Abstract
A skate boot is disclosed with a rigid boot shell having medial and lateral quarter portions defining a foot receiving cavity in between them having a volume for receiving at least a metatarsal region of a wearer's foot. A tongue extends between the medial and lateral quarter portions above the volume. A lacing system overlies the tongue and links the medial and lateral quarter portions. A foot wrapping member extends from the lateral quarter portion, the foot wrapping member movable relative to the rigid boot shell in a downward direction towards a sole portion of the rigid boot shell so as to vary the volume at least from a lateral side of the foot receiving cavity along the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot.
Claims
1. A skate boot comprising: a rigid boot shell having at least a heel portion, a sole portion, and a medial quarter portion and a lateral quarter portion each extending forward of the heel portion towards a front end of the skate boot, the medial quarter portion and the lateral quarter portion defining a foot receiving cavity in between them, the foot receiving cavity having a volume for receiving at least a metatarsal region of a wearer's foot; a tongue extending between the medial quarter portion and the lateral quarter portion above the volume; a lacing system overlying the tongue and linking the medial quarter portion and the lateral quarter portion; and a foot wrapping member extending from the lateral quarter portion, the foot wrapping member movable relative to the rigid boot shell in a downward direction towards the sole portion of the rigid boot shell so as to vary the volume at least from a lateral side of the foot receiving cavity along the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot.
2. The skate boot as defined in claim 1, wherein the lateral quarter portion has an edge extending from a front end of the rigid boot shell, the edge defining a notch, the foot wrapping member extending in the notch.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The skate boot as defined in claim 1, wherein the foot wrapping member is a first foot wrapping member, the skate boot including a second foot wrapping member secured to the medial quarter portion, the second foot wrapping member movable relative to the rigid boot shell.
6. (canceled)
7. The skate boot as defined in claim 1, further comprising an inner boot having a sole portion and side portions extending from the sole portion, the side portions including a layer of foam and a layer of fabric overlying the layer of foam, the layer of fabric facing the foot receiving cavity, the inner boot having a strip of liner unattached to the rigid boot shell along an edge thereof, the strip of liner defining the foot wrapping member.
8. The skate boot as defined in claim 1, further comprising a vamping, a portion of the vamping defining the foot wrapping member.
9. The skate boot as defined in claim 8, wherein the vamping is located in a widest zone of the skate boot, on an outer surface of the rigid boot shell, the vamping having a first segment extending along a front end of the rigid boot shell and a second segment extending from an upper end of the first segment, the second segment extending rearwardly from the first segment, the vamping having a generally L-shape.
10. The skate boot as defined in claim 8, wherein the vamping has eyelets defined therethrough, the foot wrapping member thereby defining the eyelets.
11. The skate boot as defined in claim 8, wherein the vamping includes at least one of an elastomeric material, synthetic leather, plastic and composite material.
12. The skate boot as defined in claim 8, wherein the vamping extends from the sole portion of the rigid boot shell.
13. The skate boot as defined in claim 2, further comprising a toe cap, the toe cap having an extension, the extension of the toe cap defining the foot wrapping member, the extension overlying the notch.
14. The skate boot as defined in claim 13, wherein the toe cap overlies part of the rigid boot shell in an overlapping region, the toe cap having a reduced thickness in the overlapping region.
15. The skate boot as defined in claim 14, wherein the boot shell has a thickness that tapers towards a front end of the boot shell in the overlapping region.
16. The skate boot as defined in claim 15, wherein a sum of the thickness and the thickness at their respective smallest dimension in the overlapping region is substantially the same as a thickness of the toe cap immediately adjacent and fore of the front end of the boot shell.
17. The skate boot as defined in claim 13, wherein eyelets are defined through the extension, the eyelets are aligned along an edge of the boot shell defining an outline of the notch.
18. The skate boot as defined in claim 17, wherein the eyelets are recessed relative to an outer surface of the extension.
19. The skate boot as defined in claim 17, wherein the eyelets have: a generally rectangular or square cross-section; and/or a cross-section that tapers in an inward direction.
20. (canceled)
21. The skate boot as defined in claim 13, wherein the foot wrapping member is a first foot wrapping member, the skate boot including a second foot wrapping member secured to the medial quarter portion, the second foot wrapping member movable relative to the rigid boot shell.
22. The skate boot as defined in claim 13, further comprising a vamping, a portion of the vamping defining: the second foot wrapping member; or overlying at least part of the extension where the extension overlies the notch, the vamping and the toe cap thereby defining the foot wrapping member.
23. (canceled)
24. A skate boot comprising: a rigid boot shell having at least a heel portion, a sole portion, and medial and lateral quarter portions extending forward of the heel portion towards a front end of the skate boot, the medial and lateral quarter portions defining a foot receiving cavity in between them, the foot receiving cavity having a volume for receiving at least a metatarsal region of a wearer's foot, the lateral quarter portion having an edge extending from a front end of the rigid boot shell, the edge defining a notch.
