US20030097768A1 - Boot liner with gel pads - Google Patents
Boot liner with gel pads Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030097768A1 US20030097768A1 US09/996,398 US99639801A US2003097768A1 US 20030097768 A1 US20030097768 A1 US 20030097768A1 US 99639801 A US99639801 A US 99639801A US 2003097768 A1 US2003097768 A1 US 2003097768A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- boot
- layer
- resilient
- resilient material
- pad
- 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
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- KAKZBPTYRLMSJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butadiene Chemical compound C=CC=C KAKZBPTYRLMSJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Styrene Chemical compound C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 PPBRXRYQALVLMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920003048 styrene butadiene rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 abstract description 27
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 abstract description 7
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 description 37
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 35
- BFMKFCLXZSUVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethyl but-3-enoate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC=C BFMKFCLXZSUVPI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 5
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920001821 foam rubber Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000002174 Styrene-butadiene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001468 Cordura Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001944 Plastisol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004712 air sac Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000002939 deleterious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001512 foam latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000017 hydrogel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002649 leather substitute Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004999 plastisol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004759 spandex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001137 tarsal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012956 testing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/32—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with shock-absorbing means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/081—Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/086—Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/16—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0405—Linings, paddings or insertions; Inner boots
Definitions
- the inventions relate generally to footwear, such as shoes, boots, boot liners, and specifically to ski boots or snow boarding boots designed to provide comfort and protection to the wearer by use of a gel pad in front of and above the toe and a gel pad behind the heel.
- Snowboard and ski boots are usually made of a combination of a boot liner and a boot shell.
- the boot liner may be made of various layers of foam, they don't absorb enough of the impact to alleviate the problem.
- the foam of the liner is typically so soft that it offers insufficient impact absorption. Essentially the skier's toes impact the outer shell with only a completely compressed layer of foam in between, which is painful and can cause injuries.
- Kunesh, Two Ply Inflatable Sock U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,770, (Jan. 28, 1997), describes placing an adjustable air bladder partially filled with plastisol or hydrogel into the linings of a sock to increase comfort and reduce blisters.
- the sock described in Kunesh is too soft for use in a ski boot. To control skis or a snowboard the wearer translates force through the boot to the skis or snowboard. The sock described in Kunesh would make ski or snowboard control difficult since it provides too much padding; essentially, the extra padding muffles the control force exerted by the wearer.
- Wagonhurst, Size-Adjustable Footwear U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,027 (Jul. 4, 2000) describes the use of a releasably attachable foam insert to adjust the size of the inside of a boot.
- Wagonhurst seeks to find ways to accommodate different foot sizes with the same boot.
- the inserts are designed to be compressible. Compressible liners become compressed in high impact environments and do not adequately protect a wearer's toes.
- the boots described below alleviate the problem of pain and risk of injury during an impact while wearing a snowboard or ski boot.
- Placing a soft gel pad made of SBR or similarly resilient material between the foam and cloth layers forming the toe box provides substantial protection to the wearer's toes from impacts without reducing comfort or performance.
- the pad covers the entire front and top of the toe box.
- the pad fits snugly between foam layers of the toe box, or anywhere between the inner and outer cloth linings of the boot liner, and a glue further secures the pad within the cavity.
- the gel pad does not extend into the vamp or instep of the boot, so there is no deleterious effect on the transfer of force from the users foot to the boot as needed to control a ski or snowboard bound to the boot.
- a gel pad is inserted in the boot liner in the heel counter area, providing protection from the impact of the wearer's heel with the heel counter area of the boot, and the gel pad in the heel does not extend forwardly or upwardly into the ankle or arch areas of the boot to avoid mitigating the transfer of forces needed to control skis or snowboards.
- FIG. 1 is an overview of a boot liner disposed within an outer boot shell.
- FIG. 2 is a cross section of the boot liner showing a placement of the gel pads within the boot liner.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are views of the heel gel pad.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the gel pad.
- FIG. 1 shows an overview a boot 1 that includes boot liner 2 disposed within an outer boot shell 3 .
- the boot may be used as a ski boot, a snowboard boot, an ice skate boot, or any other kind of boot.
- the outer boot shell 3 may be provided with fittings to allow it to be removably attached to skis, a snowboard, or the like.
- the inner boot liner 2 is removably disposed within the outer boot shell 3 .
- the inner boot liner 2 is fixed within the outer boot shell 3 .
