Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SKATE BOOT TONGUE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a skate boot tongue and to a
skate boot having a skate boot tongue.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Skates, such as ice skates or roller skates, typically have a skate
boot
and a ground-engaging element, such as a skate blade or a set of wheels. The
skate
boot typically has a shell, a toe cap, and tongue covering at least a portion
of the
forefoot of a skater when the skate is in use. The tongue is stitched or
otherwise
permanently connected to the toe cap. The tongue typically comprises layers of
different materials stitched together, including a felt (or other soft
material) inner
liner, a leather outer shell, and a lacebite component made of suitable hard
material
(such as a thick piece of leather or a plastic insert). The inner liner is the
innermost
layer of the assembly and rests against the skater's foot. The leather outer
shell
provides structure to the tongue and protection to at least a portion of the
skater's
forefoot. The lacebite component is the outermost and stiffest component of
the
tongue; it provides structure to the tongue and distributes the pressure
applied by the
skate boot lace on the skater's forefoot when the skate is in use.
[0003] Since the various layers of materials described above are sewn
together, manufacturing and assembling typical skate boot tongues may be
relatively
complex, time consuming and expensive. In certain instances, stitches may be
prone
to wear and lead to premature break down of the tongue. In certain instances,
stitches
may also rub against a skater's forefoot, creating discomfort for the skater.
[0004] Furthermore, the shape, length, thicknesses, rigidity, and support and
protection properties of a tongue may have a significant impact on a skater
comfort
and performance considering the skater's particular skating style and physical
characteristics. However, the typical skate boot tongue cannot be adapted to a
user's
particular skating style and physical characteristics. A skater may wish to
use skate
boots with different fit, comfort, and support depending on the conditions
under
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which the skate will be used and therefore, a single skater may need to have
different
pairs of skates for each condition under which the skates are used, or
otherwise use a
single pair of skates that is a compromise between the various desired
features.
[0005] Traditional skate boot tongues that provide enhanced support are
generally more rigid and less comfortable, while more flexible and comfortable
tongues provide less support.
[0006] Furthermore, traditional skate boot tongues made of a plurality of
layers of different materials tend to be heavy and not to breathe
appropriately. When
the skate boot is in use, traditional tongues can tend to capture the moisture
from the
skater's foot, which can make them even heavier and less comfortable.
[0007] Finally, the aesthetic properties of skate boots are increasingly
important for skate consumers and contribute to the skater's skating
experience.
However, the above described construction of traditional skate boot does not
leave
much room for improvements of the tongue's appearance and changes thereto may
be
time consuming and expensive from a manufacturing perspective.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a more durable skate boot tongue having
a simpler construction, which may not require any stitching or only a limited
amount
of stitching. There is also a need for a skate boot tongue having enhanced
breathing or
ventilation properties and having a structural body made of a material that
would be
easy to manufacture with different rigidity and flexibility properties, that
provides a
good compromise between rigidity and comfort, and that may be adapted to a
particular skater's needs. There is also a need for a skate boot tongue that
may easily
and inexpensively be manufactured with a wide variety of aesthetic features.
Finally,
there is still a need for a skate boot tongue that could easily be replaced by
a skate
owner.
SUMMARY
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate at least some of
the
inconveniences present in the typical skate boot tongues.
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[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a skate boot
tongue that is more durable, simpler and cheaper to manufacture and assemble,
more
comfortable and providing localised support and flexibility, easier to
customise based
on a skater's particular needs, and more interesting from an aesthetic
perspective.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a skate boot
tongue which may be easily replaced by a skate owner. Such a skate boot tongue
would, for example, allow a hockey player to have a single pair of ice skates
and use a
thick tongue and/or a tongue made of a more rigid material during training to
avoid
injuries, and a thinner tongue and/or a tongue made of a more flexible
material during
a game to improve performance. Furthermore, since the tongue is releasably
connected to the skate boot, a manufacturer may offer only a few different
models of
skate boots and combine those skate boot models with a wide variety of
different
tongues adapted to the needs of different type of skaters and to different
skating
conditions.
[0012] It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a
tongue for a skate boot comprising at least one exposed structural molded foam
body,
and a plurality of apertures defined within the at least one exposed
structural molded
foam body.
[0013] In an additional aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded
foam
body defines a central longitudinal axis, and the plurality of apertures is at
least two
apertures. At least one of the at least two apertures is disposed on one side
of the
central longitudinal axis and at least one other of the at least two apertures
is disposed
on another side of the central longitudinal axis.
[0014] In a further aspect, the tongue further comprises a plurality of
recesses
defined in the at least one exposed structural molded foam body.
[0015] In an additional aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded
foam
body defines a central longitudinal axis and has an outer surface, the
plurality of
recesses is at least two grooves defined within the outer surface of the
molded foam
body, and at least one of the at least two grooves is disposed on one side of
the central
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longitudinal axis and at least one other of the at least two grooves is
disposed on
another side of the central longitudinal axis.