25. The skate boot as defined in claim 24, further comprising a foot wrapping member extending from the lateral quarter portion, in the notch, the foot wrapping member movable relative to the rigid boot shell in a downward direction towards the sole portion of the rigid boot shell so as to vary the volume at least from a lateral side of the foot receiving cavity along the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skate with a boot and a ground engaging assembly, according to an embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shell of the boot of the skate of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 2A is a cross-section of the boot of the skate of FIG. 1, in a metatarsal region of a foot receiving cavity of the boot;
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a range of motion of a wearer's ankle and lower leg during skating;
[0035] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a skate with a boot as in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 4B is side view of an outline of a boot shell of the boot of FIG. 4A;
[0037] FIG. 4C is a cross-section of the boot of the skate of FIG. 4A, in a metatarsal region of a foot receiving cavity of the boot;
[0038] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a skate with a boot as in FIG. 4A, according to another embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 5B is a cross-section of the boot of the skate of FIG. 5A, in a metatarsal region of a foot receiving cavity of the boot;
[0040] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a skate with a boot as in FIG. 5A, according to another embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 6B is a side view of the skate of FIG. 6A;
[0042] FIG. 6C is a side view of an outline of a boot shell of the boot of FIG. 6A;
[0043] FIG. 7A is a side view of a skate according to another embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 7B is a cross-section of a boot of the skate of FIG. 7A, in a toe portion thereof;
[0045] FIG. 8A is a partial side view of a fore portion of a skate according to another embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 8B illustrates a close-up view of an eyelet of the skate of FIG. 8A viewed from a side of the skate;
[0047] FIG. 8C illustrates a cross-section 8C-8C of the eyelet of the skate of FIG. 8A;
[0048] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a skate with a boot as in FIG. 1, according to another embodiment, partially assembled;
[0049] FIG. 9B is a cross-section of the boot of the skate of FIG. 9A, in a metatarsal region of a foot receiving cavity of the boot;
[0050] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a skate with a boot as in FIG. 1, according to another embodiment; and
[0051] FIG. 10B is a side view of the boot of the skate of FIG. 10B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a skate 10, such as the type worn for ice hockey. The skate 10 includes a boot 100 and a ground-engaging assembly 200 attached beneath the boot 100, e.g. to the outer sole of the boot 100. The ground-engaging assembly 200 is shown as including a blade. It is understood that the particular skate configuration shown here is provided as an example only and that alternate configurations are possible, including, but not limited to, other types of ground engaging assemblies such as roller skate ground engaging assemblies including rollers or wheels. In the depicted embodiment, the skate 10 is a hockey skate, though such skate 10 may be used for the practice of other sports, such as ringette and/or other activities such as ice skating, skating, inline roller hockey (with the ground engaging assembly adapted therefor) or the like.
[0053] The boot 100 defines a foot receiving cavity 101 adapted to receive a wearer's foot and ankle. The foot receiving cavity 101 has an internal volume V (FIG. 2). Garments (padded or without integrated pads), such as socks, and/or protective wears, such as leg pads, ankle pads, etc. for covering at least part of the wearer's foot and/or ankle may be worn on the wearer's foot and/or ankle and may interface with at least some parts of the boot 100, within the internal volume V.
[0054] The boot 100 includes a boot shell 110. The boot shell 110 extends about at least part of the wearer's foot and ankle and form the core of the boot 100. The boot shell 110 is configured to provide rigidity/stiffness to the boot 100. The boot shell 110 defines the core structure of the boot 110. The boot shell 110 provides structural integrity of the boot 100. Rigidity of the boot shell 110 may allow for impact protection, control/stability of the boot 100 during strokes, and/or load transfer efficiency from the user to the ground-engaging assembly 200 during skating. In at least some embodiments, the boot shell 110 may be molded, such as by thermoforming or injection-molding in a tridimensional piece shell, and include one or more layers. Other aspects of the boot shell 110 will be described later.
[0055] The boot 100 includes a liner 120 covering at least part of an interior of the boot 100. The liner 120 is adapted to face and/or contact the wearer's foot and ankle (or garments and/or protective wears worn on the wearer's foot and/or ankle). The liner 120 defines an inner layer of the boot 100 and surfaces 120IN delimiting the foot receiving cavity 101 of the boot 100.
[0056] The boot 100 includes a toe cap 130 connected to the boot shell 110. In the depicted embodiment, the toe cap 130 is formed separately from a remainder of the boot shell 110, i.e. formed as a separate piece and secured to the boot shell 110, for instance via fasteners, adhesives, or overmolding. The toe cap 130 can be made from a hard or stiff material to protect the toes of the wearer. Other configurations are also possible. For instance, the toe cap 130 may be formed integrally with the boot shell 110 as another possibility.
[0057] The boot 100 includes a tongue 140 connected to the toe cap 130. In some cases, the tongue 140 may be removably connected to the toe cap 130, for instance via fasteners or the like. The tongue 140 extends from the toe cap 130, between opposite sides of the boot shell 110. The tongue 140 is adapted to cover at least an instep region of the wearer's foot, ankle, and at least part of a lower leg region of the wearer. A lacing system 150 with a lace 151 (or more than one) extends over at least part of the tongue 140 and attached at edges of the boot shell 110, to the opposite sides of the boot shell 110.
[0058] The boot 100 includes eyelets 160, which may be defined through the boot shell 110 or by one or more separate parts, which may be referred to as facings 165, connected to the boot shell 110 (on or along edges of the boot shell 110) on opposite sides thereof. The lace 151 is threaded through at least part of the eyelets 160 on opposite sides of the boot shell 110 for tightening the tongue 140 on the wearer's foot thereby securing the boot shell 110 onto the wearer's foot and/or ankle.
[0059] The boot 100 includes a tendon guard 170 extending upwardly from a rearmost heel portion of the boot shell 110. The tendon guard 170 is configured to protect upper portions of an Achilles tendon of the wearer. In some embodiments, at least part of the tendon guard 170 may be integrally formed with the boot shell 110 so as to form a single, continuous part with the boot shell 110. The tendon guard 170 may however be removably attached to the boot shell 110 in other embodiments.
