Adjustable And Dual-Suspension Boot Levers

Abstract

Adjustable and/or dual-suspension boot levers for hardshell boots, having upper parts and lower parts that rotate relative to one another, are disclosed. Adjustable boot levers disclosed herein are adjustable along a continuum or at one of a plurality of preset positions on a lever to provide a forward-lean angle customizable to a user's preferences. Dual-suspension boot levers provide fore-aft dampening and are also customizable by selection of appropriate elastic materials and properties for use in the forward-lean and backward-lean suspension devices. In some embodiments, adjustability and dual-suspension are combined in a boot lever design.

Claims

1. A dual-suspension lever for a hardshell boot comprising a forward-lean suspension device and a backward-lean suspension device.

2. The dual-suspension lever of claim 1, wherein the lever comprises means for setting a closed-position forward-lean angle along a continuum or at one of a plurality of preset positions.

3. The dual-suspension lever of claim 1, wherein the backward-lean suspension device is disposed at a top end or a bottom end of the forward-lean suspension device.

4. The dual-suspension lever of claim 1, further comprising a travel plate disposed between the forward-lean suspension device and the backward-lean suspension device.

5. The dual-suspension lever of claim 1, wherein the forward-lean suspension device and/or the backward-lean suspension device comprise(s) a spring, a bumper of elastic material, an air shock, a hydraulic shock, or combinations thereof.

6. The dual-suspension lever of claim 1, wherein the lever comprises: a lever body hingedly mounted to a lever bracket, the lever body comprising at least a portion of a connector rod; and a connector head disposed on the connector rod and translatable along a length of the connector rod.

7. The dual-suspension lever of claim 6, wherein the backward-lean suspension device is disposed within the lever body or outside the lever body.

8. The dual-suspension lever of claim 6 further comprising a spring for biasing the lever body in an open/closed position relative to the lever bracket.

9. The dual-suspension lever of claim 6, wherein the lever body comprises one or more openings for receiving a cuff tensioning cable.

10. The dual-suspension lever of claim 6, wherein the lever bracket comprises a slot for receiving a flat end of the connector rod.

11. A boot comprising: a lower part for receiving at least a portion of a user's foot; an upper part for receiving at least a portion of the user's leg, wherein the upper part and the lower part are connected to one another by at least two pivot points; and a lever that is adjustable between an open position that does not restrict rotation and a closed position that restricts rotation; wherein the lever is a dual-suspension lever comprising both a forward-lean suspension device and a backward-lean suspension device.

12. The boot of claim 11, wherein the dual-suspension lever comprises means for adjusting a forward-lean angle of the closed position along a continuum or at one of a plurality of preset positions.

13. The boot of claim 11, wherein the backward-lean suspension device is disposed at a top end or a bottom end of the forward-lean suspension device.

14. The boot of claim 11, further comprising a travel plate disposed between the forward-lean suspension device and the backward-lean suspension device.

15. The boot of claim 11, wherein the forward-lean suspension device and/or the backward-lean suspension device comprise(s) a spring, a bumper of elastic material, an air shock, a hydraulic shock, or combinations thereof.

16. The boot of claim 11, wherein the dual-suspension lever comprises: a lever body hingedly mounted to a lever bracket, the lever body comprising at least a portion of a connector rod; and a connector head disposed on the connector rod and translatable along a length of the connector rod.

17. The boot of claim 16, wherein the backward-lean suspension device is disposed within the lever body or outside the lever body.

18. The boot of claim 16 further comprising a spring for biasing the lever body in an open/closed position relative to the lever bracket.

