US20150216261A1 - Sporting footwear and system for enhancing force transfer - Google Patents
Sporting footwear and system for enhancing force transfer Download PDFInfo
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- US20150216261A1 US20150216261A1 US14/419,403 US201314419403A US2015216261A1 US 20150216261 A1 US20150216261 A1 US 20150216261A1 US 201314419403 A US201314419403 A US 201314419403A US 2015216261 A1 US2015216261 A1 US 2015216261A1
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- Prior art keywords
- foot
- footwear
- force
- shell
- transferring member
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0405—Linings, paddings or insertions; Inner boots
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B19/00—Shoe-shaped inserts; Inserts covering the instep
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/16—Skating boots
- A43B5/1616—Inner boots
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A sporting footwear and system for enhancing a force transfer is described. The footwear enhances the force transfer from a foot of the wearer of the footwear, to a playing surface on which the footwear is being used. The footwear has a shell which receives and encloses the foot. The shell has a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions. The footwear also has a force-transferring member. The member has a first surface which can be attached to the inside of the upper portion, and an opposed second surface which can abut against the top of the wearer's foot when it is inserted into the shell. When the member abuts against the top of the foot, it fills a void and enables an increased operative contact surface within the footwear. This allows for enhanced force transfer between the foot and the shell of the footwear, and ultimately, the playing surface.
Description
- The present invention relates to footwear for sports or activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sporting footwear and to a system for enhancing a force transfer, from a foot of a wearer of the footwear, to a playing surface.
- In the field of footwear, especially in high-performance sports, it is often desirous to optimize certain parameters of the footwear so as to improve the performance of the user or athlete. Some of these parameters include the weight of the footwear, its engagement with the ground or floor, its breathability, etc. Another such parameter is the effectiveness of the footwear in transferring the force exerted by the foot to the ground on which the footwear is used.
- It is known that the amount of force a foot applies to the ground can affect the speed at which the user moves, or the height the user can jump, for example. In the field of sprinting, as but one example, the force applied by the user's foot can significantly affect the time it takes for a sprinter to exit the starting blocks. In the field of ice hockey, as another example, the force applied by the user's feet contained in a hockey skate can affect the speed at which the user moves on the ice.
- Some examples of footwear can be found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,112,905; 7,827,707; 7,343,701; 7,254,904; 7,140,127; 6,895,694; 6,746,027; 6,505,422; 6,082,027; 6,029,374; 5,740,618; 5,701,686; 5,343,636; 5,129,165; 5,111,597; 5,090,138; 5,074,060; 4,901,453; 4,822,363; 4,428,089; 4,120,064; 4,026,046; 3,325,919; 3,165,841; 2,810,214; 2,210,304; 1,996,083; 1,744,122; and 979,243.
- Other examples of footwear can be found in the following Canadian patent documents and/or industrial designs: 2,292,996; 2,205,388; 327,201; 300,838; and 273,845.
- Consider further the example of a hockey skate. Modern hockey skates are typically hard-shell structures. This is beneficial because hard-shell hockey skates protect the user's foot from impact with sticks, the puck, and other skates, and reinforce the user's foot and ankle. However, hockey skates which are hard-shell do not effectively respond to the movements of the user's foot within the skate itself.
- In a typical skating stride, both the user's foot and the end of the user's foot (i.e. the balls of the foot and the toes) contribute to propelling the user forward. As the user's foot reaches the end of her/his stride, the end of the foot applies the majority of the pressure to the sole of the skate, thereby providing an additional propulsive force to move the user forward. Most rigid hockey skates have excess space or “wiggle room” between the top of the foot and the inside of the upper of the skate boot, which is not optimal to the use of the hockey skate.
- Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.
- One object of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the above-mentioned prior art drawbacks.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sporting footwear for enhancing a force transfer, from a foot of a wearer of the sporting footwear, to a playing surface on which the sporting footwear is used, the sporting footwear comprising:
- a shell comprising a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions, for receiving and at least partially enclosing the foot of the wearer upon insertion into the shell; and
- a force-transferring member comprising opposite first and second contact surfaces, the first contact surface being fixedly connectable to an inner side of the upper portion, and the second contact surface configured for abutting against at least a part of the top of the wearer's foot when inserted into the shell, the force-transferring member being positioned, shaped and sized within the shell so as to fill a void between the top of the foot and the upper portion, thereby enabling an increased operative contact surface within the sporting footwear between foot and shell, so as to enhance force transfer between said foot and shell, and onto the playing surface.
- In some optional embodiments, the force-transferring member can take many different shapes and configurations on the top of the foot, and can also be located on different parts of the foot. Moreover, there can be more than one force-transferring member, such as a force-transferring member for each toe, for example. Alternatively, a single force-transferring member may cover and/or wrap around all the toes. The force-transferring member can be made of multiple materials such as, but not limited to, gels, foam, air packs, rubber, cork, etc. Moreover, the force-transferring member can consist of individual loops for housing the toes. The force-transferring member may include a breathing mechanism, such as aeration holes disposed about the force-transferring member, so as to aerate the foot.
- In other possible embodiments, the force-transferring member is an insert which can be inserted into the footwear along with the foot, and which may be connected to the footwear by any suitable technique. The insert may be molded so as to contour to that part of the wearer's foot covered by the force-transferring member, thereby providing an efficient fit.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for enhancing a force transfer, from a foot of a wearer to a playing surface, the system comprising:
- a footwear for receiving and at least partially enclosing the foot of the wearer upon being inserted therein, the footwear comprising a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions; and
- a removable force-transferring member comprising opposite first and second contact surfaces, the first contact surface being removably mountable to an inner side of the upper portion of the footwear such that the second contact surface is configured for abutting against at least a part of the top of the foot when inserted into the footwear, the force-transferring member being positioned, shaped, and sized within the footwear so as to fill a void between the top of the wearer's foot and the upper portion, thereby enabling an increased operative contact surface between foot and footwear, so as to enhance force transfer between said foot and footwear, and onto the playing surface.