[0060] FIGS. 2-2A illustrate an embodiment of the boot shell 110, shown in isolation. The boot shell 110 includes a sole portion 111 that has back and front ends 111R, 111F, which may correspond to back and front ends of the boot 100. The sole portion 111 may be connected to the ground-engaging assembly 200 (FIG. 1) and is shaped to receive the foot of the wearer thereover, in a particular embodiment with an inner liner and/or insole adapted to extend between the sole portion 111 and the foot. In at least some embodiments, such as shown, the sole portion 111 is integrally formed with a remainder of the boot shell 110. The sole portion 111 may be a separate part secured to the remainder of the boot shell 110 in other embodiments. The boot shell 110 also includes a heel portion 112 extending from the back end 111R of the sole portion 111, for receiving a heel of the foot of the wearer. The heel portion 112 is generally curved to contour the heel and a rear of the foot. The boot shell 110 includes a toe portion 113 extending from the front end 111F of the sole portion 111, for receiving toes of the wearer's foot. The toe portion 113 is optional in at least some cases, since the toe portion 113 may form part of the toe cap 130, for example.
[0061] The boot shell 110 includes two opposite side portions 114L, 114M. The side portions 114L, 114M are connected to the sole portion 111, heel portion 112 and toe portion 113. The portions 114L, 114M extends from the heel portion 112 toward the toe portion 113 to cover sides of at least part of the wearer's foot and ankle. The spaced apart side portions 114L, 114M include a lateral quarter portion 114L and a medial quarter portion 114M for extending along at least an instep portion of the boot shell 110. As shown, the spaced apart side portions 114L, 114M cooperate to surround the wearer's foot on opposite sides thereof.
[0062] The side portions 114L, 114M define a foot-receiving opening 115 of the boot shell 110. The foot receiving opening 115 intersects with the lower leg of the wearer when the skate boot 100 is worn.
[0063] Each side portion 114L, 114M has an edge 116 extending therealong. The edge 116 may extend continuously, as shown, from the toe portion 113 to the heel portion 112 or tendon guard portion 118. The edge 116 has an upper edge portion 116U along the foot-receiving opening 115. The upper edge portion 116U define part of a periphery of the foot receiving opening 115 and extends partially about the wearer's lower leg. The edge 116 includes a frontmost edge portion 116F extending generally along a metatarsal region of the foot. This portion 116F of the edge 116 may be generally straight (i.e., not curved) or stated otherwise have a straight or quasi straight outline. With respect to this portion 116F, generally straight is not limited to horizontal, meaning that said portion 116F may be angled relative to a horizontal plane when the boot shell 110 rests on a leveled surface. The edge 116 also includes a curving edge portion 116M extending between the frontmost edge portion 116F and the upper edge portion 116U. The curving portion 116M extends upwardly from the frontmost edge portion 116F to reach the upper edge portion 116U. The curving edge portion 116M extends generally along a midfoot and ankle region of the foot. The boot shell 110 includes a tendon guard portion 118 extending upwardly from the upper edge portion 116U, near the heel portion 112 of the boot shell 110.
[0064] The side portions 114L, 114M extends along a metatarsal region of the wearer's foot. The two side portions 114L, 114M define the foot receiving cavity 101 in between them. The foot receiving cavity 101 has an internal volume V which may be filled at least partially by the foot of the wearer, when the boot 100 is worn. The internal volume V extends from the heel portion 112 to the toe portion 113. The internal volume V may be defined as the free space or free volume available inside the boot 100 to receive the foot of the wearer. As such, the liner 120, tongue 140, pads, etc., in the interior of the boot 100 are not considered part of the internal volume V defined by the foot receiving cavity 101. Stated otherwise, the internal volume V may be surrounded by the tongue 140 defining an upper limit of the internal volume V in a metatarsal region (and/or toe region) of the foot receiving cavity 101, and the liner 120, which may interface between the boot shell 110 and the foot (with or without paddings between the boot shell 110 and the liner 120 and/or foot). A cross-section of the boot 100 is shown at FIG. 2A, where a slice of the internal volume V in the metatarsal region of the foot receiving cavity 101 is visible. A schematic cross-sectional representation of the foot in the metatarsal region is shown, surrounded by the boot shell 110 with the liner 120, and optionally a soft insole 120S underneath the foot, and the tongue 140. As shown in FIG. 2A, the foot may not take up the whole internal volume V in the metatarsal region of the foot-receiving cavity 101. As can be seen, the metatarsal region of the foot has a laterally decreasing thickness. A lateral side unused volume UV-L may thus be greater than a medial side unused volume UV-M. It may be desirable to reduce/limit such unused volume UV-L, UV-M to provide greater stability to the foot within the boot 100, reduce movement of the foot relative to the boot 100, and/or improve control/responsiveness of the skate for the player during skating.
[0065] Maintaining the contact between the foot and the boot 100 while allowing movement of the lower leg may be desirable. In skating, freedom of movement between the lower leg of the wearer and the boot 100 in a fore-aft direction may allow the natural biomechanical behaviour of the ankle, and leg during the impulsion and propulsion phase of the skating motion. This is illustrated in FIG. 3, with a range of motion (dorsiflexion) of the lower leg shown at two angular positions as the ankle flexes. In order to optimize the bearing surface of the ground-engaging assembly 200 during the impulsion and propulsion phase of the skating motion, it may be desirable to limit heel lift relative to the boot 100. Heel lift may be limited by locking down the metatarsal region of the foot on the sole portion 111. In some embodiments of the skate boot 100, when the lace 151 is tightened to press the tongue 140 on the wearer's foot, the edges 116 of the boot shell 110 may remain generally upright, as can be seen in FIG. 2A, or get slightly closer to one another. In other words, the boot shell 110 may not conform to the anatomy of the metatarsal region of the foot. The unused space/volume UV within the boot 110 may therefore remain. This may limit the lock down of the foot onto the sole portion 111 (see broad arrow in FIG. 3 illustrating this), stability of the foot within the boot 100 and/or control of the skate to allow swifter directional change for the player when skating.
