Patent Publication Number: US-9427041-B2

Title: Article of footwear with a heating system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear, and more specifically, to an article of footwear with a heating system. 
     Heated articles of footwear and heated insoles for use in articles of footwear are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,772 to Sunderland discloses a foot warming system for a boot that includes a heating element fit inside a cavity in a molded insole. U.S. patent application publication number 2004/0020074 to Brait et al. discloses a heater device disposed either above or below a forefoot region of an inner shoe. 
     There exists a need in the art for a heated article of footwear that is configured with a heating system that is easily removable and accessible by a wearer. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an outer shell, the outer shell including an upper and a sole structure; an inner liner, the inner liner being configured to be removably inserted within an interior of the outer shell; the inner liner further comprising a heating system, the heating system including a power source and a heating element; the inner liner having an upper liner portion and a lower liner portion, wherein the upper liner portion includes a cuff; wherein the cuff includes a battery compartment area disposed in between an outer layer of the inner liner and an inner layer of the inner liner, the battery compartment area being configured to receive the power source of the heating system; and wherein the heating element is a toe cap heating element that is disposed along an outer perimeter of a forefoot region of the lower liner portion of the inner liner. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an outer shell, the outer shell including an upper and a sole structure; an inner liner, the inner liner being configured to be removably inserted within an interior of the outer shell; the inner liner further comprising a heating system, the heating system including a power source and a heating element; the inner liner having an upper liner portion and a lower liner portion; the lower liner portion including a bottom disposed along an underside of the inner liner, the bottom being configured to rest along a bottom of the interior of the outer shell when the inner liner is inserted within the outer shell; the lower liner further comprising a top forefoot portion disposed along a top of the inner liner in a forefoot region and a toe cap perimeter disposed along an outer edge of the forefoot region, the toe cap perimeter extending between the bottom of the lower liner and the top forefoot portion; and wherein the heating element is disposed along the toe cap perimeter of the lower liner portion of the inner liner. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an outer shell, the outer shell including an upper and a sole structure; an inner liner, the inner liner being configured to be removably inserted within an interior of the outer shell; the inner liner further comprising a heating system, the heating system including a power source and a heating element; the inner liner having an upper liner portion and a lower liner portion, wherein the upper liner portion includes a cuff disposed along a top edge of the upper liner portion and extending downwards along a front edge of the upper liner portion; wherein the cuff includes a battery compartment area disposed in between an outer layer of the inner liner and an inner layer of the inner liner, the battery compartment area being configured to receive the power source of the heating system; and wherein the battery compartment area comprises a fastening mechanism that is configured to join the outer layer with the inner layer. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 3  is a lateral side view of an exemplary embodiment of an inner liner for an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 4  is a lateral side view of an exemplary embodiment of an inner liner for an article of footwear including a heating system with the liner illustrated in phantom; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a forefoot region of an inner liner for an article of footwear including a toe cap heating element with the liner illustrated in phantom; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a forefoot region of an inner liner for an article of footwear including a toe cap heating element; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper liner portion of an inner liner for an article of footwear illustrating a closed position of a battery compartment area; and 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper liner portion of an inner liner for an article of footwear illustrating an open position of a battery compartment area. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100 . In particular,  FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100  and  FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100 . For clarity, the following detailed description discusses an exemplary embodiment, in the form of a boot, but it should be noted that the present invention could take the form of any article of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments illustrate a boot configured to be used for snowboarding, however, in other embodiments the boot could be used for other activities such as hiking, skiing, or any other type of activity in which boots may be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , article of footwear  100 , also referred to simply as article  100 , can be used with a right foot. It is understood that the following discussion may equally apply to a mirror image of article of footwear  100  that can be used with a left foot. Features discussed herein may apply equally well for an article of footwear configured for use with a left foot or for a right foot. However, some features discussed herein or configurations shown may provide particular advantages to an article of footwear configured for use with either a left foot or a right foot, such as a snowboard boot arranged for use as the lead boot for a user having a left or goofy foot stance. 
     For purposes of reference, article  100  may be divided into forefoot region  10 , midfoot region  12  and heel region  14 . Forefoot region  10  may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region  12  may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel region  14  may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. In addition, article  100  may include lateral side  16  and medial side  18 . In particular, lateral side  16  and medial side  18  may be opposing sides of article  100 . Furthermore, both lateral side  16  and medial side  18  may extend through forefoot region  10 , midfoot region  12  and heel region  14 . 