- Optionally, the force-transferring member is positioned within the footwear so as to expand that part of the foot in contact with the footwear, thus improving the force transfer from the foot of the wearer to the footwear, and ultimately the playing surface. This may be achieved because the force-transferring member can protrude inwardly from the upper portion of the footwear towards the top of the foot, at least from a part of the upper portion near the toes and end of the foot. The force-transferring member in such an embodiment is a solid (i.e. integral, consistent, uniform, etc.) material, which can be pre-inserted and permanently integrated into the upper portion of the footwear, or alternatively, provided as an insert being sold separately and for adding to the upper portion.
- In so doing, the force-transferring member may provide reinforcement to at least the end of the foot inside a hockey skate, for example, thus reducing any wiggling of toes or “play” within the hockey skate which does not contribute to the skating stride of the wearer.
- The components, advantages and other features of the sporting footwear and system will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some optional configurations, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 1 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to another optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 3 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to yet another optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 5 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to yet another optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 7 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to yet another optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 9 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a top view of a force-transferring member covering a part of a wearer's foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the force-transferring member and the foot ofFIG. 11 inserted within a sporting footwear, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with an inflatable force-transferring member, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member having a resilient plate, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with another force-transferring member having a resilient plate, the sporting footwear having a tightening device, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with another force-transferring member having a resilient plate, the sporting footwear having another tightening device, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with another force-transferring member having a resilient plate, the sporting footwear having yet another tightening device, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 18 to 20 are partial cross-sectional views of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, the sporting footwear and the foot being shown moving through various stages of a stride, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to yet another optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 22 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 21 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of a wearer's foot inserted within a sporting footwear provided with a force-transferring member, according to yet another optional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 24 is a top view of the force-transferring member ofFIG. 23 covering a part of the foot, according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. - In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.
- Furthermore, although the present invention may be used in various sports, such as in ice hockey, for example, and as a result, is sometimes described in the context of the present invention for a possible use with a hockey skate, it is understood that it may be used with other footwear, and in other sports and/or activities. Some of these footwear include, but are not limited to, downhill ski boots, track-and-field shoes, running shoes, figure skates, athletic shoes, snowboarding boots, hiking boots, etc. For this reason, expressions such as “ice”, “hockey”, “skate”, “blade”, etc. as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention to the sport of hockey and/or hockey skates in particular. These expressions encompass all other kinds of materials, objects and/or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, as can be easily understood.
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- 10. sporting footwear (or simply “footwear”)
- 12. void (or “gap”)
- 20. force-transferring member (or simply “member”)
- 21. bottom force-transferring member (or simply “bottom member”)
- 22. first contact surface (or simply “first surface”)
- 23. side surface (of member 20)
- 24. second contact surface (or simply “second surface”)
- 25. aeration hole
- 26. resilient plate
- 27. comfort layer
- 28. tightening device
- 29. inflatable membrane
- 29 a. pump
- 29 b. supply line
- 30. ringlet
- 50. shell
- 51. tongue
- 52. heel portion
- 54. sole portion
- 54 a. inner portion (of sole portion 54)
- 55. upper portion
- 56. ice-contactable portion (e.g. “blade”)
- 57. inner side (of upper portion 55)
- 58. toe box
- 58 a. inner surface (of toe box 58)
- 70. foot
- 71. bottom (of foot 70)
- 72. top (of foot 70)
- 74. toe (of foot 70)
- 76. heel (of foot 70)
- 78. ball (of foot 70)
- 80. ice
- Broadly described, the
sporting footwear 10, an example of which is shown inFIG. 1 , is an article which, in some of its configurations, enhances the force transfer which occurs from the foot of a wearer of the footwear, to the playing surface upon which the footwear is being used. Thesporting footwear 10 can be any suitable footwear which can be worn on the foot. Some non-limiting examples of thesporting footwear 10 are mentioned above. The expression “enhancing a force transfer” refers to the optimization, improvement, augmentation, amplification, etc. of the process by which force, which is generated by the foot of the wearer during use of the footwear, is transferred, conveyed, transmitted, etc. to the playing surface via thesporting footwear 10. The “playing surface” can be any ground and/or floor surface, either indoor or outdoor, upon which activities (e.g. play, sport, walking, running, etc.) can be conducted with the feet of the wearer. Some non-limitative examples of a playing surface include ice, dirt, gravel, grass, court surface, hardwood, artificial turf, etc. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 provide an example of such asporting footwear 10. Thefootwear 10 is used by afoot 70 of the wearer. Thefootwear 10 enhances a force applied to the playing surface by thefoot 70, as explained below. - The
