Patent Abstract:
A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/659,991 filed Mar. 7, 2005, entitled SKI BOOT ATTACHMENTS. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to detachable soles for ankle and foot coverings, which afford easier walking for individuals wearing ankle and foot coverings, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to attachments that easily attach and detach to the bottoms of ski boots, and to the bottom of an orthopedic device affixed to an individual&#39;s ankle and foot. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Walking in orthopedic devices or ski boots is an awkward endeavor at best. Attachments that fit onto the bottom of ski boots and orthopedic devices have been proposed in the prior art. However, each proposed solution has drawbacks, which fail to provide: an overall solution to ease the process of walking in ski boots or orthopedic devices when encountering changes in the walking terrain; and a convenient, compact configuration for storing the attachment when not in use. 
     As such, challenges remain and a need persists for improvements in methods and apparatuses for use in enhancing the walking experience of individuals wearing ski boots or orthopedic devices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments, a combination including: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole configured for attachment to and detachment from the ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole storage rack configured for attachment to the ankle and foot covering and for receipt of the detachable sole, when the detachable sole is detached from the ankle and foot covering; and methods of making and using the combination are provided. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the detachable sole includes at least a chassis that provides a baffled support matrix interposed between top and bottom chassis portions, and more preferably the chassis includes a hinge interposed between a heel chassis portion and a toe chassis portion, in which said heel and toe chassis portions each comprise baffled support matrices interposed between top and bottom chassis portions to form the chassis. 
     Preferably, the toe chassis portion is overmolded with a toe tread portion to form a first sole portion, and the heel chassis portion is overmolded with a heel tread portion to form a second sole portion, and the hinge includes at least one hinge knuckle and a pair of hinge pins. Preferably, each hinge knuckle provides a pair of hinge pin apertures, and the hinge pins are configured for sliding engagement with the hinge pin apertures. 
     The detachable sole further preferably includes an attachment hoop that communicates with a heel chassis, and a latch attached to the attachment hoop, such that upon a positioning of the latch adjacent a latch region of the ankle and foot covering and latching the latch, the detachable sole is attached to the ankle and foot covering. Preferably, the attachment hoop is attached to the heel chassis portion by a latch pin. The heel chassis portion preferably provides a latch pin mounting aperture, which includes an inner diameter configured to provide an interference fit between the latch pin and the mounting aperture, when the latch pin engages the inner diameter of the latch pin mounting aperture. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the latch is preferably an over-center latch that includes at least a latch block with a latch body engagement feature and a latch door engagement feature, a latch body configured for engagement with the latch block, and a latch door configured for engagement with the latch body and latch block. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present intention further includes a plurality of side caps configured to prevent encroachment of debris from entering the baffled support matrices of the toe and heel chassis portions, and mounting studs provided by the detachable sole storage rack to confine the detachable sole in proper alignment with the detachable sole storage rack, wherein the detachable sole is detached from the ankle and foot covering. In addition to the mounting studs, the detachable sole storage rack further preferably provides a strap used to secure the detachable sole to the detachable sole rack when storing the detachable sole. 
     These and various other features and advantages that characterize the claimed invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon review of the associated drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive detachable sole. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the inventive detachable sole. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of tread portions of the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive detachable sole secure to an ankle and foot covering. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side elevational view of the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2  secure to an alternate ankle and foot covering. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2  shown in a collapsed configuration ready for storage. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevational view of the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2  shown in a collapsed configuration ready for storage. 
         FIG. 10  is a first side elevational view of an inventive detachable sole storage rack configured for interaction with the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is a second side elevational view of the inventive detachable sole storage rack of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a partial cutaway rear elevational view of the inventive detachable sole storage rack of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the inventive detachable sole storage rack of  FIG. 10  attached to the alternate ankle and foot covering of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of the inventive combination of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram of the method of making the inventive detachable sole of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 16  is flow diagram of a method of using the inventive combination of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to one or more examples of the invention depicted in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a different embodiment. Other modifications and variations to the described embodiments are also contemplated within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an inventive detachable sole  100  that includes a tread portion  102 , which includes a toe confinement portion  104 , attached to a chassis  106 . In a preferred embodiment, the tread portion  102  is attached to the chassis  106  through the use of an overmold process. However, alternate techniques may be used for the attachment of the tread portion  102  to the chassis  106 , such as through the employment of adhesive material, or by sonically welding the components together. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the chassis  106  is formed from glass filled polypropylene compound, in which the compound contains between 10-30% glass by volume, and preferably 20% glass by volume, and the tread portion  102  preferably formed from a quasi pliable polymer such as the thermoplastic elastimer resin (TPE), or a polyurethane. 
       FIG. 1  further shows the inventive detachable sole  100  further includes an attachment hoop  108 , which is preferably formed from nickel plated steel, but may be formed from alternate materials such as a carbon filed compound, or stainless steel. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment hoop  108  supports a latch  110 , that is preferably an over-center latch. The latch  110  accommodates attachment of the detachable sole  100  to a plurality of ankle and foot coverings. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , shown therein is an alternate preferred embodiment of the inventive detachable sole  120 . In contrast to the detachable sole  100  (of  FIG. 1 ), the detachable sole  120  includes a first sole portion  122  and a second sole portion  124  secured together by a hinge portion  126 . Additionally, the attachment hoop  108  (of  FIG. 1 ) of the detachable sole  100  differs from an attachment hoop  128  of the inventive detachable sole  120 . The attachment hoop  128  provides two portions, a latch attachment portion  130  and a heel chassis attachment portion  132  hinged to the latch attachment portion  130 . It is noted however that the inventive detachable sole  120  and the inventive detachable sole  100  share the latch  110  in common. 
       FIG. 3  shows the first sole portion  122  includes a toe tread portion  133 , and the second sole portion  124  includes a heel tread portion  134 . As with the tread portion  102  (of  FIG. 1 ), the toe and heel tread portions  133 , 134  are preferably attached through the use of an overmold process.  FIG. 3  further shows that the first sole portion  122  includes a side cap  136 , and the second sole portion  124  includes a side cap  138 . It will be understood that a tread pattern  140  of the toe tread portion  133 , and a tread pattern  142  of the heel tread portion  134  represent preferred tread patterns, and do not impose limitations on the present invention. Those skilled in the art understand that alternate tread patterns may be utilized, and slip resistance mechanisms such as studs (similar to studs used on studded snow tires) may be incorporated within tread patterns  140  and  142 , which fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     The exploded perspective views of the inventive detachable soles  100  and  120  of  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  respectively may be best viewed in concert to provide an enhanced understanding of the commonalities and differences between the inventive detachable soles  100  and  120 . 
       FIG. 4  shows chassis  106  includes a baffled support matrix  144  interposed between a top chassis portion  146  and a bottom chassis portion  148 .  FIG. 5  shows that the first sole portion  122  includes a toe chassis portion  150  constructed with a baffled support matrix  152  interposed between a top chassis portion  154  and a bottom chassis portion  156 . The second sole portion  124  includes a heel chassis portion  158  constructed with a baffled support matrix  160  interposed between a top chassis portion  162  and a bottom chassis portion  164 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the inventive detachable sole  100  includes a right side cap  166  and a left side cap  168 . When the side caps  166  and  168  are attached to the baffled support matrix  144 , debris is prevented from entering a plurality of cavities  170 . It is noted that the plurality of cavities  170  collectively form the baffling members of the baffled support matrix  144 . In addition to the side caps  136  and  138  (of  FIG. 3 ),  FIG. 5  further shows the inventive detachable sole  120  includes a pair of the left side caps  172  and  174 , which are provided to preclude entry of debris into the baffled support matrix  152 . 
     The hinge portion  126 , as shown by  FIG. 5 , includes a plurality of hinge knuckles  176 , and a pair of hinge pins  178 . Each hinge knuckle  176  provides a pair of hinge pin apertures  180 , and each hinge pin  178  is configured for sliding engagement within the hinge pin apertures  180 . To accommodate each hinge knuckle  176 , the toe chassis portion  150 , and the heel chassis portion  158  each provide a plurality of hinge pin confinement portions  182 , wherein each hinge pin confinement portions provides a passageway  184  sized to snugly accommodate each hinge pin  178  in mating contact. Interposed between each hinge pin confinement portions  182  are hinge knuckle reception cavities  186 . Each hinge knuckle reception cavities  186  of the toe chassis portion  150  is positioned to align directly across from a corresponding hinge knuckle reception cavity  186  of the heel chassis portion  158 . 
     When each the toe and heel chassis portions,  150 , 158  are outlined for mating with the hinge portion  126 , each of the plurality of hinge knuckles are deposited within the hinge knuckle reception cavities  186 , and each hinge pin is encouraged through the respective passageways  184  of the toe and heel chassis portions  150 ,  158  to combine the first sole portion  122  with the second sole portion  124  to form the inventive detachable sole  120 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the chassis  106  includes a plurality of overmold interface cavities  188 , which have been found useful in enhancing an ability of the tread portion  102  to adhere to the chassis  106 . Preferably, during an overmold process, a selected polymer used in forming the tread portion  102  is forced through each of the overmold interface cavities  188 , and reflowed together to form a continuous surface  190  adjacent to top chassis portion  146 . The continuous surface  190  provides a bridge-way between the chassis  106  and the toe confinement portion  104 . A quasi pliable polymer such as the thermoplastic elastimer resin (TPE), or a polyurethane is preferable for use in forming the tread portion  102 , the continuous surface  190 , and the toe confinement portion  104  because the selection of a quasi pliable polymer accommodates various toe configurations of a mating ankle and foot covering, such as a ski boot  220  (of  FIG. 7 ). In a preferred embodiment, the quasi pliable polymer continuous surface  190 , and the toe confinement portion  104  have been found useful in holding the inventive detachable sole  120  under tension when attached to the ski boot  220 . However, as those skilled in the art will recognize, alternate methods of providing a tensile load to the detachable sole  120  to aid in maintaining a snug fit between the ski boot  220  and the inventive detachable sole  120  may be provided, without deviation from the scope and spirit of the present invention, for example, through use of a spring configuration. 
     The latch  110  of  FIG. 4 , which in a preferred embodiment is an over-center latch  110  that includes three primary components: a latch block  192 , a latch body  194 , and a latch door  196 . The latch block  192  provides a latch body engagement feature  198 , a latch door engagement feature  200 , and an attachment hoop attachment feature  202 . The latch body  194  provides a plurality of tension adjustment members  204  (one shown in cutaway view), an over-center pivot feature  206 , and a catch receptacle  208 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the latch body engagement feature  198  of the latch block  192  is slid into engagement with a selected one of the plurality of tension adjustment members  204 . Because the plurality of tension adjustment members  204  extend along a length  210  of the latch body  194 , the selection of a specific tension adjustment member  204  determines a holding force imparted by the attachment hoop  108  on the chassis  106 , which determines how tightly the inventive detachable sole  100  is secured adjacent a mating ankle and foot covering, such as orthopedic device  218  (of  FIG. 6 ). 
     The latch door  196  is configured for engagement with the latch block  192  and the latch body  194 . The latch body provides a plurality of latch block support channels  212 , a latch door catch  214 , and a pivot detent  216 . Once the selection has been made for the particular tension adjustment member  204 , and the latch body engagement feature  198  has been slid onto the selected tension adjustment member  204 , a position of the latch block  192  relative to the catch receptacle  208  can be determined. When the relative position of the latch block  192  to the catch receptacle  208  has been determined, a specific latch block support channel  212  is selected by rotating the latch door catch  214  about the pivot detent  216  to engage the latch door engagement feature  200  with the catch receptacle  208 . Once positioned, the latch door  196  mitigates a buildup of ice and snow around the interface of the latch body engagement feature  198  and the selected tension adjustment member  204 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  each show an example of a use for the inventive detachable sole  120 . The applied use of the inventive detachable sole  120  depicted by  FIG. 6  resides within the medical arts. The inventive detachable sole  120 , provides an enhanced walking ability for an individual wearing an orthopedic device such as a cast  218 . The enhanced walking ability provided for an individual wearing the cast  218  results from the concave shape  222  of the inventive detachable sole  120 , and the preferred tread patterns  140  and  142 , respectively of the first sole portion  122  and the second sole portion  124 . 
     The applied use of the inventive detachable sole  120  depicted by  FIG. 7  resides within the sports equipment arts. The inventive detachable sole  120 , provides an enhanced walking ability for an individual wearing, for example an Alpine type ski boot, such as  220 . The enhanced walking ability provided for an individual wearing the ski boot  220  results from the concave shape  222  of the inventive detachable sole  120 , the preferred tread patterns  140  and  142 , respectively of the first sole portion  122  and the second sole portion  124 , the toe confinement portion  104 , and the adjustability features of the over-center latch  110 . 
       FIG. 8  provides a best view of a chassis stabilization member  224 , which extends from the proximal end  226  of the heel chassis portion  158 , while  FIG. 9  provides a best view of a chassis stabilization aperture  228 . The chassis stabilization aperture  228  is configured to accommodate penetration of the chassis stabilization member  224  when the heel chassis portion  158  is folded into alignment with the toe chassis portion  150 .  FIG. 9  further shows the inclusion of a pair of retention stud apertures  230 . The retention stud apertures  230  accommodate penetration of a pair of respective chassis retention studs  232  of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     It will be noted that  FIG. 8  shows the inventive detachable sole  120  to be in a partially folded position. It will be understood that the depiction of the inventive detachable sole  120  in a partially folded position was provided to enhance an understanding of the present invention and does not impose any limitations on the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, in a fully folded position, the first sole portion  122  aligns with the second sole portion  124  in a substantially flat continuous manner. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a left side elevational view of a storage rack  234  is provided by  FIG. 10 , and a right side elevational view of the storage rack  234  is provided by  FIG. 11 . The storage rack  234  includes a main body portion  236  with a concave surface  238 , configured for mating conformance with the toe tread portion  133  (of  FIG. 8 ). A hook adjustment portion  240  projects from a proximal end  242  of the main body portion  236 . The hook adjustment portion  240  supports and accommodates a hook attachment member  244 . The hook attachment member  244  is useful for attachment of the inventive detachable sole  120  to an ankle and foot covering such as the ski boot  220  of  FIG. 7 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the hook adjustment portion  240  provides for an adjustment, in a vertical direction (as shown by  FIG. 11 ), of the hook attachment member  244  to accommodate varying sizes of ski boots, or orthopedic devices. The storage rack  234  further includes a chassis support shelf  246  extending from a proximal end  247  of the main body portion  236 . The chassis support shelf  246  provides a support member for the chassis retention studs  232 . The chassis retention studs  232  interact with the retention stud apertures  230  (of  FIG. 9 ) to position the toe tread portion  133  adjacent the main body portion  236 .  FIG. 11  further shows a main body support  248  extending from a mid-portion  250  of the main body portion  236 . 
       FIG. 11  further shows a strap support member  252  projecting from the proximal end  242  of the main body portion  236 . A garment confinement slot  254  is formed between the hook adjustment portion  240  and said strap support member  252 . With the inventive detachable sole  120  attached to a ski boot, such as ski boot  220  (of  FIG. 7 ), the garment confinement slot  254  accommodates placement of a garment portion, such as a pant leg of the pair of ski pants (not shown). To secure the inventive detachable sole  120  to the ski boot  220  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), a strap pin  256  is attached to a distal end  258  of the strap support member  252 , and a strap  260  attached to the strap pin  256 . The strap  260  interacts with the over-center latch  110  to confine the toe tread portion  133  adjacent the main body portion  236 . 
       FIG. 12  is provided to enhance an understanding of a preferred configuration of the hook attachment member  244  relative to the hook adjustment portion  240 . In a preferred embodiment the hook attachment member  244  is formed from stainless spring steel, however those skilled in the art will understand that alternate materials and configurations may provide substitute design choices for the hook attachment member  244 , and still remain within the scope and spirit of the present intention. 
       FIG. 13  provides an elevational view of a preferred embodiment configuration of the storage rack  234  attached to ski boot  220 , while  FIG. 14  serves to shows the configuration of  FIG. 13  with the addition of the inventive detachable sole  120  of the present invention. By viewing  FIG. 14  it will be noted that the storage rack  234 , when attached to the ski boot  220 , provides for convenient storage of the inventive detachable sole  120 , when the inventive detachable sole  120  is detached from the ski boot  220 , for example during periods of time in which an individual is engaged in skiing down a slope. 
     Flowchart  300  of  FIG. 15  shows method steps of a process of making an inventive detachable sole (such as  120 ). The process commences at start step  302  and continues at process step  304 . At process step  304 , a toe chassis portion (such as  150 ) is formed, and at process step  306  a toe tread portion (such as  133 ) is overmolded onto the toe chassis. At process step  308 , a heel chassis (such as  158 ) is formed and at process step  310  a heel tread portion (such as  134 ) is overmolded onto the heel chassis. 
     At process step  312 , a first sole portion (such as  122 ) is aligned to a second sole portion (such as  124 ). With the first and second sole portions aligned, at process step  314 , a process of installing a hinge portion (such as  126 ) is commenced by disposing each of a plurality of hinge knuckles (such as  176 ) within corresponding knuckle reception cavities (such as  186 ). At process step  316 , a first of a pair of hinge pins (such as  178 ) is slid into its final position to secure the hinge knuckle to the first sole portion, and at process step  318  the second of the pair of hinge pins is slid into position to secure the hinge knuckle to the second sole portion. 
     At process step  320 , side caps (such as  136 ,  138 ,  172 , and  174 ) are attached to each of the first and second sole portions. The attachment of the side caps mitigates encroachment of debris from migrating into each of the plurality of cavities (such as  170 ), which collectively form baffling members of a baffled support matrix (such as  144 ). At process step  322 , an attachment hoop (such as  128 ) is attached to the second sole portion, and at process step  324  a latch block (such as  192 ) is snapped onto the attachment hoop. 
     At process step  326 , a latch body engagement feature (such as  198 ), is slid onto a pre-selected tension adjustment member (such as  204 ), provided by a latch body (such as  194 ). At process step  328 , a pre-selected latch body support channel (such as  212 ) of a latch door (such as  196 ) engages a latch door engagement feature (such as  200 ) of the latch block. At process step  330 , a latch door catch (such as  214 ) is snapped into an interference fit with a catch receptacle (such as  208 ) of the latch body, and the process concludes at end process step  332 . 
     Flowchart  400  of  FIG. 16  shows method steps of a process of using an inventive detachable sole (such as  120 ). The process commences at start step  402  and continues at process step  404 . At process step  404 , a detachable sole storage rack (such as  234 ), is attached to a ski boot (such as  220 ). At process step  406 , a toe of a ski boot is placed into a toe confinement portion (such as  104 ) of a first sole portion (such as  122 ). At process  408 , a heel of the ski boot is placed in mating contact with a second sole portion (such as  124 ). At process step  410 , an attachment hoop (such as  128 ) is pulled into a confinement position adjacent the ski boot, and at process step  412  an over-center latch (such as  110 ) is engaged to secure the detachable sole to the ski boot. 
     At process step  414 , the over-center latch is released to detach the detachable sole from the ski boot. At process step  416 , a top chassis portion (such as  162 ) of the second sole portion is folded into mating contact with a top chassis portion (such as  154 ) of the first sole portion. At process step  418 , the attachment hoop is folded to position the over-center latch into mating contact with a heel tread portion (such as  134 ) of the second sole portion. At process step  420 , a pair of retention stud apertures (such as  230 ), are slid into confining engagement with a pair of chassis retention studs (such as  232 ). At process step  422 , a toe tread portion (such as  133 ) of the first sole portion is aligned adjacent a main body portion (such as  236 ) of the detachable sole storage rack. 
     A latch body (such as  194 ) of the over-center latch is lashed with a strap (such as  260 ) to the detachable storage rack at process step  424 . At process step  426 , the strap is tightened to confine the toe tread portion of the first sole portion adjacent the main body portion of the detachable storage rack and the process concludes at end process step  428 . 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0