Patent Publication Number: US-11019876-B2

Title: Ski boot dynamic support strap

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of, and hereby claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/688,490, entitled SKI BOOT DYNAMIC SUPPORT STRAP, filed Aug. 28, 2017. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their respective entireties by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sports equipment. More particularly, at least some embodiments of the invention relate to alpine or downhill ski boots and associated elements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern ski boots generally perform well, but there remain some unresolved problems in this field. Particular problems relate to the tongue of the boot liner. In general, typical ski boots include some type of relatively hard plastic shell within which is fitted a cushioned, insulated boot liner that includes a padded tongue. When the boot liner is positioned in the shell, the tongue has a high degree of mobility. The tongue is able to move laterally, that is, side to side. As well, the upper portion of the tongue is able to move forward, upon flexing, toward the toe of the shell and releases rearward toward the heel of the shell. Finally, the tongue is able to move vertically up and down. In general, the mobility of the tongue enables a user to more easily insert his foot into the boot, and to remove his foot from the boot. As originally intended, the mobility of the tongue enables a given boot liner to accommodate any of a variety of different foot shapes. 
     While the mobility of the tongue is beneficial in some respects, it is problematic in others. For example, during normal usage it is common for the boot liner tongue of a ski boot to be pulled forward and up by the flexing nature of the boot. This movement of the tongue can occur every time the boot is flexed and, as a result, one or more of the intended characteristics of the boot, such as boot fit and comfort, ski control, and leverage, may be compromised. 
     To illustrate with one particular example, if the tongue is not retained in the proper vertical position and lateral position relative to the shin and lower leg of the user, it can be difficult for the user to maintain the correct positioning and orientation of his foot in the boot, since part or all of the shin and/or lower leg may not be properly restrained by the improperly positioned tongue. Thus, an improperly positioned tongue may allow the lower leg and/or foot of the user to move excessively within the boot liner and/or shell, resulting in inefficient energy transfer to the ski, and reduced control of the ski. Excessive movement of the foot inside the boot can also cause blisters and other discomfort. 
     Another problem with an improperly positioned tongue, such as a tongue that has moved upward out of position, is that, during normal use of the ski boot, there may be only partial and/or intermittent contact between the shin of the user and the tongue. As a result, the user may experience what is sometimes referred to as shin bang, which occurs when part of the shin moves freely back and forth within the boot liner and/or shell. 
     One approach to improving maintenance of the tongue position would be to simply tighten one or more of the boot buckles, such as the buckle, or buckles, on the upper cuff portion of the shell. However, while this approach may provide some marginal benefit, overly tight buckles reduce blood circulation, resulting in cold, painful feet. 
     Simply tightening one or more buckles in an attempt to secure the position of the tongue is insufficient for other reasons as well. For example, tightening of the boot buckles may reduce the extent to which the ankle portion of the boot is able to articulate, thus impairing the mobility of the boot and thereby compromising the ability of the boot to respond to dynamic conditions as the user skis. 