     It will be understood that forefoot region  10 , midfoot region  12  and heel region  14  are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article  100 . Likewise, lateral side  16  and medial side  18  are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article  100  into two halves. In addition, forefoot region  10 , midfoot region  12  and heel region  14 , as well as lateral side  16  and medial side  18 , can also be applied to individual components of an article, such as a sole structure and/or an upper. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole. 
     In some embodiments, article  100  may include an outer shell  110  and an inner liner  130 . Outer shell  110  and inner liner  130  may be removably associated with one another. In an exemplary embodiment, outer shell  110  may be configured to receive inner liner  130  within an interior of outer shell  110  to form article  100 . With this configuration, inner liner  130  may be inserted and removed from outer shell  110 . 
     In some embodiments, outer shell  110  may include an upper  112  and sole structure  140 . Sole structure  140  is secured to upper  112  and extends between the foot and the ground when article  100  is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure  140  may include different components. For example, sole structure  140  may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. 
     In some embodiments, sole structure  140  may be configured to provide traction for article  100 . In addition to providing traction, sole structure  140  may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure  140  may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure  140  may be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure  140  may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces. 
     In embodiments where article of footwear  100  is a snowboard boot, sole structure  140  may include provisions for interacting with a snowboard. For example, in some cases, sole structure  140  may include features for receiving, and fastening to, bindings on a snowboard. Furthermore, sole structure  140  may include traction members to enhance grip between article  100  and a snowboard. For purposes of clarity, sole structure  140  is shown without any particular features for associating with a snowboard, but it will be understood that in different embodiments any such provisions known in the art may be used. 
     In some embodiments, upper  112  of outer shell  110  may be configured to receive inner liner  130  including a foot of a wearer of article  100 . Generally, upper  112  may be any type of upper. In particular, upper  112  could have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article  100  is a basketball shoe, upper  112  could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article  100  is a running shoe, upper  112  could be a low top upper. In an exemplary embodiment, upper  112  has the shape of a boot upper that completely covers a foot and provides additional coverage at an ankle. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, upper  112  of outer shell  110  may be provided with a lower portion  114  and an upper portion  116 . In some cases, lower portion  114  may be associated with, and configured to receive, the toes, arch and heel of a foot. Upper portion  116  may extend upwards from lower portion  114 . In some cases, upper portion  116  may be associated with an ankle of a foot. In an exemplary embodiment, upper portion  116  may be a cuff portion for upper  112  of outer shell  110 . 
     Upper  112 , including both lower portion  114  and upper portion  116 , may define a void in article  100  for receiving and securing inner liner  130  including a foot relative to sole structure  140 . In particular, the void is shaped to accommodate inner liner  130  including a foot and extends along the lateral side of the foot, along the medial side of the foot, over the foot and under the foot. In some cases, outer shell  110  may be provided with an entry hole  118  that provides access to the void within upper  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, entry hole  118  may be provided at top end of upper portion  116 . 
     Article  100  may include lacing system  120  for purposes of adjusting upper  112 . In some cases, lacing system  120  may extend from forefoot region  10  through midfoot region  12  of article  100 . Furthermore, in some cases, lacing system  120  may extend through lower portion  114  and upper portion  116  of upper  112 . In particular, lacing system  120  may be associated with lacing region  122  that is disposed between lateral side  16  and medial side  18  of upper  112 . 