[0016] In a further aspect, the at least two grooves extend so as to define at
least one angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis.
[0017] In an additional aspect, at least one of the plurality of apertures is
disposed within at least one of the plurality of recesses.
[0018] In a further aspect, substantially all of the plurality of apertures
are
disposed within at least a plurality of the plurality of recesses.
[0019] In an additional aspect, the plurality of apertures is at least two
apertures, and at least one of the at least two apertures is disposed within
at least one
of the two grooves and at least one other of the at least two apertures is
disposed
within another of the at least two grooves.
[0020] In a further aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded foam
body is made of one of injected foam, compressed foam and expanded foam.
[0021] In an additional aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded
foam
body is made of expanded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
[0022] In a further aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded foam
body has a Shore D durometer ranging from approximately 40 to approximately
80.
[0023] In an additional aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded
foam
body has a Shore D durometer ranging from approximately 55 to approximately
65.
[0024] In a further aspect, the tongue further comprises a back liner for
facing
a user's foot, the back liner being connected to the at least one exposed
structural
molded foam body.
[0025] In an additional aspect, the back liner is made of one of felt, molded
foam having a lower density or hardness than the at least one exposed
structural
molded foam body, and soft synthetic material.
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[0026] In a further aspect, the back liner is one of glued, laminated and
stitched to the at least one exposed structural molded foam body, and edges of
the
plurality of apertures are not stitched to the back liner.
[0027] In an additional aspect, the tongue further comprises an exposed
tongue cover. The tongue cover comprises at least one layer of molded foam
having a
higher density or hardness than the at least one exposed structural molded
foam body.
The tongue cover is one of laminated and glued to the at least one exposed
structural
molded foam body.
[0028] In a further aspect, the tongue further comprises a connector adapted
to
cooperate with at least one structure of a skate boot for releasably securing
the tongue
to the skate boot.
[0029] In an additional aspect, the connector is one of integrally formed with
the at least one exposed structural molded foam body, releasably connected to
the at
least one exposed structural molded foam body, and permanently connected to
the at
least one exposed structural molded foam body.
[0030] In a further aspect, the connector is not connected to the at least one
exposed structural molded foam body until the tongue is releasably secured to
the
skate boot.
[0031] In an additional aspect, the skate boot has a toe cap having a top
surface, the at least one structure of a skate boot is at least one aperture
defined within
the top surface of the toe cap, and the at least one aperture has at least one
edge. The
connector is adapted to pass through the at least one aperture of the top
surface of the
toe cap. At least a portion of the connector is adapted to fit in the at least
one aperture
of the top surface of the toe cap, and at least one portion of the connector
is adapted to
cooperate with the at least one edge of the at least one aperture of the top
surface of
the toe cap.
[0032] In a further aspect, the at least one portion of the connector that is
adapted to cooperate with the at least one edge of the at least one aperture
of the top
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surface of the toe cap cooperates with the at least one edge of the at least
one aperture
of the top surface of the toe cap so as to releasably secure the tongue to the
skate boot.
[0033] In an additional aspect, the skate boot has a lace, and the connector
is
adapted to receive a portion of the lace.
[0034] In a further aspect, the skate boot has a toe cap and a tongue
connector.
The plurality of apertures defined within the at least one exposed structural
molded
foam body are a first set of apertures. The at least one exposed structural
molded foam
body further comprises at least one additional aperture defined within the at
least one
exposed structural molded foam body which is not part of the first set of
apertures.
The at least one additional aperture being adapted to receive at least a
portion of the
tongue connector so as to releasably secure the tongue to the toe cap.
[0035] It is also another object of the present invention to provide a skate
boot
comprising a shell shaped to enclose a heel, portions of an Achilles tendon,
and
medial and lateral surfaces of a foot of a wearer of the skate boot when the
skate is in
use by the wearer. The skate boot further comprises a toe cap connected to the
shell
and shaped to cover the toes of the wearer when the skate is in use by the
wearer, and
a tongue connected to at least one of the shell and the toe cap. The tongue is
shaped to
cover at least a portion of a forefoot of the wearer when the skate is in use
by the
wearer. The tongue comprises at least one exposed structural molded foam body
and a
plurality of apertures defined within the at least one exposed structural
molded foam
body. The skate boot also comprises a ground-engaging element connected to a
bottom of the skate boot.
[0036] In an additional aspect, the skate boot is for one of an ice skate and
a
roller skate.
[0037] In a further aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded foam
body defines a central longitudinal axis, the plurality of apertures is at
least two
apertures, and at least one of the at least two apertures is disposed on one
side of the
central longitudinal axis and at least one other of the at least two apertures
is disposed
on another side of the central longitudinal axis.