     In view of problems such as those noted above, it would be useful to provide a ski boot and ski boot liner configured so that undesirable motion of the tongue of the boot liner can be reduced, or eliminated. It would also be useful to be able to constrain vertical and forward motion of the tongue to within acceptable ranges of movement when the ski boot and ski boot liner are used together during normal use conditions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended drawings contain figures of example embodiments to further illustrate and clarify various aspects of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only example embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Aspects of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a ski boot; 
         FIGS. 2 a -2 d    disclose aspects of various example embodiments of a ski boot booster strap; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a bottom perspective view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 b    is a rear perspective view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 c    is a front perspective view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 d    is a rear view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 e    is a section view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 f    is a front view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 g    is a section view of an example embodiment of a restraint element, showing an interface between a tongue of a boot liner and the restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 h    is a side view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 i    is a top view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 3 j    is a side view of an example embodiment of a restraint element; 
         FIG. 4 a    is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a restraint element for a ski boot liner; 
         FIG. 4 b    is a bottom perspective view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 c    is a front view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 d    is a back view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 e    is a left side view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 f    is a right side view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 g    is a top view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 h    is a bottom view of the restraint element for the ski boot liner of  FIG. 4 a   ; and 
         FIGS. 5 a , 5 b  and 5 c    are directed to another example embodiment of restraint element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sports equipment. More particularly, at least some embodiments of the invention relate to ski boots and associated elements. In one example embodiment, a ski boot is provided that includes a hard, articulable shell, and a boot liner that is removably fitted within the shell and includes a movable tongue. The shell may include one or more buckles, as well as a cinching strap, sometimes referred to in the industry as a power strap, that collectively enable the user to tighten the boot around his leg and foot. The dynamic support strap includes a restraint element connected to a band, and the band is connected to the shell of the ski boot. The dynamic support strap is configured so that, in use, the restraint element engages the tongue and cooperates with the band to exert, by pushing and/or pulling, a downward retention force on the tongue, so as to limit upward, and/or forward and lateral motion of the tongue to a desired range. 
     Advantageously, one or more embodiments of the invention can help to ensure that the heel of the user is properly positioned as low as possible within the boot liner and the boot, and also to help ensure that the heel of the user is retained in the rearward-most possible position within the boot liner and the boot. The positioning of the heel in this way may provide, among other things, better control of the ski boot and ski, improved leverage over the ski boot tongue for easier flex of the ski boot, a better heel lock, more toe room, and an overall better feeling of fit. 
     Further advantages that may be provided by one or more embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to, less need for over tightening upper cuff buckles, better blood flow from less tight buckles, a more easily articulable ankle from lessened tightness, an increase in calf room by providing a lower tongue position, and more extensive contact between the ski boot tongue and the shin of the user. As well, embodiments of the invention may provide an angularly oriented downward pressure to the top of the boot liner tongue, keeping the foot and heel of the user downward and rearward in the boot, and thereby assisting the skier to stay in an optimal stance. Moreover, the resilient nature of the restraint element and band, in cooperation with the tongue, can help to quickly return the foot and shin of the skier to the optimal stance after the foot and/or shin have temporarily moved out of position in response to movement of the skier over terrain. 
     A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments 
     While the discussion herein makes reference to ski boots, such as alpine ski boots or alpine touring (AT) ski boots for example, it should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to those types of ski boots, nor to ski boots. Rather, and more generally, the scope of the invention extends to any type of footwear where there is a need to maintain the tongue of the footwear in a desired position, or within a range of positions. For example, embodiments of the invention can also be employed with snowboard boots, snowboard bindings, snowshoes, and telemark boots. As used herein, an AT ski boot refers to a ski boot whose toe and heel can be locked into respective binding components, and which can be alternatively configured between a ‘walk’ mode and a ‘ski’ mode. In general, the ‘walk’ mode and the ‘ski’ mode are characterized by relatively different degrees of flex, where the AT boot is relatively easier to flex in the ‘walk’ mode than in the ‘ski’ mode. Embodiments of the invention may be especially useful when a skier is in the ‘walk’ mode with his AT boots and is skinning or otherwise moving uphill. 
     Any of a variety of different materials can be used in the construction of embodiments of the invention. The following discussion of materials is presented by way of example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. With reference first to the restraint element, flexible or rigid materials can be used in its construction. For example, some embodiments of the restraint element can be made of a flexible material such as rubber or flexible plastics. In some particular embodiments, the restraint element is made of silicon rubber. The silicon rubber restraint element can be made by a molding process, or other suitable process. In other embodiments, the restraint element can be machined from rubber sheet stock. 
