JP3752490B2 - Boot liner - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a boot liner. The present invention relates to a boot liner for sports or snowboarding that is particularly comfortable to wear.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Most of the winter footwear has an interior boot liner that is separate from the outer shell. For example, hiking boots, ski boots, snowboard boots, and the like often include a boot liner. The boot liner provides effects such as heat retention, shock absorption, and comfort for 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 to have a central opening or slit. A tongue is formed at the lower end of the opening or the slit and extends between both sides of the opening or the slit.
[0003]
Since it is important to bring the liner into contact with the wearer's foot, sometimes the boot liner is provided with a tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is generally located on either side of the central opening and typically includes a loop or eyelet for passing a shoelace. Shoelaces are generally passed through loops and eyelets so as to intersect in a cross shape, such as knitting both sides alternately. In general, eyelets or loops are equally spaced on the opposite side of the opening to form eyelet or loop pairs.
[0004]
The boot liner is formed of a variety of materials such as woven fabric, sponge-like material or rubber, and various combinations of these materials. Some boot liners have a tightening mechanism that allows the boot liner to be pressed around the wearer's foot.
An example of a boot liner having a tightening mechanism is disclosed in Patent Document 1 given to Solomon SA. This patent discloses a tightening mechanism for a boot liner that uses a single shoelace and a plurality of straps to press the boot liner against the wearer's foot.
[0005]
Modern boot liners have been redesigned to give a comfortable fit. For example, the boot liner disclosed in Patent Document 2 granted to Solomon SA uses a thermoforming material that fits better.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
US Pat. No. 5,937,542
[Patent Document 2]
US Pat. No. 5,924,218
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
From the above viewpoint, there is a need for a comfortable boot liner. The present invention illustrates the above needs as well as other needs in the art, and the present disclosure allows those skilled in the art to clearly understand them.
An object of the present invention is to provide a boot liner that is comfortable to wear.
[0009]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a boot liner that can be securely fastened to the wearer's ankle.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above 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 thermoformed layer disposed on the inside and outside of the ankle portion, and a non-thermoformed member disposed on at least one of the inside and outside of the ankle portion.
[0011]
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description disclosing the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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, the boot liner 10 is designed to be inserted into a 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 10 according to the present invention can be closely attached around the wearer's ankle.
[0013]
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the boot liner 10 can be made in various sizes to suit various foot sizes. In other words, the dimensions of the boot liner 10 are determined so that the foot of the specific size fits the boot liner of the specific size. As will be described below, the boot liner 10 is specifically constructed to closely fit around the wearer's ankle. Thus, depending on the specific size of the foot, the boot liner 10 can be used to form the tibia that forms the inner or inner part of the ankle joint, the rib that forms the side or outer part of the ankle joint, and the talus that forms the lower part of the ankle joint. It has a shape that fits comfortably to the ankle joint A (see FIG. 4), 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 rib portions of the ankle joint A.
[0014]
The boot liner 10 basically includes a sole portion 12, an upper portion 14 connected to the sole portion 12, and a string or a cord L so that opposite side ends of the upper portion 14 are tightened to each other. And a coupled tightening mechanism T. As used herein, terms indicating directions such as “front, back, up, down, vertical, horizontal, down, side”, as well as other similar directions are in standard upright positions. The direction of the boot liner 10 is shown. Accordingly, 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.
[0015]
As is most apparent from FIG. 4, the sole portion 12 is preferably a separate element from the upper portion 14 that is connected to the upper portion 14 in a conventional manner, such as by sewing two portions together. The sole portion 12 is preferably different from the upper portion 14. The sole portion 12 is preferably constructed from two portions each constructed from two layers of flexible material. Specifically, the sole portion 12 includes an outer sole portion 15 sewn on the upper portion 14 and an inner sole portion 16 that is detachably covered on the outer sole portion 15.
[0016]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer sole portion 15 preferably has a bottom outer layer 15a and an inner layer 15b. The layer structures are preferably bonded together by conventional methods such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 15a and 15b in the figure is not drawn to scale, and the thickness of the layer 15a is exaggerated for illustration purposes.
[0017]
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 relative movement at the contact portion is limited. The outer layer 15a of the outer sole portion 15 is constructed of a flexible rubber material such as synthetic rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), leather, or other suitable material. Is desirable. It is desirable that the bottom surface of the outer layer 15a of the outer sole portion 15 is provided with a texture that enhances anti-slip characteristics. The inner layer 15b of the outer sole portion 15 is preferably formed of a thermoformable material such as ULTRALON that can be molded in accordance with the sole. That is, the thermoformable inner layer 15b of the outer sole portion 15 is provided with thermoplasticity that gives the ability to adjust and adapt to the volume specific to the wearer's foot after heating at the thermoforming temperature.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 4, the inner sole portion 16 is desirably a removable insert that covers the outer sole portion 15. The inner sole portion 16 is preferably constructed by a lower layer 16a and an upper layer 16b. The layer structures are preferably bonded together by conventional methods such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 16a and 16b in the figure 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) that provides a shock absorbing effect (cushion) to 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.
