, the variant illustrated in figure 20 is particularly efficient for the longitudinal forces.
It may be advantageous to provide optimal force transmission and support in as many orientations as possible to optimize the characteristics of the skate.
Thus, it may be desired to use other connector configurations, for example configurations offering good longitudinal and lateral behaviors. Figure 21 illustrates an example provided with substantially longitudinally aligned V-shaped ribs. Figure 22 shows spaced apart opposite and symmetrical curved portions. Figure 23 shows pairs of triangular ribs disposed face to face with the head of the triangles interfacing each other. Figure 24 shows tubular or cylindrical ribs: four elements forming a front connector and two others forming a rear connector.
In all these previous examples, the number, dimensions, orientations, etc of the different elements may vary almost infinitely. Combinations of the different types illustrated andlor other types result in an infinite number of possibilities. In the illustrated examples the male element is provided on the boot and the slots on the holder. This confguration may be reversed. Also, a single skate may comprise a combination of male and female connectors on the boot, with a corresponding female and male arrangement on the holder.
Figures 25 to 27 illustrate a skate boot having a resilient portion. In the variant shown in figure 25, the resilient portion is in the form of a semi-circular band extending upwardly from the ankle portion of the boot and extending longitudinally from a first lacing edge to the second lacing edge.
In the illustrated embodiment, the band height substantially corresponds to the required length to place three eyelets. The band height may of course vary in other variants to be smaller or greater than in this example. The longitudinal or radial length may also considerably vary from one example to the other.
For instance, the band may be interrupted in the rear portion and replaced by a less resilient portion or zone. The band may also be ending adjacent the eyelets so that the latter are outside the band, as shown in figure 25. In such a case, a substantially rigid eyelet band is provided on each side of the resilient portion and covers a surface slightly larger than the eyelets and long enough to allow their spaced apart alignment along the lateral edges. The eyelet band may be advantageous to avoid any undesirable resilient action interfering with the eyelets.
A cut-out portion is advantageously provided between the bottom of the eyelet band and the front upper portion of the ankle region. This cut-out portion is advantageously V-shaped with the open end of the V being adjacent the edge of the wall, and the sharp end facing substantially towards the ankle.
The resilient portion is provided to allow a certain amount of flexion movement in the plantar direction. The alternating front to rear movement of the wearer's legs and feet is considerably facilitated if the lower portion of the leg is allowed to flex forwardly. Thus, when the knee and the lower leg portion are projected in the forward direction, the boot resilient portion is placed under tension. The resilient characteristics allow the eyelet bands to pivot forwardly, following the f3 angle as show in figure 25 (the illustrated angle is enlarged for the purpose of illustration). In most cases, the real angle is rather small and may even be difficult to see for the user trying to pull with his hand the upper eyelet to cause the pivoting action.
The resilient portion may be made with any type of resilient material, for instance of elastomeric type, or the like.
All these characteristics contribute to provide a skate boot having enhanced mechanical properties. For instance, the tongue has more freedom to move longitudinally. Skaters may thus optimize their performances. This also provides enhanced comfort.
Figure 26 illustrates a variant of a skate boot provided with a resilient portion.
In this example, the resilient band is placed over a rigid portion. The rigid portion extends upwardly from the heel portion to the top of the ankle portion.
The upper region is provided with substantially vertical and substantially parallel slots extending to the top edge of the boot and providing openings at this top edge portion. The openings and the slots are advantageously filled-up with elongated teeth protruding from the resilient band. Such an arrangement may be provided for instance by well-known over-molding techniques. The opened slots provide flexibility to the top portion of the boot in allowing the material between the slots to slightly bent. The teeth provide only limited retention force due to their elasticity. Thus, the resilient portion may flex forward andlor rearward. The flex movement is mainly caused by the forward and aft movement of the lower leg portion of the wearer.
The example illustrated in figure 26 further comprises a substantially rigid heel portion and a substantially semi-rigid portion extending longitudinally along the lacing edges. These different portions of the boot all have different mechanical properties one relative to the other.
Figure 27 illustrates a view of the resilient portion from the plane x-x of figure 26.
Figures 28 to 30 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which the boot is used as a walking boot or shoe. In figure 30, a footwear frame is used to provide the main body of the shoe. In most aspects, the frame is similar to the one described in the previous embodiment for a skate boot. However, the front and rear connectors are used to provide a front and a rear walking surfaces. For this reason, the mechanical characteristics of the connectors are preferably adapted to provide the usual characteristics of a shoe sole.
