SPORTS FOOTWEAR AND SUPPORT SYSTEM

Abstract: A fit and support system for sports footwear particularly applicable for a ski boot. The fit and support system comprises a rigid base (11, 21), a hinged brace (22, 24) connected to the rigid base at the rearward area, a heel counter (12) connected to the rigid base which cooperates with a forefoot/midfoot (50, 54) member hinged at the forward end of the rigid base.

Description: SPORTS FOOTWEAR AND SUPPORT SYSTEM INTRODUCTION This invention relates to a fit and support system for the foot and lower leg and, more particularly, to a fit and support system adapted for sport footwear such as ski boots, hockey skates and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It will be understood that the biomechanics of the human muscle skeletal/system as it relates to sports footwear is highly complex. Even for those highly skilled in the art, the state of technology is unsophisticated and poorly developed in cases where the foot is constrained in order to enhance and/or modify function. For example, while excellent reference material in the form of Functional Anatomy in Sports by Juergen Weineck is available to explain the operation of the foot and leg, it does not extend this explanation specifically to the interaction between the foot and leg and the footwear. Bearing this in mind, the explanations which follow are contemplated by the applicant to be correct. However, in the event such explanations are, in the future, found to be incorrect or imprecise, the applicant would not wish to be bound by such explanations which are given solely for the purpose of providing as much information as possible to those knowledgeable in field. The interaction between the foot and the leg and the footwear necessary to elicit optimum response from the medium to which is attached is not well understood. Skis, skate ice blades, roller skate wheels and the like represent a medium designed to produce specific performance characteristics when interacting with an appropriate surface. The performance of such mediums is solely dependent on the ability of the user to accurately and consistently apply forces to them as required to produce the desired effect. In addition, in situations where the user must interact with external forces, for example gravity, the foptwear must restrain movements of the users foot and leg in a manner which maintains the biomechanical references with the medium with which it is interacting. We propose that in such * circumstances, the footwear must serve as both an adaptive and a linking device in connecting the biomechanics of the user to a specific medium such as a ski for example. This connective function is in addition to any type of fixation employed, in this instance, to secure the footwear to the ski. Alpine ski boots and ice skate footwear are among the many types of sports footwear known. As with all sports footwear, the objectives in design and construction are to facilitate and enhance performance in the particular sport and to provide comfort to the wearer. Many of the present designs of sport footwear are disadvantageous bearing in mind the objectives given above. For example, it is desirable to allow a degree of movement to occur at the ankle joint so as to permit a change in the flex angle formed between the foot and the lower leg to occur. Many of the present structures do not allow sufficient movement or provide resistance to such movement which is inappropriate in relation to the external forces acting on the user. Furthermore, even when sufficient movement is allowed, the structures permitting such movement often create unnecessary stress and force on the foot and lower leg particularly on the shin member. In addition, the articulating components associated with such movement in existing footwear do not correctly reference the gliding ankle joint as a point of relative movement between the foot and lower leg through the range of motion required by the wearer while participating in the sport. Two problems arise; the wearer expends energy or loses energy within the footwear; and the footwear distorts during use causing changes in the shape, and subsequently the volume, between the shell surfaces associated with various areas of the foot and lower leg and in so doing reduces the effective performance of the wearer. Yet a further problem relates to the fit between the section of the lower leg above the ankle joint of the foot and the upper portion or shin of the leg at the boot top. While the shape of the leg in this region is complex it can be approximated by a tapered cylinder. However, there does not exist a uniform and continuous contact in existing structures between the shin of the user and the front cuff of the boot. This results, again, in reduced support afforded by the footwear and discomfort to the user. Further, since there is relative movement between the shin and the upper cuff of the boot, abrasion occurs between the footwear and the user. This, again, is discomforting to the user. Yet a further problem with present sporting footwear resides in the fact that the heel may not be adequately restrained against uplift movement and torsional forces acting separately or in combination. Such restraint is desirable to prevent relative movement between the heel and the footwear, which relative movement will adversely affect the balance of the user and delay and/or reduce the transmission of turning force to the footwear. This results in a delay of transferring force to the ski or skate blade, for example. Yet a further problem with existing footwear is the fact that longitudinal relative movement between the foot and the footwear may occur. This happens, for example, when the forefoot/midfoot section is not adequately restrained under certain conditions such as when -flexion is occurring between the lower leg and the foot. Such longitudinal relative movement contributes to the disruption of biomechanical reference points associated with the dynamics of the ski and, in addition, results in a delay in the transmission of force between the leg and foot and the footwear. Yet a further problem with existing footwear is that the problem associated with foot roll out is not generally recognized. This problem arises because there is little or no restraint for the midfoot outside section of the foot. When vertical movement occurs during skiing,- for example, the foot immediately tends to roll outward and, therefore, if not restrained, the ski will tend to change position under the force created by such motion. Such a tendency to change relative ski position will result in unnecessary correction, and hence further energy to be expended, to reinstate balance and control once contact is re-established between the ski and snow. Top and rear entry footwear for skiing and skating necessarily have interior volumes greater than that required by the wearers foot and leg, particularly in the area over the instep, in order to accommodate entry. This additional volume makes the incorporation of structures designed to provide accurate and consistent support to specific areas necessarily difficult and ineffective. This results in reduced support for the foot and leg. Yet a further problem relates to the flex of the lower leg relative to the foot. It is desirable to provide a degree of resistance to such movement to assist in dampening movement of the mass of the skier relative to the ski resulting from, for example, a velocity change due to terrain change and to assist the user in transferring energy to the ski. Adjustment of such resistance is desirable in order that the