     In some embodiments, upper  112  may include a tongue  123  that extends through lacing region  122  of upper  112 . In some cases, tongue  123  may be integrally formed with upper  112 . In other cases, however, tongue  123  may be a separate component from upper  112  and may be attached to upper  112  using conventional methods such as stitching or adhesives. In some cases, tongue  123  may include padding or other cushioning material to provide comfort to a foot of a wearer of article  100 . 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include lacing member  124 . The term “lacing member”, as used throughout this detailed discussion, refers to any type of lace that may be used with an article of footwear. Generally, the size, including cross sectional shape and length, of lacing member  124  may be varied. Also, lacing member  124  may be made of any material, including, but not limited to: various types of natural and/or synthetic fibers, as well as other types of materials that may be used as laces. Furthermore it should be understood that although a single lacing member is shown in this preferred embodiment, other embodiments may incorporate more than one lace. 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include provisions for securing lacing member  124  to various portions of upper  112  and outer shell. In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include lace receiving members configured to receive portions of lacing member  124 . In other words, these lace receiving members may function in a similar manner to traditional eyelets. In different embodiments, different types of lace receiving members may be used. Examples of different lace receiving members include but are not limited to: eyelets, hooks, lace loops, as well as other types of lace receiving members. 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include lace hook members  126 . In particular, lace hook members  126  may include a plurality of lace hook members disposed on either side of lacing gap  122  along a medial edge and a lateral edge of upper portion  116  of upper  112  on outer shell  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, lace hook members  126  may be traditional types of lace hooks. Generally, lace hooks of lace hook members  126  may have any shape that is configured to receive lacing member  124  for the purposes of tightening the medial edge and the lateral edge on opposite sides of lacing gap  122  on upper portion  116  of upper  112 . It will be understood that in other embodiments, different types of lace receiving members could be used in place of lace hooks. 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may further include lace loop members  128 . In particular, lace loop members  128  may include a plurality of lace loop members disposed on either side of lacing gap  122  along a medial edge and a lateral edge of lower portion  114  of upper  112  on outer shell  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, lace loops of lace loop members  128  may have any shape that is configured to receive lacing member  124  for the purposes of tightening the medial edge and lateral edge on opposite sides of lacing gap  122  on lower portion  114  of upper  112 . It will be understood that in other embodiments, different types of lace receiving members could be used in place of lace loops. 
     In different embodiments, the materials used for the various components of article  100  may vary. For example, sole structure  140  may be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to: elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, other synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics. In some cases, the materials used for making sole structure  140  may be selected to accomplish stability and cushioning for a foot undergoing forces typically associated with snowboarding. 
     Also, outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  may be made from any suitable material. Examples of materials for outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  include, but are not limited to: nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber or synthetic rubber. In some cases, outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  may be made of any suitable knitted, woven or non-woven material. In an exemplary embodiment, outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  may be made of a combination of layers. For example, in some cases, outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  may be provided with an outer layer made of synthetic leather, which can enhance the durability of upper  112 . The outer layer can be reinforced on an interior side of upper  112  by an inner layer made of, for example, a synthetic fabric that provides padding and/or insulation. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, article  100  may include inner liner  130  that is configured to be inserted into entry hole  118  within the interior of outer shell  110  to fill the void defined by upper  112 . Inner liner  130  may be made from any suitable material. Examples of materials for inner liner  130  include, but are not limited to: nylon, cotton, polyester, natural and/or synthetic fibers or blends, as well as any of the materials used for upper  112 , including natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber, and/or synthetic rubber. In some cases, inner liner  130  may be made of any suitable knitted, woven or non-woven material. In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may be made of a combination of materials. In some cases, inner liner  130  may be made of a material that is configured to provide comfort to a foot of a wearer when disposed within article  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may be made of a combination of layers. For example, in some cases, inner liner  130  may be provided with an outer layer that is configured to be disposed along the inside of outer shell  110  and an inner layer that is configured to be disposed within the interior of inner liner  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of article  100 , including outer shell  110  and inner liner  130  is illustrated. In this embodiment, inner liner  130  may be seen removably disposed from within the interior of outer shell  110 . As discussed above, in some embodiments, inner liner  130  may be inserted and withdrawn from outer shell  110  through entry hole  118 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may have a corresponding shape as outer shell  110 . For example, in cases where outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  is configured to be a low top upper, inner liner  130  may have a similar shape. In this embodiment, where outer shell  110  and/or upper  112  is a boot, inner liner  130  may have a corresponding shape. In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may be provided with a lower liner portion  200  and an upper liner portion  202 . In some cases, lower liner portion  200  may be associated with, and configured to receive, the toes, arch and heel of a foot. Upper liner portion  202  may extend upwards from lower liner portion  200 . In some cases, upper liner portion  202  may be associated with an ankle of a foot. In an exemplary embodiment, upper liner portion  202  may be a cuff portion for inner liner  130 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may include a bottom  204  disposed on lower liner portion  200 . Bottom  204  of inner liner  130  may be configured to rest along the bottom interior of outer shell  110  inside of upper  112 . In some cases, bottom  204  may be made of a different material from the rest of inner liner  130  that is configured to provide traction or friction with the interior of outer shell  110 . In other cases, bottom  204  may be treated with an applied coating or material to increase the traction or friction with the interior of outer shell  110 . In one embodiment, bottom  204  may include a rubberized coating. 
