REINFORCED SUPPORTIVE RODEO BOOT

Abstract

A reinforcing and supportive boot for a rodeo event includes a first strap that is configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the medial side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a first fastener disposed on a lateral side of the shaft portion. The boot further includes a second strap that is configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the lateral side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a second fastener disposed on the medial side of the shaft portion. A third strap is configured for wrapping around the shaft portion of the upper and removably attaching to a third fastener disposed on the shaft portion. The posterior region of the shaft portion also includes stiff inserts for added support of the wearer's ankle and leg.

Claims

1. A boot for a rodeo event participant, comprising: a sole; an upper affixed to the sole and having a foot portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having an anterior region configured for covering a wearer's shin and a posterior region configured for covering a wearer's calf; a first elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to an exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper and offset to a lateral side of the shaft portion, a second end of the first elongated flexible strap being configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the medial side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a first fastener disposed on a lateral side of the shaft portion; a second elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to the exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper and offset to the medial side of the shaft portion, a second end of the second elongated flexible strap being configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the lateral side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a second fastener disposed on the medial side of the shaft portion; a third elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to the exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper, a second end of the third elongated flexible strap being configured for wrapping around the shaft portion of the upper and removably attaching to a third fastener disposed on the shaft portion; at least one elongated pocket being formed in a posterior interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a center axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and at least one elongated stiff insert having dimensions for placement within the at least one elongated pocket.

2. The boot of claim 1, wherein the second end of the first elongated flexible strap and the first fastener disposed on the lateral side of the shaft portion include a hook and loop fastener, the second elongated flexible strap and the second fastener disposed on the medial side of the shaft portion include a hook and loop fastener, and the third elongated flexible strap and the third fastener include a hook and loop fastener.

3. The boot of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated pocket and at least one stiff insert comprise: first elongated pocket formed in a posterior medial interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; first elongated stiff insert having dimensions for snug removable accommodation within the first elongated pocket; second elongated pocket formed in a posterior lateral interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and second elongated stiff insert having dimensions for snug removable accommodation within the second elongated pocket.

4. The boot of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated pocket and at least one stiff insert comprise: first elongated pocket formed in a posterior medial inner lining of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; first elongated stiff insert having dimensions for accommodation within the first elongated pocket; second elongated pocket formed in a posterior lateral inner lining of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and second elongated stiff insert having dimensions for accommodation within the second elongated pocket.

5. The boot of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first elongated flexible strap is affixed the exterior surface of the shaft portion proximate to the front of the shaft but slightly offset to the lateral side, and the first end of the second elongated flexible strap is affixed the exterior surface of the shaft portion proximate to the front of the shaft but slightly offset to the medial side.

6. The boot of claim 1, wherein the at least one stiff insert is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, graphene, Kevlar, plastic, wood, bamboo, another suitable material, and a combination thereof.

7. The boot of claim 1, wherein the at least one stiff insert is contoured to comfortably fit around the participant's calf.

8. A western-style riding boot, comprising: a sole; an upper affixed to the sole and having a foot portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having an anterior region configured for covering a wearer's shin and a posterior region configured for covering a wearer's calf; a first elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to an exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper and offset to a lateral side of the shaft portion, a second end of the first elongated flexible strap being configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the medial side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a first hook and loop fastener disposed on a lateral side of the shaft portion; a second elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to the exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper and offset to the medial side of the shaft portion, a second end of the second elongated flexible strap being configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the lateral side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a second hook and loop fastener disposed on the medial side of the shaft portion; and a third elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to the exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper, a second end of the third elongated flexible strap being configured for wrapping around both the anterior and posterior regions of the shaft portion of the upper and removably attaching to a third hook and loop fastener disposed on the shaft portion.

9. The boot of claim 8, further comprising: at least one elongated pocket being formed in a posterior interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a center axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and at least one elongated stiff insert having dimensions for placement within the at least one elongated pocket.