[0019]
The upper part 14 is preferably constructed by two parts, for example, a body part 17 and a tongue part 18. The body portion 17 and the tongue portion 18 are stitched together by a seam 19 to form a foot portion 20, an ankle portion 21, and a leg portion 22. The foot portion 20 is fixedly connected to the sole portion 12 in a conventional manner such as a desired seam. The ankle portion 21 is located in a region between the foot portion 20 and the leg portion 22. The leg portion 22 extends upward from the foot portion 20 with a longitudinal slit 24 formed in both the foot portion 20 and the ankle portion 21. The longitudinal slit 24 is substantially disposed at a position along the middle or central plane of the boot liner 10. As described above, the longitudinal slit 24 is defined by the pair of opposing side end portions 26 a and 26 b of the upper portion 14. Longitudinal slit 24 preferably extends along both foot portion 20 and leg portion 22.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 3-6 and best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the portions 17 and 18 of the upper portion 14 are each constructed of four layers of flexible material. More specifically, the upper portion 14 includes 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. Yes. The layer structures are preferably bonded together by conventional methods such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 28a to 28d in the figure is not drawn to scale, and the thickness of layers 28a and 28d are each exaggerated for purposes of illustration.
[0021]
The outermost layer 28a according to the selected embodiment is preferably constructed of an elastic material such as spandex. The outermost layer 28a desirably has a lateral thickness or dimension of about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. The outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b is preferably formed of a thermoformable material such as ULTRALON. The outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b has thermoplasticity that provides the ability to adjust and adapt to the specific volume of the wearer's foot after heating at the thermoforming temperature. The outer intermediate (thermoformed) layer 28b preferably comprises a lateral thickness or dimension of about 7 millimeters. Inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28c is preferably constructed of conventional foam or sponge material, such as open cell polyurethane. Inner intermediate layer 28c preferably comprises a lateral thickness or dimension of about 3.5 millimeters. The innermost layer 28d is preferably constructed of a fabric material, such as NYLEX® polymer knitted fabric. Innermost layer 28d desirably 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 the upper portion 14 may be constructed of other suitable flexible materials in order to practice the present invention.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 3, the ankle portion 21 includes a pair of first and second non-thermoforming 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 disposed between the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b and the inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28c. The first and second non-thermoforming members 29 are banana-shaped or L-shaped pads that are preferably formed of a polyurethane material. The first and second non-thermoforming members 29 are a pair of banana-shaped or L-shaped bulging portions B extending in the lateral direction toward each other.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second non-thermoforming members 29 have a vertical dimension D1 height of about 70 millimeters and a horizontal dimension D2 and length of about 70 millimeters. Desirably, the non-thermoformed member 29 has a thickness of a lateral dimension D3 of about 11.5 millimeters. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4, the tightening mechanism T has an upper portion so that the first and second strap portions (the lower lacing member 34) cover the portions of the first and second non-thermoforming members 29, respectively. 14 is configured.
[0024]
The first and second non-thermoforming members 29 are arranged immediately after the average positions of the ribs and tibias that form part of the ankle joint A. That is, the first and second non-thermoforming members 29 basically receive or support the ankle joint at the base and rear side of the ankle joint A. Of course, for various sizes of the boot liner 10, the position of the first and second non-thermoforming members 29 is determined based on the average position of the ankle joint A relative to the wearer's foot that fits the specific size of the boot liner 10. It has been.
[0025]
The density of the thermoforming material forming the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b is preferably about 50 kg / m ³ , and the hardness is about 35-40 on the Japan Rubber Association rubber strength tester C scale. desirable. On the other hand, the hardness of the polyurethane material of the non-thermoforming member 29 is preferably about 20 on the rubber strength tester C scale of the Japan Rubber Association. The polyurethane material of the non-thermoforming member 29 has a high density so that the non-thermoforming member 29 is not as compressible as the inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28c. Thus, the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28 b is harder than the inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28 c and the non-thermoforming member 29. The non-thermoforming member 29 is preferably harder than the inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28c. Both the inner intermediate (sponge) layer 28c and the non-thermoforming member 29 are preferably formed of a polyurethane material. However, the non-thermoforming member 29 has a higher density than the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b so that the lateral compressibility of the non-thermoforming member 29 is higher than that of the outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 28b. Absent.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the tongue portion 18 is disposed so as to cover the entire length of the longitudinal slit 24 of FIGS. The tongue portion 18 is preferably constructed with four layers 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. The materials of the four layers 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are desirably the same as those used for the layers 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d of the main body portion 17 of the upper portion 14 in order. Accordingly, the tongue portion 18 is preferably constructed of a shock absorbing material that is flexible as is the material used for the body portion 17 of the upper portion 14. The layer structures are preferably bonded together by conventional methods such as adhesives. The thickness of each layer 30a to 30d in the figure is not drawn to scale, and the thickness of each of layers 30a and 30d is exaggerated for purposes of illustration.