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[0038] In an additional aspect, a plurality of recesses is defined in the at
least
one exposed structural molded foam body.
[0039] In a further aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded foam
body defines a central longitudinal axis and has an outer surface, the
plurality of
recesses is at least two grooves defined within the outer surface of the
molded foam
body, and at least one of the at least two grooves is disposed on one side of
the central
longitudinal axis and at least one other of the at least two grooves is
disposed on
another side of the central longitudinal axis.
[0040] In an additional aspect, the at least two grooves extend so as to
define
at least one angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis.
[0041] In a further aspect, at least one of the plurality of apertures is
disposed
within at least one of the plurality of recesses.
[0042] In an additional aspect, substantially all of the plurality of
apertures are
disposed within at least a plurality of the plurality of recesses.
[0043] In a further aspect, the plurality of apertures is at least two
apertures,
and at least one of the at least two apertures is disposed within at least one
of the two
grooves and at least one other of the at least two apertures is disposed
within another
of the at least two grooves.
[0044] In an additional aspect, the at least one exposed structural molded
foam
body is made of one of injected foam, compressed foam and expanded foam.
[0045] In a further aspect, at least one exposed structural molded foam body
is
made of expanded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.
[0046] In an additional aspect, the molded foam body has a Shore D
durometer ranging from approximately 40 to approximately 80.
[0047] In a further aspect, the molded foam body has a Shore D durometer
ranging from approximately 55 to approximately 65.
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[0048] In an additional aspect, the skate boot further comprises a back liner
for facing a user's foot, the back liner being connected to the at least one
exposed
structural molded foam body.
[0049] In a further aspect, the tongue is releasably connected to at least one
of
the shell and the toe cap.
[0050] In an additional aspect, the skate boot further comprises a connector
adapted to cooperate with at least one structure of at least one of the shell
and the toe
cap for releasably securing the tongue to the skate boot.
[0051] In a further aspect, the connector is one of integrally formed with the
at
least one exposed structural molded foam body, releasably connected to the at
least
one exposed structural molded foam body, and permanently connected to the at
least
one exposed structural molded foam body.
[0052] In an additional aspect, the connector is not connected to the at least
one exposed structural molded foam body until the tongue is releasably secured
to the
skate boot.
[0053] In a further aspect, the toe cap has a top surface, the at least one
structure of at least one of the shell and the toe cap is at least one
aperture defined
within the top surface of the toe cap, and the at least one aperture has at
least one
edge. The connector is adapted to pass through the at least one aperture of
the top
surface of the toe cap. At least a portion of the connector is adapted to fit
in the at
least one aperture of the top surface of the toe cap, and at least one portion
of the
connector is adapted to cooperate with the at least one edge of the at least
one aperture
of the top surface of the toe cap.
[0054] In an additional aspect, the at least one portion of the connector that
is
adapted to cooperate with the at least one edge of the at least one aperture
of the top
surface of the toe cap cooperates with the at least one edge of the at least
one aperture
of the top surface of the toe cap so as to releasably secure the tongue to the
skate boot.
[0055] In a further aspect, the skate boot has a lace, and wherein the
connector
is adapted to receive a portion of the lace.
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[0056] In an additional aspect, the plurality of apertures defined within the
at
least one exposed structural molded foam body are a first set of apertures,
and the at
least one exposed structural molded foam body further comprises at least one
additional aperture defined within the at least one exposed structural molded
foam
body which is not part of the first set of apertures, the at least one
additional aperture
being adapted to receive at least a portion of the connector so as to
releasably secure
the tongue to the toe cap.
[0057] For purposes of this application, terms used to locate elements on
skate
boot or their spatial orientation, such as "forwardly", "rearwardly", "front",
"back",
"rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "above", and "below", are as they would
normally be understood by a person normally wearing the skate boot.
