JP2003235601A - Boot liner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a comfortable boot liner. <P>SOLUTION: This boot liner 10 comprises a sole part 12, an upper part 14 and a fastening mechanism T. The upper part 14 has a slit 24, and a tongue part 18 is mounted in the slit 24. The upper part 14 has first and second non- thermoformed members 29 located inside and outside of an ankle part 21, and a thermoformed layer 28b. The first and second non-thermoformed members are arc-shaped or L-shaped pads preferably made out of a polyurethane material. The first and second non-thermoformed members are preferably positioned just at a rear part of a fibula and a tibia forming joints of foot corresponding to a size of the boot liner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a boot liner. The present invention relates to a boot liner for sports or snowboarding, which is particularly comfortable to wear.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many cold weather footwear have an interior boot liner separate from the outer shell. For example, hiking boots, ski boots, snowboard boots and the like often include boot liners. The boot liner provides warmth, shock absorption, comfort, etc. to the wearer's toes and / or ankles. The boot liner is generally formed by a sole portion and an upper portion. The upper part is
Often formed with a central opening or slit. A tongue is formed at the lower end of the opening or slit and extends between both sides of the opening or slit.

Since it is important to have the liner contact the wearer's foot, the boot liner is sometimes provided with a tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is typically located on either side of the central opening and typically comprises loops or eyelets for threading laces. Shoe laces are generally threaded through loops and eyelets in a criss-crossed fashion, such as alternating braids on both sides. In general, the eyelets or loops are equally spaced on opposite sides of the opening to form pairs of eyelets or loops.

The boot liner is formed of a variety of materials such as fabrics, sponge-like materials or rubber, various combinations of these materials, and the like. Some boot liners include a tightening mechanism that allows the boot liner to be crimped around the wearer's foot. An example of a boot liner with a tightening mechanism is disclosed in US Pat. This patent discloses a tightening mechanism for a boot liner that uses a single lace and a plurality of straps to press the boot liner against the wearer's foot.

Recent boot liners have been redesigned to provide a comfortable fit. For example, the boot liner disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,037,049 to Solomon SA uses a thermoforming material that fits better.

[0006]

[Patent Document 1] US Pat. No. 5,937,542

[0007]

[Patent Document 2] US Pat. No. 5,924,218

[0008]

From the above viewpoint, there is a need for a boot liner that is comfortable to wear. The present invention addresses these needs as well as other needs in the art, and the present disclosure is well understood by those skilled in the art. An object of the present invention is to provide a boot liner that is comfortable to wear.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a boot liner that is securely fastened to the ankle of a wearer.

[0010]

The above-mentioned object can be basically achieved by providing a snowboard boot liner comprising a sole portion and an upper portion. The upper portion has a foot portion fixedly connected to the sole portion, an ankle portion extending upward from the foot portion, and a leg portion extending upward from the ankle portion. The upper portion includes a thermoforming layer disposed inside and outside the ankle portion and a non-thermoforming member disposed on at least one of the inside and the outside of the ankle portion.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the accompanying drawings.
It will be apparent from the following detailed description, which discloses embodiments of the invention.

[0012]

1 and 2 show a boot liner 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The boot liner 10 is preferably designed for use with sports boots (not shown) or similar boots. More specifically, boot liner 10 is designed to be inserted into the shell of a sports boot such as a snowboard boot (not shown). The boot liner 10 can be brought into close contact with the wearer's foot and around the shin. In particular, the boot liner 1 according to the invention
The 0 can be tightly fitted around the wearer's ankle.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that boot liner 10 can be made in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of foot sizes. That is, in the boot liner 10, the size is determined so that the foot of the specific size fits the boot liner of the specific size. As described below, the boot liner 10 is specifically constructed to fit snugly around the wearer's ankle. Thus, depending on the particular size of the foot, the boot liner 10 may include a tibia that forms the inner or medial portion of the ankle, a fibula that forms the lateral or lateral portion of the ankle, and the talus that forms the lower portion of the ankle. It has a shape that fits comfortably in the ankle joint A (see FIG. 4), which is basically composed of three types of bones. The boot liner 10 according to the present invention is designed for a specific foot size based on the average position of the ankle joint A formed by the talus and fibula of the ankle joint A.

The boot liner 10 basically comprises a sole portion 12 and an upper portion 14 connected to the sole portion 12.
And a tightening mechanism T connected to the upper portion 14 so as to tighten the opposite side ends of the upper portion 14 with each other by a cord or cord L. As used herein, directional terms such as "forward, backward, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, downward, sideways" as well as other similar directional terms are in their standard upright position. The direction of the boot liner 10 is shown. Therefore, these terms describing the present invention should be interpreted with reference to the wearer's foot with the boot liner 10 in a standard upright position.