user may compensate for different physical makeup and different operating conditions. In present ski footwear, sources of resistance for such purpose are poorly controlled and often produce resistance curves inappropriate for the operating environment thereby adversely affecting the balance and control of the user and creating a need for additional energy to be expended to provide correction. In many applications, resistance is achieved by deformation of shell structures thereby resulting in reduced support for the user's foot and leg. If indeed provision is made for adjustment of flex resistance in the instances cited, it is very limited in terms of ability to suitably modify resistance curves. Yet a further problem relates to the efficient transfer of torque from the lower leg and foot to the footwear. When the leg is rotated inwardly relative to the foot, a torsional load is applied to the foot. Present footwear does not adequately provide support or surfaces on and against which the wearer can transfer and transmit forces required to modify or transfer biomechanically generated forces such as torque or alternatively, the footwear presents sources of resistance which interfere with the movements necessary to initiate such transfer. It is desirable to provide appropriate movement and such sources of resistance in order to increase the efficiency of this torque transfer and, in so doing, enhance the turning response of the ski. Yet a further problem relates to the fit of the footwear. Present footwear provides little or no custom fit of an effective nature to allow the footwear to be adjusted to individual requirements in a manner that would provide enhanced function in terms of comfort and performance. Nor is there satisfactory provisions offered to allow the user to correct for an unsatisfactory fit. Yet a further disadvantage with existing footwear in the ability of the foot to be accurately positioned in relation to the footwear and, therefore, in relation to the ski or skateblade mounted on the footwear. There is no effective provision in existing footwear for , accurately positioning the foot because the liner and/or pads inserted in or affixed to the liner may move in relation to the shell when the foot is inserted since such padding may interfere with insertion of the foot due to its irregular shape. In addition, pads or materials inserted in the footwear for the purpose of adjusting fit can not be accurately placed nor can their position relative to the foot be easily verified after the foot has been inserted in the footwear. Further and for the same reasons, there is no way to place the foot in the optimum position nor to maintain the foot in the optimum position nor to* verify such position once the foot is placed within the footwear. Yet a further problem with existing footwear resides in the dynamic nature of the architecture of the foot. When the wearer is standing with the eight equally distributed between left and right footwear so that the center of mass of the wearer is manifesting itself in the center between the footwear, the architecture of the wearer's foot assumes a specific configuration. As the wearer begins to bias his weight towards one foot so that the other foot bears proportionately less weight, the wearer's center of mass must move closer to the center of the weighted foot in order for the wearer to assume a position of balance. In order for this movement of the wearer's center of mass to occur, the architecture of the weighted foot must undergo a progressive re-alignment. Existing footwear does not adequately anticipate this re¬ alignment of the architecture of the foot and thus such footwear inhibits the wearer's ability to assume a balanced position. In the event that the necessary re-alignment of the architecture of the foot is permitted to occur, there is an additional problem. This re-alignment involves, among other things, a lowering of the instep profile particularly in the area of the midfoot. This lowering of the instep profile is especially significant since the wearer, at this particular instance, is generally assuming a position with his center of mass acting over the forefoot of the weighted foot. In this position, with the center of mass forward, a significant restraining down force is required to secure the heel of the weighted foot against uplift. Thus at the very moment stability is crucial, it is substantially reduced in existing footwear. Existing footwear does not provide for the dynamic nature of the architecture of the foot, as described, by providing a fit system with dynamic and predictable qualities to substantially match those of the foot and lower leg. U.S. Patent 4,534,122 awarded August 13, 1985 (for the applicant) disclosed many improvements related to the aforementioned problems. However, many modifications are described to improve the operation of the footwear therein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter and at least one side counter connected to said rigid base member,- said side counter being positioned inside and substantially adjacent to the ball of the foot, a forefoot/midfoot compression member operable to extend over a substantial portion of the forefoot/midfoot section and to create compression force between the sole of said foot and the heel and said heel counter and a shin member operable to apply a compression force distributed substantially evenly over a substantial portion of the forward area of said shin, said shin member being relatively freely flexible relative to said forefoot/midfoot member. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to a said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member about an axis located substantially adjacent to the axis of the ankle of the user when said ankle is operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member connected to said upper brace member, said upper brace member and said shin member extending from said axis in a contoured fit from said ankle to the shin of said user when said foot and said shin are operably positioned in said footwear. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot compression member being operable to exert a force directed diagonally towards the base of said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a heel counter connected to said rigid base, a forefoot/midfoot member rotatable about an axis and operably adapted to continuously contact a substantial portion of the forefoot/midfoot area of the user when said forefoot/midfoot area is positioned in said footwear, a base member connected to said rigid base and a shin member rotatably mounted to said base member, said shin member being rotatable relative to said forefoot/midfoot member. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member and at least one torsion bar connected between said base member and said upper brace member, said torsion bar operatively exerting a rearward directed force on said upper brace member. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a heel counter connected to said rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base and a forefoot/midfoot member rotatably connected to said rigid base about an axis located forwardly in said footwear. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a counter adjustment system to position and maintain the foot in sports footwear comprising a rigid base member, at least one counter member mounted to said rigid base member and positioned within the shell of said footwear, counter adjustment means connected to and removable from said counter member, said counter adjustment means being placed on the inside of said counter member and being operable to contact the foot of a user. According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed a shin member fit and adjustment system comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member about an axis located substantially adjacent to the axis of the ankle of the user when said ankle is operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member connected to said upper brace member, said upper brace member and said shin member extending from said axis in a contoured fit from said ankle to the shin of said user when said foot and said shin are operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member fit and adjustment means connected to and removable from said footwear, said shin member fit and adjustment means being placed on the inside of said shim member and being operable to contact the shin of said user. According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed a midfoot member reference counter and adjustment system comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot member being operable to exert a force directed diagonally towards the base of said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear, a midfoot reference counter and adjustment means connected to and removable from said forefoot/midfoot compression member, said midfoot reference counter and adjustment means being placed on the inside of said forefoot/midfoot compression member and being operable to contact the midfoot of said user. According to yet a further aspect of the SHEET invention there is disclosed a shin member dynamic fit system comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to a said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member about an axis located substantially adjacent to the axis of the ankle of the user when said ankle is operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member connected to said upper brace member, said upper brace member and said shin member extending from said axis in a contoured fit from said ankle to the shin of said user when said foot and said shin are operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member dynamic fit means connected to and removable from said footwear, said shin member dynamic fit means being placed on the inside of said shin member and being operable to contact the area of the shin substantially adjacent to the inner and outer ankle bones of said user. According to yet a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed a forefoot/midfoot member dynamic fit system comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot compression member being operable to exert a force directed diagonally towards the base of said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear, a forefoot/midfoot member dynamic fit means connected to and removable from said footwear, said forefoot/midfoot compression member dynamic fit means being placed on the inside of said forefoot/midfoot compression member and being operable to contact the midfoot of said user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with the use of drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of the footwear according to the invention illustrating many of the interior components of a ski boot without the exterior and closure elements; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the footwear of Figure 1 illustrating the interior components but mounted within the exterior and closure elements and further illustrating the footwear in its' open position; Figure 3 is a side view of the footwear of Figure- 2 but without interior components illustrated; Figure 4 is a partial cutaway side view of the footwear according to the invention in its' closed position. Figure 5 is an isometric view of the footwear according to the invention in its' closed position Figure 6 is a diagrammatic plan view of the footwear according to the invention and illustrating the adjustable counter apparatus and the foot of a user according to the invention; and Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus and foot of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a front view of the right leg and foot illustrating the shin fit and adjustment elements in relation to the leg. Figure 9 is an outside view of the left leg and foot illustrating the shin fit and adjustment elements in relation to the leg. Figure 10 is an inside view of the left leg and foot on a rigid base and illustrating the position of the midfoot principal counter elements in relation to the foot. Figure 11 is a top view of the left foot illustrating the position of the principal instep midfoot counter element in relation to the foot with the associated counters on either side also shown. Figure 12 is an outside view of the left leg and foot illustrating the position the forefoot/midfoot secondary counter and the principal instep midfoot counter elements in relation to the foot. Figure 13(a) is a top view of the right foot shown on a rigid base and indicating the cutaway section illustrated in 12(b) in which the foot shares an even weight distribution with the opposite foot in a bipedal stance and 12(c) in which the foot is fully weighted in a balanced position of monopedal stance. The counters are illustrated in relation to the rigid base and yoke member and side counters. Figure 14 is an outside view of the left leg and foot showing the relevant element of the shin member dynamic fit system bladder in relation to the lower leg. Figure 15 is an inside view of the left leg and foot showing the relevant element of the dynamic fit system shin member bladder in relation to the lower leg. Figure 16 is an isometric view of the right leg and foot showing the outside element of the shin member dynamic fit system bladder in relation to the leg and also illustrating the transfer connection to the inside element of the bladder. Figure 17 is an inside view of the left leg and foot showing the relevant element of the midfoot dynamic system bladder in relation to the leg. Figure 18 is an isometric view of the right foot and leg illustrating the instep and outside foot elements of the midfoot dynamic fit system bladder in relation to the leg. Figure 19 (a) and 19 (b) are the same cutaway sections of the midfoot as illustrated in Figure 13 (a) and 13 (b) in which in 19 (a) the foot shares an even weight distribution with the opposite foot in a bipedal stance and 19 (b) in which the foot is fully weighted in a balanced, monopedal stance. The elements of the dynamic fit system bladder are illustrated to demonstrate the movement of the medium contained with the bladder elements in figures 19 (a) and 19 (b) . DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, footwear according to the invention, in this case a ski boot, is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1. The ski boot 10 is shown in diagrammatic form without the exterior or closure elements. The ski boot 10 comprises a rigid base 11 made from a plastic or other suitable material but preferably composite material such as CARBONITE to which are connected a heel counter 12, outside and inside toe counters 13, 14 (only one of which is shown). A brace is generally shown at 20 which comprises a base member 21 rigidly connected to the base 11 and an upper brace member 22 rotatably connected to the base member 21 about axis 23. The upper brace member 22 is in the form of a segmented cylinder open at the forward portion. The rearward portion 24 of the brace member 22 is designed to comfortably support the rear portion of the lower leg. A vertically adjustable