footwear 10 includes ashell 50. Theshell 50 encloses, at least partially, thefoot 70 of the wearer. Theshell 50 can be substantially rigid. The expression “substantially rigid” means that theshell 50 is made of any suitable material which offers at least some stiffness or inflexibility, and which provides a suitable medium through which force is transferred from thefoot 70. One example of arigid shell 50 includes the skate boot for an ice skate. Another example of arigid shell 50 includes the exterior and/or body of an athletic shoe. - The shape and configuration of the
shell 50 can determine the type offootwear 10 being used. For example, ashell 50 which encloses thefoot 70 and ankle of the wearer, but not the lower part of the wearer's leg, can form a “shoe”-type offootwear 10. In another example, ashell 50 which encloses all of thefoot 70 as well as the lower part of the wearer's leg, can form a skate boot for an ice skate, an example of which is shown inFIG. 1 , and such an ice skate can have an ice-contactable portion 56 (e.g. blade). Therefore, any suitable shape and configuration of theshell 50 can be used. The term “enclosing” used to describe theshell 50 refers not only to the shell's 50 ability to surround or envelop thefoot 70 of the wearer when it is inserted into theshell 50, but also to the shell's 50 ability to protect thefoot 70 from impacts, nicks, scratches, cuts, bruises, or any other interference that may originate outside of theshell 50 and affect thefoot 70 therein. - The
shell 50 has components that provide it with the form needed to enclose thefoot 70. These components include aheel portion 52, which forms the rear of theshell 50, and extends from theheel 76 of thefoot 70 and up the back of the leg of the wearer, or any portion thereof. Another component is asole portion 54, which forms the bottom of theshell 50, and which extends along the bottom 71 of thefoot 70 between theheel 70 and the end of thetoes 74, or any portion thereof. Yet another component is theupper portion 55, which forms the top of theshell 50, and which can extend along theentire top 72 of thefoot 70 from the end of thetoes 74 to the lower portion of the wearer's leg. Theupper portion 55 is disposed opposite to thesole portion 54. In the present disclosure, the use of the term “opposite” to explain the relationship of the upper andsole portions upper portion 55 is disposed along a top 72 side of thefoot 70, while thesole portion 54 is disposed along a bottom (i.e. opposite) side of thefoot 70. - The
upper portion 55 includes aninner side 57 which is in contact with thefoot 70 upon it being inserted into theshell 50. In some optional embodiments, theupper portion 55 can include atongue 51, an example of which is provided inFIG. 12 , which is fixed to theinner side 57, and which extends along the top 72 of thefoot 70 from the end of thetoes 74 to the front of the wearer's leg. Thetongue 51 can be used when thefootwear 10 is an athletic shoe, or a skate, for example. Thetongue 51 and/or theinner side 57 can be made of any suitable material, or combination of materials, which can provide the following non-limiting functions: cushioning, comfort, support, etc. Further optionally, and returning toFIGS. 1 and 2 , theupper portion 55 can include atoe box 58, which can form the end of theupper portion 55, and which can enclose thetoes 74 when thefoot 70 is inserted in theshell 50. Thetoe box 58 can consist of any outer, hard-shell surface to protect thetoes 74 from impacts, and can also have aninner surface 58 a, which can be in contact with the inside of theshell 50 and/or thefoot 70. - The
footwear 10 also includes a force-transferringmember 20, an example of which is also provided inFIGS. 1 and 2 . The at least onemember 20 reinforces at least a portion of the top 72 of thefoot 70 inside theshell 50, reducing relative movement of thefoot 70 with respect to the interior of the footwear 10 (i.e. with respect to the interior of the shell 50) and thus allowing thefoot 70 to better “grip” (or “fill up”) thefootwear 10 so as to enhance the force transfer from thefoot 70 to the playing surface. The expression “at least a part of” as used herein means that themember 20 can abut against all of, or only part of, the top 72 of thefoot 70, which can depend on multiple factors such as the degree of force transfer required, the type offootwear 10 being used, the parts of thefoot 70 applying force, etc. For example, and as further explained below, themember 20 can reinforce only the top of thetoes 74, or the part of the top 72 between thetoes 74 and the ankle, and/or any combination thereof. There can also be more than onemember 20, depending on the particular configuration of thefootwear 10, among other factors. It is thus understood that the expression “abutting against” to describe the relationship between the top 72 of thefoot 70 and themember 20 does not require that the skin of thefoot 70 be in direct contact with the surface of the member, and that intermediate cloths, fabrics, items, etc. can be used between so as to improve the wearer's comfort, for example. - It is thus apparent that the
member 20 provides support to thefoot 70 and/or a part thereof (e.g. the toes 74), which, in turn, allows for the application of force to theshell 50 of thefootwear 10, or a part thereof (e.g. the sole portion 54) more effectively. Such support can be located between thefoot 70 of the wearer and theshell 50 of thefootwear 10, such that the force generated by thefoot 70 and/or any of its parts can be enhanced, with the addition ofmember 20, to theshell 50 of thefootwear 10, and thus ultimately, to the playing surface. Although shown as being positioned substantially above thetoes 74 inFIGS. 1 and 2 , themember 20 can be positioned anywhere else within theshell 50, as will be further explained below. It is thus apparent that the force transfer described herein is not limited to occurring only between the top 72 of thefoot 70 and theupper portion 55, and that the force transfer described herein can be effected by any part of thefoot 70, and through any portion of theshell 50. - The
member 20 can be made of any suitable material capable of achieving such functionality. In some optional embodiments, themember 20 is made of resilient material, such as rubber, foam, cork, synthetic material, air bladder, etc., or any combination of these. Themember 20 can also be enclosed in a fabric material, which can be woven, knitted, spread, crocheted, and/or bonded, or which can be unwoven. Such a fabric can advantageously provide a measure of comfort when thefoot 70 of the wearer abuts against themember 20. In order to further advantageously improve comfort, themember 20 can be made of a breathable material which allows for thefoot 70 to remain dry and comfortable within thefootwear 10. Further optionally, themember 20 can include multiple aeration holes 25 for enhancing the circulation of air between thefoot 70 and thefootwear 10. - The