They may therefore be made of a different material than the frame.
An optional outer sole may be provided as shown in figure 28. Front and/or rear connection apertures may be provided on the sole as illustrated in figure 30. The connectors may thus protrude through the sole and form a contacting surface (see figure 28). The connectors and the sole could also be arranged so that the connectors do not protrude from the sole. In such a variant, they are only provided to ensure the connection between the two elements.
Figure 29 shows a variant with a smaller frame provided with an outer cover, forming a shoe. The front and rear connectors are directly used to provide walking surfaces.
The foregoing description clearly establishes that the objects of the invention are achieved.
The above description of preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
This leads to say that there is a need in the industry for developing a piece of footwear, a skate boot, or a shoe easier and cheaper to manufacture and offering improved mechanical characteristics.
Objects and statement of the invention It is thus an object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing improved comfort and performance.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing impraved quality, namely more stability from product to product during the manufacturing process.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing improved automatization possibilities for the manufacturing process.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, providing a wide range of design possibilities, in using a limited number of modified elements.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, offering possibilities to extend the life of the skates and enabling to maintain the high level of performance over a longer period.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, offering a good force transmission and/or strain distribution.
9.
It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, offering ease of insertion and removal.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a skate which improves the overall strength and rigidity of the skate boot, particularly in terms of restricting supination and pronation, i.e. movement about a longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the invention restricts supination and pronation, but permits a certain amount of dorsal and plantar flexion, i.e. movement about a lateral axis.
It is a further object of the invention to provide improved impact protection.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, comprising:
a footwear frame for supporting at least portions of the bottom area of a wearer's foot and having a sole portion at least one connector, provided on said sole.
The traditional lasted boots and the "old fashioned" assembly process, with its difficulties to automate, its unstable quality and other drawbacks may be replaced by a more cost effective process, involving a more stable quality and more possibilities for automatization. For instance, molding techniques may be used to produce the footwear frame.
Advantageously, the piece of footwear comprises at least one connector, extending outwardly from the sole or defined in the outer portion of the sole.
The number, shape and dimensions of the connectors may vary almost infinitely from product to product. The materials may also vary. The connectors are preferably made of the same material as the frame, and may be made as a projection from the sole. In the case of a skate boot, this contributes to enhance the force transmission from the boot to the skating member holder that connects to the boot connectors.
Preferably, the connector extends substantially along more than half or two third of the total length of the sole portion. A long intersection between the sole or the holder and the sole may provide an increased force transmission and provides a better mechanical connection between the members.
Preferably, a front connector is provided in a front portion of the sole and a rear connector is provided in a rear portion of the sole. Independent connection points at the front and at the rear provides optimal connection. It enables a good transmission of lateral forces.
Preferably, the front connector andlor the front connector have either at least one substantially transversal wall or at least one substantially transversal slot defining a first generally transversal plane. The male and female arrangement is provided so that the male element may either be placed on the sole or on the connecting element.
Advantageously, the first and second plane are not equally angled with respect to a given common at rest plane on which the piece of footwear may be placed in an at rest position. This arrangement may help to secure the connecting element, for instance the holder, to the sole.
Advantageously, the piece of footwear further comprises at least one substantially longitudinal wall or slot provided in said sole. To provide a best connection and to ensure as much force transfer as possible, in as much direction as possible, the connection preferably considers the two main axis of the sole, longitudinal and transversal. An almost infinite number of combinations of these two axis may be provides, to provide connection configuration of various shapes and profiles. -Preferably, in accordance with the invention, the footwear frame further comprises an upper comprising lateral portions extending at least partially along each side of a wearer's foot, a heel portion, extending substantially along the wearer's heel, an ankle portion, extending at least partially along the ankle portion of a wearer's foot, said lateral portions defining an opening for insertion of the wearer's foot.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a skate comprising a piece of footwear as defined herein above, further comprising a skating member holder having at least one connection portion adapted for connection to said at least one connector, and a skating member, connected to said holder on the opposite side of said connection portion. The footwear frame and the connectors are preferably integral. The holder may be a blade holder in which case the skate is an ice skate provided with a blade runner connected to said holder, or the holder may be a wheel holder in which case the skate is a roller skate provided with a set of wheels connected to said holder.
The holder is advantageously provided with the other one of at least one substantially transversal wall or slot for connection to the corresponding other element, wall or slot, of the sole portion.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a shoe comprising a piece of footwear as defined herein above.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings.
