CA2984967A1 - Skate boot with resilient upper strap - Google Patents
Skate boot with resilient upper strap Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2984967A1 CA2984967A1 CA2984967A CA2984967A CA2984967A1 CA 2984967 A1 CA2984967 A1 CA 2984967A1 CA 2984967 A CA2984967 A CA 2984967A CA 2984967 A CA2984967 A CA 2984967A CA 2984967 A1 CA2984967 A1 CA 2984967A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- skate boot
- strap
- ankle
- boot
- user
- 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
Links
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 59
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000251738 Leucoraja erinacea Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000000544 articulatio talocruralis Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001872 metatarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0081—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of hook-and-loop type material
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C19/00—Attachments for footwear, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A skate boot body has a lower boot portion for receiving the foot and an upper boot portion for receiving the ankle and a portion of a lower leg, in which the upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected. The lower boot portion fastens the foot relative to the rigid boot body using laces. The upper boot portion fastens the lower leg portion relative to the rigid boot body using an independent upper strap. The upper strap includes a resilient portion, whereby a circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body about the ankle varies as the resilient portion of the adjustable upper strap is resiliently deformed by flexing of the user's ankle. The resilient upper strap provides an optimal balance of rigid support between the skate boot and user, while still allowing the user to comfortably flex their ankle through a large range of motion.
Description
SKATE BOOT WITH RESILIENT UPPER STRAP
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a skate boot having a lower boot portion secured about the foot of the user and an upper boot portion secured about a portion of ther, lower leg of the user in which the upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected.
BACKGROUND
A common skate boot structure generally includes a lower boot portion for receiving the foot of a user therein and an upper boot portion for surrounding the ankle and/or lower leg of the user, in which the upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected to form an integral boot body. A common set of laces tighten both the upper and lower boot portions about the user. Although this arrangement adequately secures the skate boot to the foot of the user, the common fastening of both the foot and ankle area of the user to a common rigid boot body can result in high pressure zones between the skate boot and the user when the user flexes their ankle. In particular, flexing of the ankle area tends to concentrate pressure at the uppermost portion of the laces and across the metatarsal region of the foot bed.
Some attempts have been made to allow more flexing of the ankle by hinging the upper boot portion relative to the lower boot portion. Examples are described in Canadian Patent Application nos. 2,212,229 by Linner and
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a skate boot having a lower boot portion secured about the foot of the user and an upper boot portion secured about a portion of ther, lower leg of the user in which the upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected.
BACKGROUND
A common skate boot structure generally includes a lower boot portion for receiving the foot of a user therein and an upper boot portion for surrounding the ankle and/or lower leg of the user, in which the upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected to form an integral boot body. A common set of laces tighten both the upper and lower boot portions about the user. Although this arrangement adequately secures the skate boot to the foot of the user, the common fastening of both the foot and ankle area of the user to a common rigid boot body can result in high pressure zones between the skate boot and the user when the user flexes their ankle. In particular, flexing of the ankle area tends to concentrate pressure at the uppermost portion of the laces and across the metatarsal region of the foot bed.