     In some embodiments, inner liner  130  may include a tongue  203  that extends through upper liner portion  202  and into a portion of lower liner portion  200 . In an exemplary embodiment, tongue  203  may correspond approximately to lacing region  122  of upper  112 . In some cases, tongue  203  may be integrally formed with inner liner  130 . In other cases, however, tongue  203  may be a separate component from inner liner  130  and may be attached to inner liner  130  using conventional methods such as stitching or adhesives. In some cases, tongue  203  may include padding or other cushioning material to provide comfort to a foot of a wearer of article  100 . 
     In some embodiments, inner liner  130  may be provided with a fastening member  210 . Fastening member  210  may be a strap or other mechanism that is configured to tighten upper liner portion  202  of inner liner  130  on a foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, fastening member  210  may be secured to inner liner  130  on a first side and may be adjustably secured to an anchor  212  disposed on the exterior of inner liner  130  on a second side to allow fastening member  210  to be drawn tight. In one embodiment, fastening member  210  may include hook and loop fasteners to hold fastening member  210  in a closed position on inner liner  130 . In other embodiments, other tightening or fastening mechanisms may be used to tighten inner liner  130  around a foot of a wearer. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a lateral side view of inner liner  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may be configured for insertion in outer shell  110  to form a boot. In this embodiment, inner liner  130  includes a top edge  300  of upper liner portion  202 . Top edge  300  is disposed along the top of inner liner  130  and extends from lateral side  16  to medial side  18 . Upper liner portion  202  also includes a front edge  302 . Front edge  302  extends from top edge  300  of upper liner portion  202  downwards towards lower liner portion  200  along the front of inner liner  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, front edge  302  may include a first front edge disposed on lateral side  16  and a second front edge disposed on medial side  18 , disposed on either side of tongue  203 . In an exemplary embodiment, top edge  300  and front edge  302  together may be associated with a cuff portion of upper liner  202 . 
     In some embodiments, a rear portion  304  may be disposed along the back of inner liner  130  opposite front edge  302  extending through upper liner portion  202  and lower liner portion  200 . Rear portion  304  may be associated with a heel and achilles tendon of a foot of a wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, lower liner portion  200  may include a top forefoot portion  306  extending along a top of lower liner portion  200 . Top forefoot portion  306  may extend over the top or instep of a foot and extend towards the toe end of inner liner  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, the toe end of inner liner  130  may include a toe cap perimeter  308  that extends along the perimeter of the toe end of forefoot region  10  of lower liner portion  200 . Toe cap perimeter  308  may extend vertically between top forefoot portion  306  and bottom  204  of inner liner  130 . In some embodiments, toe cap perimeter  308  may extend approximately along an outer edge of forefoot region  10  continuously from lateral side  16  to medial side  18 . 
     In some embodiments, inner liner  130  may be configured with components to provide heating or warming to the interior of inner liner  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, inner liner  130  may include a heating system with one or more heating elements that are configured to warm the toes and foot of a wearer when disposed within inner liner  130 . With this arrangement, inner liner  130 , including one or more heating elements, may be disposed within outer shell  110  to provide a heated boot that may worn by a wearer in cold weather conditions while providing heat and/or warmth to the wearer&#39;s toes and feet. 
     In this embodiment, lateral side  16  of inner liner  130  includes a control mechanism  310  that may be associated with one or more components of a heating system. Control mechanism  310  may be associated with a power button, switch or other control device, including an electronic control unit (ECU) associated with a computer or CPU, disposed on an outer surface of upper liner portion  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, control mechanism  310  may be disposed adjacent to top edge  300  of the cuff of upper liner portion  202 . With this arrangement, control mechanism  310  may be easily depressed or accessed by a wearer of article  100 . 
     In some embodiments, inner liner  130  may further include an embossed battery area  312 . In an exemplary embodiment, embossed battery area  312  extends outward from the outer surface of upper liner portion  202  of inner liner  130  and is configured to correspond to the shape of a battery or other power source that may be disposed within a compartment between the layers of the cuff of upper liner portion  202 . In one embodiment, embossed battery area  312  may have an approximately rectangular shape corresponding to a rectangular battery or power source. In other embodiments, however, embossed battery area  312  may have a different shape corresponding to the shape of a power source or battery. 
     In this embodiment, embossed battery area  312  may be disposed on upper liner portion  202  of inner liner  130  beneath control mechanism  310 . In some embodiments, fastening member  210  may be disposed on upper liner portion  202  between control mechanism  310  and embossed battery area  312 . In other embodiments, the location of embossed battery area  312  on upper liner portion  202  may be varied. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a heating system  400  disposed within inner liner  130 . In some embodiments, heating system  400  may include one or more electronic components that are integrated within inner liner  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, heating system  400  may be completely disposed within inner liner  130  so that heating system  400  is removably associated with article  100  when inner liner  130  is removed from within the interior of outer shell  110 . With this arrangement, various electronic components of heating system  400  do not require an electrical connection between inner liner  130  and outer shell  110 . 