Brief description of the drawings A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided hereinbelow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a skate boot according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a variant of the skate boot of figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a further variant of the skate boot of figure 1;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a further variant of the skate boot of figure 1;
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a skate boot and a blade assembly before final assembly;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a blade holder integrated to the frame;
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an a frame with an all length connector;
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are respectively perspective, side elevational and bottom views of a skate boot having a frame with a front connector and a rear connector;
Figures 11 and 12 are respectively side elevational and rear fragmentary views showing the connection between the boot and the blade holder of an ice skate, before connection;
Figures 13 and 14 are respectively side elevational and rear fragmentary views showing the connection between the boot and the blade holder of an ice skate, after connection;
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate rear fragmentary views showing variants of the connection between the boot and the blade holder of an ice skate, before connection;
Figure 17 illustrates side elevational views showing the assembly axis between the front and rear connectors and the blade holder before assembly;
Figure 18 illustrates the skate of figure 17 after assembly and an example of a locking member used to lock the assembly;
Figure 19 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of longitudinal type connectors;
Figure 20 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of transversal type connectors;
Figure 21 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming a series of V attached together;
Figure 22 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming opposed hemispherical connection bodies;
Figure 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming opposed triangles;
Figure 24 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a skate boot and the corresponding blade holder using an example of a combined longitudinal and lateral type of connectors, forming cylindrical connection bodies;
Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of a variant of a frame provided with a resilient portion;
Figure 26 illustrate a perspective view of another variant of a frame provided with a resilient portion;
Figure 27 illustrates a view of the resilient portion from the plane x-x of figure 26;
Figure 28 illustrates a side elevational view of an example of a boot according to the invention;
Figure 29 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example of a shoe according to the invention;
Figure 30 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the boot of figure 28 before assembly;
In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
IQ
Detailed description of preferred embodiments The present invention provides a novel piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot construction that features a novel arrangement and a novel manufacturing process. The described features can be used either on their own or combined together in a skate boot or other type of footwear embodying the principles of the present invention. Most preferably, however, these elements are used together to offer the highest benefits.
As shown in particular in figures 1 and 2, the piece of footwear of the invention comprises first a footwear frame. This footwear frame is advantageously of monocoque construction, and made for example by molding. This element is the "heart" of the boot. Its role may be considered from two different angles. First, on the construction point of view, the frame is used to receive or attach most, or all the other elements of the boot. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the outer cover and the toe cap and tongue assembly are all attached to the frame. As will be described later, the blade holder is also attached to the frame.
Second, considering the design, the frame is preferably used as the main structural element of the boot. It provides support. Through the application, the word support is used in reference to the concept of supporting the user's foot. This concept is very important, namely in the embodiments related to the skate boots. In fact, due to the presence of an equilibrium line (the blade runner) efficient skate boots must provide a lateral support as good as possible. This is important to ensure the foot stability, to provide efficient control, and for comfort. A longitudinal support is also wished, to provide an efficient energy transfer from the foot to the blade. A boot with rigid walls is probably the most natural solution to provide longitudinal andJor lateral support. But other arrangements are also possible.
The skilled man in the art will understand that different degrees of support may be required, depending on the embodiment and the nature of the footwear; for instance, a hockey skate boot needs a high rigidity, for instance to provide very high lateral stability, essential to support a blade runner, whereas a walking boot only requires a limited rigidity compared to the skate boot, as it is not provided with a blade runner. Moreover, a walking boot is subject to be worn for longer periods and thus requires appropriate comfort.
The frame can be made of a single material, for simplicity and economy. It can also be made of two, three, four, or even more materials. A mufti-material frame provides the advantages related to each material. For instance, the frame can be provided with rigid areas, for example to offer a good support, while other areas are made of flexible or resilient material, for example in association with sensitive areas of the foot, to enhance comfort. The wall thickness may also vary from place to place, for instance to provide enhanced or reduced rigidity. All these features may be provided with well-known molding techniques, such as mufti-injection molding or the like.
The frame configuration may follow an almost infinite number of patterns.
Many examples are shown in the annexed drawings. For instance, some configurations may enclose most of the user's foot (such as the example illustrated in figure 1 ), while other configurations may cover only a limited area mainly concentrated in specific portions to provide support.