- the outer boot shell 3 includes an outer shell toe box 4 , the outer shell vamp 5 , the outer shell heel counter area 6 , the outer shell ankle area 7 , and the outer shell upper 8 .
- FIG. 2 is a cross section of a boot liner illustrating its components.
- An upper 9 and a sole 10 form the liner.
- the upper 9 includes a vamp 12 , a toe box 14 , a heel 15 , and a heel counter area 16 .
- Other areas of the boot include the arch area 18 , which corresponds to the arch of the foot, and the ankle area, indicated by the phantom circle 19 , which corresponds to the area near the ankle bones of the wearer.
- the vamp 12 is the portion of the boot liner upper near the instep of the boot, rearward of the toe box, and corresponding to the instep of the wearer, located posterior to the toe box 14 .
- the toe box 14 is that portion of the boot that accommodates the toes of the wearer.
- the heel counter area 16 corresponds to the back of the heel of the wearer and is the area where a counter is typically placed in or on shoes and boots to provide stiff support in the back of the shoe upper.
- the neck 11 has an opening extending rearwardly from the vamp 12 .
- the vamp 12 slopes downwardly towards either side of the boot in an arcuate path until each side meets the sole 10 .
- the sole 10 is disposed beneath the vamp 12 and the toe box 14 to form a foot-shaped cavity which accommodates the wearer's foot.
- the various portions of the boot liner may be stitched or sewn together, glued together, or formed integrally with each other.
- the boot liner is composed of several layers of cloth, foam rubber, latex, and gel which vary in dimension and composition in different parts of the boot.
- the toe box 14 is formed with four layers of cloth and foam, including a cover 20 , an outer foam layer 21 , an inner foam layer 22 , and a lining 23 .
- the cover 20 is a heavy cloth, such as mesh or fleece, but could also be cordura, plastic, synthetic leather, or action nubuck.
- the cover 20 may include several additional layers to create an outwardly attractive appearance.
- the foam layers 21 and 22 comprises polyethylene, but may also comprise ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, or polyurethane foam.
- EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
- a gel pad 25 is disposed between the two foam layers of the toe box, secured by an adhesive.
- the gel pad 25 forms an arcuate path from the region forward of the vamp 12 , forwardly over the top of the toe box 14 , across the width of the toe box 14 , and to the bottom of the toe box at the sole 10 .
- the gel pad 25 extends around the tip of the toe box 14 laterally such that the entire front end of the toe box is protected by the gel pad 25 .
- the gel pad 25 is tapered at the edges and is thickest in the center, where the front of the toes would impact when the foot suddenly shifts forward in the boot.
- the gel pad 14 comprises styrene and 1,3-butadiene (styrene butadiene rubber, also referred to as SBR) or similar resilient soft rubber or elastomeric compound.
- SBR styrene butadiene rubber
- the gel pad has an overall durometer value of less than 0 (Shore A).
- the cover may be the same as the cover on the front of the boot.
- an outer foam layer 21 made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, polyethylene or polyurethane foam.
- EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
- the outer foam layer 21 comprises polyethylene.
- a middle foam layer 27 made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, or polyurethane foam, secured with a suitable glue to the outer cover.
- the middle foam layer 27 comprises polyurethane foam.
- an inner foam layer 22 Disposed inside the middle foam layer 27 is an inner foam layer 22 made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, polyethylene, or polyurethane foam secured with a suitable glue to the middle foam layer.
- EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
- the inner foam layer 22 comprises polyethylene.
- an inner lining 23 Disposed inside the inner foam layer 22 is an inner lining 23 , made of spandex or low pile fabric, secured to the inner foam layer with a suitable glue.
- a heel gel pad 30 Inserted into the heel counter area 16 is a heel gel pad 30 composed of styrene and 1,3-butadiene (styrene butadiene rubber) with an overall durometer value of less than 0 (Shore A). The heel gel pad 30 is disposed between the inner foam layer 22 and the middle foam layer 27 .
- both the gel pad 14 and the heel gel 30 pad are beveled such that the upper and lower parts of the pads, as seen from the bottom of the heel to the top, are thicker than the central portion. This beveling provides maximum protection to the heel, yet minimizes the space required for the pad and provides for a smooth transition between padded and unpadded portions of the boot. It also tends to “hug” the heel and thereby increase comfort.
- the overall durometer values of various locations on the boot may be adjusted to fall within certain parameters to maximize protection and comfort. All of the durometer values given in this specification were taken on a sample of a boot liner manufactured by the Applicant. The testing performed was to measure durometer (Shore) hardness per ASTM D 2240. The testing procedures were according to the ASTM D 2440-97 e1 test method.