     Other embodiments of the restraint element can be made of elastomers, such as thermosets or thermoplastics. In some particular embodiments, polymers, such as polyurethanes for example, can be used for the material of the restraint element. Such polymers include thermosetting polymers and thermoplastic polymers. Any of the flexible materials disclosed herein may be elastically deformable, so as to retain their shape after temporarily deforming to accommodate motion of the ski boot, ski boot liner, and/or the user. The responsiveness of embodiments of the invention can be further enhanced with the use of a band that includes an elastic portion, although that is not necessarily required. 
     In yet other embodiments, rigid materials can be used in the construction of the restraint element. Thus, some embodiments of the restraint element are made of rigid plastic formed by injection molding or any other suitable process. Other rigid materials such as metals, composites, carbon, or fiberglass, for example, could be used in the construction of the restraint element. As well, the restraint element can be made of a combination of multiple different rigid materials including the examples herein, a combination of multiple different flexible materials including the examples herein, or a combination of one or more rigid materials and one or more flexible materials. 
     As suggested above, various processes can be used to create embodiments of the restraint element. Such processes include, but are not limited to, vulcanizing, injection molding, other types of molding, thermoforming, machining, casting, pre-impregnated (pre-preg) processes involving the use of composite fibers and a thermoset polymer matrix material such as an epoxy. 
     In terms of its finish, one, some, or all, surfaces of the restraint element may be relatively smooth, or may be textured. As well, one, some or all, surfaces of the restraint element may include one or more protruding elements, for example, to enable the restraint element to better grip a portion of the tongue of a boot liner. 
     With reference now to the band portion of embodiments of the dynamic support strap, any of a variety of materials can be used. In general, the band can be elastic, or inelastic, or may include both elastic portions and inelastic portions. In some embodiments, the band is elastic along most, or all, of its length. As used herein, elastic refers to materials that temporarily deform under the influence of an applied force and, upon removal of the force, return to their initial configuration. The band can be made of nylon webbing and/or other materials and forms, and may include a closure, one example of which comprises respective portions of a hook-and-loop material, examples of which are sold under the VELCRO® trademark. In another example, the closure takes the form of a spring-loaded cleat. More generally, any other fastening mechanism or closure can be used with the band. Further details concerning example embodiments of a booster strap are set forth below. 
     B. Some Example Embodiments of a Dynamic Support Strap 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , details are provided concerning some example embodiments of a dynamic support strap and associated ski boot. In general, a ski boot  100  is indicated. The ski boot  100  can be an alpine ski boot, alpine touring (AT) ski boot, telemark ski boot, or any other type of ski boot. The ski boot  100  includes a hard shell  102  comprising a lower portion  104  to which is rotatably connected, by way of a hinge  106 , an upper portion  108 . The upper portion  108  includes a cuff  110 . Each of the lower portion  104  and the upper portion  108  may be configured with a pair of movable portions, such as example portions  104   a  and  104   b  in the case of the lower portion  104 , whose positions can be adjusted relative to each other to tighten and loosen the ski boot  100  on the foot of the user. In particular, one or more buckles  112  may be connected to the lower portion  104  and one or more buckles (not shown) may be connected to the upper portion  108 . These buckles, including buckles  112 , can be used to adjust the positions of the movable portions of  104  and  108  to tighten and loosen the ski boot  100  as needed by the user. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the ski boot  100  may include a cushioned boot liner  150  removably positioned within the hard shell  102 . In general, the boot liner  150  is made of a flexible material so as to generally conform to the size and shape of the foot of the user, and to accommodate some movement of the foot as the user skis. The boot liner  150  includes a movable tongue  152  having an extended portion  154  that extends a distance upward beyond the top edge of the cuff  110 . Among other things, the extended portion  154  of the tongue  152  provides support to the shin of the user, while also assisting with power transmission from the ski boot  100  to the ski (not shown) while the user is skiing. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 2 a -2 c   , the ski boot  100  further includes a dynamic support strap  200 . The booster strap  200  includes a restraint element  202  that is connected, either permanently or releasably, to a band  204 , and the band  204  is connected, either permanently or releasably, to the shell  102 . The band  204  can include an elastic portion that enables it to stretch, and may or may not have an adjustable length. 