19. The boot of claim 16, wherein the lever body comprises one or more openings for receiving a cuff tensioning cable.

20. The boot of claim 16, wherein the lever bracket comprises a slot for receiving a flat end of the connector rod.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 is a picture of a boot comprising an upper part and a lower part connected by a pair of pivots and outfitted with an adjustable, dual suspension lever, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in the open position.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a close-up picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIGS. 1-3 in the closed position with forward pressure forcing movement of the travel plate away from the hinged end of the lever body.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a close-up picture of an adjustable, dual-suspension lever with a backward-lean suspension device disposed inside a lever body, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIG. 5 in the closed position.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a picture of an adjustable, dual-suspension lever in the open position, illustrating a step for adjusting the forward-lean angle of the boot, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] FIG. 8 provides top and side view mechanical drawings of an adjustable, dual-suspension lever, lever bracket, and connector head interface device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 9 provides mechanical drawings of an adjustable lever comprising a threaded connector rod with a fixed connector head, according to an embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 10 provides mechanical drawings of an adjustable lever comprising a fixed connector rod and a translatable connector head, according to an embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a picture of a lever body biased by a spring in a closed position against a lever bracket mounted on a boot, according to an embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 12 provides mechanical drawings of an adjustable lever comprising a rotationally constrained connector rod, according to an embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 13 shows a close-up schematic of the slotted lever bracket and mated connector rod of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of this description.

[0055] A device is a combination of components operably connected to produce one or more desired functions.

[0056] A component is used broadly to refer to an individual part of a device.

[0057] The terms direct and indirect describe the actions or physical positions of one component relative to another component, or one device relative to another device. For example, a component that directly acts upon or touches another component does so without intervention from an intermediary. Contrarily, a component that indirectly acts upon or touches another component does so through an intermediary (e.g., a third component).

[0058] As used herein, continuum refers to a continuous range that is not graduated into preset increments.

[0059] As used herein, a forward-lean angle of a boot is an angle formed by a line running substantially parallel to the front edge of an upper part of a boot and a line running substantially parallel to a top edge of a lower part of the boot when the boot is viewed in side profile. A forward-lean angle typically refers to the angle formed by the parallel lines of the upper and lower boot parts when the boot lever is in a closed position and no external pressure is applied to the boot.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a picture of a boot comprising an upper part and a lower part connected by a pair of pivots and outfitted with an adjustable, dual-suspension lever; according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIG. 1 in the closed position. As shown, a lever bracket is attached to the heel-side of an upper part of a boot, and a lever body is attached to the bracket by a lever pivot axle. In some embodiments, a spring may be used to hold the lever in the closed position and/or in the open position (see, e.g., FIG. 11), The lever body optionally comprises one or more openings for receiving a cuff tensioning cable. In some embodiments, tension from the cuff tensioning cable and the location where the cable attaches to the lever causes the lever to be over-center locked. A forward-lean suspension system is disposed within the lever body, and a travel plate abutting an upper end of the forward-lean suspension device serves to contract the suspension device. As shown, the forward-lean suspension device comprises a spring within a lever body having a substantially open configuration. The spring surrounds a connector rod joining the travel plate and a connector head. In some embodiments, the spring is replaced by an alternate suspension system as described herein, and the lever body may be closed or partially closed to the external environment. For example, a closed or partially closed lever body may include embodiments with one or more solid walls, windows, or vented windows. A backward-lean suspension device comprising one or more foam washers is disposed outside the lever body, in the embodiment shown. The backward-lean suspension device may be secured by washers and/or a jam nut on the connector rod. In some embodiments, the one or more foam washers may be replaced by an alternate suspension system as described herein. A connector head near the unhinged end of the connector rod mates with a connector head interface device on the lower part of the boot, when the lever is in the closed position. In some embodiments (not shown), the connection between the connector head and the connector head interface device may comprise a machined feature in the slot of the connector head that snaps onto the interface device. As shown, the connector head is secured on the connector rod by a pair of jam nuts. An optional lever pull may be provided to facilitate opening and closing of the lever. FIG. 3 is a picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in the open position. FIG. 4 is a close-up picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIGS. 1-3 in the closed position with forward pressure forcing movement of the travel plate away from the hinged end of the lever body.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a close-up picture of an adjustable, dual-suspension lever with a backward-lean suspension device disposed inside a lever body, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the backward-lean suspension device is disposed between the travel plate and the hinged end of the lever body. FIG. 6 is a picture of the adjustable, dual-suspension lever of FIG. 5 in the closed position. As pictured, the lever body includes multiple openings for receiving a cuff tensioning cable, where use of the openings nearer the unhinged end of the lever provides greater tension on the cuff strap, when the lever is in the closed position.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a picture of an adjustable, dual-suspension lever in the open position, illustrating a step for adjusting the forward-lean angle of the boot, according to an embodiment of the invention. Loosening the jam nuts that secure the connector head, moving the connector head closer to the hinged end of the lever, and retightening the jam nuts leads to a larger forward-lean angle and more upright stance, whereas loosening the jam nuts that secure the connector head, moving the connector head closer to the unhinged end of the lever, and retightening the jam nuts leads to a smaller forward-lean angle and more aggressive stance.