[0058] Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of the
above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of
them. It
should be understood that some aspects of the present invention that have
resulted
from attempting to attain the above-mentioned objects may not satisfy these
objects
and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
[0059] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other
aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following
description
which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of an
ice
skate according to a first embodiment;
[0062] Figure 2 is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of the
tongue of the ice skate of Figure 1;
[0063] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the tongue of Figure 2;
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[0064] Figure 4 is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of the
molded foam body of the tongue of Figure 2;
[0065] Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the molded foam body of Figure 4;
[0066] Figure 6 is rear elevation view of the molded foam body of Figure 4;
[0067] Figure 7 is an perspective exploded view, taken from a rear, left side,
of the tongue of Figure 2 with the toe cap of the ice skate of Figure 1;
[0068] Figure 8 is a perspective view, taken from a bottom, rear and left
side,
of the tongue and toe cap of Figure 7 with a portion of the back liner removed
for a
better understanding of the underlying structure;
[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of the
tongue and toe cap of Figure 7 when they are assembled;
[0070] Figure 10 is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of the
tongue and toe cap assembly of Figure 7;
[0071] Figure 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of the
tongue
and toe cap assembly of Figure 7 taken along line 11 - 11 in Figure 10;
[0072] Figure 12 is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of a
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly according to another embodiment;
[0073] Figure 13A is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of the
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly of Figure 12 with the tongue, toe cap
and
connector shown as distinct parts before they are assembled;
[0074] Figure 13B is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of a
tongue, toe cap and connector according to another embodiment before they are
assembled;
[0075] Figure 14 is a perspective view, taken from a bottom, rear and left
side,
of the tongue, toe cap and connector assembly of Figure 12;
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[0076] Figure 15 is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of a
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly according to another embodiment;
[0077] Figure 16 is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of the
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly of Figure 15, with the tongue, toe cap
and
connector shown as distinct parts before they are assembled;
[0078] Figure 17 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of the
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly of Figure 15 taken along line 17 - 17
in
Figure 15;
[0079] Figure 18A is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of a
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly according to another embodiment, with
the
tongue, toe cap and connector shown as distinct parts before they are
assembled;
[0080] Figure 18B is a perspective view, taken from a rear, left side, of a
tongue, toe cap and connector assembly according to another embodiment, with
the
tongue, toe cap and connector shown as distinct parts before they are
assembled; and
[0081] Figure 19 is a perspective view, taken from a front, left side, of a
tongue and toe cap assembly according to another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0082] The present embodiment is described with respect to a skate boot for
an ice skate, however it is contemplated that in other embodiments the skate
boot may
be for other type of skates having different types of ground-engaging
elements. For
example, in an embodiment, the skate boot is a skate boot for a roller skate
having a
wheel holder and a set of wheels as the ground-engaging element.
[0083] As shown in Figure 1, a skate 10 has a skate boot 12, a blade holder 14
connected to the bottom of the skate boot 12, and a blade 16 disposed in the
blade
holder 14. The skate boot 12 includes a shell 18, a toe cap 20 connected to
the shell
12, and a tongue 100. In this embodiment, the tongue 100 is releasably
connected to
the toe cap 20 as described in greater detail below. However, it is
contemplated that in
other embodiments, the tongue 100 can be permanently connected to the toe cap
20.
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In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the tongue 100 is stitched to the toe
cap 20. It
is also contemplated (but not required) that the toe cap 20 could be
integrally formed
with the shell 18. Blade holders 14 and blades 16 are known in the art, and as
such
will not be described in further detail herein.
[0084] The shell 18 is shaped to enclose the heel, the upper and lower parts
of
the Achilles tendon, and the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot of a
wearer of the
skate 10 (foot not shown). As such, the shell 18 comprises a heel counter 22
for
enclosing the heel, an ankle portion 24 receiving the ankle, and medial
quarter (not
shown) and lateral quarter 28 facing the respective medial and lateral sides
of the foot.
The medial and lateral quarters 26, 28 extend forwardly from the heel counter
22. It is
contemplated that the shell 18 could be formed of a single integral piece, or
could be
made of multiple pieces that are connected together to form the overall shape
of the
shell 18. It is also contemplated that the shell 18 could be formed of foam,
plastic,
leather, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.
[0085] The tongue 100 is adapted to fit between the sides 30 and 32 of the
shell 18, such that the tongue 100 covers the forefoot and the front ankle
portion. The
skate boot 12 includes a lace 34 (shown partially laced in Figure 1) that
extends
through lace eyelets 36 in the sides 30, 32 of the shell 18 in a criss-
crossing pattern.
As such, when the lace 34 is tightened, the lace 34 acts to keep the tongue
100 in
place.
[0086] As shown in Figure 2 and 3, the tongue 100 of the skate boot 12 has an
inner side 112 facing the forefoot and the front ankle portion of a wearer
foot (not
shown). The tongue 100 comprises a back liner 114, a contrast layer 116 (shown
through apertures 140 in Figure 2), a molded foam body 118, a tongue cover 120
and
a decorative element 121. The back liner 114, contrast layer 116, molded foam
body
118, and tongue cover 120 are stitched together (stitches not shown). However,
it is
contemplated that the back liner 114, contrast layer 116, molded foam body
118,
tongue cover 120 and decorative element 121, can be glued or laminated to each
other, or connected to each other by any other suitable means. It is also
contemplated
that some of the back liner 114, contrast layer 116, molded foam body 118,
tongue
cover 120 and decorative element 121 can be stitched together while the others
of the
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back liner 114, contrast layer 116, molded foam body 118, tongue cover 120 and
decorative element 121, can be glued, laminated or otherwise connected to each
other
by any other suitable means.