- the overall durometer value of the toe box 14 is, as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, about 14 (Shore A) and in the range from about 7 (Shore A) to about 21 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value of the toe box 14 is 18 (Shore A) and in the range from about 9 (Shore A) to about 27 (Shore A).
- the heel counter area 16 has an overall durometer value, as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, of about 6 (Shore A) and in the range from about 3 (Shore A) to about 9 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value the heel counter area 16 is about 48 (Shore A) and in the range from about 24 (Shore A) to about 72 (Shore A).
- the overall durometer value as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, is about 6 (Shore A) and in the range of about 3 (Shore A) to about 9 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value at the ankle area is about 50 (Shore A) and in the range from about 25 (Shore A) to about 75 (Shore A).
- the overall durometer value as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, is about 9 (Shore A) and in the range of about 4 (Shore A) to about 13 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value of the vamp is about 17 (Shore A) and in the range from about 8 (Shore A) to about 26 (Shore A).
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show the heel gel pad 30 .
- the heel gel pad 30 is shaped to afford protection to the back of the heel without making it so bulky as to cause discomfort to the wearer.
- the central contour line 36 shows where beveling begins. From that point the heel gel pad 30 tapers until it reaches the pad edge 37 , which is thinner than the center of the pad 38 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 show the gel pad 25 .
- the gel pad 25 is shaped to afford protection to the toes without making the boot so bulky as to cause discomfort to the wearer.
- the central contour line 39 shows where beveling begins. From that point the gel pad 25 tapers until it reaches the forward pad edge 40 , which is thinner than the center of the pad 41 . However, the gel pad is more pointed at the outer edges 42 to better fit the toe box. Thus, the flat pad edge 43 , also thinner than the pad center 41 , is more narrow than the rounded pad edge 40 .
- the gel pad 25 and heel gel pad 30 are shown embedded between the layers of the boot liner, they may be placed in other positions relative to the boot liner or boot liner layers.
- the gel pads for the heel 30 may be secured between the boot liner heel counter area 16 and the outer boot shell heel counter area 6 , or inside the boot liner heel counter area 16 .
- the gel pad 25 for the toe may be secured between the boot liner toe box 14 and the outer shell toe box 4 , or anywhere between the various layers of the boot liner toe box 14 .
- the pad may also be secured to corresponding locations on the inside of the outer shell. However, placement of the gel pads 30 and 25 between various layers of the boot liner protects the pad itself from wear and tear during the use of the boot.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
- Sealing Devices (AREA)
- Diaphragms And Bellows (AREA)
Abstract
A boot with a resilient pad fixed inside the cloth and foam layers forming the toe box.
Description
- The inventions relate generally to footwear, such as shoes, boots, boot liners, and specifically to ski boots or snow boarding boots designed to provide comfort and protection to the wearer by use of a gel pad in front of and above the toe and a gel pad behind the heel.
- Anyone who skis or snowboards has felt the pain of jamming their toes and heels against the inside of their boots. The boot described below provides a good solution to the problem.
- Snowboard and ski boots are usually made of a combination of a boot liner and a boot shell. Though the boot liner may be made of various layers of foam, they don't absorb enough of the impact to alleviate the problem. The foam of the liner is typically so soft that it offers insufficient impact absorption. Essentially the skier's toes impact the outer shell with only a completely compressed layer of foam in between, which is painful and can cause injuries.
- Kunesh, Two Ply Inflatable Sock, U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,770, (Jan. 28, 1997), describes placing an adjustable air bladder partially filled with plastisol or hydrogel into the linings of a sock to increase comfort and reduce blisters. However, the sock described in Kunesh is too soft for use in a ski boot. To control skis or a snowboard the wearer translates force through the boot to the skis or snowboard. The sock described in Kunesh would make ski or snowboard control difficult since it provides too much padding; essentially, the extra padding muffles the control force exerted by the wearer.
- Wagonhurst, Size-Adjustable Footwear, U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,027 (Jul. 4, 2000), describes the use of a releasably attachable foam insert to adjust the size of the inside of a boot. Wagonhurst seeks to find ways to accommodate different foot sizes with the same boot. Because Wagonhurst teaches the use of foam inserts to accommodate feet of different sizes, the inserts are designed to be compressible. Compressible liners become compressed in high impact environments and do not adequately protect a wearer's toes.