As is most apparent from FIG. 4, the sole portion 1
2 is preferably a separate element from the upper portion 14 connected to the upper portion 14 in a conventional manner, such as by sewing the two portions together. The sole portion 12 is preferably different from the upper portion 14. The sole portion 12 is preferably constructed from two parts each constructed of two layers of flexible material. Specifically, the sole portion 12 is an outer sole portion 15 sewn to the upper portion 14.
And an inner sole portion 16 that is detachably covered on the outer sole portion 15.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer sole portion 15 includes a bottom outer layer 15a and an inner layer 15b.
It is desirable to have The layer structures are preferably adhered to each other by conventional means such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 15a and 15b in the figures is not drawn to scale and the thickness of layer 15a is exaggerated for purposes of illustration.

The outer layer 15a of the outer sole portion 15 is constructed of a material having a high friction coefficient. That is, when the boot liner 10 is mounted in a boot (not shown), the sole portion 12 comes into contact with the inner surface of the boot to generate a frictional force, and the relative movement of the contact portion is restricted. The outer layer 15a of the outer sole portion 15 is made of synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer (EV
It is preferably constructed of a flexible rubber material, such as A), or leather, or other suitable material. It is desirable that the bottom surface of the outer layer 15a of the outer sole portion 15 be provided with a texture that enhances anti-slip properties. The inner layer 15b of the outer sole portion 15 can be molded according to the sole of the foot,
It is preferably formed of a thermoformable material such as ULTRALON. That is, the thermoformable inner layer 15b of the outer sole portion 15 has a thermoplastic property that, after being heated by the thermoforming temperature, gives the ability to adjust and adapt to the volume peculiar to the wearer's foot.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner sole portion 16
Is preferably a removable insert that covers the outer sole portion 15. The inner sole portion 16 is
It is preferably constructed by the lower layer 16a and the upper layer 16b. The layer structures are preferably adhered to each other by conventional means such as adhesives. Each layer 16a and 16 in the figure
The thickness of b is not drawn to scale and the thickness of the upper layer 16b is exaggerated for illustration purposes. The lower layer 16a of the inner sole portion 16 is preferably constructed of a compressible, flexible material, such as ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), which provides a shock absorbing effect (cushion) on the wearer's foot. The upper layer 16b of the inner sole portion 16 is preferably formed of a polyester cloth or a woven material.

The upper portion 14 is, for example, a main body portion 17
And is preferably constructed by two parts, such as the tongue part 18. These body portion 17 and tongue portion 18 are
The foot portion 20 is sewn together by seams 19
And an ankle part 21 and a leg part 22 are formed. The foot portion 20 is fixedly connected to the sole portion 12 by conventional means such as desired seams. The ankle part 21 is the foot part 2
It is located in the region between 0 and the leg portion 22. The leg portion 22 extends upwardly from the foot portion 20 with longitudinal slits 24 formed in both the foot portion 20 and the ankle portion 21. The vertical slit 24 is used for the boot liner 10.
Are arranged substantially at positions along the middle or center plane of the. In this way, the vertical slit 24 is formed by the upper portion 1
4 is defined by a pair of opposite side edges 26a, 26b. The longitudinal slit 24 preferably extends along both the foot portion 20 and the leg portion 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, and most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, portions 17 and 18 of the upper portion 14 are shown.
Are each constructed of four layers of flexible material. More specifically, the upper portion 14 has an outermost layer 28a, an outer intermediate layer or outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b, an inner intermediate layer or inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28c, and an innermost layer 28d. There is. The layer structures are preferably adhered to each other by conventional means such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 28a-28d in the figures is not drawn to scale, and the thickness of layers 28a and 28d are each exaggerated for purposes of illustration.

