Patent ID: 6029375
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A43B,A43C,Y10T

Abstract:
A boot comprising:an external sole;an upper extending upwardly from said sole, said upper having a pair of laterally opposed quarters, an opening between said quarters at a forward part of said upper for allowing passage of a user's foot, said opening extending in a longitudinal direction;a plurality of lace return elements positioned on said quarters, thereby defining a lacing zone, each of said plurality of lace return elements comprising:a base having a lower surface fixed upon one of said quarters;an upper surface defining a sliding plane, said sliding plane extending transversely in a direction toward an opposite one of said quarters;a passage for a lace beneath said sliding plane, said passage extending generally in the longitudinal direction of the opening of said upper, said sliding plane including an overlapping portion, defining a protective cap, said overlapping portion extending longitudinally beyond said lace passage and extending transversely beyond said lace passage in a direction away from said base and being positioned above said opening of said upper; anda lace extending through certain ones of said passages of said lace return elements and extending across said opening of said upper to facilitate tightening of said upper upon the user's foot upon application of a traction force on said lace to bring said quarters closer together.