- The boots described below alleviate the problem of pain and risk of injury during an impact while wearing a snowboard or ski boot. Placing a soft gel pad made of SBR or similarly resilient material between the foam and cloth layers forming the toe box provides substantial protection to the wearer's toes from impacts without reducing comfort or performance. To provide maximum protection the pad covers the entire front and top of the toe box. The pad fits snugly between foam layers of the toe box, or anywhere between the inner and outer cloth linings of the boot liner, and a glue further secures the pad within the cavity. The gel pad does not extend into the vamp or instep of the boot, so there is no deleterious effect on the transfer of force from the users foot to the boot as needed to control a ski or snowboard bound to the boot. Likewise, a gel pad is inserted in the boot liner in the heel counter area, providing protection from the impact of the wearer's heel with the heel counter area of the boot, and the gel pad in the heel does not extend forwardly or upwardly into the ankle or arch areas of the boot to avoid mitigating the transfer of forces needed to control skis or snowboards.
- FIG. 1 is an overview of a boot liner disposed within an outer boot shell.
- FIG. 2 is a cross section of the boot liner showing a placement of the gel pads within the boot liner.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are views of the heel gel pad.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the gel pad.
- FIG. 1 shows an overview a
boot 1 that includesboot liner 2 disposed within anouter boot shell 3. The boot may be used as a ski boot, a snowboard boot, an ice skate boot, or any other kind of boot. Theouter boot shell 3 may be provided with fittings to allow it to be removably attached to skis, a snowboard, or the like. Theinner boot liner 2 is removably disposed within theouter boot shell 3. Alternatively, theinner boot liner 2 is fixed within theouter boot shell 3. Theouter boot shell 3 includes an outershell toe box 4, the outer shell vamp 5, the outer shell heel counter area 6, the outershell ankle area 7, and the outer shell upper 8. - FIG. 2 is a cross section of a boot liner illustrating its components. An upper9 and a sole 10 form the liner. The upper 9 includes a
vamp 12, atoe box 14, aheel 15, and aheel counter area 16. Other areas of the boot include thearch area 18, which corresponds to the arch of the foot, and the ankle area, indicated by thephantom circle 19, which corresponds to the area near the ankle bones of the wearer. - The
vamp 12 is the portion of the boot liner upper near the instep of the boot, rearward of the toe box, and corresponding to the instep of the wearer, located posterior to thetoe box 14. Thetoe box 14 is that portion of the boot that accommodates the toes of the wearer. Theheel counter area 16 corresponds to the back of the heel of the wearer and is the area where a counter is typically placed in or on shoes and boots to provide stiff support in the back of the shoe upper. The neck 11 has an opening extending rearwardly from thevamp 12. Thevamp 12 slopes downwardly towards either side of the boot in an arcuate path until each side meets the sole 10. The sole 10 is disposed beneath thevamp 12 and thetoe box 14 to form a foot-shaped cavity which accommodates the wearer's foot. The various portions of the boot liner may be stitched or sewn together, glued together, or formed integrally with each other. - The boot liner is composed of several layers of cloth, foam rubber, latex, and gel which vary in dimension and composition in different parts of the boot. Referring to the front of the boot, the
toe box 14 is formed with four layers of cloth and foam, including acover 20, anouter foam layer 21, aninner foam layer 22, and alining 23. Thecover 20 is a heavy cloth, such as mesh or fleece, but could also be cordura, plastic, synthetic leather, or action nubuck. Thecover 20 may include several additional layers to create an outwardly attractive appearance. Preferably, when made in combination with all the specified elements of the boot liner, thefoam layers - A gel pad25 is disposed between the two foam layers of the toe box, secured by an adhesive. The gel pad 25 forms an arcuate path from the region forward of the
vamp 12, forwardly over the top of thetoe box 14, across the width of thetoe box 14, and to the bottom of the toe box at the sole 10. The gel pad 25 extends around the tip of thetoe box 14 laterally such that the entire front end of the toe box is protected by the gel pad 25. The gel pad 25 is tapered at the edges and is thickest in the center, where the front of the toes would impact when the foot suddenly shifts forward in the boot. Thegel pad 14 comprises styrene and 1,3-butadiene (styrene butadiene rubber, also referred to as SBR) or similar resilient soft rubber or elastomeric compound. The gel pad has an overall durometer value of less than 0 (Shore A). - Note that placing the gel pad25 inside the foam layers of the
toe box 14 tightly secures it, making slippage unlikely even under high impacts or high shear forces. In addition, by placing the pad 25 over theentire toe box 14 all parts of the toes are protected. If the toes jam forward during a high impact then the pad helps protect the joints and top part of the toes, even if the toes crumple around the joints. - Referring to the rear of the boot, the cover may be the same as the cover on the front of the boot. Disposed inside the