member 20 has afirst contact surface 22 and an opposedsecond contact surface 24. Thesurfaces foot 70 is transferred. As such, thesurfaces first surface 22 is fixedly connectable to theinner side 57 of theupper portion 55, which means that it can be permanently attached and/or integrated to theinner side 57, or removable therefrom as needed. Thefirst surface 22 can be fixedly connected to theinner side 57 by any suitable connection technique, such as, but not limited to, the following group: adhesive, hook and loop fastener, mechanical linkage, stitch, integrated molding, etc. or any combination thereof. - The
second surface 24 is opposed to thefirst surface 22, meaning that thesecond surface 24 is separated by the body of themember 20 from thefirst surface 22, and that thesecond surface 24 faces in an opposite direction (i.e. toward the foot 70) from thefirst surface 22. Upon insertion of thefoot 70 into theshell 50, thesecond surface 24 is configured for abutting against thefoot 70. The term “abut” as used herein refers to thesecond surface 24 adjoining, touching against, bordering, contacting, etc. some part of the top 72 of thefoot 70 of the wearer when thefoot 70 is inserted into theshell 50. - Such an abutment allows for the
member 20 to be positioned, shaped, and/or sized within theshell 50 such that when thefoot 70 is inserted, themember 20 fills a void 12 which forms between the top 72 of thefoot 70 and theinner side 57 of theshell 50. The expression “fill a void” refers to the member's 20 ability to reduce, restrict, and/or eliminate the void 12, or merely some part thereof, which forms above the top 72 of thefoot 70, and or between other parts of thefoot 70 and the inside of theshell 50. In other words, themember 20 does not need to completely fill the void 12, and can instead fill only that part of the void 12 which can help to enhance force transfer. Some types offootwear 10 are mass produced, and thus cannot be designed for thespecific foot 70 of the wearer. Insuch footwear 10, there can exist a space or gap (i.e. void 12) within thefootwear 10, between the top 72 of thefoot 70, and the upper inside part of thefootwear 10. Ice skates are but one example ofsuch footwear 10 having such avoid 12. It can thus be appreciated that the void 12 is not limited to a particular configuration or type offootwear 10, and that it can vary in dimension, volume, and nature depending on numerous factors such as, but not limited to: the type offootwear 10, the wearer'sfoot 70, the activity being conducted, the design of thefootwear 10, etc. - The filling of the void 12 by the
member 20 provides an increased operative contact surface within thefootwear 10 between thefoot 70 and theshell 50. The expression “increased operative contact surface” refers to the contact area formed when the top 72 of thefoot 70 abuts against thesecond surface 24 of themember 20. Such a contact area is greater or “increased” in comparison to when thefoot 70 does not abut against themember 20. This greater contact area provides a support through which force can be transferred directly from thefoot 70 to theshell 50 during use, or “operation”, of thefootwear 10 by the wearer. Such use or operation of thefootwear 10 can result from the wearer pushing against thefootwear 10 and or components thereof (e.g. shell 50,upper portion 55,sole portion 54, etc.), and pushing off and/or away from the playing surface. This increased operative contact area may thus advantageously enhance force transfer from thefoot 70 of the wearer to theshell 50, and ultimately, to thefootwear 10 and the playing surface through improved support of thefoot 70 within thefootwear 10. - Having discussed some of the principal components and features of the
footwear 10, some of the other optional configurations will be further discussed hereinbelow in reference to the figures. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 provide an example of a force-transferringmember 20 that abuts against a specific portion of the top 72 of thefoot 70. As shown, the force-transferringmember 20 may consist of a layer of material under which thetoes 74 can be inserted. Themember 20 can be any device and/or mechanism which covers some of and/or all of the top 72 of the end of thefoot 70 and/ortoes 74 so as to allow for enhanced force transfer. Themember 20 can pad or cushion the top 72 of thetoes 74, filling at least some of the void 12 between the interior of thetoe box 58 and the top of thetoes 74, and can be disposed around the top and sides of thetoe box 58 so as to substantially wrap around the top 72 and sides of thefoot 70 and/ortoes 74, thereby reinforcing these parts of thefoot 70 by maintaining it in position. In this regard, themember 20 can have aside surface 23 which can extend along at least one of the instep or outstep sides of thefoot 70 when it is inserted into theshell 50. The top 72, sides and/ortoes 74 are thereby restrained in position by being abutted against by the layer ofmember 20, while always remaining comfortable, which may allow for an efficient and enhanced force transfer from thefoot 70 to the playing surface. - Although the optional embodiment of
FIGS. 3 and 4 show the layer covering only part of the top 72 of the end of thefoot 70, such as the upper surface of thetoes 74, the layer can also cover theentire top 72 of thefoot 70 inserted within theshell 50, or a greater portion thereof, as exemplified inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Other configurations of themember 20 are of course possible, and the amount of the top 72 of thefoot 70 covered can depend on numerous factors such as, but not limited to, the degree of force transfer required, the shape of theshell 50 and/orfoot 70, the configuration of thefootwear 10, etc. Indeed, it is possible that themember 20 be integrated within theinner surface 58 a of thetoe box 58 so as to abut against the top of thetoes 74 and/or below the end of thefoot 70 and/ortoes 74. -