Some attempts have been made to allow more flexing of the ankle by hinging the upper boot portion relative to the lower boot portion. Examples are described in Canadian Patent Application nos. 2,212,229 by Linner and
2,433,571 by Svensson et al, and in United States Patent nos. 5,177,884 by Rullier and 6,047,975 by Benoit et al. In each instance, the lower boot portion and the upper boot portion are independently tightened about the foot and ankle region respectively of the user, however, even when using rigid, non-resilient fastening means in each instance, the overall boot structure has too much freedom of movement and therefore lacks adequate support. Furthermore, the hinged design is not durable enough and does not provide sufficient protection to withstand impacts from pucks when used for hockey.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a skate boot for receiving a foot and a lower leg of a user therein, the skate boot comprising:
a sole portion extending longitudinally between a toe end and a heel end for supporting the foot of the user thereon;
an inner side wall portion and an outer side wall portion oriented generally longitudinally and extending upwardly from laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at an intermediate location between the toe end and the heel end towards respective upper free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define a tongue opening therebetween;
two ankle portions extending upwardly from said laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at the heel end in connection with respective ones of the side wall portions for spanning over respective ankles of the foot and a lower leg portion of the user in which the two ankle portions include forward free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define the tongue opening therebetween;
a heel portion extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion in connection between the two ankle portions;
the sole portion, the side wall portions, the two ankle portions, and the heel portion being rigidly connected with one another to form an integral skate boot body;
eyelets formed at spaced positions along the inner and outer side wall portions to receive laces spanning across a portion of the tongue opening to fasten a
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a skate boot for receiving a foot and a lower leg of a user therein, the skate boot comprising:
a sole portion extending longitudinally between a toe end and a heel end for supporting the foot of the user thereon;
an inner side wall portion and an outer side wall portion oriented generally longitudinally and extending upwardly from laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at an intermediate location between the toe end and the heel end towards respective upper free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define a tongue opening therebetween;
two ankle portions extending upwardly from said laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at the heel end in connection with respective ones of the side wall portions for spanning over respective ankles of the foot and a lower leg portion of the user in which the two ankle portions include forward free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define the tongue opening therebetween;
a heel portion extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion in connection between the two ankle portions;
the sole portion, the side wall portions, the two ankle portions, and the heel portion being rigidly connected with one another to form an integral skate boot body;
eyelets formed at spaced positions along the inner and outer side wall portions to receive laces spanning across a portion of the tongue opening to fasten a
3 lower portion of the skate boot body about the foot of the user;
an upper strap spanning across the tongue opening between the two ankle portions so as to fasten an upper portion of the skate boot body about the lower leg portion of the user;
the upper strap including a resilient portion formed therein such that a circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body varies as the resilient portion of the upper strap is resiliently deformed.
The arrangement of laces for fastening about the foot of the user and a resilient strap for fastening about the lower leg portion of the user relative to a common rigid boot body provides a desirable degree of support to the user, while still enabling greater range of movement and comfort when flexing the ankle as compared to conventional laces fastening the skate boot about both the foot and ankle of the user. The resilient upper strap thus reduces high pressure zones and provides a more equal and larger distribution of fastening pressure at the top of the foot to reduce the biting of the laces at the lower leg portion of the user. The increased range of motion at the ankle joint and increased dorsiflexion provides improved skating performance in addition to improved comfort. The resilient upper strap also results in more even distribution of plantar surface pressure resulting in more conversion of energy into shot velocity for improved hockey shooting performance as well.
The upper strap preferably extends about a full circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body. When the upper strap is elongate between opposing first and second end portions which are joined to one another by the resilient portion therebetween, the first end portion may be selectively securable to the second end portion to secure the upper strap circumferentially about the upper portion
an upper strap spanning across the tongue opening between the two ankle portions so as to fasten an upper portion of the skate boot body about the lower leg portion of the user;
the upper strap including a resilient portion formed therein such that a circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body varies as the resilient portion of the upper strap is resiliently deformed.
The arrangement of laces for fastening about the foot of the user and a resilient strap for fastening about the lower leg portion of the user relative to a common rigid boot body provides a desirable degree of support to the user, while still enabling greater range of movement and comfort when flexing the ankle as compared to conventional laces fastening the skate boot about both the foot and ankle of the user. The resilient upper strap thus reduces high pressure zones and provides a more equal and larger distribution of fastening pressure at the top of the foot to reduce the biting of the laces at the lower leg portion of the user. The increased range of motion at the ankle joint and increased dorsiflexion provides improved skating performance in addition to improved comfort. The resilient upper strap also results in more even distribution of plantar surface pressure resulting in more conversion of energy into shot velocity for improved hockey shooting performance as well.
The upper strap preferably extends about a full circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body. When the upper strap is elongate between opposing first and second end portions which are joined to one another by the resilient portion therebetween, the first end portion may be selectively securable to the second end portion to secure the upper strap circumferentially about the upper portion
4 of the skate boot.
The resilient portion preferably spans across the tongue opening. When the skate boot includes a strap receiving ring supported adjacent a first ankle portion of two ankle portions of the skate boot, the resilient portion of the upper strap may include (i) a first portion extending from a second ankle portion of the two ankle portions of the skate boot across the tongue opening to the strap receiving ring, and (ii) a second portion connected to the first portion through the strap receiving ring to extend across the tongue opening from the strap receiving ring to a free end of the strap which is selectively securable relative to the skate boot.