backstop generally illustrated at 30 is mounted to the heel counter 12 and extends vertically to a position rearward of the rearward portion 24 of the upper brace member 22. A projection 31 is mounted on the rearward portion 24 and is operable to contact the backstop 30 in a number of different locations to maintain the relationship between the upper brace member 22 and the rigid base 11 when force is exerted on the rearward portion 24. Backstop 30 consists of two members 32, 33, which telescope and which are retained in their desired relative position by a clamping mechanism 34. Twin torsion bars 40, 41 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1) are each rigidly connected to the base member 21 by connecting screw 42 and extend vertically from the base member 21 in a configuration adapted to smoothly conform to the desired shape of the lower leg of the user. A projection 43 extends from each side of the upper brace member 22 and is operable to continuously contact the torsion bars 40, 41 throughout the range of movement of the upper brace member 22. The torsion bars 40, 41 each have three adjustments. The first adjustment 44 allows the angle of each torsion bar 40, 41 to be changed relative to the base member 21 so that each torsion bar 40, 41 maintains contact with the projection 43 throughout the range of movement of the upper brace member 22. The second adjustment is provided by each projection 43 being movable in the direction indicated. Thus, if the projection 43 is moved downwardly, the force ET exerted by the torsion bars 40, 41 is increased and if the projection 43 is moved upwardly, the force exerted by the torsion bars 40 t 41 on the upper brace member 22 is decreased. . A third adjustment is provided by a movable projection 45 whose contact pad 46 with torsion bars 40, 41 ma be adjusted so that contact with the torsion bars 40, 41 is delayed. This adjustment is intended to augment the function of the projection 43. By adjusting the movable projection 45 to a position below projection 43 and then adjusting the contact pad 46 so that contact with the torsion bar is delayed, the rearward force exerted by the torsion bars 40, 41 can be increased after a specific amount of movement. It will be noted that each torsion bar 40, 41 may be independently adjusted such that the force exerted between each torsion bar 40, 41 and the upper brace member 22 on each side may be different. Likewise, it may be desirable for some users that one of the torsion bars 40, 41 does not contact the projection 43 and this possibility is also provided by independent adjustment of the first adjustment member 44. In a further embodiment, the torsion bars 40, 41, or either of them, may be connected not to the base member 21 but, rather, to axis 23 where they may be pivotally mounted. A yoke member generally illustrated at 50 is rotatably mounted about axis 51 on either side of the rigid base 11 and pivots about the axis 51 in the directions indicated throughout a range of movement of approximately one hundred twenty (120) degrees. Yoke member 50 has a substantially elliptical forefoot/midfoot section 54 which is operable to comfortably provide substantially Jfull contact with the forefoot/midfoot area of the foot. Provision is further made for the midfoot section 54 to be hinged about axis 50 to the yoke member 50 so that it may be angularly movable and adjustable relative to the yoke member 50. A forward extension or side counter 56 is positioned on each side of the rigid base member 21. The yoke member 50, side counters 56 and toe counters 13, 14 operably cooperate. When the yoke member 50 is in operating relationship with the foot, it also overlaps and contacts the toe and side counters 13, 14, 56. A shin member 52 is hinged to the yoke member 50. The shin member 52 is designed to provide comfortable and substantially full contact with the shin and to maintain its relative position relative to the shin throughout the permitted range of movement of the lower leg relative to the foot and to avoid relative movement between the shin member 52 and the shin such that any abrasion is avoided. The hinge connection is a flex link 53 to which each of the yoke member 50 and the shin member 52 are connected. The shin member 52 is designed to operably interact with the brace member 22 when the boot is closed and to cleanly transfer force between the brace member 22 and the shin member 52. The closure elements are best illustrated in Figure 2 and comprise the shell lower assembly generally illustrated at 100. It includes the rigid base 11, the heel counter 12, the outside toe counter 13, a forward extension of the side counter 56, the base member of the brace 21, the axis for the brace 23, the connecting screw for the torsion bar 42, the adjustment for the torsion bar 44 and the axis 51 for the upper component of the shell lower assembly generally shown at 101. The upper component of the shell lower assembly 101 comprises the yoke member 50 with its associated axis 51, the substantial elliptical forefoot/midfoot section 54 and the axis 60 for the forefoot/midfoot member. The upper component of the shell lower assembly is hinged via a flex link 53 to the shell front cuff component generally shown at 102. The shell front cuff component includes shin member 52. The shell cuff rear component is generally shown at 103 and comprises the upper brace member 22, the rearward portion of the upper brace member 24, the axis of the brace member 23, the telescoping members of the backstop 32, 33, the backstop clamping mechanism 34, the projection for(the torsion bars 43, the movable adjustment 45 and the contact pad 46. The closure system for the shell, the shell lower assembly and the shell lower assembly upper component is shown in Figure 5. The closure system u comprises a woven nylon strap 200 affixed to the side counter on the inside of the ski boot. A hoop 201 is affixed to the side counter 56 on the outside of the boot. The nylon strap 200 is provided with VELCRO™ surfaces 202 which permit the strap to be secured. The closure system for the shin member 52 and the upper brace member 22 which includes the rearward portion 24 consists of a woven nylon strap 300 affixed to the front portion of the upper brace member 22 on the inside of the boot, a hoop 301 affixed to the front portion of the cuff on the outside of the boot. The nylon strap 300 is provided with VELCRO™ surfaces 302 which permit the strap to be secured. OPERATION In operation, it will be assumed that the boot 10 is in the closed position and that the skier or user wishes to insert his foot and lower leg into the boot 10. The user will initially disengage the two closing devices located on the shin and forefoot/midfoot section of the outer boot. This will allow the yoke member 44 and the shin member 52 together with flex link 53 to be rotated about axis 50 and, thereby, to allow the entrance of the foot of the user. The user will insert his toes first into the toe box 57 of the boot 10 such that first his toes and then the remainder of the foot contact the boot base 58 (Figure 4) . The user will then move his heel rearward to bear against the heel counter 12. The yoke member 44 together with the shin member 52 and the flex link 53 are then rotated about the axis 50 until the midfoot section 54 of the yoke member 44 comes into contact with the midfoot area of the foot and the shin member 52 comes into contact with the shin area of the lower leg. The closing device over the midfoot section 54 is then operated. This closure acts on the yoke member 44 to create a wedge type action