     The connection of the restraint element  202  to the band  204 , and/or the connection of the band  204  to the shell  102  can be implemented temporarily or permanently in a variety of ways including permanently by way of fasteners  206  such as screws, bolts, rivets or pins, or temporarily by way of snaps that can be snapped and unsnapped, for example. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the restraint element  202  is rotatably connected to the band  204  and/or the band  204  is rotatably connected to the shell  102 . One or both of the aforementioned rotatable connections may enable the restraint element  202  and/or band  204  to respond to changes in the orientation of the boot liner  150  and/or shell  102  as the user is skiing, while maintaining the tongue  152  in a desired position and orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the dynamic support strap  200  can be used in place of the so-called ‘power strap’ that is included on some ski boots. Thus, the dynamic support strap  200  may take the form of an after-market modification to a ski boot. That is, the user can replace the original power strap on the ski boot with the dynamic support strap  200 . In this way, the user can obtain the functionality of the dynamic support strap  200  without having to purchase a new pair of ski boots. In still other embodiments, an existing power strap can be modified to include a restraint element  202 , such as by attaching the restraint element  202  to the existing power strap. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 d   , an alternative embodiment of a band  208  may be employed that connects to the restraint element  202  but includes two separate straps  210  and  212  that connect to the ski boot with fasteners  206 . One or both of the straps  210  and  212  can have an adjustable length, and the straps  210  and  212  can be rotatably attached to the ski boot. The use of two straps  210  and  212  may provide an additional measure of control over the movement and retention of the restraint element  202 . 
     In general, the restraint element  202  and band  204  are configured and arranged so that, in use, the restraint element  202  may be positioned above an upper edge of the front part of the cuff  110  to engage at least part of the upper edge of the extended portion  154  of the tongue  152 , as shown in  FIG. 2 c   . Alternatively, and as shown in  FIG. 2 b   , at least part of the restraint element  202  can be positioned immediately behind a front part of the cuff  110  and engages at least part of the upper edge of the extended portion  154  of the tongue  152 . 
     In either case, when the band  204  is tightened and/or otherwise manipulated by the user so as to transmit a force to the restraint element  202 , the restraint element  202  can, in response to such manipulation of the band  204 , exert a downward oriented force, that is, a force directed toward the sole of the ski boot  100 , and/or a rearward oriented force, that is, a force directed toward the back of the ski boot  100 , on the extended portion  154  of the tongue  152 . In this way, the dynamic support strap  200  is able to maintain the tongue  152  in a desired position and orientation, or within a desired range of positions and orientations, while the user is skiing. Thus, the restraint element  202 , either alone or in combination with the band  204 , comprises an example structural implementation of a means for exerting a retention force, which can have any combination of downward (Z-axis), lateral (Y-axis) and/or rearward (X-axis) force components, on the tongue  152 . Any other structure(s) of comparable functionality to the restraint element  202 , whether alone or in combination with the band  204 , could alternatively be used. 
     C. Example Embodiments of a Restraint Element 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 3 a -3 j   , details are provided concerning an example embodiment of a restraint element  300 . In general, the restraint element  300  can have a unified single piece construction made of a single piece of material. The restraint element  300  can have a generally curved body  302  that describes an arc when the restraint element  300  is viewed from the top or bottom. Such an arc may be about 90 degrees, but that is not required, and arcs of larger, or smaller, sizes could alternatively be used. In general, the curve, or other shape, of the body  302  may generally conform to the shape of a ski boot tongue and/or to the shape of the front of a ski boot cuff. The curved shape may be useful in helping to ensure substantial contact between the restraint element and the tongue of the boot liner. The curved shape also reduces the likelihood that the restraint element will get caught or hung up, such as on the clothing of the user. Finally, some embodiments of the example restraint element  300  can be substantially symmetric about an axis, such as the Z-axis as shown in Figure RR, although symmetry is not required. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 a -3 j   , the restraint element  300  can include a wall  304  which is oriented generally vertically in the Figures. The wall  304  has a front surface  304   a  which faces toward the front of the ski boot, and a rear surface  304   b  which is configured to engage a portion of the tongue of a boot liner, particularly, an outer surface of an upper portion of the tongue. The wall  304  may be relatively higher in its center, having a height H 1 , and relatively lower at its sides, having a height H 2  that is less than H 1 . As well, the side portions of the wall  304  may slope downward, as shown. In general, the wall  304  may have a height and arc length adequate to ensure substantial contact between the front surface  304   a  of the wall  304  and an outer surface of the upper portion of the tongue of a boot liner. 