[0066] An embodiment of a foot wrapping system 300A is presented with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C. A skate 10A is shown in FIG. 4A. The skate 10A includes a skate boot 100A, such as the skate boot 100, including a boot shell 110A, such as the boot shell 110 described above with respect to the skate boot 100. Like features will not be described again for conciseness, but bear the same reference numerals for simplicity.
[0067] The foot wrapping system 300A includes a foot wrapping member 310A extending from the side portion 114LA (lateral quarter portion). The foot wrapping member 310A is movable relative to the boot shell 110A. In the depicted embodiment, the foot wrapping member 310A cooperates with the lacing system 150A, here including lace 151A, such that, upon tightening, the foot wrapping member 310A may be pulled by the lace 151A towards the opposite side portion 114MA of the boot shell 110A. As such, the foot wrapping member 310A may bend over the metatarsal region of the foot receiving cavity 101A and press downwardly against the tongue 140A. By pressing on the tongue 140A, the foot wrapping member 310A may vary/reduce the internal volume V of the foot receiving cavity 101A about the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot. Stated otherwise, the unused volume UV between the wearer's foot, the tongue 140A and the boot shell 110A may be reduced, i.e., at least the lateral side unused volume UV-L. The foot wrapping member 310A may therefore move in a downward direction, towards the sole portion of the rigid boot shell, to thereby exert a downward force on the tongue 140A to lock down the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot.
[0068] In an embodiment, the foot wrapping member 310A includes a strip 312A of material attached to the boot shell 110A. The strip 312A may also be referred to as a flap, a band, or tab. As shown, the strip 312A extends from the edge 116A of the boot shell 110A. In FIG. 4A, the strip 312A extends from the lateral side portion 114LA of the boot shell 110A. The strip 312 could extend from the medial side portion 114MA in other embodiments.
[0069] The strip 312A is soft and flexible when compared to the rigid boot shell 110A. The strip 312A may not contribute substantially to the structural integrity and impact protection capabilities of the skate boot 100A, when compared to the boot shell 110A. The strip 312A may move and/or deform to better conform to the anatomical shape of the wearer's foot around the metatarsal area. Stated otherwise, the strip 312A may fold over the tongue 140A when stretched towards the opposite side of the boot shell 110A during tightening, to wrap over the tongue 140A. The edges 116A of the rigid boot shell 110A may slightly move towards each other as the lace 151A is tensioned, without folding over the tongue 140A.
[0070] The foot wrapping member 310A includes lace engaging components 313A. The lace engaging components 313A include eyelets in at least some embodiments. The lace engaging components 313A may be lace loops in some other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the strips 312A includes the eyelets. Holes through the strip 312A, without eyelets, could be contemplated.
[0071] With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the strip 312A extends along only a segment 116FA of the edge 116A of the boot shell 110A. Stated otherwise, the strip 312A does not extend along the edge 116A all the way up to the upper edge 116UA. The foot wrapping member 310A is confined in a forwardmost portion of the boot shell 110A. The forwardmost portion of the boot shell 110A may extend from the toe cap 130A. Such forwardmost portion of the boot shell 110A may correspond to the forward half of the boot shell 110A, between the toe cap 130A and the upper edge 116UA. The portion of the edge 116A extending generally along the lower leg and ankle of the wearer's foot when the boot 100A is worn is thus deprived of the foot wrapping member 310A.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4A and with additional reference to FIG. 4B, the foot wrapping member 310A is delimited by a cutout or notch 116NA defined in the edge 116A of the boot shell 110A. As can be seen, a discontinuity is defined in the outline of the edge 116A between a front end 117A of the boot shell 110A and the upper edge 116UA. As shown, a segment 116FA of the edge 116A extends from the front end 117A of the boot shell 110A and ends at a step 116SA. Such segment of the edge 116A from the front end 117A with the step 116SA define an outline of the notch 116NA. As shown, the foot wrapping member 310A extends in the notch 116NA. The foot wrapping member 310A fills the space in the notch 116NA that is unoccupied by the boot shell 110A. As shown, the foot wrapping member 310A may overlap, slightly, with the boot shell 110A along the outline of the notch 116NA. Such overlap may be on the inner surface of the boot shell 110A or outer surface of the boot shell 110A depending on the embodiments. The foot wrapping member 310A could be joined to the boot shell 110A as an edge extension of the segment 116FA of the edge 116 of the boot shell 110A defining the outline of the notch 116NA, as another possibility.
[0073] The segment 116FA of the edge 116 defining the outline of the notch 116NA is offset towards the sole portion 111A of the boot shell 110A relative to a remainder of the edge 116A. In the depicted embodiment, the segment 116FA is offset downwardly by a distance corresponding to a height H of the step 116SA. The step height H of the notch 116NA may correspond to 10% to 70% of a height of the lateral side portion 114LA depending on a balancing between wrapping of the metatarsal region of the foot and the level of desired transverse support of the foot.