outer cover 20, and secured with a suitable glue, is anouter foam layer 21 made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, polyethylene or polyurethane foam. Preferably, when made in combination with all the specified elements of the boot liner, theouter foam layer 21 comprises polyethylene. Disposed inside theouter foam layer 21 is amiddle foam layer 27 made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, or polyurethane foam, secured with a suitable glue to the outer cover. Preferably, when made in combination with all the specified elements of the boot liner, themiddle foam layer 27 comprises polyurethane foam. Disposed inside themiddle foam layer 27 is aninner foam layer 22 made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, polyethylene, or polyurethane foam secured with a suitable glue to the middle foam layer. Preferably, when made in combination with all the specified elements of the boot liner, theinner foam layer 22 comprises polyethylene. Disposed inside theinner foam layer 22 is aninner lining 23, made of spandex or low pile fabric, secured to the inner foam layer with a suitable glue. Inserted into theheel counter area 16 is aheel gel pad 30 composed of styrene and 1,3-butadiene (styrene butadiene rubber) with an overall durometer value of less than 0 (Shore A). Theheel gel pad 30 is disposed between theinner foam layer 22 and themiddle foam layer 27. - Note that both the
gel pad 14 and theheel gel 30 pad are beveled such that the upper and lower parts of the pads, as seen from the bottom of the heel to the top, are thicker than the central portion. This beveling provides maximum protection to the heel, yet minimizes the space required for the pad and provides for a smooth transition between padded and unpadded portions of the boot. It also tends to “hug” the heel and thereby increase comfort. - The overall durometer values of various locations on the boot may be adjusted to fall within certain parameters to maximize protection and comfort. All of the durometer values given in this specification were taken on a sample of a boot liner manufactured by the Applicant. The testing performed was to measure durometer (Shore) hardness per ASTM D 2240. The testing procedures were according to the ASTM D 2440-97e1 test method.
- The overall durometer value of the
toe box 14 is, as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, about 14 (Shore A) and in the range from about 7 (Shore A) to about 21 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value of thetoe box 14 is 18 (Shore A) and in the range from about 9 (Shore A) to about 27 (Shore A). - The
heel counter area 16 has an overall durometer value, as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, of about 6 (Shore A) and in the range from about 3 (Shore A) to about 9 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value theheel counter area 16 is about 48 (Shore A) and in the range from about 24 (Shore A) to about 72 (Shore A). - At the
ankle area 19 the overall durometer value, as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, is about 6 (Shore A) and in the range of about 3 (Shore A) to about 9 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value at the ankle area is about 50 (Shore A) and in the range from about 25 (Shore A) to about 75 (Shore A). - At the center of the
vamp 12 the overall durometer value, as measured from the inside of the boot to the outside, is about 9 (Shore A) and in the range of about 4 (Shore A) to about 13 (Shore A). As measured from the outside of the boot to the inside the durometer value of the vamp is about 17 (Shore A) and in the range from about 8 (Shore A) to about 26 (Shore A). - FIGS. 3 and 4 show the
heel gel pad 30. Theheel gel pad 30 is shaped to afford protection to the back of the heel without making it so bulky as to cause discomfort to the wearer. Thecentral contour line 36 shows where beveling begins. From that point theheel gel pad 30 tapers until it reaches thepad edge 37, which is thinner than the center of thepad 38. - FIGS. 5 and 6 show the gel pad25. Like the
heel gel pad 30, the gel pad 25 is shaped to afford protection to the toes without making the boot so bulky as to cause discomfort to the wearer. Thecentral contour line 39 shows where beveling begins. From that point the gel pad 25 tapers until it reaches theforward pad edge 40, which is thinner than the center of thepad 41. However, the gel pad is more pointed at theouter edges 42 to better fit the toe box. Thus, theflat pad edge 43, also thinner than thepad center 41, is more narrow than the roundedpad edge 40. - While the gel pad25 and
heel gel pad 30 are shown embedded between the layers of the boot liner, they may be placed in other positions relative to the boot liner or boot liner layers. The gel pads for theheel 30 may be secured between the boot linerheel counter area 16 and the outer boot shell heel counter area 6, or inside the boot linerheel counter area 16. Likewise, the gel pad 25 for the toe may be secured between the bootliner toe box 14 and the outershell toe box 4, or anywhere between the various layers of the bootliner toe box 14. The pad may also be secured to corresponding locations on the inside of the outer shell. However, placement of thegel pads 30 and 25 between various layers of the boot liner protects the pad itself from wear and tear during the use of the boot. - Thus, while the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised without departing from the spirit of the inventions and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. A boot comprising an outer shell and a boot liner, wherein the boot liner is adapted to be disposed within the outer shell during use, and wherein the boot liner comprises:
an upper, a sole disposed beneath the upper, a toe box disposed in the forward portion of the upper and above the sole, a heel counter area disposed in the rearward portion of the upper, an cover disposed on the outside of the upper, a first layer of resilient material disposed within the outer cover, a second layer of resilient material disposed within said first layer of resilient material, and an inner lining disposed within said second layer of resilient material; and
a resilient pad disposed in the toe box, said resilient pad fixed between the outer cover and the inner lining of the toe box.