FIGS. 5 to 8 provide additional examples of optional embodiments of thefootwear 10. As shown, the force-transferringmember 20 may consist of an envelope into which thefoot 70 and/or some part thereof (e.g. the end of thefoot 70 and/or toes 74) can be inserted. The envelope can be any device and/or mechanism which wraps around some of and/or all of the end of thefoot 70 and/ortoes 74. Themember 20 can pad the bottom 71 of thefoot 70, or some part thereof, thus filling a void 12, and can also be disposed around the top 72 and sides of thetoe box 58 so as to substantially wrap around the end of thefoot 70 so as to reinforce it by maintaining it in position and/or filling the void 12. Thefoot 70 is thereby restrained in position, while remaining comfortable, which allows for an efficient and enhanced force transfer from thefoot 70 to the playing surface. In the configuration exemplified inFIGS. 7 and 8 , theenvelope member 20 covers only part of the top 72 of thefoot 70, such as the upper surface of thetoes 74. Other configurations of theenvelope member 20 are of course possible, and the amount of and/or parts of thefoot 70 covered can depend on numerous factors such as, but not limited to, the degree of force transfer required, the shape of theshell 50, the configuration of thefootwear 10, etc. - Optionally, the force-transferring
member 20 can have a bottom force-transferringmember 21, an example of which is provided inFIGS. 7 and 8 . Thebottom member 21 is fixedly connected to aninner portion 54 a of thesole portion 54. Thebottom member 21 can abut against at least some part of the bottom 71 of thefoot 70 when it is inserted into theshell 50. Such abottom member 21 is positioned, shaped, and sized within theshell 50 such that it fills abottom void 12 b, or some part thereof, between the bottom 71 of thefoot 70 and theinner portion 54 a of thesole portion 54. This advantageously can allow for an increased bottom operative contact surface within thefootwear 10 between thefoot 70 andshell 50, so as to further enhance force transfer between thefoot 70 andshell 50. In some optional embodiments, thebottom member 21 abuts against the arch of the bottom 71 of thefoot 70. In another optional embodiment, thebottom member 21 abuts against the bottom of thetoes 74 of thefoot 70, so as to fill the void in the arch formed between the toes and theinner portion 54 a, for example. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 provide yet another example of an optional embodiment of thefootwear 10. As shown, the force-transferringmember 20 may consist of a moldable block into which thefoot 70 and/or any of its parts (e.g. the end and/or toes 74) can be inserted. In such a configuration, themoldable block member 20 can deform to accurately contour and reflect the profile of thefoot 70 against which it abuts. Optionally, themoldable block member 20 or object can be formed by being heated prior to the part of thefoot 70 being inserted therein, or can be made from a suitably deformable material such as memory foam or gel, for example. Themoldable block member 20 can be contoured to thefoot 70 outside of thefootwear 10, much like an insert mentioned above, or it can be integrated within thetoe box 58 so as to abut against the desired part of the top 72 of thefoot 70. In the optional configuration where themoldable block member 20 is integrated within thetoe box 58, themember 20 can be made in a suitable process simultaneously with theshell 50 of thefootwear 10. It is thus apparent how themoldable block member 20 of this configuration can reduce the “wiggle room” of thefoot 70 within theshell 50, allowing for an enhanced force transfer. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 provide yet another example of an optional embodiment of thefootwear 10. As shown inFIG. 11 , the force-transferringmember 20 consists of a removable insert, which can be applied to thefoot 70 outside of thefootwear 10, and then subsequently inserted with thefoot 70 into thefootwear 10, and removed therefrom after use. In such a configuration, themember 20 can be molded about that part of thefoot 70 through which force transfer will occur, so as to conform specifically to a wearer'sfoot 70, and remained secured thereto through different use conditions (i.e. heavy sporting activity, leisurely walking, applying pressure, etc.). In so doing, theinsert member 20 can occupy a void 12 within thetoe box 58 and/or any other part of theshell 50, thus reinforcing thefoot 70 within theshell 50 and enhancing the force transfer. Alternatively, theinsert member 20 can be fixed to a foot covering, such as a sock, for example, and configured such that when the coveredfoot 70 is inserted into theshell 50, themember 20 can be removably attached to theinner side 57 of theupper portion 55. -
FIG. 13 provides yet another example of an optional embodiment of thefootwear 10. As shown, thefootwear 10 can be an ice skate, such as a hockey skate, a figure skate, etc. Such askate 10 can be provided with the force-transferringmember 20 shown, but it is understood that themember 20 shown can be used on other types offootwear 10, and that anice skate 10 can be used with other optional embodiments of the force-transferringmember 20. In the optional embodiment provided inFIG. 13 , the force-transferringmember 20 is aninflatable membrane 29 in fluid connection with an inflation device. This allows themembrane 29 to be inflated and deflated by the inflation device, which can be apump 29 a, so as to provide the desired abutment of themember 20 against the desired part of the top 72 of thefoot 70. Asupply line 29 b can connect both thepump 29 a, and themembrane 29. A relief valve can also be provided to deflate themembrane 29 when required. Themembrane 29 and/or pump 29 a can be integral with thehockey skate 10, or be inserted with thefoot 70. In the optional configuration where themembrane 29 and pump 29 a are integrated within theupper portion 55 and/orshell 50, themembrane 29 and/or pump 29 a can be attached to theshell 50 through a chemical forming or bonding process, for example. -
FIGS. 14 to 17 provide yet another example of an optional embodiment of thefootwear 10, being shown as an athletic shoe. The force-transferringmember 20 can include aresilient plate 26 which extends along theupper portion 55 of theshell 50, optionally along the entire length of thefoot 70 from the ankle to the end of thetoes 74 when thefoot 70 is placed into theshell 50. Theshell 50 in such an embodiment can allow for flexion about theupper portion 55, and can thus be similar to an athletic shoe. Theplate 26 can be made of a resilient material, such as carbon fiber. Acomfort layer 27 can be fixedly mounted to an inner part of theplate 26, between the top 72 of thefoot 70 and the foot-facing side of theplate 26, thereby providing comfort and/or support to thefoot 70 of the wearer. Such acomfort layer 27 can be made of a foam material, as but one example of possible materials that can be used. Theplate 26 can thus act as an extension of thefoot 70 when inserted into theshell 50, which can be achieved by tightly securing theplate 26 to thefoot 70 and/or ankle through straps, toe loops, shoe laces, etc., as discussed below. - Although