[0087] The back liner 114 is the inner most portion of the tongue 100 and its
inner side is the inner side 112 of the tongue 100. It is contemplated that
the back liner
114 can be made of a piece of felt such as, for example, polyester felt, or
other fabric.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the back liner 114 is made of a polyester
felt. It
is also contemplated that in different embodiments, the back liner 114 can be
approximately 1 millimeter (mm) to about 10 mm thick such as, for example,
approximately 3 mm to approximately 7 mm or approximately 5 mm thick, as in
the
embodiment shown in Figure 2. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the
back liner 114 is a felt fabric that is thinner than conventional felt tongue
liners. It is
also contemplated that in other embodiments, the back liner 114 can be made of
any
soft material, preferably a soft synthetic material. For example, in an
alternate
embodiment, the back liner 114 is made of nylex fabric. It is also
contemplated that in
other embodiments, the back liner 114 can be made of foam, such as an ethylene-
vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Such a foam back liner can be made by, for example,
molding by compression, injection, or expansion, or by cutting of foam such as
die
cutting. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, a foam back liner can
have a
lower density or hardness than the molded foam body 118. In some embodiments,
a
foam back liner can have a Shore A durometer of less than about 60, such as
between
approximately 40 and approximately 60. It is also contemplated that in other
embodiments, the tongue 100 can be provided without any back liner such as the
back
liner 114.
[0088] The contrast layer 116 is sandwiched between the back liner 114 and
the molded foam body 118. The contrast layer 116 is made of a contrasting
color
piece of polyester mesh. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the
contrast
layer 116 can be made of any fabric or mesh fabric, foam, foil, paper or other
material. In some embodiments, the contrast layer 116 can be made of
perforated
foam such as perforated EVA foam or nylon or any other suitable fabric
allowing air
to pass through and preferably of a contrasting color with the molded foam
body 118.
It is contemplated that in an alternate embodiment in which the tongue 100
would not
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have a back liner 114, the contrast layer 116 would be the innermost portion
of the
tongue 100 and its inner side would be the inner side 112 of the tongue 100.
It is also
contemplated that in other embodiments, the tongue 100 can be provided without
a
contrast layer such as the contrast layer 116.
[0089] The molded foam body 118 is the main structural body of the tongue
100 and, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, not only is the molded foam body 118
exposed, but it is the most visible portion of the tongue 100. In this
embodiment, the
molded foam body 118 is made of expanded EVA. However, it is contemplated that
in various embodiments, the molded foam body 118 can be made by any suitable
foam molding technique such as, for example, by compression molding, injection
molding, and expansion molding, and that any other suitable foam (e.g.,
polyurethane
(PU) based foam) may be used. It is also contemplated that in different
embodiments,
the molded foam body 118 may have different thickness and that in a single
embodiment, different portions of the molded foam body 118 may have different
thickness. In the embodiments shown in the Figures the thickness of the molded
foam
body 118 varies but the molded foam body 118 has a maximum thickness of at
least
approximately 4 mm to at least approximately 6 mm such as at least
approximately 5
mm, at least approximately 6 mm, or at least approximately 8 mm. For instance,
the
molded foam body 118 has a thickness of approximately 5 mm to approximately 9
mm in most of its portions, but tapers to less than 5 mm at its edges.
[0090] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the molded foam body
118 has a Shore D durometer of approximately 60. However, it is contemplated
that
the molded foam body 118 may have a Shore D durometer ranging from
approximately 40 to approximately 80, more preferably from approximately 55 to
approximately 65. It is also contemplated that the molded foam body 118 may
have
various portions each of which may have a different thickness, density, and/or
hardness so as to be adapted to a skater's specific needs. It is also
contemplated that
the molded foam body 118 may be made of more than layer of molded foam, each
layer being made of a foam having a different thickness, density and/or
hardness. In
some embodiments, the outermost layer of the molded foam body 118 has a higher
density and/or harness than the innermost layer. In some instances, layers of
the
molded foam body 118 are progressively less hard and/or less dense from the
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outermost layer to the innermost layer. In some embodiments, the back liner
114 is
made of a foam material and has a density and/or hardness that is less than
that of the
molded foam body 118 or of the innermost layer of the molded foam body 118.
[0091] It is contemplated that the molded foam body 118 can be easily
manufactured and provided to customers in a wide range of shapes, sizes,
hardness,
density and density patterns so as to be specifically adapted to different
skaters'
needs. Molded foam body 118 may also easily be manufactured and provided to
customers with a wide range of particular designs (e.g., stitchless molded-in
designs)
applied thereto, making the overall tongue 100 more aesthetically interesting.
Finally,
molded foam can be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, so
having
a molded foam body 118 as one of the main structural part of the tongue 100
can
participate in providing a lighter and less expensive tongue 100.