2. A boot as in claim 1 wherein the resilient pad comprises a mixture of styrene and 1,3-butadiene.
3. A boot as in claim 1 where the durometer value of the toe box as measured from the inner lining to the outer cover is about 14 (Shore A).
4. A boot as in claim 1 where the durometer value of the toe box as measured from the outer cover to the inner lining is about 18 (Shore A).
5. A boot as in claim 1 , wherein said resilient pad is fixed in the toe box between the first layer of resilient material and the second layer of resilient material.
6. A boot as in claim 1 wherein said resilient pad is fixed in the toe box between the cover and the first layer of resilient material.
7. A boot as in claim 1 , wherein said resilient pad is fixed in the toe box between the second layer of resilient material and the inner lining.
8. A boot as in claim 1 , wherein said resilient pad is fixed outside the cover of the toe box of the boot liner.
9. A boot as in claim 1 further comprising:
a third layer of resilient material disposed between the first and second layers of resilient material, where said third layer of resilient material is further disposed in the rear portion of the boot; and,
a resilient heel pad disposed in the heel counter area, said resilient heel pad fixed between the outer cover and the inner lining.
10. A boot as in claim 9 wherein the resilient pad comprises a mixture of styrene and 1,3-butadiene.
11. A boot as in claim 9 where the durometer value of the heel counter area, as measured from the inner lining to the outer cover, is about 6 (Shore A).
12. A boot as in claim 9 where the durometer value of the heel counter area, as measured from the outer cover to the inner lining is about 48 (Shore A).
13. A boot as in claim 9 , wherein said resilient heel pad is fixed between the first layer of resilient material and the outer cover.
14. A boot as in claim 9 , wherein said resilient heel pad is fixed between the first layer of resilient material and the second layer of resilient material.
15. A boot as in claim 9 , wherein said resilient heel pad is fixed between the second layer of resilient material and the third layer of resilient material.
16. A boot as in claim 9 , wherein said resilient heel pad is fixed between the third layer of resilient material and the inner lining.
17. A boot as in claim 9 , wherein said resilient heel pad is fixed outside the heel counter area.
18. A boot characterized by a sole and an upper, said upper further characterized by an instep area and a toe box located at the front of the upper forward of the instep area and having a rear boundary forward of the instep area, wherein the toe box area comprises:
a first layer of resilient material, a second layer of resilient material, and a gel pad disposed between the first layer of resilient material and the second layer of resilient material.
19. The boot of claim 18 wherein the gel pad is comprised of styrene butadiene rubber.
20. The boot of claim 18 wherein the gel pad does not extend substantially rearwardly of the toe box.
21. The boot of claim 18 wherein the gel pad extends rearwardly from the tip of the toe box and terminates at a point forward of the instep.
22. The boot of claim 18 wherein the durometer value of the toe box, as measured from the inside of the boot lining, is about 14.
23. A boot characterized by a sole and an upper, said upper further characterized by an ankle area, an arch area, an instep area, and a heel counter area located at the rear of the upper rearward of the ankle area and arch area, wherein the heel counter area comprises:
a first layer of resilient material and a second layer of resilient material, and a gel pad disposed between the first layer of resilient material and the second layer of resilient material.