FIGS. 14 to 17 show theplate 26 being provided in an athletic shoe, theplate 26 can be used in other types offootwear 10, such as in a skate boot of an ice skate, for example. When used in a skate boot, for example, theplate 26 can support different areas of thefoot 70, such as the ankle portion, for example. Such support may allow for additional force transfer to occur in the ankle area where theplate 26 could be loaded and unloaded with a force, as discussed below, throughout the skating stride of the wearer. - The
plate 26 can advantageously help to enhance force transfer from thefoot 70 to theshell 50. In one possible embodiment, the force transfer may be enhanced because theplate 26 provides support to thetoes 74 in thefootwear 10. Such support allows thetoes 74 to become more effective in exerting a force on thesole portion 54 of thefootwear 10 and, in turn, to the playing surface. In another possible embodiment, theplate 26 may be charged, loaded, supplied, etc. with a load or force when thefoot 70 is pivoted about theballs 78 of thetoes 74, which can occur whenever the wearer pushes off the playing surface with her/hisfeet 70. Since theplate 26 is made of a resilient and/or elastic material, this load is then transferred to theshell 50 of thefootwear 10 as thefoot 70 of the wearer separates from the ground at the end of a stride, for example, thereby enhancing the force transfer from thefoot 70 to the playing surface. -
FIG. 15 provides another example of an optional configuration of afootwear 10 provided with aresilient plate 26. As shown, theplate 26 extends along the top 72 of thefoot 70 from the end of the top of thetoes 74 all the way up to the lower part of the leg. On the rear side of thefoot 70, in theheel portion 52 of theshell 50, anadditional comfort layer 27 is positioned, shaped, and sized for wrapping around at least some of the back of thefoot 70, leg, and ankle of the wearer, providing further comfort when thefoot 70 is inserted into thefootwear 10. - In such an optional embodiment, the
shell 50 can include a tightening device 28 (e.g. a strap, lace, band, tie, etc.) for tightening theplate 26 and/orcomfort layer 27 around thefoot 70 of the wearer. In some optional embodiments, the tighteningdevice 28 is mounted near thecomfort layer 27, and wraps around the lower leg of the wearer when thefoot 70 is inserted in theshell 50. It can thus be appreciated that such an embodiment can help to enhance force transfer by providing an additional charge/discharge point at the ankle of thefoot 70. As the ankle joint is flexed forward (i.e. at the end of a running stride or beginning of a skate stride in hockey, for example) theplate 26 becomes charged, in addition to the load generated by the top 72 of thefoot 70. At the end of a running stride as thefoot 70 leaves the playing surface, or during a skate stride extension, for example, the loaded force at the ankle location is discharged along with the force stored in the top 72. - In other optional embodiments, an example of which is provided in
FIG. 16 , there can be multiple tighteningdevices 28, which can be integrated within theshell 50 and/or theupper portion 55 so as to tighten thefoot 70 by wrapping about the arches between the bottom 71 of thefoot 70 and aninner portion 54 a of thesole portion 51, and bringing thefoot 70 toward theplate 26. Optionally, the tighteningdevices 28 can be used for both the bottom 71 of thefoot 70, and its rear, as exemplified inFIG. 17 . - In some optional embodiments, examples of which are provided in
FIGS. 16 and 17 , a carbon fiberresilient plate 26 can enter into direct contact with the playing surface. Such direct contact can occur via thesole portion 54, near the end of theplate 26. This can allow for an enhanced transfer of stored force in theplate 26. Such a transfer can occur when theplate 26 transfers the force to thesole portion 54. In another possible embodiment, theplate 26 can also extend through thesole portion 54 and directly onto the playing surface. This can advantageously further enhance force transfer from thefoot 70 because the force generated by thefoot 70 is transferred directly to the playing surface because of the plate's 26 direct contact with the playing surface. This can help to eliminate any lost energy due to the dampening effect of thesole portion 54. This is in addition to the reduced “play” that can be achieved between theplate 26 and thefoot 70 through the addition of tightening devices 28 (e.g. straps) within thefootwear 10, which may allow for thecarbon fiber plate 26 to essentially become an effective extension of thefoot 70, which can be considered somewhat similar to the effect of a swimming fin on a wearer's foot. - The above-described optional embodiments of the
footwear 10 are not exclusionary, and other embodiments can be used when desired. The choice of embodiment, whether it is described or not, to use can depend on many factors that relate to, among other things, the type offootwear 10 being used, the sport/activity involved, the shape/profile of a wearer'sfoot 70, cost, ease of manufacturing, etc. - In this regard, another possible embodiment of the
footwear 10 can include a force-transferringmember 20 consisting of one ormany ringlets 30 into which thetoes 74 of thefoot 70 are inserted, as exemplified inFIGS. 21 to 24 . There can be only one or afew ringlets 30, such asringlets 30 which reinforce only the big and theindex toes 74, for example. Alternatively, theringlets 30 can reinforce all thetoes 74. Manysuch ringlet 30 configurations are possible. Theringlets 30 can partially or fully encircle thetoes 74, and can be connected to one another so as to allow thetoes 74 to move as one appendage. Of course, only afew toes 74 could be connected as well, and only sometoes 74 fully/partially encircled, theringlets 30 being capable of having a variety of configurations. Theringlets 30 may allow for an enhanced force transfer by linking thetoes 74 so as to create a “webbed-foot” configuration, thereby allowing alltoes 74 to contribute to the force applied to thefootwear 10 and ultimately the playing surface. Theringlets 30 can be made of any suitable material such as fabric, plastics, metals, rubber, leather, vinyl, etc. - Moreover, the