[0092] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the molded foam body 118 defines a
longitudinal axis 125 and has an outer side 122, an inner side 124, a first
end 126, a
second end 128 and lateral portions 130, 132.
[0093] A plurality of grooves 134 are defined in the outer side 122 of the
molded foam body 118, on both sides of and along the longitudinal axis 125. In
this
embodiment, the grooves 134 extend generally at an angle to the longitudinal
axis
125. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, grooves 134 extend generally at an acute
angle to
the longitudinal axis 125. However, it is contemplated that in other
embodiments,
grooves 134 can extend generally at an obtuse or right angle to the
longitudinal axis
125. The grooves 134 can provide improved forward flexibility to the whole
molded
foam body 118. The grooves 134 also can provide improved overall flexibility
to the
lateral portions 130, 132 of the molded foam body 118. The grooves 134 also
can
make the molded foam body 118 easier to fit to the particular morphology of
various
types of skaters' feet and can allow for more adapted localised flexibility
and support
and improved comfort. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, all
grooves
134 or some of them may also extend generally parallel to the longitudinal
axis 126 or
in other suitable orientation, and have different shapes or lengths, or not be
grooves
but simply recesses of various shapes and sizes, so as to provide either
improved
localised flexibility or support, or both to the molded foam body 118.
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[0094] As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of recesses 136 and grooves 138 are
also defined in the inner side 124 of the molded foam body 118. The recesses
136 are
defined in the first end 126 of the molded foam body 118 (inner side 124) and
the
grooves 138 extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 126. As for
grooves
134, the recesses 136 and grooves 138 can assist in providing a molded foam
body
118 having improved adapted and localised flexibility and support as well as
being
more comfortable. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the
recesses 136
and grooves 138 may be oriented or shaped differently and may be defined
elsewhere
in the inner side 124 of the molded foam body 118. Figure 7 shows such an
alternative embodiment.
[0095] It is also contemplated that in another embodiment, the molded foam
body 118 may be provided with only grooves such as grooves 134 and recesses
defined in the outer side 122 and no grooves and recesses such as grooves 138
and
recesses 136 defined in the inner side 124. Conversely, in another embodiment,
the
molded foam body 118 may be provided with only recesses and grooves such as
the
recesses 136 and grooves 138 defined in the inner side 124 and no grooves and
recesses such as grooves 134 defined in the outer side. It is also
contemplated that in
yet another embodiment, the molded foam body 118 may be provided without any
grooves or recesses defined therein.
[0096] Grooves 134, recesses 136 and grooves 138 also participate in
providing a lighter and potentially less expensive molded foam body 118.
[0097] A plurality of apertures 140 are also defined in the molded foam body
118. In this embodiment, the apertures 140 have generally elongated shapes,
and
extend generally at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 125. In this
embodiment,
the apertures 140 are disposed within the grooves 134, and are approximately
15 mm
to approximately 17 mm long, approximately 3 to approximately 4 mm wide, and
approximately 4 to approximately 5 mm deep.
[0098] However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the apertures
140 may have various shapes and sizes, and be defined anywhere in the molded
foam
body 118, including outside the grooves 134, which would necessarily be the
case in
embodiments not having grooves such as the grooves 134. It is therefore
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contemplated that in other embodiments, apertures 140 can extend generally at
an
obtuse or right angle to the longitudinal axis 125. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that
apertures 140 can be formed in the molded foam body 118 when the foam is
molded
or may be cut or punched into the molded foam body 118 after it is molded.
[0099] It is also contemplated that in an embodiment (not shown), the
apertures 140 can be fluidly connected to the recesses 136 and/or grooves 138
defined
in the inner side 124 of the molded foam body 118 so the recesses 136 and/or
grooves
138 can act as air channels allowing air to circulate along the back of the
molded
foam body 118 and tongue 100 and in and out of the apertures 140.
[00100] The apertures 140 can have essentially the same functions as the
grooves 134, recesses 136 and grooves 138. However, they can also allow air to
pass
through the molded foam body 118 and can thereby allow moisture to pass
through
the tongue 100 and exit the skate boot 12 and fresh air to enter the skate
boot 12.
Furthermore, the contrast layer 116 shows through the apertures 140, providing
a
particular aesthetic signature to the tongue 100.
[00101] When the molded foam body 118 is connected to the back liner 114,
the edges of the apertures 140 are not stitched to the back liner 114. It is
contemplated
that the molded foam body 118 can be connected to back liner 114 using an
adhesive,
and that since the apertures 140 are defined in the molded foam body 118
rather than
being defined within a stitched outer shell such as a leather shell, there is
no need to
stitch around the apertures 140.