10. The boot of claim 8, wherein the at least one elongated pocket and at least one stiff insert comprise: first elongated pocket formed in a posterior medial interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; first elongated stiff insert having dimensions for snug removable accommodation within the first elongated pocket; second elongated pocket formed in a posterior lateral interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and second elongated stiff insert having dimensions for snug removable accommodation within the second elongated pocket.

11. The boot of claim 8, wherein the at least one elongated pocket and at least one stiff insert comprise: first elongated pocket formed in a posterior medial inner lining of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; first elongated stiff insert having dimensions for accommodation within the first elongated pocket; second elongated pocket formed in a posterior lateral inner lining of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and second elongated stiff insert having dimensions for accommodation within the second elongated pocket.

12. The boot of claim 8, wherein the first end of the first elongated flexible strap is affixed the exterior surface of the shaft portion proximate to the front of the shaft but slightly offset to the lateral side, and the first end of the second elongated flexible strap is affixed the exterior surface of the shaft portion proximate to the front of the shaft but slightly offset to the medial side.

13. The boot of claim 8, wherein the at least one stiff insert is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, graphene, Kevlar, plastic, wood, bamboo, another suitable material, and a combination thereof.

14. The boot of claim 1, wherein the at least one stiff insert is contoured to comfortably fit around the wearer's calf.

15. A reinforced and supportive boot, comprising: a sole; a heel affixed to the sole; an upper affixed to the sole and having a foot portion and a shaft portion, the shaft portion having an anterior region configured for covering a wearer's shin and a posterior region configured for covering a wearer's calf, the anterior region including a laced front and an elongated tongue; a first elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to an exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper and offset to a lateral side of the shaft portion, a second end of the first elongated flexible strap being configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the medial side wrapping around the sole just in front of the heel and removably attaching to a first hook and loop fastener disposed on a lateral side of the shaft portion; a second elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to the exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper and offset to the medial side of the shaft portion, a second end of the second elongated flexible strap being configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the lateral side wrapping around the sole just in front of the heel and removably attaching to a second hook and loop fastener disposed on the medial side of the shaft portion; and a third elongated flexible strap having a first end affixed to the exterior surface of the shaft portion of the upper, a second end of the third elongated flexible strap being configured for wrapping circumferentially around the shaft portion of the upper and removably attaching to a third hook and loop fastener disposed on the shaft portion.

16. The boot of claim 15, further comprising: at least one pocket being formed in a posterior interior surface of the shaft portion; and at least one stiff insert for snug placement within the at least one pocket.

17. The boot of claim 15, wherein the at least one pocket and at least one stiff insert comprise: first elongated pocket formed in a posterior medial interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; first elongated stiff insert having dimensions for snug removable accommodation within the first elongated pocket; second elongated pocket formed in a posterior lateral interior surface of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and second elongated stiff insert having dimensions for snug removable accommodation within the second elongated pocket.

18. The boot of claim 15, wherein the at least one pocket and at least one stiff insert comprise: first elongated pocket formed in a posterior medial inner lining of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; first elongated stiff insert having dimensions for accommodation within the first elongated pocket; second elongated pocket formed in a posterior lateral inner lining of the shaft portion in a parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion of the upper; and second elongated stiff insert having dimensions for accommodation within the second elongated pocket.

19. The boot of claim 15, wherein the at least one stiff insert is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber, graphene, Kevlar, plastic, wood, bamboo, another suitable material, and a combination thereof.

