Boot liner

• US 20030154627A1
• Filed: 02/19/2002
• Published: 08/21/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Original Assignee: Shimano Inc
• Inventors: Hirayama, Shuichi
• Application Number:
  US10/076,956
• Publication Number:
  US 20030154627A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 36/10
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 5/0405 Linings, paddings or insertions; Inner boots
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/14 with foot-supporting parts
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/20 Ankle-joint supports or holders
• CPC Class Codes: A43C 1/00 Shoe lacing fastenings garment fastening devices A41F

Abstract

A boot liner basically includes a sole portion, an upper portion and a tightening device. A tongue part is preferably mounted in a slit formed in the upper portion. The upper portion has a thermoformable layer with first and second non-thermoformable members located on an inner side and an outer side of the ankle section. The first and second non-thermoformable members are banana-shaped or L-shaped pads that are preferably formed of a polyurethane. The first and second non-thermoformable members are preferably located below and rearwardly the portions of the tibia and fibula that form the ankle of a foot corresponding to the size of the boot liner.

Claims

1. A boot liner comprising:

a sole portion; and

an upper portion having a foot section fixedly coupled to said sole portion, an ankle section extending upwardly from said foot section and a leg section extending upwardly from said ankle section, said upper portion including a thermoformable layer located on an inner side and an outer side of said ankle section and a first non-thermoformable member located in one of said inner and outer sides of said ankle section.

2. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said first non-thermoformable member is located in said inner side of said ankle section.

3. The boot liner according to claim 2, wherein

said first non-thermoformable member is located in said outer side of said ankle section.

4. The boot liner according to claim 3, wherein

said upper portion includes a second non-thermoformable member located in said inner side of said ankle section.

5. The boot liner according to claim 4, wherein

said first a nd second non-thermoformable members are banana-shaped pads.

6. The boot liner according to claim 5, wherein

said first and second non-thermoformable members are formed of a polyurethane.

7. The boot liner according to claim 5, wherein

each of said first and second non-thermoformable members has a height of approximately 70 millimeters and a length of approximately 70 millimeters.

8. The boot liner according to claim 7, wherein

said upper portion includes a tightening device with a first strap portion overlying a part of said first non-thermoformable member and a second strap portion overlying a part of said second non-thermoformable member.

9. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said thermoformable layer further extends along said foot section.

10. The boot liner according to claim 9, wherein

said thermoformable layer further extends along and a leg section

11. The boot liner according to claim 10, wherein

said upper portion includes a foam layer overly an exteriorly facing surface of said thermoformable layer.

12. The boot liner according to claim 11, wherein

said upper portion includes an outer layer overly an exteriorly facing surface of said thermoformable layer.

13. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said upper portion includes an inner layer overly an interiorly facing surface of said thermoformable layer with said first and second non-thermoformable members located between said thermoformable layer and said inner layer.

14. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said first non-thermoformable member is a banana-shaped pad.

15. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said first and non-thermoformable member is formed of a polyurethane.

16. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said first non-thermoformable member has a height of approximately 70 millimeters and a length of approximately 70 millimeters.

17. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said sole portion is a separate member that is coupled to said foot section of said upper portion.

18. The boot liner according to claim 17, wherein

said sole portion is constructed of flexible materials.

19. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said sole portion includes an outer sole section that is fixedly coupled to said foot section of said upper portion.

20. The boot liner according to claim 19, wherein

said outer sole section of said sole portion includes an exterior layer of a polyvinyl chloride material.

21. The boot liner according to claim 20, wherein

said outer sole section of said sole portion further includes an interior thermoformable layer.

22. The boot liner according to claim 21, wherein

said sole portion further includes an inner sole section that overlies said outer sole section of said sole portion.

23. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said sole portion further includes an thermoformable layer.

24. The boot liner according to claim 1, wherein

said upper portion includes a tongue portion coupled to said upper portion and arranged to span a longitudinal slit formed in said leg section, and a tightening device coupled to said upper portion for drawing opposite lateral sides of said upper portion that define said slit towards one another.

25. The boot liner according to claim 19, wherein

said tightening device includes a first strap portion overlying a part of said first non-thermoformable member and a second strap portion overlying a part of said second non-thermoformable member.