     In addition, by providing article  100  with heating system  400  disposed within inner liner  130  so that heating system  400  is not connected with outer shell  110 , inner liner  130  with heating system  400  may be completely removed from outer shell  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, heating system  400  may be operated while outside of outer shell  110 . With this arrangement, heating system  400  may be used for drying inner liner  130  while removed from outer shell  110 . In some embodiments, heating system  400  may be provided with a setting that corresponds to a drying function. 
     In some embodiments, heating system  400  may include control mechanism  310 , discussed above, for controlling various functions associated with heating system  400 . In an exemplary embodiment, control mechanism  310  may be configured to turn power on and off to heating system  400 . In some embodiments, control mechanism  310  may be configured to control other functions associated with heating system  400 , including changing between one or more power or heating settings. For example, control mechanism  310  may be configured to switch heating system  400  between an off state, a low power state, and a high power state. In other embodiments, additional levels of power or heating may be controlled using control mechanism  310 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, power for the components associated with heating system  400  may be provided by a power source  404 . In one embodiment, power source  404  may be a rechargeable battery that is configured to supply electrical power to the various components of heating system  400 . In other embodiments, power source  404  may be any other known kind of battery or other source of electrical power. In some embodiments, heating system  400  may further include components configured to transmit signals and/or power to the various components of heating system  400 . In an exemplary embodiment, heating system  400  may include wires  402  connecting control mechanism  310  and power source  404 . Similarly, wires  406  may connect power source  404  and/or control mechanism  310  with additional components of heating system  400 , including a heating element. 
     It should be understood that the exact location and electronic components illustrated in  FIG. 4  that are associated with heating system  400  are exemplary and in other embodiments, heating system  400  may have a different configuration, including additional or fewer components. In some embodiments, heating system  400  may include a thermistor or thermostat (not shown) for controlling and/or determining the temperature associated with heating system  400  or the interior of article  100 . Control mechanism  310  may be configured to use information from the thermistor or thermostat to control the operation of heating system  400 , including the determination of power or heating levels or settings. Heating system  400  may further include other known components that are associated with a heating system for an article of footwear, including various wires, connections, ports, circuitry, and controls that are known in the art. 
     In some embodiments, heating system  400  may include a toe cap heating element  408 . Toe cap heating element  408  may be connected to power source  404  and/or control mechanism  310  via wires  406 . In an exemplary embodiment, toe cap heating element  408  may be disposed along the toe cap perimeter  308  of inner liner  130 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , toe cap heating element  408  may be disposed along an interior of forefoot region  10  of inner liner  130  along the perimeter of the toe end of lower liner portion  200 . In an exemplary embodiment, toe cap heating element  408  may extend vertically between top forefoot portion  306  and bottom  204  of inner liner  130 . In one embodiment, toe cap heating element  408  extends only along toe cap perimeter  308  and does not extend over onto top forefoot portion  306  and/or under onto bottom  204 . In some embodiments, toe cap heating element  408  may extend approximately along an outer edge of forefoot region  10  continuously from lateral side  16  to medial side  18 . With this arrangement, toe cap heating element  408  may provide heat and/or warmth to the toes and foot of a wearer when disposed within inner liner  130 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an enlarged cross-section of the toe end of inner liner  130  to show the approximate placement of toe cap heating element  408  within inner liner  130 . As shown in this embodiment, toe cap heating element  408  may be arranged approximately vertically along toe cap perimeter  308  so that toe cap heating element  408  extends between top forefoot portion  306  and bottom  204 . With this arrangement, toe cap eating element  408  may not extend over the top of the foot or beneath the foot when disposed within the interior of inner liner  130 . In one aspect, the outermost front tip portion of the forefoot region is disposed adjacent the toe cap perimeter  308  and extends vertically between the bottom of the lower liner  204  and the top forefoot portion  306 , wherein the outermost front tip portion comprises a gap, the gap is positioned between the toe cap perimeter and an interior liner layer  500 ; wherein the heating element  408  is designed to be positioned within the gap; a reflective film  508  is disposed along the toe cap perimeter and is designed to be positioned within the gap. 