The strap receiving ring may be rectangular in shape, having a rigid bar member about which the upper strap is wrapped which extends linearly across a full height of the upper strap.
Preferably, the free end of the upper strap is adjustably securable to an opposing end portion of the strap, in which the opposing end portion of the strap is anchored relative to the skate boot body.
When laces are received within the eyelets to fasten the lower portion of the skate boot body about the foot of the user, the laces preferably terminate below the upper strap.
When the eyelets are evenly spaced apart within respective rows on each side of the skate boot body, the upper strap preferably has a height corresponding to a distance occupied by three adjacent eyelets.
The upper strap may be anchored to the heel portion of the skate boot body using a rivet connected between the upper strap and the heel portion of the skate boot body.
The upper strap may further include a first fastener on a free end of the
The resilient portion preferably spans across the tongue opening. When the skate boot includes a strap receiving ring supported adjacent a first ankle portion of two ankle portions of the skate boot, the resilient portion of the upper strap may include (i) a first portion extending from a second ankle portion of the two ankle portions of the skate boot across the tongue opening to the strap receiving ring, and (ii) a second portion connected to the first portion through the strap receiving ring to extend across the tongue opening from the strap receiving ring to a free end of the strap which is selectively securable relative to the skate boot.
The strap receiving ring may be rectangular in shape, having a rigid bar member about which the upper strap is wrapped which extends linearly across a full height of the upper strap.
Preferably, the free end of the upper strap is adjustably securable to an opposing end portion of the strap, in which the opposing end portion of the strap is anchored relative to the skate boot body.
When laces are received within the eyelets to fasten the lower portion of the skate boot body about the foot of the user, the laces preferably terminate below the upper strap.
When the eyelets are evenly spaced apart within respective rows on each side of the skate boot body, the upper strap preferably has a height corresponding to a distance occupied by three adjacent eyelets.
The upper strap may be anchored to the heel portion of the skate boot body using a rivet connected between the upper strap and the heel portion of the skate boot body.
The upper strap may further include a first fastener on a free end of the
5 upper strap and a second fastener anchored relative to the skate boot body in which one of the first and second fasteners comprises loops and another one of the first and second fasteners comprises hooks of a mating set of hook and loop fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a skate boot showing an outer side of the skate boot in which the position of the upper strap is shown in broken line;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the skate boot in which the upper strap is shown in a secured position about the upper portion of the skate boot and laces are shown in broken line securing the lower portion of the skate boot;
Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the upper strap in a released position on the skate boot;
Figure 4 is a top view of the upper strap in a released position on the skate boot of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the upper strap in a secured position on the skate boot of Figure 1 Figure 6 is an inner side elevational view of the upper strap in a secured position on the skate boot;
Figure 7 is an outer side elevational view of the upper strap in a secured position on the skate boot;
Figure 8 is a graphical representation of a surface pressure distribution between the tongue of the skate boot and surfaces at the front lower shin and top of the foot of the user in response to flexing of the ankle of the user when using conventional laces to secure the upper portion of the boot body about the ankle of the
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a skate boot showing an outer side of the skate boot in which the position of the upper strap is shown in broken line;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the skate boot in which the upper strap is shown in a secured position about the upper portion of the skate boot and laces are shown in broken line securing the lower portion of the skate boot;
Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the upper strap in a released position on the skate boot;
Figure 4 is a top view of the upper strap in a released position on the skate boot of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the upper strap in a secured position on the skate boot of Figure 1 Figure 6 is an inner side elevational view of the upper strap in a secured position on the skate boot;
Figure 7 is an outer side elevational view of the upper strap in a secured position on the skate boot;
Figure 8 is a graphical representation of a surface pressure distribution between the tongue of the skate boot and surfaces at the front lower shin and top of the foot of the user in response to flexing of the ankle of the user when using conventional laces to secure the upper portion of the boot body about the ankle of the
6 user; and Figure 9 is a graphical representation of a surface pressure distribution between the tongue of the skate boot and surfaces at the front lower shin and top of the foot of the user in response to flexing of the ankle of the user when using the resilient upper strap to secure the upper portion of the boot body about the ankle of the user.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a resilient skate boot upper strap generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The upper strap 10 is particularly suited for use with a skate boot 12 of the type described below.