Outermost layer 28a according to selected embodiments
Is preferably constructed of an elastic material such as spandex. The outermost layer 28a preferably has a lateral thickness or dimension of about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. The outer middle (thermoforming) layer 28b is made of ULTRALON,
It is preferably formed of a thermoformable material. The outer middle (thermoforming) layer 28b provides the ability to adjust and adapt to the volume specific to the wearer's foot after heating by the thermoforming temperature,
It has thermoplasticity. The outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b is
It is desirable to have a lateral thickness or dimension of about 7 millimeters. Inner middle (sponge) layer 28c is preferably constructed of conventional foam or sponge material, such as open cell polyurethane. Inner middle layer 28c preferably has a lateral thickness or dimension of about 3.5 millimeters. Innermost layer 28d is preferably constructed of a fabric material, such as NYLEX® polymer knit fabric. Innermost layer 28d preferably has a lateral thickness or dimension of about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. Of course,
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that upper portion 14 may be constructed of other suitable flexible materials to put the invention into practice.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ankle portion 21 includes a pair of first and second non-thermoformed members 29 disposed inside and outside the ankle portion. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and second non-thermoforming members 29 are preferably arranged between the outer middle (thermoforming) layer 28b and the inner middle (sponge) layer 28c. First and second non-thermoforming member 29
Is a banana-shaped or L-shaped pad which is preferably formed of a polyurethane material. The first and second non-thermoforming members 29 are a pair of banana-shaped or L-shaped bulges B extending laterally toward each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second non-thermoformed members 29 have a vertical dimension D1 of about 70 millimeters.
And a horizontal dimension D2 and length of about 70 millimeters. The non-thermoforming member 29 is about 11.5.
It is desirable to have a thickness with a lateral dimension D3 of millimeters. As is most apparent in FIG. 4, the tightening mechanism T is
First and second strap portions (lower lacing member 3
4) is arranged on the upper portion 14 so as to cover the portions of the first and second non-thermoforming members 29, respectively.

The first and second non-thermoforming members 29 are arranged immediately after the average position of the fibula and tibia forming the part of the ankle joint A. That is, the first and second non-thermoforming members 2
9 basically receives or supports the ankle joint at the base and rear side of the ankle joint A. Of course, for various sizes of boot liner 10, the positions of the first and second non-thermoformed members 29 are determined based on the average position of the ankle joint A with respect to the wearer's foot for a particular size of boot liner 10. Has been.

Thermal formation for forming the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b
The density of the shaped material is about 50 kg / m³ I want to be
The rubber strength tester C scale of the Japan Rubber Association
It is preferably about 35-40. Meanwhile, non-thermoforming
The hardness of the polyurethane material of the member 29 is
Rubber strength tester C scale should be about 20
Yes. The non-thermoforming member 29 is pressed by the inner middle (sponge) layer 28c.
Polyurethane of the non-thermoforming member 29 so that the shrinkability is not high.
The material has a high density. In this way, the outer middle (thermoforming)
The layer 28b is an inner middle (sponge) layer 28c and a non-thermoforming member.
Harder than 29. The non-thermoforming member 29 is inside
It is desirable that it is harder than the space (sponge) layer 28c. Inner middle
The (sponge) layer 28c and the non-thermoforming member 29 are both made of poly.
It is preferably formed of a urethane material. However, non-heat
The lateral compressibility of the molding member 29 is determined by the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 2
8b so that the non-thermoforming member 29 is
It does not have as high a density as the (thermoformed) layer 28b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tongue portion 18 is arranged so as to cover the entire length of the longitudinal slit 24 of FIGS. The tongue portion 18 has four layers 30a, 30b, 30.
It is desirable to be constructed with c and 30d. 4 layers 30a, 3
The materials of 0b, 30c and 30d are, in order, the upper part 14
Preferably, it is the same material used for layers 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of body portion 17 of FIG. Therefore, the tongue portion 18 is preferably constructed of the same flexible shock absorbing material as the material used for the body portion 17 of the upper portion 14. The layer structures are preferably adhered to each other by conventional means such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 30a to 30d in the figures is not drawn to scale, and the thickness of layers 30a and 30d are each exaggerated for purposes of illustration.

The tightening mechanism T is connected to the upper portion 14 so as to tighten the opposite side ends 26a and 26b of the upper portion 14 toward each other. The tightening mechanism T basically includes an upper racing member 32 and a lower racing member 34. The upper and lower racing members 32 and 34 are arranged at four points (only two points are shown in FIG. 1) arranged at the rear, so that the upper portion 14 is
It is sewn on by stitching. Two lateral bottoms of the lower racing member 34 are also bonded to the outer sole portion 15 at side points 36 (only one shown in FIG. 1). Upper racing member 32
Are four upper straps or lacing parts 41,
42, 43, 44, the lower racing member 34 is
A pair of lower straps or lacing parts 45 and 4
6 is provided. The upper lacing member 32 mainly clamps the leg portion 22 of the upper portion 14, and the lower lacing member 34 mainly clamps the foot portion 20 and the ankle portion 21 located at the intersection region of the leg portions 22. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that more or fewer major lacing sections may be utilized to put the present invention into practice, depending on the size and application of the boot liner 10. Is.