between the midfoot section 51 and the heel counter 12. As the heel becomes seated against the heel counter 12, the user may adjust the closure acting on the yoke member 54 and in so doing decrease the wedge volume acting on the midfoot. The closure device over the shin member 52 is also closed. Thus, each of the members 52, 54 are independently brought into firm and comfortable contact with the midfoot and shin, respectively. The skier is then prepared to position and secure his boot on the ski. There are several adjustments the user may make in the boot which will reflect his personal preferences. The first adjustment relates to the angle the brace member 22 may make relative to the rigid base 11. By adjusting the extension of the backstop 30 such that the distance between the end of the backstop 30 and the projection 31 HEET on the upper brace member 22 is changed, the angle between the upper brace member 22 and the rigid base 11 may be increased or decreased so that the most rearward position of the upper brace member 22 is established. A second adjustment by way of the torsion bars 40, 41 is also provided as described previously. The skier may wish a larger or smaller rearward directed force on the upper brace member 22 and, to obtain this desired force, he will slide the projections 43 upwardly or downwardly within their sliding surface to obtain the desired force. He may also wish a lesser or greater amount of force at the initial position of the upper brace member 22 and, therefore, he will angularly move the torsion bars 40, 41 with the first adjustment 44 on each side of the boot 10. A further embodiment illustrating the invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, there are first, second and third counter members in the form of heel counter member 601, outside counter member 602 and inside counter member 603. These counter members 601, 602 and 603 may be referred to as the principal counter members as they are located at the points of principal force transmission locations between the foot generally shown at 604 of the user, namely the heel area 610 of the foot 604, the ball area 611 of the small toe of the foot 604 and the ball 612 of the big toe of the foot 604, respectively. A plurality of counter adjustment means in the form of adjustment pads 613, 614, 615 for counter members 603, 602 and 601, respectively, are provided. These adjustment pads 613, 614, 615 are removably positioned by, for example, the-use of VELCRO™ attachment means within the shell 620 of the footwear generally shown at 621 and they cooperate with and complement the principal counter members 601, 602, 603 to better distribute the forces transmitted from the foot to the footwear 621 through the principal counter members 601, 602, 603. They further act to adjust the fit of the boot for individual foot shapes so that smooth distribution of force may take place without point or contact loading being created on the foot of the user. The counter adjustment 614 for the outside counter 602 may extend, for example, rearward to the 5th metatarsal. The principal counters 612, 613, 614 should be comprised of a material which readily transfers force from the foot of the user to the rigid base member 622 of the footwear 621. This embodiment is useful for a number of purposes. First, the counters together with the counter adjustment can be used to position and maintain the position of the foot within the footwear at an optimum location for the particular foot of the user. Second, the counters and the counter adjustments can be used as resistance sources for a specific area of the foot of the user to bear against during operation so as to provide force to the principal counters in an optimum manner. Third, the counters and the counter adjustments can be used to influence the functioning of the heel of the user which is very important for correct force transfer to the ski or skateblade through the footwear. Each of the complementary counter adjustments 613, 614, 615 may be made up of a plurality of sections depending upon the position desired for the foot of the user in the footwear. In operation, the footwear 621 will be opened from the top as has been previously described and the foot 604 of the user within a sock or otherwise will be placed on the rigid base member 622 inside the principal counters 601, 602, 603. The foot will then be manually or S B TIT physically moved until the optimum position for the foot in the footwear 621 is attained. Thereafter, the counter adjustment members will be inserted in the proper positions as required to maintain the foot in the optimum operating and comfort position. In such a position, the other functional areas of the foot such as the forefoot/midfoot member 54 shown in Figure 1 and described earlier will cooperate with the foot and the counters to create the desired force transfer from the foot to the footwear and, thence, to the ski or blade. The adjustable counter system will also give an increased range of fit for a standard boot shell. The boot shell 620 itself will serve as the basic fit for a larger percentage of the population. Thus, inventories of boot shells may be smaller. The final fit obtained between the foot of the particular user and the basic shell is done by use of the adjustable counter pads 613, 614, 615 mounted appropriately to each counter 601, 602, 603. Alternatively, the counters and the counter adjustment members could be preassembled and, thereafter, fitted to the user. Following the custom fit, the counters and counter adjustment members would simply be inserted in the shell in their entirety and maintained there for receiving the foot at an appropriate time. Yet a further embodiment illustrating the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, there is a shin fit and adjustment system generally shown at 700 and comprised of at least one element, or a plurality of elements or combinations thereof. The embodiment as illustrated in Figure 8 is comprised of five elements; a shin element 701, a shin top outside element 702, a shin top inside element 703, a shin bottom outside ankle element 704 and a shin bottom inside ankle element 705. This embodiment is useful for a number of purposes. First, a variety of pads, or combinations thereof for the shin element 701, the shin top outside element 702 and shin top inside element 703 can be affixed to the shin member 52, Figure 1, by the use of, for example, VELCRO fasteners so as to permit the shin member 52, Figure 1, to be modified so as to enable it to be fit to a variety of shin shapes. The same is true of the elements for the shin bottom outside 704 and the shin bottom inside 705. Second, by isolating the top and bottom inside and outside elements of the shin fit system acting on the shin, it is possible to influence the movement of the lower leg relative to the shin member 52. For example, while it is desirable for the leg to be held firmly around the circumference at the top of the shin member 52, Figure 1, the inside ankle bone must be permitted to move towards the inside of the shin member 52, Figure 1, in the area substantially adjacent to element 705, during progressive biasing of the user's weight such as occurs when the wearer is seeking to establish a position of balance on one foot. Such movement can be accommodated by a shin bottom inside ankle element 705 which is fabricated, for example, of a material which provides less resistance to compression that of material used to fabricate elements at shin bottom outside 704, shin top inside 702 and shin top outside 703. In operation, the footwear 621, Figure 