The skate boot 12 generally includes a skate boot body having a lower boot portion 14 for receiving the foot of the user therein and an upper boot portion 16 for receiving the ankle, and Achilles region of a lower leg portion of the user therein.
The upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected to one another to form an integral, monocoque skate boot body.
More particularly the boot body includes a sole portion 18 which extends longitudinally between a toe end 20 at a front end of the skate boot and a heel end 22 at a rear end of the skate boot. The sole portion 18 is adapted to receive the foot of the user thereon.
An inner side wall portion 24 of the boot body extends upwardly from an inner side edge of the sole portion to be oriented generally longitudinally along most of the length of the skate boot. The inner side wall extends upwardly to a respective upper free edge. Similarly, an outer side wall portion 26 extends upwardly from an
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a resilient skate boot upper strap generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The upper strap 10 is particularly suited for use with a skate boot 12 of the type described below.
The skate boot 12 generally includes a skate boot body having a lower boot portion 14 for receiving the foot of the user therein and an upper boot portion 16 for receiving the ankle, and Achilles region of a lower leg portion of the user therein.
The upper and lower boot portions are rigidly connected to one another to form an integral, monocoque skate boot body.
More particularly the boot body includes a sole portion 18 which extends longitudinally between a toe end 20 at a front end of the skate boot and a heel end 22 at a rear end of the skate boot. The sole portion 18 is adapted to receive the foot of the user thereon.
An inner side wall portion 24 of the boot body extends upwardly from an inner side edge of the sole portion to be oriented generally longitudinally along most of the length of the skate boot. The inner side wall extends upwardly to a respective upper free edge. Similarly, an outer side wall portion 26 extends upwardly from an
7 outer side edge of the sole portion to be oriented generally longitudinally along most of the length of the skate boot. The outer side wall also extends upwardly to a respective upper free edge such that the upper free edges 27 at laterally opposing sides of the skate boot are spaced apart by a lower tongue opening therebetween.
The boot body also includes two ankle portions 28 extending upwardly from the laterally opposing sides of the sole portion in proximity to the heel end so as to be integral with respective ones of the side wall portions while being positioned to extend upwardly over respective ankles of the foot and overlap a lower leg portion of the user above the ankles. The parts of the ankle portions which extend above the inner and outer side walls include forward free edges 29 which are also laterally spaced apart by an upper tongue opening therebetween. The forward free edges of the ankle portions are continuous with the upper free edges of the inner and outer side walls such that the lower and upper tongue openings are similarly continuous with one another to form a common tongue opening of the skate boot.
A heel portion 30 of the boot body is connected between the two ankle portions to extend upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion to span over the Achilles region of the user and overlap a portion of the lower leg of the user.
The sole portion 18, the inner and outer side walls 24 and 26, the ankle portions 28, and the heel portion 30 are all commonly formed together of a similar rigid material which is preferably seamless and continuous throughout to define a monocoque structure of the boot body. In this instance, the sole portion 18, the inner and outer side walls 24 and 26, and a lower portion of the heel and ankle portions collectively define a lower boot portion 14 receiving the foot of the user therein.
Alternatively, the upper portion of the ankle portions 28 and the upper portion of the heel portion 30 which surrounds the ankle and a lower portion of the leg of the user at
The boot body also includes two ankle portions 28 extending upwardly from the laterally opposing sides of the sole portion in proximity to the heel end so as to be integral with respective ones of the side wall portions while being positioned to extend upwardly over respective ankles of the foot and overlap a lower leg portion of the user above the ankles. The parts of the ankle portions which extend above the inner and outer side walls include forward free edges 29 which are also laterally spaced apart by an upper tongue opening therebetween. The forward free edges of the ankle portions are continuous with the upper free edges of the inner and outer side walls such that the lower and upper tongue openings are similarly continuous with one another to form a common tongue opening of the skate boot.
A heel portion 30 of the boot body is connected between the two ankle portions to extend upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion to span over the Achilles region of the user and overlap a portion of the lower leg of the user.