[00102] The tongue cover 120 can be used both as a tongue stiffener providing
additional structural rigidity to the tongue 100, and as the tongue's 100
lacebite
distributing the pressure applied by the lace 34 on the tongue 100 and the
skater's
forefoot when the skate is in use. In this embodiment, the tongue cover 120 is
made of
approximately 6 mm to approximately 8 mm compressed polyethylene (PE) foam
covered by nylon fabric. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the
tongue
cover 120 can include of one or more layers of molded foam, such as EVA or
other
high density compressed foam, and one or more fabric layers, or various
combinations
thereof. It is contemplated that the tongue cover 120 can be approximately 1
mm to
approximately 5 mm thick. As shown in Figure 3, the tongue cover 120 has a
plurality
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of ribs 142 defined therein to provide improved localised support and
flexibility
and/or additional lacing stability.
[00103] The decorative element 121 is a skate jewel. It is contemplated that
in
other embodiments, the decorative element 121 may be made from plastic, foam
or
any other suitable material and comprise a logo or any type of decorative or
ornamental element.
[00104] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 7 to 11, the molded
foam body 118 has a connector 200 integrally formed therewith. The connector
200
extends outwardly from the outer side 122 of the molded foam body 118 and is
disposed in the first end 126 thereof. The connector 200 is adapted to pass
through
(see arrow "A" in Figures 7 and 8, a portion of the back liner 114 having been
removed to show the underlying structure) and fit in an aperture 202 defined
within
the toe cap 20 to releasably connect the molded foam body 118 to the toe cap
20,
thereby releasably connecting the tongue 100 to the skate boot 12.
[00105] The connector 200 also has an aperture 204 defined therein for
receiving a portion of the lace 34 (represented by a broken line in Figure 7)
to more
tightly secure the molded foam body 1] 8 to the toe cap 20 (see Figure 9, 10
and 1 l ).
However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the connector 200 does
not
have an aperture such as the aperture 204 defined therein for receiving a
portion of the
lace 34.
[00106] In another embodiment shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, the connector
200 is not integrally formed with the molded foam body 118. The connector 200
is
adapted to pass through (see arrow "B" in Figure 13A) and fit in the aperture
202
defined within the toe cap 20. In this embodiment, the lateral portions 203,
205 of the
connector 200 cooperate with the edges of the aperture 202 to snap the
connector 200
to the toe cap 20. A protrusion 201 extends from the connector 200 and is
adapted to
pass through and fit in an aperture 206 defined within the first end 126 of
the molded
foam body 118. An element 208 is adapted to cooperate with the protrusion 201
to
releasably secure the connector 200 to the molded foam body 118, thereby
releasably
securing the tongue 100 to the toe cap 20 (and to the skate boot 12). In this
embodiment, the tongue 100 and toe cap 20 can be releasably secured to each
other in
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two steps: first the connector 200 is releasably secured to the tongue 100
using the
element 208 once the protrusion 201 has been passed through the aperture 206,
then
the connector 200 is snapped in the aperture 202. It is also contemplated that
in
another embodiment shown in Figure 13B, the two steps for securing the tongue
100
to the toe cap 20 can be as follows: first the connector 200 is fitted into
the aperture
202 from the outer surface of the toe cap 20 (see arrow "C" in Figure 13B),
and then
the protrusion 201 is introduced in the aperture 206 and the element 208 is
used to
releasably secure the tongue 100 to the connector 200 and toe cap 20.
[00107] Apertures 210, 212 defined within the connector 200 are aligned with
apertures 214, 216 defined within the molded foam body 118 to allow a portion
of the
lace 34 (represented by broken lines in Figure 13) to pass through the
connector 200
and molded foam body 118 to more tightly secure the molded foam body 118 to
the
toe cap 20. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the
connector 200
and/or molded foam body 118 do not have apertures such as the apertures 210,
212,
214, 216 defined therein for receiving a portion of the lace 34.
[00108] In yet another embodiment shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17, the
connector 200 is not integrally formed with the molded foam body 118 and has
two
arms 218, 220 having locking means 222, 224 integrally formed therewith. The
arms
218, 220 and locking means 222, 224 are adapted to pass through and fit in two
apertures 226, 228 defined within the first end 126 of the molded foam body
118 and
the aperture 202 defined within the toe cap 20. The locking means 222, 224 are
adapted to cooperate with the edges of the aperture 202 (see arrows "D" in
Figure 16)
to releasably secure the connector 200 to the toe cap 20, thereby tightly but
releasably
securing the molded foam body 118 to the toe cap 20, and therefore the tongue
100 to
the skate boot 12.