7 will be opened from the top as has been previously described and the foot 604 of the user within a sock or otherwise will be placed on the rigid base member 622 inside the principal counters 601, 602, 603. The yoke member 44, Figure 1 together with the shin member 52 and the flex link 53 are then rotated about axis 50 until the midfoot section 54 of the yoke member comes into contact with the midfoot area of the foot and the elements 701, 702, 703, 704 and 705, Figure 8 of the shin member 42, Figure 1 come into contact with the shin area of the lower leg. ,Should the wearer desire to alter the fit of the shin member 42, Figure 1, the elements 701, 702, 703, 704 and 705, or combination thereof may be removed and elements of differing shape and dimension substituted. Fixation means for such elements can be achieved, for example, by VELCRO fasteners. Yet a further embodiment illustrating the invention is illustrated in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13. In this embodiment, there is a forefoot/midfoot reference counter system generally shown at 800 and comprised of at least one element or a plurality of elements or ^smbination thereof. In Figure 11 the embodiment is illustrated. comprised of three elements; two principal reference counter elements 801 and 802 located at the midfoot inside and midfoot top, or instep, respectively and a secondary reference counter element 803 located at the midfoot outside. These elements 801, 802 and 803 are illustrated affixed to the yoke member 50, Figure 1 in Figures 13 (a) and (b) . Figure 13 (a) illustrates the cutaway sections shown in 13 (a) and (b) . The counter elements 801, 802 and 803 are affixed to yoke member 50, Figure 1 by means of, for example, VELCO fasteners. These counter elements 801, 802 and 803 have several functions one of which is to act as reference points for the architecture of the foot as it pertains to weight bearing. Principal reference counter element 802 is positioned so that the area of the top of the instep of the foot substantially adjacent to element 802 is in contact with element 802 with the closure operator when the wearer assumes a bipedal stance with both feet bearing an equal portion of his weight. Concurrently, the secondary reference counter element 803 is in contact with the outside area of the midfoot substantially adjacent to element 803 while the area of the midfoot substantially adjacent to the principal reference counter element 801 is not in contact with the counter element 801. When the wearer assumes a position of balance on one foot, as in a monopedal stance, the principal reference counter 801 is in contact with the area of the midfoot substantially adjacent to principal reference counter 801 and the areas of the foot substantially adjacent to principal reference counter 802 and secondary reference counter 803 are not in contact with the areas of the midfoot substantially adjacent to counters 802 and 803. A second function of elements 801, 802 and 803 relates to the application of resistance points with which to substantially reduce certain movements of the foot. Counter element 802 is positioned directly over the top of the midfoot so as to act in a manner to substantially reduce the lifting off the rigid base 11, Figure 1 of the wearer's heel such as may occur under conditions of certain force imbalances acting on the wearer. Counter elements 802 and 803 similarly act to substantially reduce foot roll out such as may occur under certain conditions of force imbalances acting on the wearer. Counter element 801 is positioned substantially adjacent to the inside area of the midfoot. Under conditions of certain torsional forces being applied to the foot by the wearer this counter is intended to act in substantially transferring such forces in to the footwear in co-operation with counters 603, 613, and 601 Figure 6. Adjustment means for counters 801, 802 and 803 is provided for by the substitution of counters of differing shape and dimension affixed to the yoke member 50, Figure 1, for example, by VELCRO fasteners. Yet a further embodiment illustrating the invention is illustrated in Figures 14, 15 and 16. In this embodiment, there is a shin member dynamic fit system generally shown at 900 and comprised of one element or a TIT TE SHKT plurality of elements or combination thereof. In figure 16 the embodiment is illustrated as comprised of two elements; a shin member outside ankle bladder element 901 and a shin member inside ankle bladder element 902. The shin member outside ankle element 901 is illustrated in relation to the leg in Figure 14 while the shin member inside ankle element 902 is illustrated in relation to the leg in Figure 15. In Figure 16 outside shin member ankle element 901 and inside shin member inside ankle element 902 are illustrated in relation to the foot in isometric view with the connection between the two elements shown. In operation the outside shin member ankle element 901 is intended to be incorporated into the shin member fit and adjustment system 700 so that shin member outside ankle element 901 is associated with the shin member lower outside element 704 while shin member inside ankle element 902 is associated with shin member lower inside element 705. The shin member dynamic fit system 900 is intended to be a closed bladder system in which bladder elements 901 and 902 are of substantially equal volume displacement and in which at least 50 percent of the cumulative volume displacement of the bladder elements 901 and 902 is occupied by a pneumatic or hydraulic medium so that compression applied to one element, for example 901, will cause the medium contained within it to be displaced to the opposite element, in this example, 902. This embodiment is useful for several purposes. First, it can be used to transfer forces from one area to another area. Being that bladder elements 901 and 902 are of substantially equal volume, when a fit is obtained between the leg in the areas substantially adjacent to the inside bladder element 901 and the outside bladder element 902 with these elements incorporated into the respective shin fit lower ankle elements 705 and 704, and the insides of the brace member 20, Figure 1, a percentage displacement of medium contained within the dynamic fit system bladder 900 will reflect a substantially equal percentage displacement of the associated area of the leg thereby causing the fit to be maintained during relative lateral displacement. A second use for this embodiment is for the dampening of movement. Depending on the qualities of the medium contained within the dynamic fit system bladders 901 and 902, for example viscosity, the medium will influence the velocity with which the leg is displaced within the brace member 20, Figure 1. Yet a further embodiment illustrating the invention is illustrated in Figures 17, 18 and 19. In this embodiment, there is a midfoot dynamic fit system generally shown at 1000 and comprised of at least one element or a plurality of elements or combination thereof. In Figure 18, the embodiment is illustrated as comprised of three elements; a midfoot inside bladder element 1001, a midfoot top bladder element 1002 and an outside bladder element 1003. Figure 17 is an inside view of the left foot illustrating the midfoot inside bladder element 1001 in relation to the foot. Figure 18 is an isometric view illustrating the midfoot outside bladder element 1003, the midfoot top bladder element 1002 and the midfoot inside bladder element 1001 in relation to the foot. Figure 19 (a) and (b) are cutaway sections of the midfoot of the right foot