The sole portion 18, the inner and outer side walls 24 and 26, the ankle portions 28, and the heel portion 30 are all commonly formed together of a similar rigid material which is preferably seamless and continuous throughout to define a monocoque structure of the boot body. In this instance, the sole portion 18, the inner and outer side walls 24 and 26, and a lower portion of the heel and ankle portions collectively define a lower boot portion 14 receiving the foot of the user therein.
Alternatively, the upper portion of the ankle portions 28 and the upper portion of the heel portion 30 which surrounds the ankle and a lower portion of the leg of the user at
8 the Achilles region form the upper boot portion 16 surrounding the ankle and a portion of the lower leg of the user.
A toe cap 32 is provided for enclosing toes of the user therein at the toe end of the sole portion. The toe cap may be optionally formed as part of the monocoque structure of the boot body, or formed as a separate component separately mounted onto the boot body.
A tongue 34 is provided as a panel of material anchored at a forward end to the toe cap 32 to span rearwardly and upwardly across the lower and upper tongue openings in overlapping arrangement below the upper free edges of the side walls and inwardly of the forward free edges of the ankle portions respectively.
A mounting frame 35 is supported below the sole portion for coupling a skate blade to the boot body in the illustrated embodiment. In further embodiments, a different configuration of mounting frame may be provided for coupling a row of wheels to for an inline skate boot.
A row of the eyelets 36, in which each eyelet includes a respective grommet mounted therein, is mounted in an evenly spaced apart manner along each side of the tongue opening in the skate boot body. Each row of eyelets 36 thus extends alongside the upper free edge of a respective one of the side walls of the lower boot portion and alongside the forward free edge of a respective one of the ankle portions.
A set of laces 38 are strung through the eyelets 36 across the lower boot portion to enable fastening of the lower boot portion snugly about the foot of the user are received therein. Typically, the laces are only received within the eyelets of the lower boot portion such that the two uppermost eyelets within the upper boot portion do not receive laces therein when using the upper strap 10 described in
A toe cap 32 is provided for enclosing toes of the user therein at the toe end of the sole portion. The toe cap may be optionally formed as part of the monocoque structure of the boot body, or formed as a separate component separately mounted onto the boot body.
A tongue 34 is provided as a panel of material anchored at a forward end to the toe cap 32 to span rearwardly and upwardly across the lower and upper tongue openings in overlapping arrangement below the upper free edges of the side walls and inwardly of the forward free edges of the ankle portions respectively.
A mounting frame 35 is supported below the sole portion for coupling a skate blade to the boot body in the illustrated embodiment. In further embodiments, a different configuration of mounting frame may be provided for coupling a row of wheels to for an inline skate boot.
A row of the eyelets 36, in which each eyelet includes a respective grommet mounted therein, is mounted in an evenly spaced apart manner along each side of the tongue opening in the skate boot body. Each row of eyelets 36 thus extends alongside the upper free edge of a respective one of the side walls of the lower boot portion and alongside the forward free edge of a respective one of the ankle portions.
A set of laces 38 are strung through the eyelets 36 across the lower boot portion to enable fastening of the lower boot portion snugly about the foot of the user are received therein. Typically, the laces are only received within the eyelets of the lower boot portion such that the two uppermost eyelets within the upper boot portion do not receive laces therein when using the upper strap 10 described in
9 further detail below.
The strap 10 comprises an elongate member having a first end portion 112 adjacent a first end 114 of the member, a second end portion 116 adjacent an opposing free second end 118 of the member, and an intermediate portion 120 spanning an intermediate section of the strap that extends between the first end portion 112 and the second end portion 116. The first and second end portions are formed of non-elastic, non-resilient material so as to be fixed in length in the longitudinal direction of the strap even when under tension, however the intermediate portion 120 is formed of an elastic, resilient material which can be stretched in length when under tension.
In a relaxed state of the elastic intermediate portion 120, the first end portion occupies between one third and one half of the overall length of the strap, the intermediate portion occupies between one third and one half of the overall length of the strap, and the second end portion occupies between one quarter and one third of the overall length of the strap.