24. The boot of claim 23 wherein the gel pad is comprised of styrene butadiene rubber.
25. The boot of claim 23 wherein the gel pad does not extend substantially forward of the heel counter area.
26. The boot of claim 23 wherein the gel pad extends forwardly from rear of the heel counter area and terminates at a point behind the arch area.
27. The boot of claim 23 wherein the durometer value of the heel counter area, as measured from the inside of the boot lining, is about 6.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/996,398 US20030097768A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2001-11-28 | Boot liner with gel pads |
TW091134257A TWI220859B (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-11-22 | Boot liner with gel pads |
EP02026154A EP1316268A3 (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-11-25 | Boot liner with gel pads |
CA002412976A CA2412976A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-11-25 | Boot liner with gel pads |
JP2002342270A JP2003180401A (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-11-26 | Boot equipped with boot liner with gel pad |
CNB021527008A CN1283192C (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-11-27 | Boot pad with gel filling |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/996,398 US20030097768A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2001-11-28 | Boot liner with gel pads |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030097768A1 true US20030097768A1 (en) | 2003-05-29 |
Family
ID=25542873
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/996,398 Abandoned US20030097768A1 (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2001-11-28 | Boot liner with gel pads |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030097768A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1316268A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003180401A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1283192C (en) |
CA (1) | CA2412976A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI220859B (en) |
Cited By (16)
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US20060016003A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Goodway Industrial (H.K.) Ltd. | Hybrid mattress |
US20070000150A1 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2007-01-04 | Columbia Insurance Company | Shoe with improved contruction |
US20070199210A1 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2007-08-30 | The Timberland Company | Compression molded footwear and methods of manufacture |
US20100011620A1 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2010-01-21 | Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | Impact absorbing material |
US20110041779A1 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2011-02-24 | Marni Markell Hurwitz | Therapeutic pet boot |
US20110179673A1 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2011-07-28 | Michel Bisson | Pack boot having an ankle pad integrated in a multi-ply inner bootie |
US8635789B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2014-01-28 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Protection devices for use in shoes or other products |
ITMI20130508A1 (en) * | 2013-04-04 | 2014-10-05 | Ski Trab S R L | INTERMEDIATE ELEMENT FOR BOOTS FROM SCIALPINISMO, SCARPONE AND TOGETHER FOR SCIALPINISM EQUIPPED WITH THAT ELEMENT |
US20150201706A1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2015-07-23 | Bekina Nv | Safety Boot with Protective Layer |
US20160157552A1 (en) * | 2013-08-07 | 2016-06-09 | Fine Chemical Co., Ltd. | Lightweight foam safety shoes |
US20170127754A1 (en) * | 2015-11-11 | 2017-05-11 | Cabela's Incorporated | Footwear with zoned insulation |
US20170164661A1 (en) * | 2015-12-09 | 2017-06-15 | Lanette Hawkins | Cushioned Sock Assembly |
US20180206589A1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2018-07-26 | Tingley Rubber Corporation | Polyvinyl Chloride Safety Boots |
USD838455S1 (en) | 2016-11-17 | 2019-01-22 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Shoe upper |
US10219582B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2019-03-05 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Protection devices for use in shoes or other products |
US11224262B2 (en) * | 2014-08-30 | 2022-01-18 | Hood Inc. | Inner boots |
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FR2855946B1 (en) * | 2003-06-12 | 2006-02-10 | Salomon Sa | SHOE |
DK2143352T3 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2012-11-26 | Mascot Internat A S | Ankle protector for shoes or boots |
GB201516883D0 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2015-11-04 | Hitchcock Melissa | Toe box and footwear comprising the same |
CN105919224A (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2016-09-07 | 张云飞 | Shoe with gel |
CN108542035B (en) * | 2018-03-30 | 2024-07-23 | 天津安健致远国际贸易有限公司 | Luminous shoes |
CN109892743A (en) * | 2019-03-15 | 2019-06-18 | 温州职业技术学院 | A kind of inside is equipped with the leather boots of fixed mechanism |
IT202100001982A1 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-08-02 | Loris Bolzonello | IMPROVED SAFETY FOOTWEAR |