     In addition, in some embodiments, an interior liner layer  500  may be disposed within the interior of inner liner  130  at the toe end to provide a barrier of fabric or other material between toe cap heating element  408  and a toe of a wearer. With this arrangement, the toes of a foot of a wearer may not be in direct contact with toe cap heating element  408 . For example, a gap  502  may be provided between the toes of a wearer and interior liner layer  500  to allow heated air to circulate within the interior of inner liner  130 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, interior liner layer  500  may be a heat-permeable fabric or mesh that allows radiated heat from toe cap heating element  408  to pass through interior liner layer  500  to the interior of inner liner  130  and warm the toes and foot of a wearer. In addition, while in the embodiment of  FIG. 6  interior liner layer  500  is shown only disposed along toe cap perimeter  308 , in other embodiments, interior liner layer  500  may extend over substantially the entirety of the interior of inner liner  130  to provide a barrier layer for a foot of a wearer of article  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the toe end of inner liner  130  may be provided with a reflective film  508 . In an exemplary embodiment, reflective film  508  may be disposed between toe cap heating element  408  and toe cap perimeter  308 . Reflective film  508  may be made of a material that is configured to reflect heat provided from toe cap heating element  408  towards the interior of inner liner  130 . Suitable materials for reflective film  508  may include, but are not limited to: metallic or semi-metallic materials, metallic and metallized polymer films, and other suitable materials for reflecting heat. In an exemplary embodiment, reflective film  508  may be provided to prevent or reduce heat from toe cap heating element  408  from being radiated outside of the interior of inner liner  130 . With this arrangement, the toes of a wearer may be further warmed or heated by the reflected heat from reflective film  508 . In other embodiments, reflective film  508  may be disposed on other locations on inner liner  130 , including on an exterior portion of inner liner  130 , or on locations on outer shell  110 , including an interior of outer shell  110  corresponding to the toe end of inner liner  130 . In still other embodiments, reflective film  508  is optional and may be omitted. 
     In some embodiments, inner liner  130  may be configured to provide access to components of heating system  400 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an arrangement along a cuff of upper liner portion  202  of inner liner  130  that provides access to a battery compartment area between inner and outer layers of inner liner  130 . Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the cuff of upper liner portion  202  of inner liner  130  is illustrated. In this embodiment, a zipper  700  may be disposed on the cuff running from top edge  300  and extending downwards along front edge  302  on lateral side  16  of upper liner portion  202 . In an exemplary embodiment, zipper  700  may be moved between an opened position and a closed position to allow access to an interior of a battery compartment area that includes power source  404 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , power source  404  may fitted within embossed battery area  312  from the interior of a battery compartment area that is accessed with zipper  700 . In this embodiment, zipper  700  is shown in the closed position. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates zipper  700  in the opened position to allow access to the interior of battery compartment area  600 . In some embodiments, battery compartment area  600  may be disposed between an outer layer  602  and an inner layer  604  of the cuff of inner liner  130 . Together, outer layer  602  and inner layer  604  may form battery compartment area  600  as a pocket. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more components associated with heating system  400  may be accessed from within battery compartment area  600 . In one embodiment, power source  404  may be accessed from within the interior of battery compartment area  600 . In an exemplary embodiment, power source  404  may be disposed within a recess corresponding to embossed battery area  312  on the outer surface of outer layer  602 . In one embodiment, a securing member  606  may be provided to secure power source  404  within the recess and hold power source  404  in place within battery compartment area  600 . In an exemplary embodiment, securing member  606  may be provided with a hook and loop fastener to removably associate with a corresponding hook and loop fastener on power source  404 . In other embodiments, however, other removable securing mechanisms, including, but not limited to snaps, buttons, or other known devices, may be used to hold power source  404  in place. With this arrangement, power source  404  may be easily and readily accessed and removed from inner liner  130  for replacement and/or recharging by using zipper  700  to gain access to battery compartment area  600 . 
     In addition, in other embodiments, other mechanisms than zipper  700  may be used to join outer layer  602  and inner layer  604  so as to open and close battery compartment area  600 . For example, in some embodiments, hook and loop fasteners may be disposed along the edges of outer layer  602  and inner layer  604  to allow battery compartment area  600  to be opened and closed. Other known fastening mechanisms may be used to open and close battery compartment area  600 . In addition, while battery compartment area  600  has been described as allowing access to power source  404 , it should be understood that other components of heating system  400  may also be accessed from within the interior of battery compartment area  600 , including, but not limited to: control mechanism  310 , and any one or more of wires  402  and wires  406 , as well as other components. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.