[0074] The notch 116NA extends from the front end 117A of the boot shell 110A along at least a third of the length of the edge 116A. The notch 116NA is sized to extend along the metatarsal region of the foot. As the presence of the notch 116N with the foot wrapping member 310A extending therefrom may have a direct impact on the movement of the foot within the skate boot, it may be desirable to limit the length of the notch 116NA and foot wrapping member 310A along the edge 116A not to hinder dorsiflexion of the foot. For example, the notch 116NA may extend no more than half of the length of the edge 116A or two thirds of the length of the edge 116A, in some embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, the step 116SA is located at a median position (10%) along the edge 116A between the front end 117A and the upper edge 116UA. The junction between the edge 116A and the upper edge 116UA may be rounded. In such case, measurement of the length of the edge 116A may be taken from the front end 117A to the intersection between projections of the edge 116A and the upper edge 116UA. Similar consideration and dimensioning applies to the foot wrapping member 310A within the notch 116NA.
[0075] FIG. 4C is a cross-section of the skate boot 100A taken in the metatarsal region of the foot receiving cavity 101A. The cross-section is taken approximately at a mid length of the notch 116NA. As shown, in the notch 116NA, the boot shell 110A has a heightwise dimension HD smaller than that of the medial side portion 114MA. As shown, the heightwise dimension HD may be measured upward from a bottommost point of the boot shell 110A lying on a flat horizontal plane PP, in a perpendicular direction relative to such plane PP. The heightwise dimension HD on the lateral side portion 114LA may be between 50% and 90% of that on the medial side portion 114MA, in the metatarsal region of the foot receiving cavity.
[0076] In at least some embodiments, the foot wrapping member 310A may be attached to the liner 120A of the boot 100A. The liner 120A extends beyond the edge 116A. The foot wrapping member 310A overlies the liner 120A in the attachment area. In FIG. 4C, stitching is used, though other attachment means could be contemplated (adhesive, fusing, ultrasonic welding . . . ). In the depicted embodiment, the stitches extends through all layers of the foot wrapping member 310A. Other configurations could be contemplated in other embodiments. In a variant, the foot wrapping member 310A of the foot wrapping system 300A may be defined by the facing 165 of the skate boot 100A. For example, the facing 165 may extend along the edge 116A of the boot shell 110A from upper edge 116UA to the forwardmost portion of the edge 116. The facing 165 may overlie an outer surface of the boot shell 110A. The facing 165 may define part of an outermost surface of the skate boot 100A. The facing 165 may have a multilayer construct and be more flexible than the boot shell 110A. For instance, the facing 165 may include an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber), fabrics, felt, leather, or a combination of those materials, as some possibilities. In such variant, a portion of the facing 165 may extend in the notch 116NA. In the notch area, the facing 165 may not be layered with a portion of the boot shell 110A. Such portion of the facing 165 could be viewed as a flap, similar to the strip 312A described above, hanging from the boot shell 110A and superposing the notch 116NA. The foot wrapping member 310 movable relative to the boot shell 110A may thus be defined by the flap of the facing 165 extending upwardly and rearwardly beyond the edge 116A of the boot shell 110A.
[0077] In a variant, as shown in FIG. 5A-5B, there may be a plurality of foot wrapping members 310A as described above. Wrapping the metatarsal (and toe) region of the wearer's foot from the medial and the lateral side may be desirable to obtain even more wrapping on the foot, and/or contribute to an even closer fit of the skate boot 100A on the foot. As shown, the foot wrapping member 310A described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C may be duplicated so as to have one such foot wrapping member 310A on each side of the boot shell 110A. In FIGS. 5A-5B, both side portions 114MA, 114LA of the boot shell 110A includes a foot wrapping member 310A as described above. The boot shell 110A may be generally symmetrical in the metatarsal region of the foot receiving cavity 101A ins some embodiments, but this is only one possibility. In some cases, the first foot wrapping member 310A (on the left) may be a mirror of a second foot wrapping member 310A (on the right). The foot wrapping member 310A on the lateral side may be longer than the foot wrapping member 310A on the medial side (or vice versa), as another possibility.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, another embodiment of the foot wrapping system 300 is now described. Like features as that already described above will not be repeated, for conciseness. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6C, the foot wrapping system 300D includes portions of a vamping 180D of a skate boot 100D. The forefoot of a skate boot 100D is considered to be the widest zone of the skate boot 100D in a bottom portion thereof. As the widest zone of the skate boot 100D, it is also one of the areas of the skate boot 100D that is most sensitive to abrasion when skating, which may cause damage to the skate boot 100D. Furthermore, as the widest zone of the skate boot 100D, it may be the first portion of the skate boot 100D to touch the ice when the skate is angled relative to the ice during a turning or skating movement, or goaltender sliding movement, for example. As such, in at least some embodiments, the skate boot 100D may include a vamping 180D that is disposed on one or both of the medial and lateral sides at a location corresponding to the widest portion of the skate boot 100D. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the vamping 180D on the lateral and medial side of the skate boot 100D. In the embodiment shown, the vamping 180D defines part of an outer surface of the skate boot 100D, in the widest zone of the skate boot 100D. Such widest zone may include the front end 117D of the boot shell 110D. The location of the vamping 180D in FIGS. 6A-6C is shown closer to the toe cap 130D than to the heel portion 112D of the skate boot 100D. In particular, the location of the vamping 180D in FIG. 6A is shown adjacent to the toe cap 130D. In the embodiment shown, the vamping 180D is a component that is distinct from the boot shell 110D and is fixed to the boot shell 100D with stitching, fastener(s), adhesive, fusing, ultrasonic welding, or a combination of the foregoing, depending on the embodiments. In at least some embodiments, the vamping 180D may be attached to the liner of the boot 100A by the same means. The vamping 180D could also be integrally formed with the boot shell 110D or the toe cap 130D, in variants.