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates top and side view mechanical drawings of an adjustable, dual-suspension lever, lever bracket, and connector head interface device, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0064] FIG. 9 provides mechanical drawings of an adjustable lever comprising a threaded connector rod with a fixed connector head, according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 provides mechanical drawings of an adjustable lever comprising a fixed connector rod and a translatable connector head, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, an adjustable lever may comprise a threaded connector rod and a translatable connector head, thereby provided adjustability at two positions. The levers of FIGS. 9 and 10 are shown without suspension, but forward-lean suspension devices and/or backward-lean suspension may optionally be added to the adjustable levers.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a picture of a lever body biased by a spring in a closed position against a lever bracket mounted on a boot, according to an embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the spring may tension the lever body in the open position.

[0066] FIG. 12 provides mechanical drawings of an adjustable lever comprising a rotationally constrained connector rod, according to an embodiment. The connector rod comprises a flat end that mates with a slot of the lever bracket, thereby preventing rotation of the connector rod and any connector head that is locked onto the connector rod. This allows the lever to be opened and closed while maintaining alignment between the connector head and the connector head interface device, FIG. 13 shows a close-up schematic of the slotted lever bracket and mated connector rod. The flat end of the connector rod remains translatable within the slot of the lever body, which allows the suspension system(s) to operate as previously described.

[0067] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, some portions of the connector rod may be unthreaded to facilitate assembly and movement of the forward-lean adjustment mechanism and/or backward-lean adjustment mechanism (not shown). The lever body may optionally comprise one or more holes for receiving a cuff-tensioning cord and/or a spring for biasing the lever body in an open/closed position, as shown in FIG. 11. When both spring and cord holes are present, the relative positions of the spring and cord holes may be the same as what is shown in FIG. 12 or reversed. A threaded connector head may be threaded onto a threaded portion of a connector rod, and a jam nut may be used to lock the position of the connector head. As shown, the connector head forms a jam nut cradle and an extended slot for receiving a portion of the connector rod. Portions of the connector head on either side of the connector head interface device and at a distal end of the extended slot may form contact points with a surface of a boot to increase structural integrity.

STATEMENTS REGARDING INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE AND VARIATIONS

[0068] All references cited throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference.

[0069] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention can be carried out using a large number of variations of the devices, device components, and method steps set forth in the present description. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods and devices can include a large number of optional composition and processing elements and steps. All art-known functional equivalents of materials and methods are intended to be included in this disclosure.

[0070] When a group of substituents is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of that group and all subgroups are disclosed separately. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.

[0071] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a boot includes a plurality of such boots and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. As well, the terms a (or an), one or more and at least one can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms comprising, including, and having can be used interchangeably. The expression of any of claims XX-YY (wherein XX and YY refer to claim numbers) is intended to provide a multiple dependent claim in the alternative form, and in some embodiments is interchangeable with the expression as in any one of claims XX-YY.

[0072] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0073] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a range of integers, a temperature range, a time range, a composition range, or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. As used herein, ranges specifically include the values provided as endpoint values of the range and all the integer values of the range. For example, a range of 1 to 100 specifically includes the end point values of 1 and 100. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

[0074] As used herein, comprising is synonymous and can be used interchangeably with including, containing, or characterized by, and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, consisting essentially of does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms comprising, consisting essentially of and consisting of can be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably can be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is/are not specifically disclosed herein.