ringlets 30 can be joined to theshell 50 or any portion thereof by an attachment mechanism, such as a bridging device, which can secure all or some of theringlets 30 to the interior of theshell 50 and/or any other part of thefootwear 10. In such an optional configuration, the bridging device allows for the force applied by thetoes 74 to theringlets 30 to be applied to thefootwear 10, and ultimately to the playing surface. The bridging device can be any mechanical linkage such as a tether, rod, connector, etc., of any suitable material, which binds the ringlets and/or any other configuration of the force-transferringmember 20 to thefootwear 10. - Having described some of the features and components of the
footwear 10, its operation and some of its advantages will now be further explained. -
FIGS. 18 to 20 provide examples of the motions a wearer/player will undertake when skating alongice 80 when using afootwear 10 that is a hockey skate, for example. Theskate 10 is provided with a force-transferringmember 20 such as any of the ones described herein. InFIG. 18 , thehockey skate 10 is resting on theice 80, and the wearer is not skating thereon. Once the wearer begins her/his stride, as exemplified inFIG. 19 , the wearer applies an initial push with the leg andfoot 70, thefoot 70 at this juncture still remaining substantially parallel with theice 80. After the wearer has finished pushing with her/his leg andfoot 70, the wearer prepares to apply a final push to complete the stride. At this juncture, and as exemplified inFIG. 20 , thefoot 70 is at an angle to theice 80, and thefoot 70 and/ortoes 74 are bent so as to form an angle with both the rest of thefoot 70, and theice 80. The wearer then applies a “push” or force P via theballs 78 and/ortoes 74 of thefoot 70, thereby providing an additional impetus and completing the stride. During, before, and/or after the application of this final push P, themember 20 provides support between the top 72 of thefoot 70 and theinner side 57, so thatfoot 70 and/ortoes 74 can better “push”, “feel”, etc. theshell 50 of thefootwear 10, and thus better transfer the force P that is directly transmitted to theskate 50 and onto theice 80. - According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a system for enhancing a force transfer from a foot of a wearer to a playing surface. The system includes a
footwear 10, such as any of thepossible footwear 10 described above, which receives thefoot 70 of the wearer and at least partially encloses it. The system also has a removable force-transferringmember 20, such as any of themembers 20 described above, which can attached to, and removed from, thefootwear 10 as desired. Alternatively, themember 20 can also be permanently affixed to thefootwear 10, depending upon any number of factors, such as: the type offootwear 10, the nature of the activity, the wearer'sfoot 70, etc. - Furthermore, the present invention can provide advantages in that, by virtue of its design and components, the force-transferring
member 20 may expand the surface area of thefoot 70 or a portion thereof (e.g. top 72) in contact with thefootwear 10, and thus enhance force transferred from thefoot 70 to the playing surface. Moreover, the above-describedmember 20 can be an integral part of thefootwear 10 and may be located in a manner that does not directly interfere with the ability of the player/wearer to use thefootwear 10 in a normal manner. In fact, experimental use has resulted in a noticeable increase in the speed at which a wearer skates on the ice, for example. At levels of extreme competiveness, such as in professional and/or semi-professional sports, these increases, even if minor, can be extremely advantageous and can distinguish a merely exceptional player from a top-of-class one. - In addition, a greater surface area of the
foot 70 in contact with thefootwear 10 can result in better control of thefootwear 10 and the force applied thereby, which often improves performance for turns, crossovers, starts, etc. in hockey, for example. - Furthermore, the
footwear 10 may have an ergonomic design that is comfortable and that fits the natural contours of thefoot 70 and/or the interior of thefootwear 10, which facilitates its use. - In addition, the use of gel/air packs and/or memory foams for the force-transferring
member 20 can improve the comfort of thefootwear 10 while still allowing for an efficient transfer of force. The various types of force-transferringmembers 20 can help to reduce and/or remove the natural void 12 (space, gap, etc.) created between the top 72 of thefoot 70 and/ortoes 74 and the inside ofshell 50, which enhances the contact surface betweenfoot 70 andfootwear 10 and therefore the transfer of force between those two, and ultimately the playing surface. The use of foam and/or gel/air packs provides for a more pliable and less impactful feel than plastic, for example. - Thus, it can be appreciated that the present invention may help a wearer improve the speed at which she/he runs, skates, etc. and the attendant control of their
footwear 10. This is contrast to some conventional footwear, where a wearer's foot or toes are not reinforced, such that they may flail about uselessly inside the footwear, and thus are prevented from efficiently transferring force from the foot to the surface. - Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1-86. (canceled)
87. A sporting footwear for enhancing a force transfer, from a foot of a wearer of the sporting footwear, to a playing surface on which the sporting footwear is used, the sporting footwear comprising:
a shell comprising a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions, for receiving and at least partially enclosing the foot of the wearer upon insertion into the shell, the upper portion comprising a toe box configured for enclosing the toes of the foot when inserted into the shell; and
a force-transferring member being integral with the toe box and comprising opposite first and second contact surfaces, the first contact surface being fixedly connectable to an inner surface of the toe box, and the second contact surface configured for abutting against at least a part of the top of the wearer's toes when inserted into the shell, the force-transferring member being positioned, shaped and sized relative to the toe box so as to fill a void between the top of the toes and the upper portion, thereby enabling an increased operative contact surface within the sporting footwear between foot and shell, so as to enhance force transfer between said foot and shell, and onto the playing surface.
88. A sporting footwear according to claim 87 , wherein toe box comprises a recessed or low profile upper portion, the first contact surface of the force-transferring member being fixedly connectable to an inner surface of the recessed or low profile upper portion.