A strap receiving ring 122 is mounted to the first end 114 of the strap by forming the material of the first end portion into a loop with stitching to retain a portion of the ring therein. More particularly, the ring 122 is rectangular in shape having an inner bar member 124 spanning a full height of the strap 10 which is received within the loop at the first end 114 of the strap and an opposing outer bar member 126 which is parallel and spaced apart from the inner bar member to similarly span a full height of the strap 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 112 of the strap is anchored relative to the heel portion of the skate boot body by a rivet 128 which is laterally centred within the heel portion while being vertically centred relative to the
The strap 10 comprises an elongate member having a first end portion 112 adjacent a first end 114 of the member, a second end portion 116 adjacent an opposing free second end 118 of the member, and an intermediate portion 120 spanning an intermediate section of the strap that extends between the first end portion 112 and the second end portion 116. The first and second end portions are formed of non-elastic, non-resilient material so as to be fixed in length in the longitudinal direction of the strap even when under tension, however the intermediate portion 120 is formed of an elastic, resilient material which can be stretched in length when under tension.
In a relaxed state of the elastic intermediate portion 120, the first end portion occupies between one third and one half of the overall length of the strap, the intermediate portion occupies between one third and one half of the overall length of the strap, and the second end portion occupies between one quarter and one third of the overall length of the strap.
A strap receiving ring 122 is mounted to the first end 114 of the strap by forming the material of the first end portion into a loop with stitching to retain a portion of the ring therein. More particularly, the ring 122 is rectangular in shape having an inner bar member 124 spanning a full height of the strap 10 which is received within the loop at the first end 114 of the strap and an opposing outer bar member 126 which is parallel and spaced apart from the inner bar member to similarly span a full height of the strap 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 112 of the strap is anchored relative to the heel portion of the skate boot body by a rivet 128 which is laterally centred within the heel portion while being vertically centred relative to the
10 height of the strap. The strap is joined to the heel portion such that the ring 122 at the first end 114 is located adjacent the ankle portion at the inner side of the skate boot so that the first end portion spans from the ring across the rear of the skate boot to locate the junction 130 of the first end portion 112 with the intermediate portion 120 in proximity to the ankle portion at the diametrically opposed outer side of the skate boot.
In use, the upper strap secures the upper boot portion of the skate boot about the ankle and lower leg of the user by positioning the resilient intermediate portion 120 to span across the tongue opening at the front side of the upper boot portion from the junction 130 at the outer side of the boot body to the ring 122 at the inner side of the boot body, through the ring 122, and then back across the tongue opening as a second layer from the ring 122 at the inner side of the boot body to the first end portion 112 at the outer side of the boot body.
A matching set of hook and loop fasteners can be used to secure the second end portion relative to the first end portion in the secured position of the upper strap. More particularly, to secure the strap in a secured position, a set of loop fasteners 131 are provided on the first end portion 122 at a first side of the strap facing outwardly from the skate boot, and a corresponding set of hook fasteners 132 are provided on the second end portion at a common first side of the strap 10.
In this manner, when the resilient intermediate portion 120 is positioned to extend through the ring 122 and form a double layer passing over the front side of the upper boot portion, the hook fasteners 132 on the second end portion will face inwardly towards the corresponding loop fasteners 130 to enable the hook and loop fasteners to mate with one another. The second end portion of the strap can thus be secured to the first .. end portion of the strap at a plurality of positions adjusted in the circumferential
In use, the upper strap secures the upper boot portion of the skate boot about the ankle and lower leg of the user by positioning the resilient intermediate portion 120 to span across the tongue opening at the front side of the upper boot portion from the junction 130 at the outer side of the boot body to the ring 122 at the inner side of the boot body, through the ring 122, and then back across the tongue opening as a second layer from the ring 122 at the inner side of the boot body to the first end portion 112 at the outer side of the boot body.
A matching set of hook and loop fasteners can be used to secure the second end portion relative to the first end portion in the secured position of the upper strap. More particularly, to secure the strap in a secured position, a set of loop fasteners 131 are provided on the first end portion 122 at a first side of the strap facing outwardly from the skate boot, and a corresponding set of hook fasteners 132 are provided on the second end portion at a common first side of the strap 10.