looking towards the front of the foot from the rear in which the dynamic fit system elements 1001, 1002 and 1003 are shown as they relate to the reference counter elements 801, 802, and 803 of the reference counter system 800, Figure 11. Also illustrated is the rigid base 11 and the side counters 56 and the yoke member 50, Figure 1 in relation to the midfoot and the reference counters 801, 802 and 803 and the bladder elements 1001, 1002 and 1003. Figure 19 (a) illustrates a section of the right foot in a configuration approximating that of a wearer,assuming a bipedal stance with weight distributed equally between the left and right feet. Figure 19 (b) illustrates a section of the right foot in a configuration approximating that of a wearer assuming a monopedal stance in a balanced position with the entire weight borne on that foot. In operation, it is intended that the dynamic fit system bladder 1000 be sealed and that the volume displacement of element 1001 is substantially equal to that of the combined volume displacement of elements 1002 and 1003 and in which at least 50 percent of the cumulative volume displacement of the dynamic fit system bladder 1000 is occupied by a pneumatic or hydraulic medium so that compression applied to one element, for example element 1001, will cause the medium contained within it to be displaced to the remaining element or elements, in this example, 1002 and 1003. Operation of this embodiment is as follows. With the wearer assuming a bipedal stance with equal weight being borne on the left and right feet and with the right foot placed within the footwear on the rigid base 11, Figure 1 and with the closure elements of the footwear operated so that the principal reference counter 1002 is in contact with the midfoot upper section of the foot and the secondary reference counter 1003 in contact with the midfoot outside section of the foot, the medium contained within the dynamic fit system bladder 1000 resides mainly within element 1001. As the wearer begins a progressive weighting towards a position of balance on the right foot, the architecture of the foot begins to rearrange itself so that the midfoot inside section substantially adjacent to the dynamic fit system element and the principal reference counter 801 begins to displace towards these elements. As this displacement progresses, the bladder element 1001 is compressed and the medium is progressively displaced into elements 1002 and 1003. Figure 19 (b) illustrates the architecture of the right foot at the conclusion of the displacement sequence in which the wearer has now assumed a position of balance on that foot. In this position, the medium contained within element 1001 has been substantially displaced into bladder elements 1002 and 1003 so that a force has now been caused to act on the reference counters 802 and 803 by the dynamic fit system elements 1002 and 1003 and, in turn, a force is caused to act the areas of the foot substantially adjacent to counters 802 and 803. Thus the fit between the area of the midfoot and the yoke member 50 is maintained during relative displacement of the foot. The medium contained within the dynamic fit system bladder will also act to dampen the movement against external forces acting on the wearer. Many modifications are contemplated which will improve the function of this embodiment. For example, the characteristics of the medium contained within the bladder element 1000 will significantly affect the manner in which the bladder functions. In addition, the flow rate of such a medium can be regulated and controlled by utilizing a plurality of bladders interconnected by valving systems which regulate the direction and rate of flow. In this manner, the elements of the dynamic fit system 1000 may be arranged so that the medium contained within the bladder SUBSTITUTE SHEET or bladders displaces to one aspect of the midfoot at a different rate than to another aspect of the midfoot. Many further modifications to the specific embodiment described are contemplated. For example, a second torsion bar may be added. This would provide for a desirable increase in the resistance adjustment of the flex motion and would provide for engagement with a second projection extending from the boot after a certain angle of the upper brace member 22 relative to the rigid base 11 was reached. Such contact could provide for an increased amount of force commencing at a certain location and continuing until the end of the movement of the upper brace member 22. It will be understood that while the footwear specifically described herein relates to ski boots, other sports footwear such as hockey, figure and speed skates and the like are also intended to be benefited by the apparatus according to the invention. While several specific embodiments of the footwear have been described as presently contemplated by the applicant, many further modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such specific embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and not as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in accordance with the accompanying claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter and at least one side counter connected to said rigid base member, said side counter being positioned inside and substantially adjacent to the ball of the foot, a forefoot/midfoot compression member operable to extend over a substantial portion of the forefoot/midfoot area and to create compression force between said forefoot/midfoot area and the sole of said foot and to seat the heel of said foot firmly against said heel counter and a shin member operable to apply a compression force distributed substantially evenly over a substantial portion of the forward area of said shin, said shin member being relatively freely flexible relative to said forefoot/midfoot member. 2. A fit and support system as in claim 1 wherein said shin member is rotatable about an axis and is operable to rotate relative to said forefoot/midfoot member and said heel counter. 3. A fit and support system as in claim 2 and further comprising an upper brace member connected to said shin member, said upper brace member being rotatably connected to a base member, said base member being connected to said rigid base. 4. A fit and support system as in claim 1 wherein said forefoot/midfoot member is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis located adjacent to the forward portion of said fit and support system. 5. A fit and support system as in claim 4 and further comprising a flex link means between said forefoot/midfoot member and said shin member. 6. A fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member about an axis located substantially adjacent to the ankle of the user when-said ankle is operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member connected to said upper brace member, said upper brace member and said shin member extending from said axis in a contoured fit from said ankle to the shin of said user when said foot and said shin are operably positioned in said footwear. 7. A fit and support system as in claim 6 and further comprising a calf support member connected to said upper brace member, said calf support member also extending along the calf of said user in said contoured fit. 8. A fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said rigid base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot compression member being operable to exert a force directed , diagonally rearward towards said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear. 9. A fit and support system for sport footwear as in - claim 8 and further comprising a side counter mounted to.said rigid base and operatively positioned forward of said base member and adjacent to the ball of said foot, said forefoot/midfoot member operatively contacting said side counter when said forefoot/midfoot member is in operative relationship with said side counter. 