20. The boot of claim 15, wherein the first end of the first elongated flexible strap is affixed the exterior surface of the shaft portion proximate to the front of the shaft but slightly offset to the lateral side, and the first end of the second elongated flexible strap is affixed the exterior surface of the shaft portion proximate to the front of the shaft but slightly offset to the medial side.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front lateral perspective view of an example embodiment of a reinforced boot according to the teachings of the present description showing the boot reinforcement straps fastened;

[0005] FIG. 2 is a front medial perspective view of an example embodiment of the reinforced boot according to the teachings of the present description showing the boot reinforcement straps unfastened;

[0006] FIG. 3 is a medial side view of an example embodiment of the reinforced boot according to the teachings of the present description showing straps unfastened;

[0007] FIG. 4 is a lateral side view of an example embodiment of the reinforced boot according to the teachings of the present description showing straps unfastened;

[0008] FIG. 5 is a medial side view of an example embodiment of the reinforced boot according to the teachings of the present description showing straps fastened;

[0009] FIG. 6 is a lateral side view of an example embodiment of the reinforced boot according to the teachings of the present description showing straps fastened; and

[0010] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of the reinforced boot's posterior interior side showing two pockets and reinforcing inserts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The physical demands of rodeo activities such as tie-down roping can put significant strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the contestants' lower body. The quick dismount, sudden stop, and running can lead to sprained ankles, strained muscles, or twisted knees. The boot described herein provides added stabilizing reinforcement and support to the wearer's ankles and legs that would drastically reduce and minimize the risk of injury.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1-6 showing the front perspective and medial and lateral side views of a reinforced boot 100 for a right foot (with the understanding that the left boot would be a mirror image of the right boot), a number of flexible straps are used to provide reinforcement support to the boot wearer's leg and ankle. The boot 100 includes an upper 102 attached to a sole member 104. The upper 102 is the top portion of the boot 100 that covers the wearer's foot and extends up the leg to provide protection and support for the wearer's foot and leg. The upper 102 of the boot is usually made of a natural leather material or a durable synthetic material. The sole 104 is the bottom part of the boot 100 that directly supports the weight of the wearer's foot. The sole 104 typically includes multiple layersan insole that forms the uppermost layer of the sole, a midsole, and an outsole that comes into contact with the ground. The layers of the sole 104 are usually made of one or more types of durable materials, such as leather and dense rubber. The outsole layer of the sole 104 provides traction and protection from the elements.

[0013] The boot 100 also includes a toe box 106, which is the front part of the boot's upper 102, including the vamp portion of the upper 102 that covers the wearer's toes. Western-style rodeo boots often feature a rounded or square-shaped toe box. The shaft 108 of the boot 100 is the taller section of the boot's upper that covers the leg. The shaft 108 extends from the vamp to the top of the boot 100. The shaft 108 can vary in height, ranging from ankle-length to knee-high, depending on the boot style. The typical Western-style boot has a shaft height that is at least mid-calf. The boot heel 110 is a raised portion at the back of the boot's sole 104 to support the wearer's heel. Western-style boots often have a stacked heel, which is made by layering several pieces of leather or other materials. The heel 110 of a Western-style boot not only helps to provide stability, balance, and a slight elevation to the wearer, it also has the important function of securing the boot in the stirrup that helps to prevent the boot from slipping forward through the stirrup, reducing the risk of the rider's foot getting caught or stuck. The height of the heel 110 for the boot is preferably 0.5 inches. A lower heel allows for more athletic movement with a lower risk of injury.

[0014] The boot 100 of the inventive concept described herein further includes features that provide added support and reinforcement to the wearer's foot, ankle, and leg. The reinforcement features include a medial reinforcing strap 120 that is affixed at one end to an attachment point 122 proximate to the upper front center of the shaft 108 slightly lateral of the boot's center line. The free end of the medial strap 120 can be wrapped around the sole 104 of the boot to a medial anchor point 124 on the medial side of the shaft 108. The medial reinforcing strap 120 may be fabricated from a flexible and sturdy material that incorporates a plurality of hooks near the free end on one side that are designed to engage the plurality of loops at the medial anchor point 124. Alternatively, the free end of the reinforcing strap 120 may incorporate a plurality of loops designed to engage the medial anchor point 124 that includes a plurality of hooks. The medial strap 120 may be fabricated from a durable woven fabric, leather, hemp, polyester, nylon, cotton, or any suitable material.