[00109] In a further embodiment shown in Figure 18, the connector 200 is not
integrally formed with the molded foam body 118. As with the embodiment shown
in
Figures 12, 13 and 14 discussed above, the connector 200 is adapted to pass
through
(see arrow "E" in Figure 18A) and fit in the aperture 202 defined within the
toe cap
20. The lateral portions 203, 205 of the connector 200 cooperate with the
edges of the
aperture 202 to snap the connector 200 to the toe cap 20. However, in this
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embodiment, two protrusions 230, 232 extend from the connector. Protrusions
230,
232 are adapted to pass through and fit in apertures 234, 236 defined within
the first
end 126 of the molded foam body 118. Elements 238, 240 are adapted to
cooperate
with the protrusions 230, 232 to releasably secure the connector 200 to the
molded
foam body 118, thereby releasably securing the tongue 100 to the toe cap 20
(and to
the skate boot 12). As in the embodiment shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, the
tongue
100 and toe cap 20 can be releasably secured to each other in two steps: first
the
connector 200 is releasably secured to the tongue 100 using the elements 238,
240,
then the connector 200 is snapped in the aperture 202. It is also contemplated
that in
another embodiment shown in Figure 18B, the two steps for securing the tongue
100
to the toe cap 20 can be as follows: first the connector 200 is fitted into
the aperture
202 from the outer surface of the toe cap 20 (see arrow "F" in Figure 18B),
and then
the protrusions 230, 232 are introduced in the apertures 234, 236 and the
elements
238, 240 are used to releasably secure the tongue 100 to the connector 200 and
toe
cap 20.
[00110] It is contemplated that in the embodiments shown in Figures 12, 13, 14
and 18, the protrusions 201, 230, 232 and elements 208, 238, 240 can cooperate
in a
variety of manners: as a screw and nut assembly, as a rivet, by tightly
forcing the
protrusions 201, 230, 232 in the elements 208, 238, 240, or by any other
suitable
means.
[00111] It is also contemplated that in the embodiments shown in Figures 12,
13, 14 and 18, the connector 200 can be releasably secured to the toe cap 20
by
providing a connector 200 having lateral portions 203, 205 that are adapted to
allow a
skate owner to unsnap the connector 200 from the toe cap 20. It is
contemplated that
this may be done by providing a connector 200 shaped and/or made of a flexible
material allowing for the snapping and unsnapping of the connector 200 to the
toe cap
20. When the connector 200 and toe cap 20 are releasably secured to each other
in
such a way, it is contemplated that the connector 200 and tongue 100 may be
permanently secured to each other, for example, by gluing or welding the
protrusions
201, 230, 232 to the elements 208, 238, 240, or by using any other suitable
fastener. It
is further contemplated that in such embodiments, the connector 200 can be
integrally
formed with the molded foam body 118.
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[001121 It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the connector 200
may be permanently or releasably, as the case may be, secured to the first end
126 of
the molded foam body 118 using any suitable fastening or connecting means.
[00113] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the tongue 100 can be
permanently connected to one of the toe cap 20 and shell 19, or to both of
them, by
any suitable fastener or connecting means, including one or more rivets, glue
or other
suitable adhesive, stitches, and the like, or a combination of those fasteners
or
connecting means. As an example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the
tongue
100 is stitched to the toe cap 20 (stitching lines 160).
[00114] It is also contemplated that in alternate embodiments, the tongue 100
can be releasably connected to one of the toe cap 20 and shell 18, or to both
of them,
by any suitable fastener or connecting means, including one or more snap
fasteners,
one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more zip or slide fasteners, one
or more
rivets, one or more bolt and nut assemblies, and the like, or a combination of
those
fasteners or connecting means.
[00115] It is contemplated that by providing a tongue 100 that is releasably
connected to one of the toe cap 20 and shell 18, or to both of them, the user
of the
skate boot 12 can change, by himself, the tongue 100 with another tongue such
as the
tongue 100. Also, manufacturers of skates can make a (relatively) limited
number of
skate boots such as the skate boot 12, without tongues such as the tongue 100
and
separately make the tongues, thus allowing a person purchasing skates to
select a
skate boot that best suits their needs and then select a tongue that best
suits their needs
to connect to their skate boot. Should the person purchasing the skates have
more than
one specific need, then the person can purchase multiple tongues, each one
being
adapted to one specific need, and change the tongue on the skate boot as
needed.
[00116] It is also contemplated that for a skate boot such as the skate boot
12,
the user can select a tongue such as the tongue 100, from a family of tongues.
For
example, a first tongue could be made entirely of foam, a second tongue could
be
made of a foam body and a felt backing, and a third tongue could be a
different color
(e.g., home or away colors for skaters involved in competitive sports such as
ice
hockey). It is also contemplated that different members of the family of
tongues could
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also have different thicknesses, hardnesses, densities, colors, and/or shapes,
and that
one tongue of the family of tongues could be made of multiple layers and that
another
tongue of the family of tongues could be made of a single layer or of a
different
number or layers. To change the selected tongue, the selected tongue simply
needs to
be disconnected and replaced by another tongue selected from the family of
tongues.
[00117] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments
of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The
foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The
scope of
the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope
of the
appended claims.
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