10. A fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a heel counter connected to said rigid base, a forefoot/midfoot member rotatable about an axis and operatively adapted to continuously contact a substantial portion of the forefoot/midfoot of the user when said forefoot/midfoot is positioned in said footwear, a base member connected to said rigid base and a shin member rotatably mounted to said base member, said shin member being rotatable relative to said forefoot/midfoot member. 11. A fit and support system as in claim 10 wherein said forefoot/midfoot member is connected to said shin member with a flex link means between said forefoot/midfoot member and said shin member. 12. A fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member and at least one torsion bar connected between said base member and said upper brace member, said torsion bar operatively exerting a rearward directed force on said upper brace member. 13. A fit and support system as in claim 12 and further comprising a heel counter connected to said rigid base, a backstop connected to said heel counter and a projection connected to said upper brace member, said projection and said backstop being relatively adjustable to define the rearmost position of said upper brace member. TIT TE SHEET 14. A fit and support system for sport footwear comprising a rigid base, a heel counter connected to said rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base and a forefoot/midfoot member rotatably connected to said rigid base about an axis located forwardly in said footwear. 15. A fit and support system as in claim 14 and further comprising a shin member connected to said forefoot/midfoot member. 16. A fit and support system as in claim 15 wherein said shin member is connected to said forefoot/midfoot member with a flex link means, said shin member being freely movable relative to said forefoot/midfoot member. 17. A counter adjustment system to position and , maintain the foot in sports footwear comprising a rigid base member, at least one counter member mounted to said rigid base member and positioned within the shell of said footwear, counter adjustment means connected to and removable from said counter member, said counter adjustment means being placed on the inside of said counter member and being operable to contact the foot of a user. 18. An adjustment system as in claim 17 and further comprising a second counter member mounted to said rigid base member and a second counter adjustment means mounted inside of said second counter member. 19. An adjustment system as in claim 18 and further comprising a third counter member connected to said rigid base member and a third counter adjustment means mounted inside of said third counter member. 20. An adjustment system as in claim 18 wherein said first counter member is a heel counter operable to surround the rear, the outside and the inside of the heel of a user. 21. An adjustment system as in claim 20 wherein said second counter member is an outside counter member mounted adjacent to the ball of the small toe of said user. 22. An adjustment system as in claim 20 and further comprising a third counter positioned outside and substantially adjacent to the ball of the foot of said user. 23. An adjustment system as in claim 22 wherein said third counter extends forwardly from said area adjacent to the ball of said foot to an area inside and substantially adjacent to the large toe of said user. 24. An adjustment system as in claim 22 wherein said second counter extends rearward from said ball of said small toe of said user to encompass the area outside and substantially adjacent to the fifth metatarsal. 25. A shin member fit and adjustment system comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member about an axis located substantially adjacent to the axis of the ankle of the user when said ankle is operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member connected to said upper brace member, said upper brace member and said shin member extending from said axis in a contoured fit from said ankle to the shin of said user when said foot and said shin are operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member fit and adjustment means connected to and removable from said footwear, said shin member fit and adjustment means being placed on the inside of said shim member and being operable to contact the shin of said user. 26. A midfoot member reference counter and adjustment system comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot member being operable to exert a force directed diagonally towards the base of said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear, a midfoot reference counter and adjustment means connected to and removable from said forefoot/midfoot compression member, said midfoot reference counter and adjustment means being placed on the inside of sai forefoot/midfoot compression member and being operable to contact the midfoot of said user. 27. A midfoot member reference counter and adjustment system comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot member being operable to exert a force directed diagonally towards the base of said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear, a midfoot reference counter and adjustment means connected to and removable from said forefoot/midfoot compression member, said midfoot reference counter and adjustment means being placed on the inside of said forefoot/midfoot compression member and being operable to contact the midfoot of said user. 28. A shin member dynamic fit system comprising a rigid base, a base member connected to a said rigid base, an upper brace member rotatably connected to said base member about an axis located substantially adjacent to the axis of the ankle of the user when said ankle is operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member connected to said upper brace member, said upper brace member and said shin member extending from said axis in a contoured fit from said ankle to the shin of said user when said foot and said shin are operably positioned in said footwear, a shin member dynamic fit means connected to and removable from said footwear, said shin member dynamic fit means being placed on the inside of said shin member and being operable to contact the area of the shin substantially adjacent to the inner and outer ankle bones of said user. 29. A forefoot/midfoot member dynamic fit system comprising a rigid base member, a heel counter mounted to said base member, a forefoot/midfoot compression member rotatably connected to the forward portion of said rigid base, said forefoot/midfoot compression member being operable to exert a force directed diagonally towards the base of said heel member when said foot is positioned within said footwear, a forefoot/midfoot member dynamic fit means connected to and removable from said footwear, said forefoot/midfoot compression member dynamic fit means being placed on the inside of said forefoot/midfoot compression member and being operable to contact the midfoot of said user. SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Inventors: MACPHAIL DAVID M, MACPHAIL, DAVID, M.
Applicants: MACPHAIL DAVID M, MACPHAIL, DAVID, M.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: A43B5
IPC codes: A43B5