[0079] As mentioned above, the vamping 180D may cover an outer portion of the skate boot 100D that is prone to damage during use. In the embodiment shown, the vamping 180D is disposed on both of the medial and lateral side portions 114MD, 114LD of the skate boot 100D. The vamping 180D could be located on only one of the sides in variants.
[0080] In the embodiment shown, a portion of the vamping 180D extends from the sole portion 111D of the boot shell 110D. As shown, the vamping 180D extends along the front end 117D of the boot shell 110D. The vamping 180D may overlie a junction between the toe cap 130D and the boot shell 110D. Overlying the junction between the toe cap 130D and the boot shell 110D may include overlying an overlapping region (FIGS. 7A-7B) of the and the boot shell 110D. An example of such an overlapping region will be further described below with respect to FIGS. 7A-7B. The vamping 180D could also extend along that junction without covering it. Also as shown, the vamping 180D has a portion extending along the edge 116D of the boot shell 110D, from the front end 117D. Eyelets 160D may be defined through the portion of the vamping 180D extending along the edge 116D of the boot shell 110D. As can be seen in FIG. 6C, the vamping 180D may overlie a notch 116ND in the boot shell 110D. The notch 116ND will not be described again as it has already been described above with respect to other embodiments. As shown, the vamping 180D may overlap the segment 116FD of the edge 116D that defines the outline of the notch 116ND. The vamping 180D may also overlap the step 116SD. The vamping 180D could be stitched or otherwise attached to the boot shell 110D along the segment 116FD and/or the step 116SD. The vamping 180D has a peripheral edge 181D delimiting a vamping body 182D. The peripheral edge 181D defines the periphery or outer contour of the vamping 180D. The vamping body 182D is disposed within the peripheral edge 181D. The vamping 180D has one or more of the lace eyelets 160D at the upper end thereof. As better see in FIG. 6B, the vamping 180D is has a generally L-shape, with a first segment extending upwardly from the sole portion 111D and a second segment extending from an upper end of the first segment, rearwardly relative to the skate boot 100D. The first and second segments form an integral and continuous piece, though they could be made separate and joined together to form portions of the vamping 180D. In at least some embodiments, as shown, the vamping 180D has an upper edge portion of the peripheral edge 181D having a curvature adapted to follow the curvature of the edge 116D of the boot shell 110D. The upper edge portion of the peripheral edge 181D of the vamping 180D may thus extend in continuity with the edge 116D of the boot shell 110D to generally define a continuous outline of the boot shell 110D when viewed from the side of the skate boot 100D as in FIGS. 6B-6C, and not loaded by tension of the lace 151D to wrap over the tongue 140D. Other shapes could be contemplated for the vamping 180D in other embodiments, e.g., upper edge of the vamping 180D not in continuity with the upper edge 116D of the boot shell 110D.
[0081] The vamping 180D is generally more flexible than the boot shell 110D. The vamping may include a layer of impact and/or abrasion resistant material. In an embodiment, the vamping may include a layer of elastomeric material that may absorb at least partially impact energy, or protect the boot shell against abrasion. The vamping material may include synthetic leather, plastic and composite material, as some other possibilities. The foot wrapping member 310D may thus be defined by part of the vamping 180D in the embodiments where such vamping 180D is present.
[0082] In embodiments where a vamping 180D is present on both sides of the boot shell 110D, the vampings 180D on opposite sides of the boot shell 110D may be a mirror of each other, though this is optional. In some cases, both vampings 180D could have a different shape. Yet in a variant, only one of the vampings 180D could define a foot wrapping member 310D, while the other is not. Yet in another variant, where there is only a vamping 180D on one side of the boot shell 110D, the single vamping 180D may define one of the foot wrapping member 310D, and the other one of the foot wrapping member 310D on the opposite side of the boot shell 110D, if present, could be defined as described herein with respect to other embodiments of the foot wrapping member.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, another embodiment of the foot wrapping system 300 is now described. Like features as that already described above will not be repeated, for conciseness. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7B, the foot wrapping system 300E of the skate boot 100E includes portions of the toe cap 130E. As shown, the toe cap 130E has extensions 131E or wings extending rearwardly along the lateral and/or the medial side portions of the boot shell 110E. In the embodiment shown, the extension 131E may define the foot wrapping member 310E. As can be seen in FIG. 7A, here showing the medial side of the boot shell 110E with the toe cap 130E coupled thereto, the extension 131E of the toe cap 130E overlies a notch 116NE in the boot shell 110E. The notch 116NE will not be described again as it has already been described above with respect to other embodiments. Some of the eyelets 160E may be defined by such extension 131E to receive the lace 151E. The eyelets 160E defined by the extension 131E are generally aligned with the notch 116NE. Since a portion of the extension 131E that overlies the notch 116NE does not overlap with the boot shell 110E, the eyelets 160E of the extension 131E may extend along the segment 116FE of the edge 116E defining the outline of the notch 116NE, as shown.