     The wall  304  may terminate, at each end, in a connection point  306  that includes an inner surface  306   a  and outer surface  306   b . In general, the connection points  306  enable connection of the restraint element  300  to a band or other device. For example, where the connection points  306  define an opening  306   c , a fastener can be passed into the opening  306  so as to enable the restraint element  300  to be releasably, or permanently, connected to a band. The connection points  306  can be configured so that the inner surface  306   a  is depressed slightly below the inner surface  304   b  of the wall  304 , and the outer surface  306   b  of the connection points  306  may extend slightly beyond the outer surface  304   a  of the wall  304 , although neither the aforementioned configuration of the inner surface  306   a , nor the aforementioned configuration of the outer surface  306   b , is required. 
     With continued reference to the Figures, the restraint element  300  may further include a lip  308  that is connected to the upper edge of the wall  304  and extends inwardly, that is, in a direction toward where the tongue of the liner would be, from the wall  304 . The lip  308  may have a depth and arc length adequate to ensure substantial contact between an underside  308   a  of the lip  308  and an upper edge of the tongue of a boot liner. 
     In more detail, the lip  308  may generally have the same curved shape as the wall  304 , and the depth of the lip  308  may be approximately the same as the thickness of the tongue of a boot liner, although the depth of the lip  308  could be greater, or less, than the thickness of the tongue of the boot liner. Similarly, the arc length of the lip  308  may be approximately the same as the arc length of the upper edge of the tongue of the boot liner, although the arc length of the lip  308  could be greater, or less, than the arc length of the upper edge of the tongue of the boot liner. Finally, the depth of the lip  308  may vary at different locations. For example, as shown in the Figures, the lip  308  may be relatively deeper at its center than at its edges, which can each taper down to a respective connection point  306 . That is, the depth of the lip  308  can decrease over a portion of the lip  308 . 
     As explained then, the wall  304  and lip  308  cooperate such that the restraint element  300  is able to make substantial contact with the tongue of a boot liner in both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, and also in the Y-axis direction. That is, the wall  304  and lip  308  collectively define an undercut area  310  configured to releasably accommodate part of the tongue  311  of a boot liner, and more particularly, an upper portion of the tongue of a boot liner, as shown in the cross-section view of  FIG. 3 g   . The wall  304  and lip  308  thus collectively comprise what may be referred to herein as an engagement portion of the restraint element  300 . 
     With continued reference to the cross-section view of  FIG. 3 e   , the restraint element  300  can further include a retention element  314  located at an edge of the lip  308  and extending downward into the undercut area  310 . The retention element  314  can help to control movement of the boot tongue, such as by retaining the boot tongue in position relative to the restraint element  300 . Retention and control of the boot tongue can also be aided by constructing the restraint element with materials having a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as silicon rubber for example, as noted elsewhere herein. In the illustrated example, the retention element has a cross-section generally in the shape of a half circle, although other configurations could be used, and additional retention elements could be provided. 