In this manner, when the resilient intermediate portion 120 is positioned to extend through the ring 122 and form a double layer passing over the front side of the upper boot portion, the hook fasteners 132 on the second end portion will face inwardly towards the corresponding loop fasteners 130 to enable the hook and loop fasteners to mate with one another. The second end portion of the strap can thus be secured to the first .. end portion of the strap at a plurality of positions adjusted in the circumferential
11 direction about the upper portion of the boot body for adjusting the overall circumference of the strap.
In the manner described above, using the upper strap as the only means of constricting the upper boot portion about the ankle and lower leg of the user independently of the laces which fasten and constrict the lower boot portion about the foot of the user, the fastening of the ankle and a lower leg of the user relative to the rigidly connected upper and lower boot portions allows a greater range of movement in the flexing of the ankle of the user as compared to other non-resilient means for securing both the upper and lower boot portions in the prior art.
More particularly, as the user flexes their ankle forwardly, the intermediate portion 120 of the strap is resiliently stretched in length to allow the overall circumference of the skate boot body fastened about the ankle of the user to increase. An experiment using pressure sensors located under the tongue of the skate boot was performed to measure pressure distribution across the front of the lower leg portion of the user when flexing the ankle. The results of using conventional non-resilient laces across both upper and lower boot portions are shown in figure 8.
The results of using only the resilient upper strap 10 across the upper boot portion are shown in figure 9. When using conventional laces, figure 8 demonstrates a narrow strip of small area with very high pressure across the uppermost laces corresponding to the front of the lower leg portion of the user. Alternatively figure 9 demonstrates that when using the resilient upper strap 10, the magnitude of force at any specific location across the front of the lower leg of the user is reduced and the pressure is distributed over a larger area. Accordingly, the upper strap according to the present invention with the elastic component therein across the front of the skate creates more equal pressure distribution and allows the leg and shin of the user to push forward without =
In the manner described above, using the upper strap as the only means of constricting the upper boot portion about the ankle and lower leg of the user independently of the laces which fasten and constrict the lower boot portion about the foot of the user, the fastening of the ankle and a lower leg of the user relative to the rigidly connected upper and lower boot portions allows a greater range of movement in the flexing of the ankle of the user as compared to other non-resilient means for securing both the upper and lower boot portions in the prior art.
More particularly, as the user flexes their ankle forwardly, the intermediate portion 120 of the strap is resiliently stretched in length to allow the overall circumference of the skate boot body fastened about the ankle of the user to increase. An experiment using pressure sensors located under the tongue of the skate boot was performed to measure pressure distribution across the front of the lower leg portion of the user when flexing the ankle. The results of using conventional non-resilient laces across both upper and lower boot portions are shown in figure 8.
The results of using only the resilient upper strap 10 across the upper boot portion are shown in figure 9. When using conventional laces, figure 8 demonstrates a narrow strip of small area with very high pressure across the uppermost laces corresponding to the front of the lower leg portion of the user. Alternatively figure 9 demonstrates that when using the resilient upper strap 10, the magnitude of force at any specific location across the front of the lower leg of the user is reduced and the pressure is distributed over a larger area. Accordingly, the upper strap according to the present invention with the elastic component therein across the front of the skate creates more equal pressure distribution and allows the leg and shin of the user to push forward without =
12 encountering high peak forces which normally occur from laces.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (12)
1. A
skate boot for receiving a foot and a lower leg of a user therein, the skate boot comprising:
a sole portion extending longitudinally between a toe end and a heel end for supporting the foot of the user thereon;
an inner side wall portion and an outer side wall portion oriented generally longitudinally and extending upwardly from laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at an intermediate location between the toe end and the heel end towards respective upper free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define a tongue opening therebetween;
two ankle portions extending upwardly from said laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at the heel end in connection with respective ones of the side wall portions for spanning over respective ankles of the foot and a lower leg portion of the user in which the two ankle portions include forward free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define the tongue opening therebetween;
a heel portion extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion in connection between the two ankle portions;
the sole portion, the side wall portions, the two ankle portions, and the heel portion being rigidly connected with one another to form an integral skate boot body;
eyelets formed at spaced positions along the inner and outer side wall portions to receive laces spanning across a portion of the tongue opening to fasten a lower portion of the skate boot body about the foot of the user;
an upper strap spanning across the tongue opening between the two ankle portions so as to fasten an upper portion of the skate boot body about the lower leg portion of the user;
the upper strap including a resilient portion formed therein such that a circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body varies as the resilient portion of the upper strap is resiliently deformed.