[0084] In the embodiment shown, the extension 131E extends further beyond the notch 116NE along the edge 116E, towards the upper edge 116UE. State otherwise, the extension 131E may overlap with a portion of the boot shell 110E that is between the upper edge 116UE and the step 116SE. As shown in FIG. 7B, the toe cap 130E overlaps with a forward most portion of the boot shell 110E. As shown the toe cap 130E overlies part of the boot shell 110E, in particular a region of the boot shell 110E that extends along the front end 117E of the boot shell 110E. Such region will be referred to as the overlapping region OVR. The front end 117E may be defined by a segment of the edge 116FE that extends underneath the segment 116FE of the edge 116E defining the outline of the notch 116NE and merging with the sole portion 111E. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, in at least some embodiments, the toe cap 130E may have a reduced thickness TCT in the overlapping region OVR. For example, a sum of a thickness TBS of the boot shell 110E and the thickness TCT of the toe cap 130E in the overlapping region OVR may be substantially the same (10%) as the thickness TCT of the toe cap 130E immediately adjacent and fore of the front end 117E of the boot shell 110E (thicknesses being the smallest thickness in the respective regions). Similarly, as shown, the thickness TBS of the boot shell 110E in the overlapping region OVR may be reduced relative to an adjacent portion of the boot shell 110E immediately aft the extension 131E. Stated otherwise, the thickness TBS boot shell 110E may taper towards the front end 117E or at least be thinner such that the sum of the thickness TBS of the boot shell 110E and the thickness TCT of the toe cap 130E in the overlapping region OVR may be substantially the same (10%) as the thickness TBS of the boot shell 110E immediately adjacent to the overlapping region OVR (thicknesses being the respective average thicknesses of these regions). Such region of reduced thicknesses may minimize the overall thickness of the skate boot in the overlapping region OVR. A more tapered profile of the front end of the skate boot may thus be achieved. The forward taper of the skate boot from the quarter portions 114LE, 114ME of the boot shell 110E to the tip of the toe cap 130E may be more constant, when viewed from outside of the skate boot, as opposed to a bulgier junction of the toe cap 130E and the boot shell 110E in the overlapping region OVR. When viewed from the outside of the skate boot, an outer surface 130EOS of the extension 130E may be substantially even or continuous with an immediately adjacent outer surface portion 110EOS of the boot shell 110E. When viewed from the inside of the skate boot, as can be seen in FIG. 7B, an inner surface 110EIS of the boot shell 110E at the front end 117E may define a substantially even or continuous surface with an immediately adjacent inner surface portion 130EIS of the toe cap 130E.
[0085] Returning to FIG. 7A, a portion of the extension 131E overlies the notch 116NE. Such portion is generally above the overlapping region OVR discussed above. The thickness TCT of such portion of the extension 131E that overlies the notch 116NE may have the same reduced thickness TCT as the portion of the toe cap 130E that is immediately underneath and that overlaps with the boot shell 110E in the overlapping region OVR. The thickness TCT of that portion of the extension 131E overlying the notch 116NE could be even thinner. For example, in an embodiment the thickness TCT of that portion may be between 50% and 100% of the thickness TCT of the extension 131E in the overlapping region OVR. The thickness TCT of that portion could be even thinner, e.g., no more than 50% and/or between 10% and 50%, in variants.
[0086] That portion may have a constant thickness of variable thickness depending on the embodiment. As such, the thickness TCT of that portion relative to the thickness in the overlapping region OVR may be taken as a ratio of the average thickness in these respective portions of the extension 131E, with the average thickness excluding the thickness of the eyelets contours which may be thicker for some reasons, as will be described later with respect to a variant.
[0087] It should be understood that the extension described above may equally apply to the extension on the lateral side of the boot shell 110E and the extension on the medial side of the boot shell 110E in embodiments where one or both are present.
[0088] In a variant, the extension 131E of the toe cap 130E could be at least partially overlaid by a vamping, such as the vamping 180D described above with respect to other embodiments. As such, both the extension 131E and the vamping 180D could define parts of the foot wrapping member 310E. Yet in another variant, where there is only an extension 131E on one side of the toe cap 130E, the single extension 131E may define one of the foot wrapping member 310e, and the other one of the foot wrapping member 310E on the opposite side of the boot shell 110D, may be defined as any other foot wrapping member of the embodiments described herein.
[0089] While the embodiment of the foot wrapping system 300E of FIGS. 7A-7B is shown on a skate not having a tendon guard, such as is typically the case in goalie skates, such embodiment of the foot wrapping system 300E is not limited to the goalie skate type.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, a variant of the lateral and/or medial extensions 131D discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7A-7B is shown at 131F. Like features as that already described above will not be repeated, for conciseness. As shown, in a variant, the eyelets 160F defined by the extension 131F have a non-round opening 161F. As shown, the eyelets 160F may have a generally rectangular or square cross-section to better accommodate the lace 151F laying flat that may extend therethrough. The eyelets 160F may be dimensioned so as to have a widthwise dimension that substantially (10%) corresponds to a width of the lace 151F. This may prevent the flat lace 151F from twisting or otherwise be squeezed in the eyelets 160F.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 8B-8C, the cross-section of the eyelets 160F may taper in an inward direction. As shown, the opening 161F of the eyelet 160F at an outer surface of the extension 131F has a larger cross sectional area than a cross sectional area of the opening 161F of the eyelet 160F at an inner surface of the extension 131F (i.e., the inner surface facing toward the opposite notch and/or extension, if present).
[0092] With additional reference to FIG. 8C, in the embodiment shown, the eyelets 160E may be recessed relative to the outer surface of the extension 131F. As can be seen, recessed walls of the eyelet 160F may extend inwardly from the outer surface of the extension 131F. The recessed walls may extend obliquely, as shown, though this is optional. The walls could be rounded, as another possibility. When inserted into the eyelet 160F, the lace 151F may lie flat against one of the recessed wall, and extends through the opening 161F at the inner surface. The eyelet insertion portion of the lace 151F may thus be recessed relative to the outer surface of the extension 131F. This may better protect the lace 151F against pinches, cuts or impacts by foreign objects.
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, another embodiment of the foot wrapping system 300 will be described. Like features as that already described above will not be repeated, for conciseness. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, the foot wrapping system 300B is independent from the lacing system of the skate 10B. Stated otherwise, wrapping of the foot via the foot wrapping system 300B may be obtained without the tightening of the lacing system. As shown, the boot 100B includes eyelets 160B along the edge 116B of the boot shell 110B. Lace (not shown) may extend from side portion to side portion of the boot shell 110B and threaded through the eyelets 160B to lace up the boot 100B.
[0094] The foot wrapping members 310B are located between the side portions 114LB, 114MB of the boot shell 110B. As shown, the foot wrapping members 310B extend from the opposite side portions 114LB, 114MB. The foot wrapping members 310B do not extend from the respective edges 116B of the side portions 114LB, 114MB. In the depicted embodiment, the foot wrapping members 310B define movable extensions of the liner 120B.
[0095] The foot wrapping members 310B each include a strip 312B attached to the liner 120B and/or an inner surface of the boot shell 110B of the boot 100B. Attachment may be made along the series of eyelets 160B, as shown. A base of the strip 312B may be attached to the liner 120B and/or inner surface of the boot shell 110B. A remainder of the strip 312B may move relative to the liner 120B and/or boot shell 110B. Stated otherwise, the strip 312B may be hingedly connected to the liner 120B and/or inner surface of the boot shell 110B at an edge of the strip 312B opposite the free end 314B of the strip 312B. Stitching, or other attachment means, such as adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or other fasteners may attach the strips 312B to the liner 120B. As can be seen in FIG. 9B, in an embodiment, the foot wrapping members 310B may be attached edge to edge with the liner 120B. The foot wrapping members 310B may extend without discontinuity (or gap) with the edge of the liner 120B in at least some embodiments.
[0096] The foot wrapping members 310B of FIGS. 9A-9B are more flexible than the shell 110B, or even stretchable in some cases. As for the other embodiments described hereinabove, the strips 312B may include fabric, such as nylon, rubber (synthetic or natural), leather (natural or artificial), for example. The strips 312B may have a single or a plurality of layers of material. The strips 312B may lock down the foot as in the other embodiments described above.
[0097] With continued reference to FIGS. 9A-9B, the lace engaging components 313B includes lace loops attached to the strips 312B. A string, drawstring, lace, strip or wire, elastic or of fixed length, may be threaded through the lace loops. The foot wrapping members 310B may thus be connected to each other via such string, lace, strip or wire threaded through the lace loops of the respective foot wrapping members 310B.
[0098] The lace loops may be attached to the strip 312B, by stitches, adhesive, and/or ultrasonic welding, for example. The lace loops could be molded as part of the strip. The lace loops, may extend beyond a free end 314B of the strip 312B, or shorter in other embodiments. The lace loops may be nylon, rubber, plastic straps, for example.
[0099] Upon tightening, the foot wrapping members 310B may approach each other and fold over the foot. The foot wrapping members 310B may fold over the tongue (not shown) or under the tongue, depending on the embodiment. Wrapping of the foot may thus be performed on the medial and lateral side, simultaneously. The lock effect on the foot of the wearer may be obtained, and the unused volume within the foot receiving cavity 101B in the metatarsal region, may be reduced. The wrapping of the foot with the foot wrapping system 300B may be obtained without forcing against the inherent rigidity of the boot shell 110B, as with the lacing system 150B.
[0100] After the tightening of the foot wrapping system 300B, the lacing system 150B, which may include lace 151B threaded through the eyelets 160B may be tightened (not shown in FIGS. 9A-9B but similar to that shown in FIG. 1), to press (or further press) the tongue 140B and/or close up the space between the opposite edges 116B of the boot shell 110B upon tightening the lace.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, another embodiment of the foot wrapping system 300 will be described. Like features as that already described above will not be repeated, for conciseness. In the depicted embodiment, the foot wrapping system 300C includes a strap 320C extending between the side portions 114MC, 114LC of the boot shell 110C. The strap 320C may be a nylon strap in an embodiment, though other material may be contemplated. The strap 320C extends through holes 321C (or slots) defined in respective ones of the side portions 114MC, 114LC. The holes 321C are located at a distance from the edge 116C. As shown, the holes 321C are located further from the edge 116C than the eyelets 160C. The holes 321C are below the series of eyelets 160C. Stated otherwise, the series of eyelets 160C along the edge 116C extends between the edge 116C and the hole 321C on the side portion (114MC, 114LC) when viewed from the side of the skate 10C in upright position, as in FIG. 7B. The strap 320C includes loops 322C at opposite ends thereof for receiving the lace (not shown). The opposite ends of the strap 320C projects outwardly from the holes 321C. A middle section, between the opposite ends of the strap 320C, extends over the tongue 140C. Pulling the opposite ends of the strap 320 may press the middle section of the strap 320C against the tongue 140C. Upon tightening the lace passing through the loops 322C, the strap 320C may press downwardly against the tongue 140C. The strap 320C may thus lock the foot downwardly, towards the sole portion, via the tongue 140C pressing against the foot. In the depicted embodiment, the strap 320C extends transversely relative to the tongue 140C generally above the metatarsal region of the foot, since, as described above, it is desired to lockdown the metatarsal region of the foot, and limit the impact on the dorsiflexion during skating. This position may vary, e.g., close to a median position (10%) along the length of the edge 116C, or between the median position and the front end of the boot shell 110C, for example.
[0102] The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present technology. Yet further modifications could be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, which modifications would be within the scope of the present technology.