     As further indicated in the Figures, particularly the side view of  FIG. 3 h   , at least some embodiments of the restraint element, such as restraint element  300 , include a downwardly extending wing portion  316  on either side. As shown, the wing portion  316  can include part of the lip  308  and wall  304 , as well as the connection point  306 . In some embodiments, the wing portion  316  can have an angle α in a range of about 25 degrees and about 35 degrees, although larger or smaller angles α could be used. Further, the wing portion  316  itself can be disposed at various angles β relative to horizontal. In some embodiments, the angle β can be in a range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees, although larger or smaller angles β could be used. 
     Among other things, the angled geometry (angle α) of the wing portion  316  and/or the orientation (angle β) of the wing portion  316 , can help to ensure that when a band, such as band  204  for example, is positioned around the ski boot and connected to the connection points  316 , the band can pull the restraint element  300  downward, as well as rearward, thus aiding in retention of the tongue of the boot liner. This functionality may be provided both when the band is oriented substantially horizontally, and when the band is disposed at the angle β. 
     The wing portions  316  can also be disposed at an angle δ relative to the X-axis in the X-Y plane, as shown in the bottom view disclosed in  FIG. 3 j   . In some embodiments, the angle δ can be in a range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees. In still other embodiments, the angle δ may be less than about 40 degrees, or greater than about 50 degrees. The scope of the invention is not limited to any particular configuration however. In general, the angle δ can be varied from one embodiment to another, such as to accommodate different boot and/or liner sizes and/or geometries. 
     With continued attention to the Figures, some example dimensions (in millimeters) of a cross-section of a portion of the restraint element  300  are shown in  FIG. 3 e   , however, the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular size of the restraint element  300  or any particular size of the constituent portions of the restraint element  300 . As such, the dimensions shown in the Figures are provided only by way of example. 
     Directing attention now to  FIGS. 4 a -4 h   , details are provided concerning one alternative embodiment of a retention element for a ski boot liner, where the retention element is denoted generally at  400 . The retention element  400  may be similar, or identical, to other embodiments disclosed herein, except as noted below. 
     In particular, the retention element  400  includes a pair of slots  402  configured to receive, for example, a band (not shown) that may be similar to band  204 . In at least some embodiments, each end of the band may pass through a respective slot  402  and double back and be attached to itself, such as by way of a snap or other attachment mechanism. The portion of the band between the two ends can be removably or permanently attached to a shell of a ski boot, or other footwear, using any of the example fasteners disclosed herein, or other fasteners. 
     In another embodiment, each end of the band may pass through a respective slot  402  and double back and be permanently attached to itself, such as by way of stitching and/or adhesive for example. A band used in connection with the slots  402  can also include both elastic and inelastic portions. The portion of the band between the two ends can be removably or permanently attached to a shell of a ski boot, or other footwear, using any of the example fasteners disclosed herein, or other fasteners. 
     With continued reference to the Figures, the dimensions of the slots  402 , including the height and width, can be selected as necessary, and the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular slot  402  geometry. Similarly, while the slots  402  shown in the Figures are in a generally vertical orientation, or tilted slightly toward the rear of the retention element  400 , the slots  402  can be oriented in any other direction, and the scope of the invention is not limited to what is shown in the Figures. 
     Finally, edges and corners of the slots  402  can be radiused or filleted, as applicable, to eliminate any edges that might otherwise be vulnerable to breakage or wearing. This approach can also be taken with regard to the openings  306   c  disclosed elsewhere herein. 
     With attention now to  FIGS. 5 a , 5 b  and 5 c   , details are provided concerning an alternative embodiment of a restraint element  500 . In terms of the material(s) with which it is made, and its functionality, the restraint element  500  can be similar, or identical, to any other embodiment of a restraint element disclosed herein. 