[0027]
The tightening mechanism T is connected to the upper portion 14 so as to tighten the opposite side end portions 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 sewn to the upper portion 14 by stitching at four points (only two are shown in FIG. 1) arranged rearward. The lateral bottoms at two locations of the lower racing member 34 are also bonded to the outer sole portion 15 at side points 36 (only one location is shown in FIG. 1). The upper lacing member 32 includes four upper straps or racing portions 41, 42, 43, 44, and the lower lacing member 34 includes a pair of lower straps or racing portions 45 and 46. The upper racing member 32 mainly tightens the leg portion 22 of the upper portion 14, and the lower racing member 34 mainly tightens the foot portion 20 and the ankle portion 21 located at the intersection region of the leg portion 22. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that more or fewer main lacing sections may be utilized to implement the present invention, depending on the size and application of the boot liner 10. It is.
[0028]
The straps or lacing portions 41-46 are preferably constructed of conventional strap 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 used. 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 to 46 may be formed on the hooks, the rigid ring member, or both.
[0029]
The tightening mechanism T is disposed on both sides of the central slit 24, and the shoelace L is passed through a loop member formed by the racing portions 41 to 46. The shoelace L generally extends through the loop member formed by the racing portions 41 to 46 while intersecting in a cross shape so that the loops on both sides are knitted alternately, for example. In general, the same number of loop members formed by the racing portions 41 to 46 are arranged on the opposite side of the central slit 24 at equal intervals to form a pair of loop members.
[0030]
As used herein, terms such as “approximately”, “about”, “approximately”, etc. are modified terms that mean a reasonable amount of change such that the final result does not change significantly. These terms are interpreted to include a deviation of ± 5% unless the meaning of the terms to be corrected is not denied.
While selected embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and illustrated herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, but from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Various modifications and changes can be made without leaving. Furthermore, the description of the embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention by the appended claims or equivalent claims.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the thermoformed layer is disposed on the inside and outside of the ankle portion, and the non-thermoformed member is disposed on at least one of the inside and outside of the ankle portion. A boot liner that is tightly clamped by the non-thermoforming member and has a good fit and good comfort is obtained.
[Brief description of the 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 in accordance with the present invention.
3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along line 3-3 in FIG.
4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a part of the boot liner shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION 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 part 20 Leg part 21 Ankle part 22 Leg part 24 Longitudinal slit 28b Outer intermediate (thermoforming) layer 29 1st and 1st 2 Non-thermoforming member 34 Lower racing member

Claims (20)

The sole part,
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 a thermoforming layer disposed inside and outside the ankle portion; An upper portion having a non-thermoforming member disposed on at least one of the inside and outside of the ankle portion;
Boot liner with. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the non-thermoforming member is disposed on the inner side of the ankle portion. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the non-thermoforming member is disposed on the outer side of the ankle portion. The boot liner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-thermoforming member is a banana-shaped pad. The boot liner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the non-thermoforming member is made of polyurethane. A boot liner according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-thermoformed members both have a height of about 70 millimeters and a length of about 70 millimeters. The upper portion includes a first strap portion disposed so as to cover a part of the non-thermoforming member disposed on the inner side of the ankle portion, and the non-thermo-molding disposed on the outer 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 to cover a part of the member. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the thermoforming layer further extends along the foot portion. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the thermoforming layer further extends along the leg portion. The boot liner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper portion includes a foam layer covering a surface facing the outside of the thermal stratification. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes an outer layer that covers a surface facing the outside of the thermoforming layer. The said upper part is provided with the inner layer which covers the surface which faced the inner side of the said thermoforming layer, The said non-thermoforming member is arrange | positioned between the said thermoforming layer and the said inner layer. Boot liner according to crab. The boot liner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sole portion is a separate member connected to the foot portion of the upper portion. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the sole portion is constructed of a flexible material. The boot liner according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sole portion includes an outer sole portion fixedly connected to the foot portion of the upper portion. The boot liner according to claim 15, wherein the outer sole portion of the sole portion includes an outer layer of a polyvinyl chloride material. The boot liner according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the outer sole portion of the sole portion further includes an inner layer that can be thermoformed. The boot liner according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the sole portion further includes an inner sole portion that covers the outer sole portion of the sole portion. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein the sole portion further includes a thermoforming layer. The upper portion has a tongue portion that is connected to the upper portion and arranged to cover the entire length of the longitudinal slit formed in the leg portion,
The boot liner according to any one of claims 7 to 19, wherein the tightening mechanism is coupled to the upper portion so as to tighten opposite side end portions of the upper portion defining the slit toward each other.

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