[0015] On the lateral side of the right boot 100 is a lateral reinforcing strap 130 that is affixed at one end to an attachment point 132 proximate to the upper front center of the shaft 108 slightly medial of the center line. The free end of the lateral strap 130 can be wrapped around the sole 104 of the boot to a lateral anchor point 134 on the lateral side of the shaft 108. The lateral reinforcing strap 130 may be fabricated from a flexible and sturdy material that incorporates a plurality of hooks near the free end on one side that are designed to engage the plurality of loops at the lateral anchor point 134. Alternatively, the free end of the reinforcing strap 130 may incorporate a plurality of loops designed to engage the medial anchor point 134 that includes a plurality of hooks. The lateral strap 130 may be fabricated from a durable woven fabric, leather, hemp, polyester, nylon, cotton, or any suitable material.

[0016] A third reinforcing strap 140 is attached at one end to an attachment point proximate the upper center back of the shaft 108 with a free end that can be wrapped circumferentially around the top portion of the shaft 108 and engage an anchor point 142. When the third strap 140 is fastened properly, it wraps horizontally around boot shaft and the wearer's leg preferably at a location just below the calf and above the ankle. The strap 140 may be fabricated from a durable woven fabric, leather, hemp, polyester, nylon, cotton, or any suitable material.

[0017] In the fastened mode, the free end of the medial strap 120 is pulled downward around the sole 104 just in front of the heel 110 back up around to the medial side of the shaft 108 and secured to the medial anchor point 124. Similarly, the free end of the lateral strap 130 is pulled downward around the sole 104 just in front of the heel 110 back up around to the lateral side of the shaft 108 and secured to the lateral anchor point 134. Fastened in this manner, the medial and lateral straps cross over the laced front and tongue at the front of the boot. The medial and lateral straps 120 and 130 provide support to the wearer's ankle and help to limit unwanted lateral displacement. The third reinforcing strap 140 can then be wrapped around the boot shaft around the medial and lateral straps 120 and 130 to provide further reinforcement and support to the wearer's leg and ankle. Preferably the third reinforcing strap 140 is positioned around the wearer's leg just below the calf and above the ankle.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a posterior interior lining of the boot shaft 108 includes a medial pocket 150a and a lateral pocket 150b placed near the top of the boot shaft. The pockets are sewn or otherwise attached to the interior lining of the shaft and have dimensions that enable them to snuggly accommodate medial and lateral rectangular inserts 152a and 152b. The inserts 152a and 152b and the pockets 150a and 150b may extend approximately half or most of the height (length) of the shaft. The inserts 152a and 152b are fabricated from a stiff lightweight material such as carbon fiber, graphene, Kevlar, plastic, wood, bamboo, another suitable material, or a combination thereof that would provide strong structural support on the posterior medial and lateral sides of the wearer's leg and calf. These inserts help to reduce and minimize injuries to the rider's legs when the wearer's feet land and impact the ground during a rodeo competitive event that requires a quick dismount such as tie-down roping. The inserts 152a and 152b may be accommodated within the pockets 150a and 150b to make them easily removable or they may be firmly secured within the lining of the shaft without the ease of removal by the user. Although the inserts are shown herein have a planar rectangular configuration, it is contemplated that the boot may incorporate a single insert with a wider width that is contoured along the respective short-axes to better fit around the wearer's calf. The inserts may also take on shapes other than a rectangular shape.

[0019] Outfitted with this boot, a rider's legs and ankle are better protected against torsional and impact forces that commonly lead to injuries. The boot described herein provides added stabilizing reinforcement and support to the wearer's ankles and legs drastically reduces and minimizes the wearer's risk of injury.

[0020] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth below with particularity in the appended claims. However, modifications, variations, and changes to the exemplary embodiments of the reinforced boot described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the described herein thus encompasses such modifications, variations, and changes and are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.