     Directing particular attention now to  FIG. 5 a   , the restraint element  500  can be similar or identical in its overall construction, such as its size and shape, to the restraint element  300  disclosed in  FIG. 3 a   , except that the openings  306   c  of the restraint element  300  are replaced with slots  502  in the restraint element  500 . In general, and as shown in  FIG. 5 a   , the slots  502  are sized and configured to enable a band  504  to pass through. In terms of its material and construction, the band  504  may be similar or identical to any other disclosed embodiment of a band, including the band  204  for example. 
     In at least some embodiments, the band  504  takes the form of so-called ‘power strap’  506  found on some types of ski boots. As such, the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    need not employ a separate band, but can be employed with an existing power strap  506  of a ski boot. As shown in  FIG. 5 a   , the power strap  506  may be attached to the shell  102 , particularly the upper portion of the rear cuff for example, with a rivet, pin or other fastener(s). Thus, a user can readily employ the restraint element  500  without any modifications to his ski boot or other footwear with which the restraint element  500  is to be employed. It should be noted here that the restraint element  400  of  FIGS. 4 a -4 h    may also be employed with an existing power strap of a ski boot by passing the power strap through the slots  402  and cinching the power strap using a mechanism such as is disclosed in  FIG. 5 b   , discussed below. 
     Although the restraint element  500  may be used with an existing power strap of a ski boot, or other footwear, the restraint element  500  is positioned in the same way, and performs the same functions, as the other restraint element embodiments disclosed herein. For example, and as is the case with such other embodiments, the restraint element  500  can engage with the ski boot tongue and/or ski boot shell. 
     With continued attention to  FIG. 5 a   , and directing attention now to  FIGS. 5 b  and 5 c    as well, further details are provided concerning the configuration and use of the restraint element  500 . It was noted earlier that the restraint element  500  includes two slots  502 , one at either side of the restraint element  500 . As further indicated in  FIG. 5 b   , the restraint element  500  defines an internal sleeve  508  that communicates with the slots  502  so as to enable the power strap  506  to pass through a first one of the slots  502  into one side of the body of the restraint element  500 , through the body of the restraint element  500 , and out the other side of the body of the restraint element  500  through a second one of the slots  502 , as shown. 
     This arrangement enables secure positioning of the restraint element  500 , and the silicone rubber body of the restraint element  500  helps to minimize slippage or other movement of the power strap  506  relative to the restraint element  500 . As a result, the restraint element  500  can be reliably secured in place, and its position maintained notwithstanding significant movements of the ski boot. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 c   , and with continued attention to  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , the power strap  506  may include a cinch portion  506   a  and an adjustment portion  506   b . The cinch portion  506   a  and adjustment portion  506   b  can be two parts of the same power strap, or can be separate elements that are each attached to the cuff  110  of the ski boot. The cinch portion  506   a  may terminate in a cinch mechanism  506   c , which can simply be an elongate metal loop as shown in  FIG. 5 b   . Alternatively, the cinch portion  506   a  may terminate in a cinch mechanism  506   d , which can a spring-loaded cleat. More generally, the cinch mechanism can be any mechanical device which enables a user to tighten the power strap  506 , and the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples of a cinch mechanism. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 c   , which shows a top view of a ski boot, it can be seen that the adjustment portion  506   b , which may be substantially longer than the cinch portion  506   a , can first be passed in a clockwise direction through the restraint element  500  by way of the internal sleeve  508 . The end of the adjustment portion  506   b , still extending in a clockwise direction, can then be passed through the cinch mechanism  506   c  and returned, now in a counterclockwise direction back through the restraint element  500  by way of the internal sleeve  508 . The free end of the adjustment portion  506   b  which may include a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro®, or any other releasable fastener, can then be pulled to the desired tightness and secured. As with other embodiments of a band disclosed herein, the power strap  506  can include an elastic portion, although that is not required. 
     As will be apparent from the discussion of  FIGS. 5 a -5 c   , some embodiments of the invention are well suited for use with an existing power strap of a ski boot, snowboard boot, telemark ski boot, or other footwear. Advantageously, this configuration can be employed without compromising the functionality of the restraint element. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.