skate boot for receiving a foot and a lower leg of a user therein, the skate boot comprising:
a sole portion extending longitudinally between a toe end and a heel end for supporting the foot of the user thereon;
an inner side wall portion and an outer side wall portion oriented generally longitudinally and extending upwardly from laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at an intermediate location between the toe end and the heel end towards respective upper free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define a tongue opening therebetween;
two ankle portions extending upwardly from said laterally opposing sides of the sole portion at the heel end in connection with respective ones of the side wall portions for spanning over respective ankles of the foot and a lower leg portion of the user in which the two ankle portions include forward free edges which are laterally spaced apart so as to partially define the tongue opening therebetween;
a heel portion extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion in connection between the two ankle portions;
the sole portion, the side wall portions, the two ankle portions, and the heel portion being rigidly connected with one another to form an integral skate boot body;
eyelets formed at spaced positions along the inner and outer side wall portions to receive laces spanning across a portion of the tongue opening to fasten a lower portion of the skate boot body about the foot of the user;
an upper strap spanning across the tongue opening between the two ankle portions so as to fasten an upper portion of the skate boot body about the lower leg portion of the user;
the upper strap including a resilient portion formed therein such that a circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body varies as the resilient portion of the upper strap is resiliently deformed.
2. The skate boot according to claim 1 wherein the upper strap extends about a full circumference of the upper portion of the skate boot body.
3. The skate boot according to claim 2 wherein the upper strap is elongate between opposing first and second end portions which are joined to one another by the resilient portion therebetween, the second end portion being selectively securable to the first end portion to secure the upper strap circumferentially about the upper portion of the skate boot.
4. The skate boot according to any one of claims 1 through 3 wherein the resilient portion spans across the tongue opening.
5. The skate boot according to any one of claims 1 through 4 further comprising a strap receiving ring supported adjacent a first ankle portion of two ankle portions of the skate boot, the resilient portion of the upper strap including a first portion extending from a second ankle portion of the two ankle portions of the skate boot across the tongue opening to the strap receiving ring, and a second portion connected to the first portion through the strap receiving ring to extend across the tongue opening from the strap receiving ring to a free end of the strap which is selectively securable relative to the skate boot.
6. The skate boot according to claim 5 wherein the free end of the upper strap is adjustably securable to an opposing end portion of the strap, in which the opposing end portion of the strap is anchored relative to the skate boot body.
7. The skate boot according to either one of claims 5 or 6 wherein the strap receiving ring is rectangular in shape having a rigid bar member about which the upper strap is wrapped which extends linearly across a full height of the upper strap.
8. The skate boot according to any one of claims 1 through 7 further comprising laces received within the eyelets to fasten the lower portion of the skate boot body about the foot of the user, the laces terminating below the upper strap.
9. The skate boot according to any one of claims 1 through 8 wherein the eyelets are evenly spaced apart within respective rows on each side of the skate boot body and wherein the upper strap has a height corresponding to a distance occupied by at least two adjacent eyelets.
10. The skate boot according to any one of claims 1 through 9 wherein the upper strap is anchored to the heel portion of the skate boot body.
11. The skate boot according to claim 10 further comprising a rivet connected between the upper strap and the heel portion of the skate boot body.
12. The skate boot according to any one of claims 1 through 11 further comprising a first fastener on a free end of the upper strap and a second fastener anchored relative to the skate boot body, one of the first and second fasteners comprising loops and another one of the first and second fasteners comprising hooks of a mating set of hook and loop fasteners.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2984967A CA2984967A1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2017-11-08 | Skate boot with resilient upper strap |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2984967A CA2984967A1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2017-11-08 | Skate boot with resilient upper strap |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2984967A1 true CA2984967A1 (en) | 2019-05-08 |
Family
ID=66437146
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2984967A Abandoned CA2984967A1 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2017-11-08 | Skate boot with resilient upper strap |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2984967A1 (en) |
-
2017
- 2017-11-08 CA CA2984967A patent/CA2984967A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20240220 |