Straps or racing parts 41-4
6 is preferably constructed of conventional strapping materials commonly used in the art. The straps or lacing portions 41-46 are preferably constructed of a flexible material such as leather, nylon, or other suitable material. Of course, various arrangements can be utilized.
For example, the racing parts 41 to 46 may be eyelets or holes formed directly on the upper part 14. Alternatively, the racing portions 41-46 may be formed on the hooks or the rigid ring members, or both.

The tightening mechanism T is arranged on both sides of the central slit 24, and the lace L is passed through the loop member formed by the lacing portions 41 to 46. The shoe lace L generally extends through a loop member formed by the lacing portions 41 to 46 while crossing in a cross shape so that, for example, the loops on both sides are alternately knitted in the left and right directions. In general, the loop members formed by the lacing portions 41 to 46 are arranged on the opposite side of the central slit 24 by the same number at equal intervals to form a pair of loop members.

As used herein, "approximately", "about",
Descriptive terms such as "approximately" are modified terms meaning a reasonable amount of change such that the end result does not change significantly. These terms shall be construed to include a deviation of ± 5%, unless the meaning of the term being modified is negated. Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and illustrated herein, it would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the scope of the invention as defined by the claims is You can make various modifications and changes without leaving. Furthermore, the description of the embodiments according to the present invention is for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to limit the invention by the definitions in the accompanying claims or equivalent claims.

[0031]

According to the present invention, the thermoforming layers are arranged inside and outside the ankle portion, and the non-thermoforming member is arranged on at least one of the inside and the outside of the ankle portion. Is firmly tightened by the thermoformed layer and the non-thermoformed member, and a boot liner having a good fit and a good wearing comfort can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a boot liner according to the present invention.

2 is a front perspective view of the boot liner shown in FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 3-3 in FIG.

4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 taken along line 4-4 in FIG.

5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, of a portion of the boot liner shown in FIGS.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 of a portion of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1-5.

[Explanation of symbols] 10 boot liner 12 Sole part 14 Upper part 15 Outer sole part 15a outer layer 15b inner layer 16 Inner sole part 18 tongue 20 legs 21 Ankle part 22 legs 24 vertical slits 28b outer middle (thermoforming) layer 29 First and second non-thermoforming members 34 Lower racing member

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A sole portion, a foot portion fixedly connected to the sole portion, an ankle portion extending upward from the foot portion, a leg portion extending upward from the ankle portion, and inner and outer sides of the ankle portion. A boot liner comprising: a thermoformed layer disposed on the ankle portion; and an upper portion having a non-thermoformed member disposed on at least one of the inside and the outside of the ankle portion. 2. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the non-thermoformed member is disposed inside the ankle portion. 3. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the non-thermoforming member is arranged on the outer side of the ankle portion. 4. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the non-thermoforming member is a banana-shaped pad. 5. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the non-thermoforming member is made of polyurethane. 6. The boot liner of claim 1, wherein both non-thermoformed members have a height of about 70 millimeters and a length of about 70 millimeters. 7. The upper portion is disposed on the outer side of the ankle portion, and a first strap portion disposed so as to cover a portion of the non-thermoforming member disposed on the inner side of the ankle portion. The boot liner according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a tightening mechanism having a second strap portion arranged so as to cover a part of the non-thermoforming member. 8. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the thermoformed layer further extends along the foot portion. 9. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the thermoformed layer further extends along the leg portion. 10. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a foam layer that covers a surface of the thermal stratification facing the outside. 11. The upper portion comprises an outer layer covering an outer surface of the thermoforming layer.
0 boot liner. 12. The upper portion includes an inner layer covering a surface facing the inside of the thermoforming layer, and the non-thermoforming member is disposed between the thermoforming layer and the inner layer. The boot liner according to any one of 1 to 11. 13. The sole portion is a separate member connected to the foot portion of the upper portion.
The boot liner according to any one of 2 above. 14. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the sole portion is constructed of a flexible material. 15. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the sole portion includes an outer sole portion fixedly connected to the foot portion of the upper portion. 16. The outer sole portion of the sole portion comprises an outer layer of polyvinyl chloride material.
The boot liner according to item 5. 17. The outer sole portion of the sole portion further comprises a thermoformable inner layer.
Alternatively, the boot liner according to item 16. 18. The boot liner according to claim 15, wherein the sole portion further includes an inner sole portion that covers the outer sole portion of the sole portion. 19. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the sole portion further includes a thermoforming layer. 20. The upper portion has a tongue portion which is connected to the upper portion and is arranged so as to cover the entire length of a vertical slit formed in the leg portion, and the tightening mechanism includes the slit. The said upper part is connected with the said upper part so that the opposite side edge part of the said upper part may be tightened toward each other.
The boot liner according to any one of 9 above.