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-
2002
- 2002-11-22 TW TW091134257A patent/TWI220859B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-11-25 EP EP02026154A patent/EP1316268A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-11-25 CA CA002412976A patent/CA2412976A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-11-26 JP JP2002342270A patent/JP2003180401A/en active Pending
- 2002-11-27 CN CNB021527008A patent/CN1283192C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US3410004A (en) * | 1967-05-26 | 1968-11-12 | James T. Finn | Pneumatic ski boot |
US5596770A (en) * | 1995-11-01 | 1997-01-28 | Kunesh; J. Denise | Two-ply inflatable sock |
US6082027A (en) * | 1998-05-07 | 2000-07-04 | Variflex, Inc. | Size-adjustable footwear |
US6691431B2 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2004-02-17 | Sylvia Ortiz Farrior | Apparatus and method for augmenting dancer's foot |
Cited By (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060016003A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Goodway Industrial (H.K.) Ltd. | Hybrid mattress |
US7120950B2 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-10-17 | Goodway Industrial (H.K.) Ltd. | Hybrid mattress |
US20070000150A1 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2007-01-04 | Columbia Insurance Company | Shoe with improved contruction |
US7475500B2 (en) | 2005-07-01 | 2009-01-13 | Columbia Insurance Company | Shoe with improved construction |
US20070199210A1 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2007-08-30 | The Timberland Company | Compression molded footwear and methods of manufacture |
US20100011620A1 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2010-01-21 | Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | Impact absorbing material |
US8161665B2 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2012-04-24 | Wolverine World Wide, Inc. | Impact absorbing material |
US20110041779A1 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2011-02-24 | Marni Markell Hurwitz | Therapeutic pet boot |
US8176880B2 (en) * | 2009-08-21 | 2012-05-15 | I Did It, Inc. | Therapeutic pet boot |
US20110179673A1 (en) * | 2010-01-27 | 2011-07-28 | Michel Bisson | Pack boot having an ankle pad integrated in a multi-ply inner bootie |
US10178892B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2019-01-15 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Protection devices for use in shoes or other products |
US10219582B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2019-03-05 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Protection devices for use in shoes or other products |
US8943708B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2015-02-03 | TBL Licsensing LLC | Anti-fatigue ply rib construction |
US8635789B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2014-01-28 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Protection devices for use in shoes or other products |
US9554617B2 (en) | 2011-10-10 | 2017-01-31 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Protection devices for use in shoes or other products |
US20150201706A1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2015-07-23 | Bekina Nv | Safety Boot with Protective Layer |
ITMI20130508A1 (en) * | 2013-04-04 | 2014-10-05 | Ski Trab S R L | INTERMEDIATE ELEMENT FOR BOOTS FROM SCIALPINISMO, SCARPONE AND TOGETHER FOR SCIALPINISM EQUIPPED WITH THAT ELEMENT |
US20160157552A1 (en) * | 2013-08-07 | 2016-06-09 | Fine Chemical Co., Ltd. | Lightweight foam safety shoes |
US11224262B2 (en) * | 2014-08-30 | 2022-01-18 | Hood Inc. | Inner boots |
US9693601B2 (en) * | 2015-11-11 | 2017-07-04 | Cabela's Incorporated | Footwear with zoned insulation |
US20170280821A1 (en) * | 2015-11-11 | 2017-10-05 | Cabela's Incorporated | Footwear with zoned insulation |
US10357079B2 (en) * | 2015-11-11 | 2019-07-23 | Cebela's Llc | Footwear with zoned insulation |
US10925345B2 (en) | 2015-11-11 | 2021-02-23 | Cabela's Llc | Footwear with zoned insulation |
US20170127754A1 (en) * | 2015-11-11 | 2017-05-11 | Cabela's Incorporated | Footwear with zoned insulation |
US20170164661A1 (en) * | 2015-12-09 | 2017-06-15 | Lanette Hawkins | Cushioned Sock Assembly |
USD838455S1 (en) | 2016-11-17 | 2019-01-22 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Shoe upper |
US20180206589A1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2018-07-26 | Tingley Rubber Corporation | Polyvinyl Chloride Safety Boots |
US10856605B2 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2020-12-08 | Tingley Rubber Corporation | Polyvinyl chloride safety boots |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TWI220859B (en) | 2004-09-11 |
TW200300337A (en) | 2003-06-01 |
CA2412976A1 (en) | 2003-05-28 |
EP1316268A2 (en) | 2003-06-04 |
EP1316268A3 (en) | 2004-01-14 |
CN1283192C (en) | 2006-11-08 |
JP2003180401A (en) | 2003-07-02 |
CN1422574A (en) | 2003-06-11 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DC SHOES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BAEK, JAI K.;REEL/FRAME:014184/0443 Effective date: 20020102 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |