Boots – shoes – and leggings – Boots and shoes – Foot-supporting or foot-conforming feature
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-08
2001-01-09
Kavanaugh, Ted (Department: 3728)
Boots, shoes, and leggings
Boots and shoes
Foot-supporting or foot-conforming feature
C036S115000, C036S117100, C036S092000, C036S057000, C036S058500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170175
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to footwear having improved support, flexibility, comfort and structural properties and, optionally, footwear provided with an internal reinforcement system. The present invention also relates to methods for assembling and manufacturing footwear, and components that, when incorporated into footwear, provide improved support, flexibility, comfort and structural properties. The improved footwear, footwear components, and techniques of the present invention are particularly suitable for footwear for use in connection active outdoor applications, including boots for skiing, snow and water boarding, skating, including ice skating and in-line skating, hiking, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Footwear designed for active sports, such as skiing, skating, hiking, and the like, is highly specialized. Yet, there are several common requirements. Such footwear must be somewhat stiff to provide support and protection for the foot, yet it must be somewhat flexible to permit movement and, to some degree, comfort. Generally, footwear designed for the more physically demanding sports applications, such as downhill skiing, in-line skating and mountaineering, has evolved to provide a rigid outer structure with movement provided only at certain pivot points. High performance footwear for such applications requires the footwear, and the sporting equipment to which it is fastened (skis, snowboards, skates, and the like) to closely match any movement of the foot, and footwear having a high degree of rigidity has generally been used for high performance applications as well. Because these boots have a rigid, unbreathable outer shell, they are generally quite uncomfortable, notwithstanding the use of cushioned and removable inserts designed to provide comfort for the foot.
Footwear having a somewhat “soft,” flexible outer shell is available for some sporting activities, such as snowboarding, hiking and many athletic sporting activities. This footwear, while it is generally more comfortable, does not provide the structural rigidity necessary for safety and for many high performance and endurance activities.
The footwear, footwear components and methods of the present invention may employ a flexible outer shell in combination with an internal reinforcement system to provide the stiffness and flexibility required for high performance and endurance activities and may be adapted for a variety of footwear applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Footwear of the present invention exhibits improved comfort, flexibility, support and structural properties. According to one aspect of the present invention, footwear is constructed from a woven material, and preferably has two independent woven components having strands oriented in a particular orientation. The woven component(s) comprise at least two sets of strands oriented at generally right angles to one another and may compose an outer, inner or intermediate layer of the footwear. In this embodiment, one or more woven components is provided at the heel portion of footwear and one or more woven pieces is provided at the forefoot portion of the footwear. In a preferred embodiment, the woven heel and forefoot components are each constructed from an integral fabric piece and preferably form an inner, liner or an intermediate layer of the footwear.
The woven component provided at the heel portion of the footwear is constructed and assembled in the footwear so that a first set of strands is oriented generally at 90° to the plane of the sole of the footwear, and a second set of strands is oriented at about 90° to the first set of strands. The woven component provided at the forefoot portion of the footwear is constructed and assembled in the footwear such that one set of strands wraps laterally around and follows the contour of the forefoot, while another set of strands is oriented at about 90° to the first set of strands. In this embodiment, a first set of strands in the woven component forming the forefoot portion is oriented generally at 45° to the plane of the sole, and another set of strands is oriented at about 90° to the first set of strands. The heel and forefoot woven components are preferably joined to provide a footwear liner. This arrangement provides footwear that “hugs” and snugly retains the heel and forefoot in position in the footwear, even during athletic activities. Footwear constructed of woven heel and forefoot components in this fashion provides a high degree of flexibility and comfort, yet provides a degree of firmness and stability that is highly desirable for athletic activities.
According to another aspect of the present invention, footwear of the present invention preferably comprises a substantially rigid structural collar having one or more support straps mounted to the collar. The collar preferably encircles the ankle or lower leg of a person wearing the footwear and is adjustable and/or releasable to permit entry and withdrawal of the foot from the footwear. The collar may be positioned at the exterior or interior surface of the footwear, but is preferably-provided intermediate the exterior and interior surfaces, and may be provided, for example, as an intermediate component of a padded collar. The collar is preferably adjustable and may be tightened to snugly position the footwear after it has been placed on the foot.
One or more straps may be mounted to the collar to provide support and limit flexing of the ankle in a backward or forward direction, or in both backward and forward directions. Specialized straps may be provided for different athletic activities. The straps may be provided on the exterior of the footwear, or they may be provided proximate an interior lining or intermediate the exterior and interior surfaces of the footwear. In one embodiment, external straps are provided that criss-cross the heel portion of the footwear to provide forward support, and to limit flexing of the ankle in a forward direction. Thus, one strap is mounted to the collar at a medal side portion of the footwear and wraps downwardly around the heel and laterally to a lower position on the other side of the footwear. Similarly, another strap is mounted to the collar at the lateral side portion of the footwear and wraps downwardly around the heel and laterally to a lower position at the medial side of the footwear. These straps criss-cross at a generally central heel portion of the footwear and provide support that resists forward bending of the ankle.
Alternatively or additionally, another set of straps may be provided that criss-crosses the forefoot portion of the footwear. Thus, one strap may be mounted to the collar at a medial side portion of the footwear and extends downwardly and laterally across the top of the forefoot to a lower position on the lateral side of the footwear. Similarly, a second forefoot strap may be mounted to the collar at a lateral side of the footwear and extends downwardly and laterally across the top of the forefoot to a lower position at the medial side of the footwear. These forefoot straps criss-cross at a generally central forefoot portion of the footwear and provide support that resists backward bending of the ankle. The heel and forefoot straps may be used independently of in combination, depending on the support desired for particular footwear applications.
The straps themselves may be flexible, or they may be substantially rigid, and they are preferably adjustable to provide a desired degree of support. The straps may be rigidly mounted to the collar, but are preferably pivotably mounted to the collar at a common pivot point. According to an especially preferred embodiment, one or both sets of straps are provided on the exterior of the footwear and are removably or releasably mounted to the collar at a common pivot point to provide a high degree of support, flexibility and comfort.
Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to an internal reinforcement structure mounted to and extending below the substantially rigid collar. The internal reinforc
Kavanaugh Ted
Klansecki James
Speckman Ann W.
LandOfFree
Footwear with internal reinforcement structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Footwear with internal reinforcement structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Footwear with internal reinforcement structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2467656