89. A sporting footwear according to claim 87 , wherein the force-transferring member further comprises a side surface configured for extending along at least one of the inner and outer sides of the foot when inserted into the shell.
90. A sporting footwear according to claim 87 , wherein the upper portion further comprises a tongue fixed to an inner side thereof, and configured for extending along a portion of the top of the foot between the end of the toes and the ankle when the foot is inserted into the shell.
91. A sporting footwear according to claim 87 , wherein the force-transferring member is formed upon engaging a desired part of the foot with a moldable object.
92. A sporting footwear according to claim 87 , wherein the force-transferring member further comprises an inflatable membrane in fluid connection with an inflation device, the inflation device configured for being manipulated by the wearer for inflating the inflatable membrane until the inflatable membrane abuts against at least a part of the top of the foot when inserted into the shell.
93. A sporting footwear according to claim 87 , wherein the force-transferring member further comprises a resilient plate configured for extending at least along a portion of the top of the foot between the ankle and the end of the toes when the foot is inserted into the shell.
94. A sporting footwear according to claim 93 , wherein the resilient plate is charged with a load when the foot is pivoted about the balls of the toes, the resilient plate being configured to transfer the load to the shell upon the foot returning to a flat position, so as to enhance force transfer between said foot and shell, and onto the playing surface.
95. A force-transferring member for enhancing a force transfer, from a foot of a wearer of a sporting footwear to a playing surface on which the sporting footwear is used, the sporting footwear having a shell comprising a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions, for receiving and at least partially enclosing the foot of the wearer upon insertion into the shell, the force-transferring member comprising a pad having opposite first and second contact surfaces, the first contact surface being removably connectable to an inner side of the upper portion of the shell, and the second contact surface configured for abutting against at least a part of the top of the wearer's foot when inserted into the shell, the pad being positioned, shaped and sized within the shell so as to fill a void between the top of the foot and the upper portion, thereby enabling an increased operative contact surface within the sporting footwear between foot and shell, so as to enhance force transfer between said foot and shell, and onto the playing surface.
96. A force-transferring member according to claim 95 , fixed to a foot covering and configured such that, upon insertion of the foot into the footwear, the force-transferring member is removably mounted to the inner side of the upper portion of the footwear.
97. A force-transferring member according to claim 96 , wherein the foot covering is a sock.
98. A force-transferring member according to claim 95 , wherein the pad is configured for abutting against the top of the toes of the foot when inserted into the shell.
99. A force-transferring member according to claim 95 , wherein the pad is configured for abutting against a portion of the top of the foot extending between the ankle and the end of the toes when the foot is inserted into the shell.
100. A force-transferring member according to claim 95 , wherein the pad is fixedly connectable with a tongue fixed to the inner side and configured for extending along a portion of the top of the foot between the end of the toes and the ankle when the foot is inserted into the shell.
101. A force-transferring member according to claim 95 , wherein the pad is fixedly connectable with an inner surface of a toe box configured for enclosing the toes of the foot when inserted into the shell.
102. A system for enhancing a force transfer, from a foot of a wearer to a playing surface, the system comprising:
a footwear for receiving and at least partially enclosing the foot of the wearer upon being inserted therein, the footwear comprising a heel portion, and opposite sole and upper portions; and
a removable force-transferring member comprising opposite first and second contact surfaces, the first contact surface being removably mountable to an inner side of the upper portion of the footwear such that the second contact surface is configured for abutting against at least a part of the top of the wearer's foot when inserted into the footwear, the force-transferring member being positioned, shaped, and sized within the footwear so as to fill a void between the top of foot and the upper portion, thereby enabling an increased operative contact surface between foot and footwear, so as to enhance force transfer between said foot and footwear, and onto the playing surface.
103. A system according to claim 102 , wherein the force-transferring member is configured for abutting against the top of the toes of the foot when inserted into the footwear.
104. A system according to claim 102 , wherein the force-transferring member is configured for abutting against a part of the top of the foot extending from the ankle to the end of the toes when the foot is inserted into the footwear.
105. A system according to claim 102 , wherein the upper portion further comprises a toe box configured for enclosing toes of the foot when inserted into the footwear.
106. A system according to claim 105 , wherein the force-transferring member is removably mountable to an inner surface of the toe box so as to abut against the top of the toes when the foot is inserted into the footwear.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/419,403 US20150216261A1 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2013-03-15 | Sporting footwear and system for enhancing force transfer |
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PCT/CA2013/050208 WO2014019078A1 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2013-03-15 | Sporting footwear and system for enhancing force transfer |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN108065497A (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-05-25 | 周安定 | Sport footwear in a kind of new type water |
US20190133256A1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2019-05-09 | Vh Footwear Inc. | Skate boot with resilient upper strap |
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ITTO20150217A1 (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2016-10-15 | Tecnica Group Spa | INSERT FOR CUSTOMIZING A FOOTWEAR, CUSTOMIZABLE FOOTWEAR AND METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING A FOOTWEAR |
CA2962968A1 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-09-30 | Bauer Hockey Ltd. | Athletic gear or other wearable articles comprising an expandable user-engaging structure |
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US8196321B2 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2012-06-12 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with a shape correcting member |
US20130263360A1 (en) * | 2012-04-04 | 2013-10-10 | Lee L. Thibodeau | Socks and other footwear with selective friction reducing features |
Cited By (2)
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CN108065497A (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2018-05-25 | 周安定 | Sport footwear in a kind of new type water |
US20190133256A1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2019-05-09 | Vh Footwear Inc. | Skate boot with resilient upper strap |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2871519C (en) | 2016-07-05 |
CA2871519A1 (en) | 2014-02-06 |
WO2014019078A1 (en) | 2014-02-06 |
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