In the figure 1 example, the footwear frame is provided with a sole portion and an upper comprising lateral portions extending at least partially along each side of the foot, a heel portian, extending substantially along the wearer's heel, an ankle portion, extending at least partially along the ankle portion of a wearer's foot. The lateral portions define an opening for insertion of the wearer's foot. An upper connection portion extends downwardly and forwardly from the rear top portion of the lateral ~ivalls, to the top lateral walls of the toe portion. This connection portion may be provided with eyelets.
The frame is preferably of monocoque construction. It may be provided with upper wings, extending upwardly from the rear of the ankle portion.
An outer cover, in one or more parts, is placed adjacent the footwear frame and substantially adapted to the outer profile of the frame. In figure 1, the cover is made of a single piece and its profile is substantially adapted to the outer contour of the frame. The cover is advantageously glued to the frame.
The frame may also be attached to the frame by any other mechanical or chemical process.
The frame comprises a toe cap for substantially covering a wearer's toes. It also comprises a tongue. The tongue is advantageously connected to the toe cap. The resulting toe cap and tongue assembly may be manufactured as a single element, for example by molding. It can also be made of two (or more) elements connected together for instance with glue, or with any other mechanical or chemical process.
The toe cap rigidity may vary considerably depending on the embodiment.
For instance, with skate boots, the toe cap is usually relatively hard, namely to ensure protection, for instance against puck or hockey stick impacts. To the contrary, walking shoes or sport shoes use a rather smooth toe cap, to maximize comfort.
The toe cap is advantageously shaped complementary to the front portion of the frame. In the example illustrated in figure 1, the toe cap is shaped to cover the upper lateral and top portions of the toes region. The tongue extends upwardly and rearwardly from the rear top portion of the toe cap.
The boot central aperture, provided for the insertion and removal of the foot, is thus covered. In most footwear arrangements, the tongue is maintained and the shoe attached with laces, going through a series of eyelets provided on the upper portion of each lateral wall. Once the laces are loosed, the 1.3 tongue may easily be pulled up, to facilitate the insertion or removal of the foot.
Figure 2 illustrates a variant of the frame without upper wings.
Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the frame without eyelets. In such a design, the upper cover may be provided with series of eyelets on each side thereof.
The portions provided with the eyelets extend from the frame, so that the laces may be installed without interference with the frame.
Figure 4 illustrates a variant where the frontal portion or toe portion of the frame is only connected to the rear portion via the sole, or bottom portion of the frame. The upper connection portion connecting the rear upper and front portions of the frame, as shown in figure 1, has been removed in the variant of figure 4. This resulting variant may be used to provide different mechanical properties to the boot, for instance more flexibility, or reduced weight. The outer cover may also be designed to provide the required properties. It may for instance be made more rigid, to compensate the absence of the upper connection portion, or flexible, if a flexible front portion is required.
The desired characteristics of the outer cover may be obtained in using different materials andlor different wall thickness andlor using composites.
In the variant illustrated in figure 4, the eyelets are provided partly on the outer cover (for the lower eyelets) and partly on the frame side portions (for the upper eyeletsj.
Figure 5 illustrates the example of figure 1 before assembly with a blade holder provided with a blade runner. These elements are well known in the art. For instance, a blade holder as the one manufactured by Bauer Nike hockey Inc. and sold under the name TUUK and the corresponding blade runner may be used. Other assemblies may also be used. The blade older may be attached to the sole of the boot with rivets, as traditionally done in the ice skate industry. Other attachment types are also possible, as described herein below.
Figure 6 illustrates an example provided with a blade holder advantageously molded with the footwear frame. Such an embodiment provides many advantages. For instance, a major assembly operation is no longer required, that is to say the blade holder attachment operation. When done traditionally, with rivets, this operation is very time consuming and also very critical. The quality of the riveting operation may vary from skate to skate, leading to quality or reliability problems. These drawbacks are thus avoided. Moreover, the direct link created between the boot and the blade holder provides enhanced energy transfer and support.
Figure 7 illustrates a variant of the piece of footwear provided with an elongated connector, extending longitudinally below the sole. It may extend on substantially all length of the sole as shown in figure 7, or on a shorter portion.
Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a variant with a front connector and a rear connector.
Figures 11 to 18 illustrate examples of the connection between the connectors and the blade holder. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a skate boot and a blade holder before connection, and figures 13 and 14 illustrate these elements after connection. The connection is advantageously provided with a male/female arrangement. The male may be provided either on the boot (as shown in figures 12, 14 and 15) or on the holder (as shown in figure 16).
For a better connection, the connector and the blade holder are advantageously provided with indentations. For instance, as shown in figure 12, corresponding male and female indentations, preferably transversally 1 '~
oriented, that interpenetrate each other, may contribute to secure the assembly between the two elements. Moreover, lateral efforts, torque forces and even the longitudinal forces are better transmitted from the boot to the holder and then to the blade runner. The indentations may be arranged as a clic-in arrangement. The female element is thus designed so that its lateral walls slightly moves outwardly mainly due to the elasticity of the element.
Once the connection is established, the male element is "locked in" the female element. The number, size and orientation of the indentations may follow an almost unlimited number of patterns. For instance, in figure 12 and 14, there are two substantially transversal indentations on each inner portions of the lateral walls. In figure 15, the upper indentation is substantially vertical. The combination of angularly spaced indentations may provide increased performance, for instance with regard to the force transmission.
Variants with removable blade holder may be provided. The assembly is then preferably made without permanent assembly element or compound such as glue or the like. The elasticity of the female element is thus sufficient to allow the disassembly of the two elements. Such a variant is particularly advantageous for the product categories sold as reparable. If the blade holder is damaged, it can be replaced. The user does not have to buy a new pair of skates. This may be of particular interest for the high-end (more expensive) skates. This may also be advantageous for the custom made skates, because the boots may be used with an almost unlimited number of holders. A special tool may be designed to facilitate the removal operation.
Variants with permanently attached holder may also be provided. A
permanent fixation element or compound may then be used. The elasticity of the female element may be lower than with a variant with a detachable holder. Permanent attachment may be desired for some products less subject to damage.
Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an example of connection between a boot having a front male connector and a rear male connector and a corresponding blade holder. The assembly axis is preferably established in considering the main forces and stresses of the skate when used in normal condition. For instance, the assembly axis is advantageously oriented to be as different as possible from the main forces or stresses generated at the bootlframe interface. This is highly desirable to minimize involuntary disassembly risks. In this example, both connectors are adapted for substantially simultaneously assembly.
Locking elements are also preferably used to avoid involuntary disassembly risks. In the illustrated example, a locking key or pin is inserted at the assembly interface, for example in front of the front connector. In this example, the locking key fills a gap between the connector and the holder that is located at least partially outside the assembly/disassembly path.
Thus, the holder can not be removed without removing first the locking key. In this example the key is inserted from the top of the sole, following a locking key axis that is angularly spaced from the assembly axis. Other types of locking elements andlor other location for insertion may be provided. For instance, one or more (for example a front and a rear) locking pins could be inserted from the lateral portions of the holder. Rivets, screws, pins, or any other type of locking elements may be used.
Apart from the connection portion, the blade holder as well as the blade runner, may be of traditional types, for instance such as the above mentioned TUUK blade arrangement.
Figures 19 to 24 illustrate variants of boots provided with examples of different types of connectors. The boot of figure 19 is provided with longitudinal ribs. In this example, two spaced apart ribs at the front and two spaced apart ribs at the rear are provided. The number, dimensions and position of the ribs may vary in other examples. The holder is provided with corresponding slots. The longitudinal arrangement of the ribs/slots provides la an efficient lateral support. The lateral forces and lateral efforts are thus efficiently transmitted from the boot to the holder. Efforts oriented in other directions are also transmitted, but not as efficiently as the lateral ones.
Other configurations provide better transmission for other types of forces. For instance, the variant illustrated in figure 20 is particularly efficient for the longitudinal forces.
It may be advantageous to provide optimal force transmission and support in as many orientations as possible to optimize the characteristics of the skate.
Thus, it may be desired to use other connector configurations, for example configurations offering good longitudinal and lateral behaviors. Figure 21 illustrates an example provided with substantially longitudinally aligned V-shaped ribs. Figure 22 shows spaced apart opposite and symmetrical curved portions. Figure 23 shows pairs of triangular ribs disposed face to face with the head of the triangles interfacing each other. Figure 24 shows tubular or cylindrical ribs: four elements forming a front connector and two others forming a rear connector.
In all these previous examples, the number, dimensions, orientations, etc of the different elements may vary almost infinitely. Combinations of the different types illustrated andlor other types result in an infinite number of possibilities. In the illustrated examples the male element is provided on the boot and the slots on the holder. This confguration may be reversed. Also, a single skate may comprise a combination of male and female connectors on the boot, with a corresponding female and male arrangement on the holder.
Figures 25 to 27 illustrate a skate boot having a resilient portion. In the variant shown in figure 25, the resilient portion is in the form of a semi-circular band extending upwardly from the ankle portion of the boot and extending longitudinally from a first lacing edge to the second lacing edge.
In the illustrated embodiment, the band height substantially corresponds to the required length to place three eyelets. The band height may of course vary in other variants to be smaller or greater than in this example. The longitudinal or radial length may also considerably vary from one example to the other.
For instance, the band may be interrupted in the rear portion and replaced by a less resilient portion or zone. The band may also be ending adjacent the eyelets so that the latter are outside the band, as shown in figure 25. In such a case, a substantially rigid eyelet band is provided on each side of the resilient portion and covers a surface slightly larger than the eyelets and long enough to allow their spaced apart alignment along the lateral edges. The eyelet band may be advantageous to avoid any undesirable resilient action interfering with the eyelets.
A cut-out portion is advantageously provided between the bottom of the eyelet band and the front upper portion of the ankle region. This cut-out portion is advantageously V-shaped with the open end of the V being adjacent the edge of the wall, and the sharp end facing substantially towards the ankle.
The resilient portion is provided to allow a certain amount of flexion movement in the plantar direction. The alternating front to rear movement of the wearer's legs and feet is considerably facilitated if the lower portion of the leg is allowed to flex forwardly. Thus, when the knee and the lower leg portion are projected in the forward direction, the boot resilient portion is placed under tension. The resilient characteristics allow the eyelet bands to pivot forwardly, following the f3 angle as show in figure 25 (the illustrated angle is enlarged for the purpose of illustration). In most cases, the real angle is rather small and may even be difficult to see for the user trying to pull with his hand the upper eyelet to cause the pivoting action.
The resilient portion may be made with any type of resilient material, for instance of elastomeric type, or the like.
All these characteristics contribute to provide a skate boot having enhanced mechanical properties. For instance, the tongue has more freedom to move longitudinally. Skaters may thus optimize their performances. This also provides enhanced comfort.
Figure 26 illustrates a variant of a skate boot provided with a resilient portion.
In this example, the resilient band is placed over a rigid portion. The rigid portion extends upwardly from the heel portion to the top of the ankle portion.
The upper region is provided with substantially vertical and substantially parallel slots extending to the top edge of the boot and providing openings at this top edge portion. The openings and the slots are advantageously filled-up with elongated teeth protruding from the resilient band. Such an arrangement may be provided for instance by well-known over-molding techniques. The opened slots provide flexibility to the top portion of the boot in allowing the material between the slots to slightly bent. The teeth provide only limited retention force due to their elasticity. Thus, the resilient portion may flex forward andlor rearward. The flex movement is mainly caused by the forward and aft movement of the lower leg portion of the wearer.
The example illustrated in figure 26 further comprises a substantially rigid heel portion and a substantially semi-rigid portion extending longitudinally along the lacing edges. These different portions of the boot all have different mechanical properties one relative to the other.
Figure 27 illustrates a view of the resilient portion from the plane x-x of figure 26.
Figures 28 to 30 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which the boot is used as a walking boot or shoe. In figure 30, a footwear frame is used to provide the main body of the shoe. In most aspects, the frame is similar to the one described in the previous embodiment for a skate boot. However, the front and rear connectors are used to provide a front and a rear walking surfaces. For this reason, the mechanical characteristics of the connectors are preferably adapted to provide the usual characteristics of a shoe sole.
They may therefore be made of a different material than the frame.
An optional outer sole may be provided as shown in figure 28. Front and/or rear connection apertures may be provided on the sole as illustrated in figure 30. The connectors may thus protrude through the sole and form a contacting surface (see figure 28). The connectors and the sole could also be arranged so that the connectors do not protrude from the sole. In such a variant, they are only provided to ensure the connection between the two elements.
Figure 29 shows a variant with a smaller frame provided with an outer cover, forming a shoe. The front and rear connectors are directly used to provide walking surfaces.
The foregoing description clearly establishes that the objects of the invention are achieved.
The above description of preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (17)
1. A piece of footwear, in particular a skate boot, comprising:
~ a footwear frame for supporting at least portions of the bottom area of a wearer's foot and having a sole portion ~ at least one connector, provided on said sole.
~ a footwear frame for supporting at least portions of the bottom area of a wearer's foot and having a sole portion ~ at least one connector, provided on said sole.
2. A piece of footwear as defined in claim 1, wherein said connector extends outwardly from said sole.
3. A piece of footwear as defined in claim 1, wherein said connector is defined in the outer portion of the sole.
4. A piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said connector extends substantially along more than half of the total length of the sole portion.
5. A piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said connector extends substantially along more than two third of the total length of the sole portion.
6. A piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a front connector provided in a front portion of the sole and a rear connector, provided in a rear portion of the sole.
7. A piece of footwear as defined in claim 6, wherein said front connector have either at least one substantially transversal wall or at least one substantially transversal slot defining a first generally transversal plane.
8. A piece of footwear as defined in claim 7 or 8, wherein said rear connector have either at least one substantially transversal wall or at least one substantially transversal slot defining a second generally transversal plane.
9. A piece of footwear as defined in claim 7 or 8, wherein said first and second plane are not equally angled with respect to a given common at rest plane on which the piece of footwear may be placed in an at rest position.
10. A piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising at least one substantially longitudinal wall or slot provided in said sole.
11. A piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said footwear frame further comprises an upper comprising lateral portions extending at least partially along each side of a wearer's foot, a heel portion, extending substantially along the wearer's heel, an ankle portion, extending at least partially along the ankle portion of a wearer's foot, said lateral portions defining an opening for insertion of the wearer's foot.
12. A skate comprising a piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a skating member holder having at least one connection portion adapted for connection to said at least one connector, and a skating member, connected to said holder on the opposite side of said connection portion.
13. A skate as defined in claim 12, wherein said footwear frame and said connectors are integral.
14. A skate as defined in claim 12 or 13, wherein said holder is provided with the other one of at least one substantially transversal wall or slot for connection to the corresponding other element, wall or slot, of the sole portion.
15. A skate as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said holder is a blade holder and said skate is an ice skate provided with a blade runner connected to said holder.
16. A skate as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said holder is a wheel holder and said skate is a roller skate provided with a set of wheels connected to said holder.
17. A shoe comprising a piece of footwear as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2256932 CA2256932A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1998-12-22 | Sole connection for piece of footwear |
| CA 2290209 CA2290209A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1999-11-19 | Ice skate runner holder |
| EP99403236A EP1013314A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1999-12-21 | Ice skate runner holder |
| CA 2292999 CA2292999A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1999-12-21 | Ice skate |
| EP99403242A EP1013315A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1999-12-21 | Ice skate |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2256932 CA2256932A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1998-12-22 | Sole connection for piece of footwear |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2256932A1 true CA2256932A1 (en) | 2000-06-22 |
Family
ID=29425888
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2256932 Abandoned CA2256932A1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 1998-12-22 | Sole connection for piece of footwear |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2256932A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2198728A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2010-06-23 | Sport Maska Inc. | Constitution of a skate boot |
| WO2012095775A1 (en) * | 2011-01-11 | 2012-07-19 | Steven Swan | An ice skate |
| EP2777416A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-17 | Bauer Hockey Corp. | Skate boot having a lace member with at least one opening |
| US9622539B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-04-18 | Bauer Hockey, Inc. | Skate boot having a lace member with at least one opening |
| US9936762B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2018-04-10 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate and method of manufacture |
-
1998
- 1998-12-22 CA CA 2256932 patent/CA2256932A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2198728A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2010-06-23 | Sport Maska Inc. | Constitution of a skate boot |
| US8387286B2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2013-03-05 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate |
| EP2987420A1 (en) * | 2008-12-19 | 2016-02-24 | Sport Maska Inc. | Constitution of a skate boot |
| US9833036B2 (en) | 2008-12-19 | 2017-12-05 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate |
| WO2012095775A1 (en) * | 2011-01-11 | 2012-07-19 | Steven Swan | An ice skate |
| US9622539B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2017-04-18 | Bauer Hockey, Inc. | Skate boot having a lace member with at least one opening |
| US10231508B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2019-03-19 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Skate boot having a lace member with at least one opening |
| US11140942B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2021-10-12 | Bauer Hockey Llc | Skate boot having a lace member with at least one opening |
| EP2777416A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-17 | Bauer Hockey Corp. | Skate boot having a lace member with at least one opening |
| US9936762B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2018-04-10 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate and method of manufacture |
| US10897952B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2021-01-26 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate and method of manufacture |
| US12048351B2 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2024-07-30 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate and method of manufacture |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |