Article of footwear for on-ice skating

Abstract

An article of footwear for use in skating includes a boot shell structured to receive a foot of a wearer and having a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial waist / midfoot portion, a lateral waist / midfoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion, the boot shell further includes a cuff / achilles tendon guard attached to the boot shell or a flexible track portion attached to the heel portion of the boot shell. An article of footwear for use in skating includes a removable liner disposed in a boot shell and a plate reinforcement portion attached to the removable liner to provide lateral stiffness. An article of footwear for use in skating includes at least one compressible structure disposed in a boot shell.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 516731, filed July 31, 2023, entitled “ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR FORSKATING ON ICE”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear articles for use in sports activities, and more specifically, to embodiments of footwear articles for ice skating. Background Technology

[0003] Over the past 20 years, ice hockey has undergone tremendous development, becoming much faster and more sophisticated. More specifically, quick movement and agility have become key skating skills for modern ice hockey players. At the same time, the weight of equipment (such as skates) has been significantly reduced, allowing athletes to skate faster and with less effort.

[0004] Early ice hockey skates (typically made of leather and / or nylon fabric and similar to traditional work boots) were heavy, soft, and wore out quickly. The problem was that the skates did not provide sufficient support for the skater's feet and ankles or adequate protection for those and other areas of the foot against increasingly powerful impacts.

[0005] This situation changed in the late 1990s with the introduction of skates made from fiber-reinforced composites, such as polypropylene fibers with a polypropylene matrix. These stiffer boots offered more support and better protection. The downside was that the stiffness of the boots came at the cost of flexibility and associated range of motion. Furthermore, manufacturers routinely used orthotropic materials, which provided equal stiffness in every direction. The advantage of orthotropic materials is that they can be die-cut from a single piece of material into various shapes without any restrictions on mold orientation. Therefore, nesting is more efficient during the manufacturing process, and cutting losses are reduced. However, one drawback of these materials is that the lateral stiffness is directly coupled to the stiffness along the longitudinal axis. Therefore, increasing lateral stiffness (e.g., to provide ankle support) tends to increase longitudinal stiffness and associated drag on forward deflection. In short, stiffer composite boots restrict the skater's leg movement, requiring more effort and hindering efficient strides.

[0006] Due to the limitations imposed on ankle range of motion by rigid, orthotropic materials, skaters have adapted various self-help techniques to facilitate the flexion required for comfortable skating tasks. Since the skate laces and tongue provide most of the support during dorsiflexion, they are also the primary areas where skaters adjust their individual forward lean support and mobility. For example, a common strategy may involve omitting the laces in one or two pairs of eyelets at the top of the skate. This strategy allows more room for the skate tongue to move forward (i.e., in the skating direction) when the skater moves through dorsiflexion and lowers the fulcrum between the skater's lower tibia and the uppermost tensioned laces. The problem is that omitting one or two of the upper laces results in a loss of lateral support for the skater's ankle, where the boot's stiffness depends on the lace tension.

[0007] Another trend for recreational athletes is the use of lower-end skates, made from orthotropic materials with lower stiffness than upper-end models. Essentially, due to the orthotropic nature of the materials used, these skates also have lower lateral stiffness and support. Furthermore, while such skates offer skaters the desired range of motion, this comes at the cost of increased weight and often a loss of product characteristics.

[0008] Therefore, conventional ice skate boots, the adaptations skaters make for better performance, and related injury patterns indicate a significant incongruity between the standard human foot and current hockey skate products. Two main mechanisms are the relative movement between the foot and the skate and the resulting friction, as well as the exaggerated pressure points between them. In effect, friction indicates a loss of energy, and more specifically, the leverage effect of the foot within the skate indicates that the force applied to the ice decreases at a point where the energy consumed begins to resist the boot and allows the foot to move independently of the boot. This is not to mention the trade-offs inherent in the force applied by changes in the foot's position relative to the skate, and the loss of contact area due to heel lift.

[0009] The ideal ice skate is one that efficiently transfers the energy expended by the user (e.g., the wearer) to the ice to produce the desired skating motion. Modern skating mechanics requires that the skater's weight be concentrated on the blades and that changes in pressure be easily transmitted. However, this requires that the skater's foot and lower leg be easily positioned at a 45-degree angle from one to the other. Therefore, a more flexible upper section is needed to allow the athlete to more easily flex forward. Consequently, more force can be applied and controlled during the stride (pushing off).

[0010] Hockey skates typically consist of a boot to house the user's foot, a skate blade that contacts the ice and supports the user, and a blade retainer that securely and rigidly holds the blade and attaches it to the boot. Conventional methods for manufacturing boots for a pair of hockey skates include last design and monocoque design. The former follows traditional manufacturing techniques for footwear, where, for the boot portion, various flat materials are wrapped around a foot-shaped form to create a shoe-like structure to which the outsole can be attached. The outsole is then securely and rigidly attached to the retainer and blade.

[0011] The latter manufacturing technique involves forming a shell to accommodate the user's foot and attaching (e.g., bolting or riveting) the skate blade retainer and blade to the boot. For example, see reference... Figure 1A and Figure 1B A typical single-piece hockey skate 10 includes a boot or shell portion (“boot shell”) 11, a skate blade retainer 12, and a blade 13.

[0012] like Figures 1A-1D As shown, the boot or shell portion 11 may include a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial quarter / midfoot portion, a lateral quarter / midfoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion. The medial forefoot portion and the lateral forefoot portion may be located near the medial and lateral forefoot regions of the user's foot, respectively, where the forefoot region includes the metatarsals and phalanges. The medial and lateral quarter / midfoot portions may be located near the medial and lateral midfoot regions of the user's foot, respectively, where the midfoot region includes the cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones. The sole portion may be located near the sole of the user's foot. The medial and lateral ankle portions may be located near the medial and lateral ankle regions of the user's foot, respectively. The heel portion may include a lower heel portion, an upper heel portion, and an Achilles heel portion. In some variations, the Achilles heel portion may include a posterior ankle portion. The heel portion can be located close to the user's heel, which includes the calcaneus (heel bone).

[0013] In some embodiments, the skate blade retainer 12 (e.g., nylon, injection-molded) may be structured and arranged to include a quick-release mechanism comprising a triggering mechanism for releasably attaching the blade 13 (e.g., stainless steel) to the skate blade retainer 12. Typically, the skate blade retainer 12 may be riveted (e.g., using metal rivets) to a boot or shell portion 11, near the toe and heel portions of the boot or shell portion 11. Additional features of the hockey skate 10 may include a (e.g., injection-molded, nylon) toe cap 14, a (e.g., felt or polyurethane) tongue portion 15, an (e.g., injection-molded, nylon) Achilles tendon protector 16, and two (e.g., polyurethane) reinforcing portions 17 adapted to cover the periphery (e.g., edge) of the boot or shell portion 11. Multiple (e.g., metallic) eyelets 18 for receiving the laces 19 may be provided in each reinforcing portion 17 along the periphery of the boot or shell portion 11, wherein the eyelets 18 on opposite reinforcing portions 17 are formed in pairs. As an example, the eyelets 18 may be provided along the (e.g., opposite) edges of the inner and outer forefoot, midfoot, and / or ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 11. Each reinforcing portion 17 may include eyelets between five and thirteen eyelets 18. As an example, the boot or shell portion 11 may include nine eyelets 18.

[0014] Figure 1C and Figure 1D Two views of a one-piece boot or shell portion 11 (e.g., a rigid thermoplastic composite material) are shown. Typically, the one-piece boot or shell portion 11 (e.g., a rigid thermoplastic composite material) is structured and arranged to include a midfoot / toe section 11a and a heel section 11b. The midfoot / toe section 11a may be made of a substantially rigid composite material that is thermoformable at 180 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), while the heel section 11b may be made of a rigid composite material that is not thermoformable at 180°F. A thermoformable foam / fabric lining may be glued to the inner surface of the shell portion 11.

[0015] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B as well as Figure 1C and Figure 1D The desired thermoformability and flexibility / stiffness characteristics for conventional ice skate designs are shown separately. Preferably, as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, region 21 corresponds to the portion of the boot or shell portion 11 where a high degree of thermoformability is desired; region 22 corresponds to the portion of the boot or shell portion 11 where a medium degree of thermoformability is desired; and region 23 corresponds to the portion of the boot or shell portion 11 where a low or zero degree of thermoformability is desired. Furthermore, as... Figure 1C and Figure 1DAs shown, the smaller stiffness 24 built into the boot or shell portion 11 preferably extends in a substantially longitudinal direction along the length of the foot in the midfoot and instep regions of the boot or shell portion 11, while the larger stiffness 25 built into the boot or shell portion 11 preferably extends in a substantially horizontal direction in the heel region of the boot or shell portion 11 and in a substantially vertical direction in the toe and midfoot regions of the boot or shell portion 11.

[0016] Each of these manufacturing techniques employs a compression molding process that uses composite materials, such as (e.g., rigid) thermosets, thermoplastics, etc. A disadvantage is that these materials are typically very rigid at room temperature; therefore, the composite material is typically heated during the layup process, requiring expensive equipment for heating and laying the material. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a footwear item for ice skating that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. Although embodiments of the invention have been described herein with reference to the specific application of ice hockey, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of the technology described herein to other applications associated with ice skating.

[0018] In one aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to footwear articles for use in ice skating. In some embodiments, the footwear article includes a boot shell and a cuff / Achilles tendon protector, the boot shell being structured and arranged to accommodate a wearer's foot and having a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial midfoot / toefoot portion, a lateral midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion, the cuff / Achilles tendon protector including a cuff mounting portion attached to a flexible track portion. Advantageously, the boot shell further includes at least one flexible track portion integrated into the heel portion of the boot shell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flexible track portion includes a flange cantilevered from the heel portion of the boot shell, such that the flexible track portion extends to at least one of the following: to the height of the lateral and medial ankle portions of the boot shell, below that height, or above that height. In some applications, the flexible track portion is separated from the lateral and medial ankle portions of the boot shell by paired (e.g., symmetrical or asymmetrical) gaps. In some variations, each gap has a width selected from the range of about 5 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the flexible track portion is structured and arranged to be elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis of the footwear article. In some embodiments, the flexible track portion is structured and arranged to (i) provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot to a dorsiflexed position, and (ii) provide energy return based on energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexed position to a neutral position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flexible track portion may be integrated into the heel portion of the boot shell; may have at least one of a uniform thickness or a variable thickness; may have at least one of a uniform width or a variable width; and / or may have a width selected from the range of about 5 mm to 70 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sleeve / Achilles tendon protector may be a thermoplastic composite material; may be at least one of being fixedly attached to a flexible track portion or removably attached to a flexible track portion; may include a sleeve portion configured to receive the flexible track portion; may be rearwardly biased in a neutral state; may be configured to follow the contour of the boot shell; and / or may be at least one of being removable or interchangeable to provide a desired level of stiffness.

[0022] Advantageously, the boot shell may include a non-orthogonal anisotropic fiber layer, and more particularly, the non-orthogonal anisotropic layer may be asymmetrical and / or unbalanced. In some variations, the footwear article may also include a tongue member attached to the boot shell. Optionally, the tongue member may be removable and / or interchangeable.

[0023] In another aspect, footwear articles may include: a boot shell that is structured and arranged to accommodate the wearer's foot and has a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial midfoot / toefoot portion, a lateral midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion; and (e.g., fixedly) a collar / Achilles tendon protector attached to the boot shell.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heel portion of the boot shell may include a lower heel portion. Advantageously, the boot shell may define an open rear portion disposed above the lower heel portion of the boot shell. In some variations, a collar / Achilles tendon protector may be attached to one or more points around the periphery of the open rear portion of the boot shell and / or may be attached to the lower heel portion of the boot shell.

[0025] In some variations, footwear articles may include a blade retainer attached to the sole portion of the boot shell via one or more fasteners. In some variations, a cuff / Achilles tendon protector is attached to the boot shell via one or more fasteners that attach the blade retainer to the sole portion of the boot shell.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cuff / Achilles tendon protector may include at least one flexible track portion. In some variations, the flexible track portion may extend to at least one of the following: to the height of the lateral and medial ankle portions of the boot shell, below, or above that height. In some variations, the flexible track portion may extend to at least one of the following: to the height of the lower heel portion of the boot shell, below, or above that height. The flexible track portion may be structured and arranged to elastically deform along the longitudinal axis of the footwear article. In some variations, the flexible track portion may be fixedly attached to the cuff / Achilles tendon protector or removably attached to at least one of the cuff / Achilles tendon protector. In some variations, the flexible track portion may be integrated into the cuff / Achilles tendon protector. In some variations, the flexible track portion may be positioned proximate to the heel portion of the cuff / Achilles tendon protector. In some variations, the flexible track portion can be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot toward a dorsiflexion position; and to provide energy return based on the energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cuff / Achilles tendon protector may be securely attached to the boot shell. In some embodiments, the cuff / Achilles tendon protector may include (i) a cuff portion made of an elastomeric material and (ii) an Achilles tendon protector portion made of a thermoplastic composite material.

[0028] In some embodiments, at least one of the lateral or medial ankle portion of the cuff / Achilles tendon protector further includes a tension structure made of an elastomeric material. In some variations, the tension structure may be structured and arranged to elastically deform along the longitudinal axis of the footwear article. In some variations, the tension structure may be structured and arranged to: provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position; and provide energy return based on the energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the footwear article may include a compressible structure made of foam or elastomeric material disposed between the heel portion of the boot shell and the collar / Achilles tendon protector. In some variations, the compressible structure may be structured and arranged to elastically deform along the longitudinal axis of the footwear article. In some variations, the compressible structure may be structured and arranged to: provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position; and provide energy return based on the energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cuff / Achilles tendon protector may be attached to one or more points around the periphery (e.g., edge) of the boot shell. In some variations, the cuff / Achilles tendon protector may be attached to at least one of the lateral ankle portion, medial ankle portion, or heel portion of the boot shell. In some variations, the heel portion of the boot shell may include a lower heel portion, an upper heel portion, and an Achilles heel portion. In some embodiments, the footwear article may include one or more engagement structures extending from the heel portion of the boot shell, the one or more engagement structures being configured to engage with the cuff / Achilles tendon protector. In some embodiments, the footwear article may include a plurality of eyelets defined by (i) the lateral and medial ankle portions of the boot shell and (ii) the cuff / Achilles tendon protector, wherein the cuff / Achilles tendon protector may be attached to the boot shell through one or more of the plurality of eyelets.

[0031] In another aspect, footwear items may include: a boot shell structured and arranged to accommodate a wearer's foot and having a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial midfoot / toefoot portion, a lateral midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion; a removable lining disposed within the boot shell; and a plate reinforcement portion attached to the removable lining to provide lateral stiffness. In some variations, the removable lining may be made of a thermoformable foam material, and the plate reinforcement portion may be made of a thermoplastic composite material.

[0032] In another aspect, footwear articles may include a boot shell structured and arranged to accommodate a wearer's foot and having a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial midfoot / toefoot portion, a lateral midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion. Advantageously, the footwear article includes at least one compressible structure disposed within the boot shell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the compressible structure may be disposed in at least one of the lateral ankle portion, medial ankle portion, lateral instep / midfoot portion, or medial instep / midfoot portion of the boot shell. In some variations, the compressible structure may be made of foam, elastomer, or thermoplastic composite material. In some variations, the compressible structure may include an accordion-like structure comprising two or more corrugations. In some variations, the compressible structure may be structured and arranged to: provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position; and provide energy return based on energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position. Attached Figure Description

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, similar reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the emphasis is generally on illustrating the principles of embodiments of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1A A lateral side elevation view of a rigid-shell hockey skate according to the prior art is shown; Figure 1B Showing the use of prior art Figure 1A A bottom perspective view of the composite monocoque shell of a hockey skate; Figure 1C Showing the use of prior art Figure 1A The multi-directional distribution of rigidity and stiffness in the composite monolithic shell of hockey skates; Figure 1D Showing according to the prior art Figure 1C A bottom perspective view showing the multidirectional distribution of rigidity and stiffness; Figure 2A A lateral side elevation view of a first exemplary boot or shell portion modified to include a composite flexible track according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 2B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 2A Rear elevation view of the boot or shell section; Figure 3A The invention illustrates some embodiments of having Figure 2A A lateral side view of a footwear item, including the boot or shell portion, which further includes an integrated brace / Achilles tendon protector. Figure 3B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 3A Rear elevation view of footwear; Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a horizontal or substantially horizontal reinforcement for the heel region of a boot or shell portion according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 Schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of vertical or substantially vertical reinforcements for the instep / midfoot region of a boot or shell portion according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6A A side view showing the standing, neutral, or stationary phases of a skater's stride during use, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6B A side view showing the compression phase of a skater's stride during use, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6C A top view showing the standing, neutral, or stationary phases of a skater's stride during use, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6D A top view showing the forward, outward compression phase of a skater's stride during use, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6E A top view showing the forward compression phase of a skater's stride during use, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6F A top view showing the forward, inward compression phase of a skater's stride during use, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 A side view of a footwear article integrated with a current-carrying conductor according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 8A The illustration shows a lateral side and rear perspective view of a footwear article with an open back hoop according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8B The illustrations show the neutral or static state or the motion phase according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 8C The diagram illustrates a compression phase of motion according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 8A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 9A The illustration shows a lateral side and rear perspective view of a footwear article according to some embodiments of the invention, the footwear article having an open rear hoop including a composite flexible track; Figure 9B The illustration shows a lateral side and rear perspective view of a footwear article according to some embodiments of the invention, the footwear article having an open rear hoop including a composite flexible track; Figure 9C The illustrations show the neutral or static state or the motion phase according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 9D The diagram illustrates a compression phase of motion according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 9A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 10A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with an elastomeric sleeve in a neutral or static state or in motion, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10B The diagram illustrates a compression phase of motion according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 10A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 11A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a reinforced removable lining in a neutral or static state or in motion, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11B The diagram illustrates a compression phase of motion according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 11A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 12A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a compressible structure in a neutral or static state or in motion, according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12B The diagram illustrates a compression phase of motion according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 12A A side-view perspective of footwear; Figure 13A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a brace / Achilles tendon protector according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 13B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 13A Rear elevation view of footwear; Figure 14A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a brace / Achilles tendon protector according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 14B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 14A Rear elevation view of footwear; Figure 15A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a brace / Achilles tendon protector according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 15B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 15A Rear elevation view of footwear; Figure 16A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a brace / Achilles tendon protector according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 16B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 16A Rear elevation view of footwear; Figure 17A A lateral side elevation view of a footwear article with a brace / Achilles tendon protector according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; Figure 17B Some embodiments according to the present invention are shown. Figure 17A Rear elevation view of footwear; Figure 18A A lateral side elevation view of footwear articles with a brace / Achilles tendon protector according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown; and Figure 18B Along some embodiments of the invention are shown Figure 18A The cross-sectional view taken by line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Boot or shell section with flexible track section and clamp / Achilles tendon protection component refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B This illustrates a first embodiment of the modified footwear article 30. (As shown...) Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, in some embodiments, footwear article 30 may include a boot or shell portion (“boot shell”) 31, a skate blade retainer 32, and a blade 33. In some embodiments, the boot or shell portion 31 may be made of a composite material that provides increased level of stiffness and rigidity (e.g., rigidity). More specifically, the boot or shell portion 31 may be made of non-orthogonal anisotropic fibers, which may be asymmetric and / or unbalanced. Figure 4 As shown, the mating member 60 for the skate boot or shell portion 31 may include a reinforcement 62. In some embodiments, the reinforcement 62 (e.g., horizontal or substantially horizontal) may be provided in the heel portion or region 65 of the skate boot or shell portion 31 to provide additional support, particularly to the wearer's ankle and ankle region. Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the mating member 50 for the ice skate boot or shell portion 31 may include a reinforcement 59. In some embodiments, the reinforcement 59 (e.g., vertical or substantially vertical) may be provided in the lower boot region 55 of the ice skate boot or shell portion 31 to provide lateral stiffness, particularly for the wearer's foot.

[0036] In some embodiments, the boot or shell portion of the footwear article described herein (e.g., boot and shell portion 31) may be manufactured using the technology described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 586090, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0037] The skate blade retainer 32 (e.g., nylon, injection molded) can be structured and arranged to include a quick-release mechanism comprising a triggering mechanism for releasably attaching the (e.g., stainless steel) blade 33 to the skate blade retainer 32. Typically, the skate blade retainer 32 can be riveted (e.g., using metal rivets) to the boot or shell portion 31 near the toe and heel portions of the boot or shell portion 31.

[0038] Unlike conventional footwear 30, the lateral ankle portion 34a and medial ankle portion 34b of the boot or shell portion 31 have been modified to create (e.g., cantilevered) flanges or flexible track portions 35 in the heel portion of the footwear 30, close to the user's Achilles heel and rear ankle region. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the flexible track portion 35 may be an integral part of the boot or shell portion 31. Alternatively, the flexible track portion 35 may not be an integral part of the boot or shell portion 31 and may be accommodated within, assembled therein, and / or coupled (e.g., attached) to the sole portion (e.g., outsole) or heel portion of the boot or shell portion 31 of the footwear article 30. In some variations, the flexible track portion 35 may be attached to the upper heel portion and / or lower Achilles heel portion of the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 31. Optionally, the flexible track portion 35 may be removably attached to the boot or shell portion 31. Advantageously, the flexible track portion 35 may be interchangeable (e.g., modular) to provide a desired level of stiffness. The flexible track portion 35 can be coupled to the boot or shell portion 31 via a coupling mechanism, which includes one or more of the following: rivets, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, removable fasteners, etc.), adjustable ratchet systems (e.g., including teeth and / or pawls), adhesives, complementary features (e.g., male-female features), clips, and hooks and loops.

[0039] In some embodiments, the flexible track portion 35 may be coupled to the boot or shell portion 31 via an intermediate structure. The intermediate structure may be housed within, assembled therein, and / or coupled (e.g., attached) to the sole portion (e.g., outsole) or heel portion of the boot or shell portion 31 of the footwear article 30. Optionally, the intermediate structure may be removably attached to the boot or shell portion 31. Advantageously, the intermediate structure may be interchangeable (e.g., modular) to provide a desired level of stiffness. In one example, the intermediate structure may be a rotary spring (e.g., a metal rotary spring).

[0040] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B The (e.g., cantilevered) flange or flexible track portion 35 shown may be separated from the lateral ankle portion 34a and the medial ankle portion 34b by paired (e.g., symmetrical or asymmetrical) gaps 36, 37. Typical gap distances may be constant or variable. For example, for a variable gap distance, the gap distance may taper from top to bottom or from bottom to top and may vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. In some variations, the width of the flexible track portion 35 may be uniform (e.g., constant) or variable (e.g., taper). For example, the width of the flexible track portion 35 may vary from top to bottom or from bottom to top and may vary from about 5 mm to about 70 mm. In some variations, the width of the flexible track portion 35 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical relative to the lateral ankle portion 34a and the medial ankle portion 34b. Although Figure 2A and Figure 2B A flange or flexible track portion 35 is shown extending to the top of the lateral ankle portion 34a and medial ankle portion 34b of the boot or shell portion 31; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that the flexible track portion 35 may also extend below or above the height of the lateral ankle portion 34a and medial ankle portion 34b of the boot or shell portion 31. In some embodiments, the height of the flexible track portion 35 may be adjustable and controlled via a coupling mechanism that engages the flexible track portion 35 to the boot or shell portion 31. For example, the flexible track portion 35 may be raised or lowered along an upward or substantially upward extending axis, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the sole portion (e.g., the outsole) and / or the skater's leg, via an adjustable ratchet system that engages the flexible track portion 35 to the boot or shell portion 31.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flexible track portion 35 may be made of a material that is elastically deformable and returns to its initial position, wherein the material provides energy return upon returning to its initial position after elastic deformation. The flexible track portion 35 may preferably be made of a composite material including carbon fiber, glass fiber, natural fibers, thermoplastics, and / or thermosetting materials. In some variations, the flexible track portion 35 may be made of a material including injection-molded plastics, thermoformable plastics, and / or metals (e.g., spring steel alloys, nitinol, etc.). The flexible track portion 35 may be made of the same or different material as the boot or shell portion 31. When the flexible track portion 35 is integrated with the boot or shell portion 31, the flexible track portion 35 may preferably be made of the same material as the boot or shell portion 31. In some embodiments, the flexible track portion 35 may be made of a rigid or substantially rigid material that is not elastically deformable or otherwise elastically deformable less than the intermediate structure. The flexible track portion 35 may be connected to the boot or shell portion 31 via an intermediate structure, wherein the flexible track portion 35 is rigid or substantially rigid, such that the flexible track portion 35 does not elastically deform or otherwise elastically deforms less than the intermediate structure. In some embodiments, the flexible track portion 35 is more rigid than the intermediate structure, such that the flexible track portion 35 is biased towards the intermediate structure for elastic deformation (e.g., during dorsiflexion of the leg).

[0042] Advantageously, in some embodiments, a (e.g., cantilevered) flange or flexible track portion 35 may provide increased flexibility to the footwear article 30 and may consist of or be substantially composed of structural members that are rigidly or semi-rigidly attached to the sole portion (e.g., outsole) or heel portion of the boot or shell portion 31 of the footwear article 30, projecting upward or substantially upward, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the sole portion, and / or along the same axis as the skater's leg. In some variations, the flexible track portion 35 may comprise two or more (e.g., parallel or non-parallel) structural members that are rigidly or semi-rigidly attached to the sole portion or heel portion of the boot or shell portion 31 of the footwear article 30. In some variations, the flexible track portion 35 may comprise one or more layers made of the same or different materials. When attached to the leg via straps or other materials (e.g., a brace / Achilles tendon protector), the flexible track portion 35 is adapted to resist dorsiflexion of the leg. Advantageously, the flexible track portion 35 has sufficiently high relative stiffness to support the user's body weight through dorsiflexion, thereby imparting bending and behaving like a spring, such that any elastic deformation of the flexible track portion 35 generates potential energy, which is released when the pressure is reduced or removed and the flexible track portion 35 returns to its original neutral position and / or shape. The elastic deformation of the flexible track portion 35 (e.g., due to the user's body weight and / or dorsiflexion of the user's feet) is referred to herein as the "loading phase," and the recovery of the flexible track portion 35 from the elastically deformed position to its original position (also referred to herein as the "neutral position") is referred to herein as the "unloading phase." Potential energy can be stored by the flexible track portion 35 during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy can be released by the flexible track portion 35 during the unloading phase. In practice, in some embodiments, the flexible track portion 35 may be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position, and to provide energy return based on energy storage (e.g., positively correlated with energy storage) during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position. For example, the flexible track portion 35 may be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion of the footwear 30 in the forward or lateral direction of skating and to provide energy return in the posterior direction, substantially opposite to the forward direction of skating. The stiffness of the flexible track portion 35 may preferably be configured such that the user's mass is fully supported by the flexible track portion 35 at the peak of dorsiflexion. In one embodiment, the flexible track portion 35 may flex 5°-50° (e.g., preferably 10°-30°) relative to a vertical axis (e.g., the axis of the skater's leg or the axis perpendicular to the outsole of the footwear 30) in the front side or forward direction of skating.The flexible track portion 35 may flex (e.g., deflect) primarily in the front or forward direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the footwear article 30. In some variations, the flexible track portion 35 may deflect in the medial or lateral direction during flexion (e.g., deflection) in the front or forward direction. The thickness of the flexible track portion 35 may be uniform or variable along its length, thereby providing uniform or variable stiffness. For example, the flexible track portion 35 may include one or more ribs or other reinforcing features forming the variable thickness of the flexible track portion 35. In embodiments, the thickness of the flexible track portion 35 may vary from 3 mm to 70 mm. The flexible track portion 35 can achieve peak dorsiflexion without muscle activation by the user because energy expenditure within this range of motion is inefficient relative to the direction of movement.

[0043] Advantageously, when the (e.g., cantilevered) flange or flexible track portion 35 is coupled to the boot or shell portion 31 via an intermediate member, the intermediate member can provide increased flexibility to the footwear article 30 and consists of or substantially consists of structural components that are rigidly or semi-rigidly fixed to the outsole or heel portion of the boot or shell portion 31 of the footwear article 30. The flexible track portion 35 coupled to the intermediate member may project upward or substantially upward, perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the outsole, and / or on the same axis as the skater's leg. In some variations, the flexible track portion 35 may include one or more structural components rigidly or semi-rigidly fixed to the intermediate structure. When connected to the leg via straps or other materials, the intermediate member is adapted to resist dorsiflexion of the leg, and the flexible track portion 35 is adapted to resist elastic deformation. Advantageously, the intermediate member has sufficiently high relative stiffness to support the user's body weight through dorsiflexion, thereby imparting bending and / or behaving like a spring, such that any elastic deformation of the intermediate member generates potential energy during the loading phase, which is released during the unloading phase when the pressure is reduced or removed and the intermediate member returns to its original position and / or shape. The elastic deformation of the intermediate member (e.g., due to the user's body weight and / or dorsiflexion of the user's feet) is referred to herein as the "loading phase," and the recovery of the intermediate member from the elastically deformed position to its original position (also referred to herein as the "neutral position") is referred to herein as the "unloading phase." Potential energy can be stored by the intermediate member during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy can be released by the intermediate member during the unloading phase. In practice, in some implementations, the intermediate member can be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexed position, and to provide energy return based on energy storage (e.g., positively correlated with energy storage) during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexed position to a neutral position. For example, the intermediate member can be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion of the footwear 30 in the forward or lateral direction of skating and to provide energy return in a posterior direction substantially opposite to the forward direction of skating. The stiffness of the intermediate member can preferably be configured such that the user's mass is fully supported by the intermediate member at the peak of dorsiflexion. The intermediate member can achieve the peak of dorsiflexion without muscle activation by the user because energy expenditure within this range of motion is inefficient relative to the direction of motion.

[0044] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn some embodiments, the modified footwear article 30 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”) 40, which is structured and arranged to follow the contour of the boot or shell portion 31, fixedly attached to the boot or shell portion 31, and in some applications fixedly attached to the flexible track portion 35. Advantageously, in some variations, the Achilles tendon protector cuff 40 may be rearwardly biased when the footwear article 30 is in a stationary or neutral state. Optionally, the Achilles tendon protector cuff 40 may be removably attached to the boot or shell portion 31 and / or the flexible track portion 35. Advantageously, the Achilles tendon protector cuff 40 may be interchangeable (e.g., modular) to provide a desired level of stiffness. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protector cuff 40 or a portion thereof may cover and / or surround at least a portion of the exterior of the boot or shell portion 31.

[0045] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may include a main (e.g., sleeve) portion 41, an Achilles tendon portion 42, and a plurality of eyelets 48 for lacing. The eyelets 48 may be provided along the periphery (e.g., edge) of the sleeve portion 41 adjacent to the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 31. In some variations, the eyelets 48 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may be separate from and distinct from the eyelets of the boot or shell portion 31. In some variations, based on the structure and arrangement of the boot or shell portion 31, the individual eyelets 48 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may or may not be adjacent to the individual eyelets of the boot or shell portion 31. A plurality of fastening or connecting devices (e.g., rivets, threaded fasteners, etc.) may be used to securely attach the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 to the flexible track portion 35 at one or more physical connection points 43. The locations of one or more physical connection points 43 on the flexible track portion 35 where the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 connects can be selected based on the desired flexibility (e.g., stiffness) of the flexible track portion 35 and / or the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40. For example, a physical connection point 43 positioned lower on the flexible track portion 35 (e.g., towards the sole portion of the modified footwear 30) can increase the stiffness of the flexion of the flexible track portion 35 and the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 during dorsiflexion of the modified footwear 30, while a physical connection point 43 positioned higher on the flexible track portion 35 (e.g., away from the sole portion of the modified footwear 30) can decrease the stiffness of the flexion of the flexible track portion 35 and the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 during dorsiflexion of the modified footwear 30. Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the example illustrated, one or both of the physical connection points can attach the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 to the flexible track portion 35. Alternatively, instead of fixing the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 to the flexible track portion 35, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may include a sleeve or recess on its inner surface, the sleeve or recess being sized to receive the flexible track portion 35. The Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may be connected to the flexible track portion 35 via a coupling mechanism, which includes one or more of the following: rivets, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, removable fasteners, etc.), adjustable ratchet systems (e.g., including teeth and / or pawls), adhesives, complementary features (e.g., male-female features), clips, and hooks and loops.

[0046] Footwear item 30 may also include a tongue that is selectively removable and / or interchangeable to provide various levels of stiffness in the instep area of ​​the wearer.

[0047] In some embodiments, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may have an integral construction, such that the sleeve portion 41 and the Achilles tendon portion 42 are combined into a single structure to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may consist of two or more structures. When the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 consists of two or more structures, the two or more structures may be joined together to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 before being attached to the boot or shell portion 31, or may be joined together with each other while being attached to the boot or shell portion 31. As an example, the sleeve portion 41 and the Achilles tendon portion 42 may be separate, distinct structures that are connected using one or more fasteners to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 before being attached to the boot or shell portion 31. In some embodiments, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may be made of and / or include one or more materials, such as composite materials (e.g., thermoplastic composites), elastomers, foams, and / or plastic (e.g., thermoplastic) materials. As an example, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may include an integral thermoplastic injection-molded structure forming a sleeve portion 41 and an Achilles hindfoot Achilles tendon portion 42, and a thermoplastic composite structure co-molded with the thermoplastic structure, the thermoplastic composite structure extending across the sleeve portion 41 and the Achilles hindfoot Achilles tendon portion 42. As another example, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve or a portion thereof may be made of and / or include high-resilience plastics (such as Pebax® polymers manufactured by ARKEMA).

[0048] Advantageously, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 remains in place relative to the user's foot throughout the entire range of motion. Figure 6A and Figure 6CEach corresponds to a stationary, standing, or neutral state of the user's stride during the use of footwear, wherein the Achilles tendon protection sleeve 40 remains in place relative to the user's foot and the longitudinal axis 68 of the footwear throughout the entire range of motion. Figure 6B and Figure 6E Each corresponds to the anterior dorsiflexion or compression state of the user's stride during the use of footwear, wherein the Achilles tendon protection sleeve 40 remains in place relative to the user's foot throughout the entire range of motion. Figure 6D and 6F These correspond to the anterior and lateral dorsiflexion or compression states and the anterior and medial dorsiflexion or compression states of the user's stride during the use of footwear, respectively, wherein the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 remains in place relative to the user's foot throughout the entire range of motion. More specifically, the flexible track portion 35 facilitates progressive forward flexion in the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40. Figure 6B , Figure 6D , Figure 6E and Figure 6F ), while also providing a means to return the flexible track section 35 to a stationary state ( Figure 6A and Figure 6C The energy of the Achilles tendon is utilized. More specifically, during the compression phase of the skater's stride, the skater dorsiflexes the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40, causing the flexible track portion 35 to compress in the anterolateral direction, thus loading the flexible track portion 35 with energy. As the skater enters the extension phase of their stride, the mechanical energy stored in the flexible track portion 35 is returned to the skater, thereby providing mechanical assistance to the stride. Advantageously, the Achilles posterior Achilles tendon portion 42 remains close to the skater's Achilles posterior Achilles tendon throughout the range of motion. Figure 6D and Figure 6F As shown, during the compression phase of a skater's stride, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 40 may flex laterally or medially (e.g., 30° laterally or medially) relative to the longitudinal axis 68 of the footwear (e.g., ice skate).

[0049] like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the boot or shell portion (“boot shell”) 70 may include a current-carrying conductor 72. Advantageously, the conductor 72 may be connected to a power source (not shown) to allow current to flow through the conductor 72 to heat the boot or shell portion 70. The conductor 72 may heat the boot or shell portion 70 of the footwear article (e.g., at multiple strategic locations of the boot or shell portion 70) to thermoform the boot or shell portion 70 and adapt it to the shape of a user’s foot. For example, the conductor 72 may be connected to a power source to heat the boot or shell portion 70 and thermoform it to the shape of the wearer’s foot before or near the initial use of the footwear article including the boot or shell portion 70 and the conductor 72. In some cases, heating of the boot or shell portion 70 via the conductor 72 and the power source may be performed to “preheat” the footwear article for the wearer’s foot. For example, when footwear including the boot or shell portion 70 and the wire 72 is exposed to a cool environment, the wire 72 can be connected to a power source to heat the boot or shell portion 70, thereby increasing the comfort of the wearer of the footwear and / or increasing the flexibility and associated range of motion of the footwear.

[0050] Boot or shell portion with open rear hoop refer to Figures 8A-8C Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 80 includes a boot or shell portion, which includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The features of the boot or shell portion 11 are modified by removing a (e.g., first) portion 85 of a reinforcing portion 17 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for insertion of the skater's foot near the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 11) and a (e.g., second) portion 86 of a reinforcing portion 17 near the user's Achilles heel in the heel portion of the modified footwear item 80 (e.g., hockey skate), as well as a plurality (e.g., three) of eyelets 18 from each reinforcing portion 17. Figure 8A As shown, the removed (e.g., second) portion 86 is open and exposed. The boot or shell portion of the footwear article 80 may include a lower heel portion, wherein the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion define an opening disposed above the lower heel portion. For example, the opening formed by removing portion 86 from the boot or shell portion 11 may be defined by the sloping edges of the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion, wherein the opening is close to the Achilles heel and posterior ankle region of the user in the heel portion of the footwear article 80.

[0051] In some applications, the modified footwear article 80 further includes (e.g., thermoplastic composite, etc.) a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”), which includes a main (e.g., cuff) portion 81 and an Achilles tendon portion 82. In some embodiments, as described above regarding Figure 3A and Figure 3B The Achilles tendon protective sleeve discussed may have a one-piece construction, such that the sleeve portion 81 and the Achilles heel tendon portion 82 are combined into a single structure to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may consist of two or more structures. In some variations, the main sleeve portion 81 and the Achilles heel tendon portion 82 are fixedly attached (e.g., using rivets or the like at one or more physical points) at attachment point 83 to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear article 80, which is located at the bottom of the heel portion of the modified footwear article 80, generally between the insole of the modified footwear article 80 and the skate blade retainer 12. In some variations, attachment point 83 may be a rotation point. The fasteners attaching the collar portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear 80 at attachment point 83 may be the same fasteners attaching the skate blade retainer 12 to the bottom of the heel portion of the modified footwear 80. In some variations, the collar portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 are securely attached (e.g., using rivets at one or more physical points) to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear 80 at attachment points located at the lower heel / waist portion of the modified footwear 80. In other variations, the collar portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 are securely attached to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear 80 at attachment points (not shown) located at the bottom of the heel portion of the modified footwear 80, generally on the outer surface of the skate blade retainer 12. The ferrule portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 can be securely attached to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear article 80 via a coupling mechanism that includes one or more of the following: rivets, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners, removable fasteners, etc.), adjustable ratchet systems (e.g., including teeth and / or pawls), adhesives, complementary features (e.g., male-female features), clips, and hooks and loops.

[0052] Advantageously, such as Figure 8A As shown, the collar portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 are structured and arranged to pivot around an axis about the skater's ankle based on the attachment point 83, allowing easier access for the foot to put on and take off the modified footwear item 80 (e.g., hockey skate). In some variations, the collar portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 may be configured to bend, deflect, and / or flexibly deform relative to the axis of the skater's foot or ankle. Dorsiflexion of the skater's foot can cause localized or distributed deflection of the collar portion 81 and the Achilles tendon portion 82 about an area near the attachment point 83 (e.g., above the attachment point 83) (e.g., relative to the skater's foot or ankle).

[0053] like Figures 8B-8C As shown, a tension (e.g., elastic) structure 87 may be included in the modified footwear article 80. In some variations, the hoop portion 81 or a portion thereof may be or include the tension structure 87. The tension structure 87 may be made of an elastomer, foam, and / or plastic material. The tension structure 87 may be structured and arranged to flex (e.g., via elastic deformation) primarily on the front side or in the forward direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the modified footwear article 80. The elastic deformation of the tension structure 87 (e.g., by the user's body weight and / or the dorsiflexion of the user's foot) may be referred to herein as the "loading phase," and the recovery of the tension structure 87 from the elastically deformed position to its original position (also referred to herein as the "neutral position") may be referred to herein as the "unloading phase." Potential energy may be stored by the tension structure 87 during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy may be released by the tension structure 87 during the unloading phase. The tension structure 87 facilitates progressive forward flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position, and provides energy return based on energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position. For example, the flexible track portion of the tension structure can be structured and arranged to provide progressive forward flexion, particularly of the clamp portion 81. Figure 8C ), while providing and storing the means to return the clamp portion 81 to a neutral or stationary state. Figure 8B The mechanical energy is stored in the tension structure 87. The tension structure 87 may (e.g., symmetrically or asymmetrically) be included on opposite (e.g., medial and lateral) sides of the Achilles tendon portion 82 of the sleeve portion 81. Mechanical energy is stored in the tension structure 87 during extension and returns during contraction.

[0054] Boot or shell portion and sleeve / Achilles tendon protection with flexible track portion refer to Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C and Figure 9D Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 90 includes a boot or shell portion, which includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The features of the boot or shell portion 11 are modified by removing a (e.g., first) portion 97 of a reinforcing portion 17 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the openings for insertion of the skater's foot near the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 11) and a (e.g., second) portion 96 of a reinforcing portion of the user's Achilles heel near the heel portion of the modified footwear item 90 (e.g., hockey skate), as well as a plurality (e.g., three) of eyelets 18 from each reinforcing portion 17. Figure 9AAs shown, the removed (e.g., second) portion 96 is open and exposed. The boot or shell portion of the footwear article 90 may include a lower heel portion, wherein the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion define an opening disposed above the lower heel portion. For example, the opening defined by removing portion 96 from the boot or shell portion 11 may be defined by the sloping edges of the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion, wherein the opening is close to the Achilles heel and posterior ankle region of the user in the heel portion of the footwear article 90.

[0055] In some applications, the modified footwear article 90 further includes (e.g., thermoplastic composite, etc.) a collar / protective element (“Achilles tendon protective collar”), which includes a main (e.g., collar) portion 91 and an Achilles tendon portion 92. In some embodiments, as described above regarding Figure 3A and Figure 3B The Achilles tendon protective sleeve discussed may have a one-piece construction, such that the sleeve portion 91 and the Achilles heel tendon portion 92 are combined into a single structure to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may consist of two or more structures. The main sleeve portion 91 and the Achilles heel tendon portion 92 may be securely attached (e.g., using rivets at one or more physical points) to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear article 90 at attachment points 93a or 93b. In some variations, attachment points 93a and 93b are corresponding rotation points. In some variations, such as Figure 9A , Figure 9C and Figure 9D As shown, the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 are fixedly attached to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear 90 at attachment point 93a located at the lower heel / waist portion of the modified footwear 90. In other variations, the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 are fixedly attached to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear 90 at attachment point 93b, located at the bottom of the heel portion of the modified footwear 90, generally between the insole of the modified footwear 90 and the skate blade retainer 12. In other variations, the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 are fixedly attached to the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear 90 at an attachment point (not shown) located at the bottom of the heel portion of the modified footwear 90, generally on the outer surface of the skate blade retainer 12.

[0056] Advantageously, such as Figures 9A-9DAs shown, the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 are structured and arranged to pivot about attachment point 93a or 93b relative to the skater's ankle axis to allow easier foot access for putting on and taking off the modified footwear item 90 (e.g., hockey skate). In some variations, the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 may be configured to flex, deflect, and / or flexibly deform relative to the skater's foot or ankle axis. Dorsiflexion of the skater's foot can cause localized or distributed deflection (e.g., relative to the skater's foot or ankle) of the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 about an area near the attachment point (e.g., attachment point 93a or 93b) (e.g., above the attachment point).

[0057] like Figures 9A-9D As shown, the collar portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 may include an integrated flange or flexible track portion 95 positioned close to the user's Achilles heel and posterior ankle region within the heel portion of the modified footwear article 90. The collar portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 may include sleeves or recesses on their inner surfaces, sized to securely accommodate the flexible track portion 95. Figures 9A-9D As shown, the flexible track portion 95 may be an integral part of the sleeve portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92. Alternatively, the flexible track portion 95 may not be an integral part of the sleeve portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92, and may be assembled into and / or coupled to the inner or outer surface of the heel portion of the sleeve portion 91 of the modified footwear article 90. Optionally, the flexible track portion 95 may be removably attached to the sleeve portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92. Advantageously, the flexible track portion 95 may be interchangeable (e.g., modular) to provide a desired level of stiffness.

[0058] like Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the top portion of the flexible track portion 95 can be separated from the outer and inner ankle portions of the boot or shell portion of the modified footwear article 90 by paired (e.g., symmetrical or asymmetrical) gaps 98, 99. Typical gap distances can be constant or variable. For example, for variable gap distances, the gap distance can taper from top to bottom or from bottom to top, and can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. In some variations, the width of the flexible track portion 95 can be uniform (e.g., constant) or variable (e.g., taper). For example, the width of the flexible track portion 95 can vary from top to bottom or from bottom to top, and can vary from about 5 mm to about 70 mm. In some variations, the width of the flexible track portion 95 can be symmetrical or asymmetrical relative to the outer and inner ankle portions. Although... Figures 9A-9D A flange or flexible track portion 95 is shown extending to the top of the outer and inner ankle portions of the boot or shell portion; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that the flexible track portion 95 may also extend to or above the height of the outer and inner ankle portions of the boot or shell portion.

[0059] The flexible track portion 95 may be made of a material that can elastically deform and return to its initial position, wherein the material provides energy return upon returning to its initial position after elastic deformation. The flexible track portion 95 may preferably be made of a composite material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, natural fibers, thermoplastics, and / or thermosetting materials. In some variations, the flexible track portion 95 may be made of materials including injection-molded plastics, thermoformable plastics, and / or metals (e.g., spring steel alloys, nitinol, etc.).

[0060] Advantageously, the flexible track portion 95 provides increased flexibility to the modified footwear article 90 and consists of or is substantially composed of structural components that are rigidly or semi-rigidly attached to the inside (e.g., an inner sleeve or recess) or outside of the collar portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 of the modified footwear article 90. In some variations, the flexible track portion 95 may include two or more (e.g., parallel or non-parallel) structural components that are rigidly or semi-rigidly attached to the inside (e.g., an inner sleeve or recess) or outside of the collar portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 of the modified footwear article 90. In some variations, the flexible track portion 95 may include one or more layers made of the same or different materials. The flexible track portion 95 may project upward or substantially upward, vertically or substantially perpendicular to the outsole and / or along the same axis as the skater's leg. When attached to the leg via straps or other materials (e.g., a brace / Achilles tendon protector), the flexible track portion 95 is adapted to resist dorsiflexion of the leg. Advantageously, the flexible track portion 95 has sufficiently high relative stiffness to support the user's body weight through dorsiflexion, thereby imparting bending and behaving like a spring, such that any elastic deformation of the flexible track portion 95 generates potential energy, which is released when the pressure is reduced or removed and the flexible track portion 95 returns to its original position and / or shape. In practice, in some embodiments, the flexible track portion 95 may be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexed position, and to provide energy return based on energy storage (e.g., positively correlated with energy storage) during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexed position to a neutral position. For example, the flexible track portion 95 may be structured and arranged to provide progressive flex of the modified footwear 90 in the forward or lateral direction of skating, and to provide energy return in a rearward direction substantially opposite to the forward direction of skating. The stiffness of the flexible track portion 95 may preferably be configured such that the user's mass is fully supported by the flexible track portion 95 at the peak of backflex. In embodiments, the flexible track portion 95 may flex 5°–50° (e.g., preferably 10°–30°) relative to a vertical axis (e.g., the axis of the skater's leg or the axis perpendicular to the outsole of the footwear 90) in the forward or lateral direction of skating. The flexible track portion 95 may flex (e.g., deflect) primarily in the forward or lateral direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the footwear. In some variations, the flexible track portion 95 may deflect in an inward or lateral direction during flexion (e.g., deflection) in the forward or lateral direction.The thickness of the flexible track portion 95 can be uniform or variable along its length, thereby providing uniform or variable stiffness. For example, the flexible track portion 95 may include one or more ribs or other reinforcing features forming the variable thickness of the flexible track portion 95. In embodiments, the thickness of the flexible track portion 95 can range from 3 mm to 30 mm. The flexible track portion 95 can achieve peak dorsiflexion without muscle activation by the user because energy expenditure within this range of motion is inefficient relative to the direction of movement.

[0061] Advantageously, the ferrule portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 remain in place relative to the user's foot throughout the entire range of motion. More specifically, as Figure 9C and Figure 9D The figures shown correspond to the static, standing, or neutral states, as well as the anterior dorsiflexion or compression states, respectively. The flexible track portion 95 facilitates the progressive forward deflection of the clamp portion 91. Figure 9D ), while also providing a means to return the flexible track section 95 to a stationary state ( Figure 9C The energy stored in the flexible track portion 95 is applied during the compression phase of the skater's stride. More specifically, during the compression phase of the skater's stride, the skater dorsiflexion clamp portion 91 and the Achilles tendon portion 92 cause the flexible track portion 95 to compress in the anterolateral direction, thus loading the flexible track portion 95 with energy. As the skater enters the extension phase of their stride, the mechanical energy stored in the flexible track portion 95 is returned to the skater, thereby providing mechanical assistance to the stride. Advantageously, the Achilles tendon portion 92 remains close to the skater's Achilles tendon throughout the range of motion.

[0062] Boot or shell portion with elastomeric sleeve refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10B An embodiment of the modified footwear article 100 includes an Achilles tendon collar / protector (“Achilles tendon protector”) 101. The modified footwear article 100 includes a boot or shell portion, which may include... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The features of the boot or shell portion 11 are modified by removing (e.g., a first) portion near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for inserting the user's foot) and a plurality of (e.g., three) eyelets 18.

[0063] The modified footwear article 100's Achilles tendon protective sleeve 101 further includes (e.g., a thermoplastic composite material, etc.) an Achilles tendon protector 102, to which two tensile (e.g., elastomer) sleeve portions 103 (e.g., fixedly attached) are attached. In some embodiments, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 101 may have an integral construction such that the Achilles tendon protector 102 and the tensile sleeve portions 103 are combined into a single structure to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 101. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 101 may consist of two or more structures. As an example, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve 101 may be formed from one material or two or more co-molded materials to form an integral Achilles tendon protective sleeve 101. The tensile sleeve portions 103 may be made of elastomers, foams, and / or plastic materials. In some embodiments, the Achilles tendon protector 102 may include a central portion 104, an Achilles tendon portion 105, and (e.g., a central) band portion 106, while the tension collar portion 103 may further include a plurality of eyelets 107 for receiving shoelaces into lacing. The eyelets 107 may be provided along the periphery (e.g., edge) of each of the tension collar portions 103 adjacent to the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion.

[0064] Preferably, the Achilles tendon protector 102 and the tension collar portion 103 can be securely attached to the boot or shell portion of the footwear article 100 at two locations 108, 109. The first location 108 may be near the heel portion of the footwear article 100, for example, between the outsole of the footwear article 100 and the skate blade retainer 12. The second location 109 may be near the midfoot portion of the footwear article 100, between the strap portion 106 and the skate blade retainer 12. In other variations, the first location 108 may be near the bottom of the heel portion of the footwear article 100, for example, on the outer surface of the skate blade retainer 12. In other variations, the second location 109 may be near the bottom of the heel portion of the footwear article 100, for example, on the outer surface of the skate blade retainer 12. The tension collar portion 103 may be structured and arranged to flex primarily in the front or forward direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the modified footwear article 100 (e.g., via elastic deformation). The elastic deformation of the tension sleeve portion 103 (e.g., due to the user's body weight and / or the dorsiflexion of the user's feet) is referred to herein as the "loading phase," and the recovery of the tension sleeve portion 103 from the elastically deformed position to its original position (also referred to herein as the "neutral position") is referred to herein as the "unloading phase." Potential energy may be stored by the tension sleeve portion 103 during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy may be released by the tension sleeve portion 103 during the unloading phase.

[0065] Advantageously, such as Figure 10BAs shown, the tension sleeve portion 103 facilitates progressive forward flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position, and provides energy return based on energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position. For example, the tension sleeve portion 103 can be structured and arranged to provide progressive forward flexion of the modified footwear 100 and Achilles tendon protector 102, while providing and storing energy for returning the modified footwear 100 and Achilles tendon protector 102 to a neutral resting state. Figure 10A The mechanical energy is stored in the tension sleeve portion 103 during the extension of the tension sleeve portion 103, and the mechanical energy is returned during the contraction of the tension sleeve portion 103.

[0066] Flexible boot or shell section with reinforced removable lining refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B Embodiments of the modified footwear article 110 may include Figure 1A and Figure 1B The hockey skate 10 features a characteristic modified by adding a removable and interchangeable (e.g., thermoformable foam, etc.) lining portion 112, and a plate reinforcement portion 114 (e.g., thermoplastic composite, etc.) that wraps around or adheres to the lining portion 112 close to the arch of the skater's foot. Advantageously, the plate reinforcement portion 114 (e.g., thermoplastic composite, etc.) provides lateral stiffness beneath the boot or shell portion 111 of the footwear article 110. While the footwear article 110 is shown and described as including a removable and interchangeable lining portion 112, some embodiments of the footwear article may include a built-in (e.g., thermoformable) foam / fabric lining that can be glued to the inner surface of the boot or shell portion 111.

[0067] In addition, regarding footwear items, 110 Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown in the figure, Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe hockey skate 10 has been modified to include a compressible structure 117 in the boot or shell portion 111. The compressible structure 117 may be an integral part of the boot or shell portion 111 in the ankle portion and / or the midfoot / toe portion. Alternatively, the compressible structure 117 may not be an integral part of the boot or shell portion 111 and may be housed within, assembled into, and / or coupled to the sole portion (e.g., outsole) or heel portion of the boot or shell portion 111. The compressible structure 117 may be made of a compressible material configured to reduce the stiffness and modulus in the sagittal plane (e.g., along the longitudinal axis of the footwear) of the wearer of the modified footwear article 110. Examples of compressible materials may include foams (e.g., high-resilience, high-modulus foams), elastomers (e.g., thermoplastics, rubber, polyether block amides, etc.), and variable composite materials (e.g., composite material variations relative to the boot or shell portion 111). The variable composite material included in the compressible structure 117 can remove (multiple) materials, include (multiple) additional materials, and / or include composite materials with variable resin properties relative to the composite material of the boot or shell portion 111.

[0068] The compressible structure 117 may be an accordion-like structure, including corrugated, folded, and / or grooved geometry (e.g., including two or more folds or corrugations) configured to reduce the stiffness and modulus in the sagittal plane of the wearer of the modified footwear article 110. The compressible structure 117 may be a portion of the boot or shell portion 111 having a reduced thickness relative to another portion of the boot or shell portion 111, wherein the compressible structure 117 is configured to reduce the stiffness and modulus in the sagittal plane of the wearer of the modified footwear article 110. Deformation of the compressible structure 117 (e.g., elastic deformation) (e.g., by the use of the wearer's body weight and / or dorsiflexion of the user's foot) is referred to herein as a "loading phase," and the recovery of the compressible structure 117 from the elastically deformed position to its original position (also referred to herein as a "neutral position") is referred herein as an "unloading phase." Potential energy may be stored by the compressible structure 117 during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy may be released by the compressible structure 117 during the unloading phase.

[0069] Advantageously, the compressible structure 117 of the modified footwear article 110 facilitates progressive forward flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexion position, and provides energy return based on energy storage during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexion position to a neutral position. For example, the compressible structure 117 can be structured and arranged to provide progressive forward flexion along the longitudinal axis of the modified footwear article 110. Figure 11B(For example, by reducing or deforming its volume), while providing and storing the means to return footwear item 110 to a neutral or stationary state. Figure 11A The compressible structure 117 allows for flexion or compression in one direction while maintaining rigidity in another. In some variations, the compressible structure 117 may be (e.g., symmetrically or asymmetrically) included on each of the opposing (e.g., medial and lateral) ankle portions and / or midfoot / toe section of the boot or shell portion 111, between the heel and forefoot portions of the boot or shell portion 111. In embodiments, the compressible structure 117 may be positioned along the ankle between the more rigid forefoot and ankle regions. This achieves the articulated behavior of the compressible structure 117, whereby it folds when the skater leans forward, maintaining support on both sides.

[0070] Boot or shell section with compressible structure and collar / Achilles tendon protection component refer to Figure 12A and Figure 12B Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 120 may include a boot or shell portion 121 and an Achilles tendon collar / protector (“Achilles tendon protector”), the Achilles tendon collar / protector including a main (e.g., collar) portion 123 and an Achilles tendon portion 124. In some embodiments, as described above regarding Figure 3A and Figure 3B The Achilles tendon protective sleeve discussed may have a single, integral construction, such that the sleeve portion 123 and the Achilles posterior Achilles tendon portion 124 are combined into a single structure to form the Achilles tendon protective sleeve portion. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may consist of two or more structures. For example... Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown, Figure 1A and Figure 1B The hockey skate 10 has been modified to include a compressible structure 125 near the Achilles heel and posterior ankle region of the user within the heel portion of the footwear article 120. The compressible structure may be disposed between the outer surface of the boot or shell portion 121 of the footwear article 120 and the inner surfaces of the collar portion 123 and the Achilles tendon portion 124. Advantageously, the compressible structure 125 may be made of a material that is elastically deformable (e.g., compressed) and returns to its initial position (e.g., uncompressed or minimally compressed), wherein the material provides energy return upon returning to its initial position after elastic deformation. The compressible structure 125 may preferably be made of a foam (e.g., high-resilience foam) or an elastomeric material.

[0071] The compressible structure 125 can be coupled (e.g., via adhesive or fasteners) to the heel portion of the outer surface of the boot or shell portion 121 of the footwear article 120 and / or the inner surface of the integral sleeve portion 123 and the Achilles tendon portion 124. Optionally, the compressible structure 125 can be removably attached to the boot or shell portion 121 and / or the sleeve portion 123 and the Achilles tendon portion 124. Advantageously, the compressible structure 125 can be interchangeable (e.g., modular) to provide a desired level of stiffness. Although Figure 12A and Figure 12B A compressible structure 125 is shown extending to the top of the ankle portion 126 of the boot or shell portion 121, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the compressible structure 125 may also extend below or above the height of the ankle portion 126 of the boot or shell portion 121.

[0072] The compressible structure 125 may project upward or substantially upward, vertically or substantially perpendicular to the outsole of the shoe and / or along the same axis as the skater's leg. When attached to the leg via straps or other materials, the compressible structure 125 is adapted to resist dorsiflexion of the leg. Advantageously, the compressible structure 125 has a sufficiently high relative stiffness to support the user's body weight through dorsiflexion, thereby behaving like a spring such that any elastic compression of the compressible structure 125 generates potential energy, which is released when the pressure is reduced or removed. The deformation of the compressible structure 125 (e.g., elastic deformation) (e.g., due to the user's body weight and / or dorsiflexion of the user's foot) is referred to herein as the "loading phase," and the recovery of the compressible structure 125 from the elastically deformed position to the original position (also referred to herein as the "neutral position") is referred herein as the "unloading phase." Potential energy may be stored by the compressible structure 125 during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy may be released by the compressible structure 125 during the unloading phase. In practice, in some implementations, the compressible structure 125 can be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot towards a dorsiflexed position, and to provide energy return based on energy storage (e.g., positively correlated with energy storage) during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from a dorsiflexed position to a neutral position. For example, the compressible structure 125 can be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion of the footwear 120 in the forward or lateral direction of skating and to provide energy return in the posterior direction, substantially opposite to the forward direction of skating. The stiffness of the compressible structure 125 is preferably configured such that the user's mass is fully supported by the compressible structure 125 at the peak of dorsiflexion. The compressible structure 125 can achieve the peak of dorsiflexion without muscle activation by the user, because energy expenditure within this range of motion is inefficient relative to the direction of motion.

[0073] Advantageously, the ferrule portion 123 and the Achilles tendon portion 124 remain in place relative to the user's foot throughout the entire range of motion. More specifically, as Figure 12A and Figure 12B The figures shown correspond to the static, standing, or neutral states, as well as the anterior dorsiflexion or compression states, respectively. The compressible structure 125 facilitates the progressive forward deflection of the hoop portion 123. Figure 12B ), while providing a means to return the compressible structure 125 to a stationary state ( Figure 12A The energy stored in the compressible structure 125 is applied during the compression phase of the skater's stride. More specifically, during the compression phase of the skater's stride, the skater dorsiflexion clamp portion 123 and the Achilles tendon portion 124 cause the compressible structure 125 to compress in the anterolateral direction, thus loading the compressible structure 125 with energy. As the skater enters the extension phase of their stride, the mechanical energy stored in the compressible structure 125 is returned to the skater, thereby providing mechanical assistance to the stride. Advantageously, the Achilles tendon portion 124 remains close to the skater's Achilles tendon throughout the range of motion.

[0074] Boot or shell portion with ferrule / Achilles tendon protection refer to Figures 13A-13B Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 130 includes a boot or shell portion 131, which may include modifications made by adding one or more physical connection points 135. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe features of the boot or shell portion 11. In some applications, the modified footwear article 130 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”), which includes a main (e.g., cuff) portion 133, an Achilles heel tendon portion 134, and a plurality of eyelets. A plurality of fastening or connecting devices (e.g., rivets, threaded fasteners, stitching, etc.) may be used to securely attach the Achilles tendon protector cuff to the boot or shell portion 131 at one or more physical connection points 135. In some variations, the fastening or connecting devices may extend through the boot or shell portion 131 and / or the Achilles tendon protector cuff. In some variations, the physical connection point 135 on the boot or shell portion 131 (where the Achilles tendon protector cuff is connected) may be located near the user’s Achilles heel and posterior ankle region 138 in the heel portion of the footwear article 130. In some variations, the physical connection point 135 (where the Achilles tendon protective sleeve is attached) on the boot or shell portion 131 may be located on the heel portion, medial ankle portion, and / or lateral ankle portion of the boot or shell portion 131. As an example, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may be attached at the physical connection point 135 to the upper heel portion and / or lower Achilles heel portion of the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 131. In some variations, the physical connection point 135 (where the Achilles tendon protective sleeve is attached) on the boot or shell portion 131 may be located on the periphery (e.g., edge) of the boot or shell portion 131. The locations of the physical connection points(s) 135 may be selected based on the desired flexibility (e.g., stiffness) of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve. As an example, a physical connection point 135 positioned lower on the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 131 (e.g., toward the sole portion of the modified footwear 130) can increase the stiffness of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve flexion during dorsiflexion of the modified footwear 130, while a physical connection point 135 positioned higher on the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 131 (e.g., away from the sole portion of the modified footwear 130) can decrease the stiffness of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve flexion during dorsiflexion of the modified footwear 130. One or both of the physical connection points 135 can attach the Achilles tendon protective sleeve (e.g., Achilles heel portion 134) to the boot or shell portion 131.

[0075] Advantageously, the ferrule portion 133 and the Achilles tendon portion 134 are structured and arranged to pivot about an axis around the skater's ankle based on the physical connection point 135. In some variations, the ferrule portion 133 and the Achilles tendon portion 134 may be configured to bend, deflect, and / or flexibly deform relative to the axis of the skater's foot or ankle. Dorsiflexion of the skater's foot can cause localized or distributed deflection of the ferrule portion 133 and the Achilles tendon portion 134 about an area near (e.g., above) the physical connection point 135 (e.g., above it) (e.g., relative to the skater's foot or ankle).

[0076] In some applications, based on the relative positioning of the eyelets of the cuff portion 133 and the eyelets of the boot or shell portion 131, a lacing strap can be removably attached to the cuff portion 133 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve via a shared engagement of at least one eyelet of the cuff portion 133 and at least one eyelet of the boot or shell portion 131 with the lacing strap. The lacing strap can pass through each of the first eyelet of the cuff portion 133 and the second eyelet of the boot or shell portion 131, wherein the first and second eyelets are adjacent to each other. By passing the lacing strap through adjacent (e.g., paired) eyelets of the cuff portion 133 and the boot or shell portion 131, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve can be removably attached to the boot or shell portion 131. Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the example illustrated, the three eyelets of the hoop portion 133 may be adjacent to the three eyelets of the boot or shell portion 131 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for inserting the skater's foot), such that the laces pass through the adjacent eyelets of the hoop portion 133 and the boot or shell portion 131, and the hoop portion 133 and the boot or shell portion 131 are removably connected.

[0077] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the construction of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and its connection to the boot or shell portion 131 can provide increased flexibility to the footwear article 130. When attached to the leg via straps or other materials, the sleeve portion 133 and / or the Achilles tendon portion 134 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve can be adapted to resist dorsiflexion of the leg. Advantageously, the sleeve portion 133 and / or the Achilles tendon portion 134 can be configured to have sufficiently high relative stiffness to support the user's body weight through dorsiflexion, thereby imparting bending and behaving like a spring, such that any elastic deformation of the sleeve portion 133 and / or the Achilles tendon portion 134 generates potential energy, which is released when the pressure is reduced or removed and the sleeve portion 133 and / or the Achilles tendon portion 134 returns to its original neutral position and / or shape. The elastic deformation of the sleeve portion 133 and / or the Achilles tendon portion 134 (e.g., due to the wearer's body weight and / or dorsiflexion of the user's foot) is referred to herein as the "loading phase," and the recovery of the sleeve portion 133 and / or the Achilles tendon portion 134 from the elastically deformed position to the original position (also referred to herein as the "neutral position") is referred to herein as the "unloading phase." Potential energy may be stored by the Achilles tendon protective sleeve during the loading phase, and the stored potential energy may be released by the Achilles tendon protective sleeve during the unloading phase. In practice, in some embodiments, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, which includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot to a dorsiflexed position, and to provide energy return based on energy storage (e.g., positively correlated with energy storage) during the unloading phase of the skating stride, which includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from the dorsiflexed position to the neutral position. For example, the clamp portion 133 of the Achilles tendon protective clamp can be structured and arranged to provide progressive flexion of the footwear 130 in the front or forward direction of skating, and to provide energy return in the rearward direction, which is substantially opposite to the forward direction of skating.

[0078] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the Achilles tendon brace may preferably be configured such that the user's mass is fully supported by the Achilles tendon brace at the peak of dorsiflexion. In embodiments, the Achilles tendon brace may flex 5°–50° (e.g., preferably 10°–30°) in the skating front or forward direction relative to a vertical axis (e.g., the axis of the skater's leg or the axis perpendicular to the outsole of the footwear article 130). The Achilles tendon brace may flex (e.g., deflect) primarily in the front or forward direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the footwear article 130. In some variations, the Achilles tendon brace may deflect in the medial or lateral direction during the flexion (e.g., deflection) in the front or forward direction. The thickness of the Achilles tendon brace may be uniform or variable along its length, thereby providing uniform or variable stiffness of the Achilles tendon brace. Achilles tendon braces can achieve peak dorsiflexion without muscle activation because energy expenditure within this range of motion is inefficient relative to the direction of movement.

[0079] In some embodiments, the modified footwear article 130 may include one or more slots (not shown) in the boot or shell portion 131, in addition to or besides the eyelets of the boot or shell portion 131. Based on the relative positioning of the eyelets of the cuff portion 133 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and the slots of the boot or shell portion 131, a lace-up may removably attach the cuff portion 133 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve to the boot or shell portion 131 via a shared engagement of at least one eyelet of the cuff portion 133 and at least one slot of the boot or shell portion 131 with the lace-up. The lace-up may pass through each of the eyelets of the cuff portion 133 and the slots of the boot or shell portion 131, wherein the eyelets and slots are adjacent to each other. The Achilles tendon protective sleeve may be removably attached to the boot or shell portion 131 by passing the lace-up through adjacent eyelets and slots of the cuff portion 133 and the boot or shell portion 131, respectively.

[0080] refer to Figures 14A-14B Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 140 includes a boot or shell portion 141, which may include... Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe features of the boot or shell portion 11 are modified by removing (e.g., a first) portion of a reinforcing portion near the user's instep (i.e., at the openings for insertion of the skater's foot near the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 11) and a plurality (e.g., one) of eyelets 18 from each reinforcing portion 17, and by adding one or more physical connection points 145. In some applications, the modified footwear article 140 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”) comprising a main (e.g., cuff) portion 143, an Achilles heel tendon portion 144, and a plurality of eyelets. A plurality of fastening or connecting devices (e.g., rivets, threaded fasteners, stitching, etc.) may be used to securely attach the Achilles tendon protector cuff to the boot or shell portion 141 at one or more physical connection points 145. Figure 14A and Figure 14B In the example illustrated, the two pairs of bottom eyelets of the sleeve portion 143 are adjacent to the two pairs of eyelets of the boot or shell portion 141 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for inserting the skater's foot), such that the strap passes through the adjacent eyelets of the sleeve portion 143 and the boot or shell portion 141, and is removably connected to the sleeve portion 143 and the boot or shell portion 141.

[0081] refer to Figures 15A-15B Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 150 includes a boot or shell portion 151, which includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The features of the boot or shell portion 11 are modified by removing (e.g., a first) portion of a reinforcing portion near the user's instep (i.e., at the openings for insertion of the skater's foot near the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 11) and a plurality (e.g., two) of eyelets 18 from each reinforcing portion 17, and by adding one or more physical connection points 155. In some applications, the modified footwear article 150 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”), which includes a main (e.g., cuff) portion 153, an Achilles heel tendon portion 154, and a plurality of eyelets. A plurality of fastening or connecting devices (e.g., rivets, threaded fasteners, stitching, etc.) may be used to securely attach the Achilles tendon protector cuff to the boot or shell portion 151 at one or more physical connection points 155. Figure 15A and Figure 15B In the example illustrated, a pair of bottom eyelets of the sleeve portion 153 may be adjacent to a pair of bottom eyelets of the boot or shell portion 151 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for inserting the skater's foot), such that the laces pass through the adjacent eyelets of the sleeve portion 153 and the boot or shell portion 151, and the sleeve portion 153 and the boot or shell portion 151 are removably connected.

[0082] refer to Figures 16A-16BAnother embodiment of the modified footwear article 160 includes a boot or shell portion 161, which includes Figure 1A and Figure 1B The features of the boot or shell portion 11 are modified by removing (e.g., a first) portion of a reinforcing portion near the user's instep (i.e., at the openings for insertion of the skater's foot near the inner and outer ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 11) and by adding multiple (e.g., three) eyelets 18 from each reinforcing portion 17 and adding one or more physical connection points 165. In some applications, the modified footwear article 160 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”), which includes a main (e.g., cuff) portion 163, an Achilles heel tendon portion 164, and multiple eyelets. Multiple fastening or connecting devices (e.g., rivets, threaded fasteners, stitching, etc.) may be used to securely attach the Achilles tendon protector cuff to the boot or shell portion 161 at one or more physical connection points 165. Figure 16A and Figure 16B In the example illustrated, the boot or shell portion 161 may be connected to the Achilles tendon protective sleeve, for example, only at the physical connection point 165.

[0083] In some embodiments, as the Achilles tendon protective sleeve increasingly separates from the boot or shell portion along its sleeve portion, the elastic deformation of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve (e.g., sleeve portion 133) and its energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride can be increased. In some variations, as multiple eyelets are removed from the boot or shell portion 11 and the number of adjacent eyelets on the sleeve portion and boot or shell portion through which the lacing passes is reduced, the elastic deformation of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve (e.g., sleeve portion 133) and its energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride can be increased. Figure 13A and Figure 16A In the example illustrated, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve including the sleeve portion 163 may have increased elastic deformation and energy storage during the loading phase of the skating stride, relative to the Achilles tendon protective sleeve including the sleeve portion 133.

[0084] refer to Figures 17A-17B Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 170 includes a boot or shell portion 171, which may include modifications made by adding one or more joining structures 175. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe features of the boot or shell portion 11. In some applications, the modified footwear article 170 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”), which includes a main (e.g., cuff) portion 173, an Achilles heel and Achilles tendon portion 174, and a plurality of eyelets. Engaging structures 175 (e.g., protrusions, ridges, extensions, etc.) on the boot or shell portion 171 can engage with the Achilles tendon protector cuff and are used to removably attach the Achilles tendon protector cuff to the boot or shell portion 171 at the engagement structures 175. In some variations, the engaging structures 175 on the boot or shell portion 171 (through which the Achilles tendon protector cuff is removably attached to the boot or shell portion 171) may be located near the user’s Achilles heel and posterior ankle region 178 in the heel portion of the footwear article 170. Figure 17A In the example illustrated, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may engage with a connecting structure 175 (e.g., a protrusion) extending outward from the upper and / or lower Achilles heel portion of the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 171 toward the Achilles heel portion 174 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve. In some variations, the Achilles tendon protective sleeve may define one or more complementary structures 177 configured to receive and engage with the connecting structure 175. Figure 17A In the example illustrated, complementary structure 177 (e.g., notch) may receive joining structure 175.

[0085] In some embodiments, the engagement structure 175 may be positioned between the boot or shell portion 171 and the Achilles tendon protective sleeve. The engagement structure 175 may be selected on the boot or shell portion 171 at multiple locations based on the desired flexibility (e.g., stiffness) of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve. As an example, an engagement structure 175 positioned lower on the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 171 (e.g., toward the sole portion of the modified footwear article) may increase the stiffness of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve flexion during dorsiflexion of the modified footwear article 170, while an engagement structure 175 positioned higher on the heel portion of the boot or shell portion 171 (e.g., away from the sole portion of the modified footwear article) may decrease the stiffness of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve flexion during dorsiflexion of the modified footwear article 170. In some variations, the engagement (e.g., contact) between the engagement structure 175 and the Achilles tendon protective sleeve restricts the vertical translation and / or rotation of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve about an eyelet through which it is attached to the boot or shell portion 171 (if applicable). Figure 17A and Figure 17BIn the example illustrated, the three pairs of eyelets of the sleeve portion 173 may be adjacent to the three pairs of eyelets of the boot or shell portion 171 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for inserting the skater's foot) to removably connect the sleeve portion 173 and the boot or shell portion 171 via straps, wherein the engagement structure 175 and the Achilles tendon protection sleeve restrain the vertical translation and / or rotation of the Achilles tendon protection sleeve about the adjacent pairs of eyelets.

[0086] refer to Figures 18A-18B Another embodiment of the modified footwear article 180 includes a boot or shell portion 181, which includes modifications made by adding one or more pairs of elongated eyelets 188. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The features of the boot or shell portion 11. In some applications, the modified footwear article 180 further includes a cuff / Achilles tendon protector (“Achilles tendon protector cuff”), which includes a main (e.g., cuff) portion 183 and an Achilles heel tendon portion 184. Elongated eyelets 188 may be provided along the periphery of the boot or shell portion 181 and the Achilles tendon protector cuff. As an example, the elongated eyelets 188 may be provided along the inner and outer forefoot and / or ankle portions of the boot or shell portion 181 and the edge of the Achilles tendon protector cuff. In some variations, the elongated eyelets 188 may be defined by the periphery (e.g., edge) of the cuff portion 183 of the boot or shell portion 181 and the cuff portion 183 of the Achilles tendon protector cuff. Figure 18B In the example illustrated, an elongated eyelet 188 may extend between the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and the boot or shell portion 181 and form an eyelet for each of them. In some variations, the elongated eyelet 188 may mechanically connect the sleeve portion 183 of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve to the boot or shell portion 181, wherein the elongated eyelet 188 is shared by the sleeve portion 183 and the boot or shell portion 181. For each of the elongated eyelets 188, such an elongated eyelet 188 may receive a portion of a lacing strap, wherein the lacing strap extends through each of the adjacently positioned sleeve portion 183 and boot or shell portion 181. In some variations, one or more pairs of paired eyelets of the modified footwear article 180 may be or include a pair of elongated eyelets 188 that securely connect the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and the boot or shell portion 181. In some variations, the elongated eyelet 188 may be positioned closest to the instep of the user, i.e., at the opening for insertion into the skater's foot. Any number of eyelets in the modified footwear article can be elongated eyelets extending between the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and the boot or shell portion 181, forming an eyelet in each of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and the boot or shell portion 181 and connecting each of the Achilles tendon protective sleeve and the boot or shell portion 181. As an example, the modified footwear article 180 may have zero to five pairs of eyelets (e.g., three pairs of eyelets) as elongated eyelets 188. Figure 18A and Figure 18BIn the example illustrated, the three pairs of eyelets of the modified footwear 180 near the instep of the user (i.e., at the opening for inserting the skater's foot) may be elongated eyelets 188. In some variations, one or more individual eyelets of the modified footwear may be elongated eyelets 188.

[0087] Manufacturing technology for components used in ice hockey skates Boot or shell portions, or mating components for boot or shell portions (such as Achilles tendon protectors, toe caps, ankle braces, brace / Achilles tendon protectors, etc., as described herein), can be manufactured using various techniques, including those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 586090. In particular, in some embodiments, boot or shell portions of footwear articles (e.g., hockey skates) can be manufactured by assembling multiple layers (e.g., relatively flat) of two-dimensional fabric, attaching the fabric layers to each other, and forming the boot or shell portion. Exemplary fibers used in these fabrics may include: glass fibers, carbon fibers, natural fibers, plastic fibers, metal fibers, and combinations thereof. Conventionally, each fabric layer can be cut from a larger piece of fabric or material or sheet before assembly. These sheets may comprise individual (dry) woven fibers or woven fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The cutting operation can be performed manually or may involve the use of molds or a computer numerical control (CNC) process. Complex shapes allow engineers to customize performance and achieve lighter boots.

[0088] When assembled and attached to each other, the fibers of a fabric layer can be oriented symmetrically relative to each other. For example, a typical loom produces a fabric with fibers in both the warp (longitudinal) and weft (cross) directions. The warp fibers typically extend perpendicularly to the weft fibers. Therefore, a typical fabric has increased stiffness along a first axis and a second axis extending perpendicular to the first axis. The weaver can choose to apply more fibers in the weft direction and less fibers in the warp direction (or vice versa) to customize the stiffness properties. Engineers can also consider one-dimensional fabrics.

[0089] During the weaving process, individual fibers can move back and forth and slide on top of each other. Ideally, the fiber surfaces should be smooth and non-sticky. This is actually the case for fibrils and typical blends produced using thermoplastics. When weaving thermosetting tow-impregnated tapes, steps must be taken to reduce or preferably remove the tape's stickiness. This can be accomplished, for example, by adjusting the chemical properties of the epoxy resin or significantly reducing the temperature in the weaving area.

[0090] Attaching various fabric layers can involve one or more of the following: gluing, lamination, bonding, etc. Various compression or wet-lay processes can be used to form the boot or shell portion. In some variations, the desired finished shape or product layers can be boot or shell portions or mating components for boot or shell portions, such as Achilles tendon protectors, toe caps, ankle braces, brace / Achilles tendon protectors, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the boot or shell portion may be manufactured using custom fiber placement (TFP), a tow-directing process based on embroidery that allows for complete control over fiber placement and orientation. In short, TFP enables the embroidery and bonding of individual continuous fibers (or “tows”) or alternatively, the bonding of any number of fibers of the same or different compositions to a substrate in a process known as roving. For illustrative and not limiting purposes, the term “fiber” as used herein includes non-orthogonal anisotropic structural materials, which may be fibrils as well as blended fibers. Fibrils may be defined as individual tows composed of one or more materials, including glass fibers, carbon fibers, fiberglass, copper wire, metal wire (e.g., steel wire), aramid (aramid polyamide), poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO), polyester, polypropylene (PP), etc. Typically, when using fibrils, a resin (e.g., epoxy resin) matrix is ​​introduced (e.g., via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), infusion, wet lamination, film lamination, etc.) to create a composite structure. Blended fibers consist of two or more fibers made of different materials, one of which is typically a thermoplastic fiber (e.g., nylon, polyester, aramid, polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 12 (PA12), PEAK, poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PP, etc.) or a thermosetting fiber (e.g., epoxy resin) that produces a resin matrix upon heating. Representative examples of blended fibers (e.g., blended thermoplastic fibers) include: carbon fiber / PA6, carbon fiber / PEAK, glass fiber / PA6, aramid / PA12, etc. Typically, the blended fibers can be heated to melt the thermoplastic material until it flows, becoming a resin matrix encapsulating the (multiple) remaining (e.g., solid) material of the blended fibers. The advantage of using blended fibers is that the resin matrix is ​​directly integrated into the fibers. By directly integrating the resin matrix into the blended fibers, it is no longer necessary to introduce the resin matrix in a second step (e.g., VARTM, infusion, wet lay-up, film lamination, etc.). A second advantage of using blended fibers is the uniform distribution of the resin matrix relative to the fibers in the preform comprising the fibers. For example, when the blended fibers are heated to melt the thermoplastic material until it flows, the thermoplastic material can be uniformly distributed across the (multiple) remaining materials of the blended fibers. Such use of blended fibers reduces the possibility of producing finished shapes or products with non-uniform fiber volume fractions across the structure.

[0092] In some embodiments of this disclosure, TFP can be used to embroider patterns or preforms of components resembling desired finished shapes or products (e.g., skate shells, mating components therefor, etc.) onto a substrate. The desired finished shapes or products described herein may be boot or shell portions, outsoles for skates, and / or composite boot or shell portions and outsoles. Each of the boot or shell portion, outsole, and / or composite boot or shell portion and outsole may be formed from one or more two-dimensional preforms, which are formed into three-dimensional preforms and placed in and / or on a mold. In some variations, the desired finished shape or product of the preform may be a boot or shell portion or a mating component for a boot or shell portion, such as an Achilles tendon protector, toe cap, ankle collar, collar / Achilles tendon protector, etc.

[0093] Embodiments of footwear articles (e.g., hockey skates) may include any one or more features and / or characteristics of footwear articles described herein. As an example, embodiments of footwear articles may include any one or more features and / or characteristics of the boot or shell portion and / or the collar / Achilles tendon protector described herein. The terminology and expressions used herein are descriptive and not limiting, and their use is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. Furthermore, while certain embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments incorporated into the concept disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The structural features and functions of the various embodiments can be arranged in various combinations and arrangements, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise necessary, the steps described in the various methods may be performed in any order, and some steps may be performed substantially simultaneously. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than limiting. Moreover, the constructions described herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting in any way. Similarly, although a physical explanation has been provided for explanatory purposes, it is not intended to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism or to limit the claims under its purview.

Claims

1. A footwear item for use in ice skating, said footwear item comprising: A boot shell, structured and arranged to accommodate a wearer's foot and having a medial forefoot portion, a lateral forefoot portion, a medial midfoot / toefoot portion, a lateral midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, a lateral ankle portion, a medial ankle portion, and a heel portion, the boot shell further comprising: At least one flexible track portion is attached to the heel portion of the boot shell; and A clamp / Achilles tendon protector, comprising a clamp mounting portion attached to the flexible track portion.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion includes a flange that cantilevered from the heel portion of the boot shell.

3. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion extends to at least one of the following: to the height of the outer ankle portion and the inner ankle portion of the boot shell, below the height, or above the height.

4. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion is separated from the outer ankle portion and the inner ankle portion of the boot shell by paired gaps.

5. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein, Each gap includes a width selected from the range of approximately 5 mm to 50 mm.

6. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the paired gaps is symmetrical.

7. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track section is structured and arranged to elastically deform along the longitudinal axis of the footwear.

8. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track section is structured and arranged as follows: Progressive flexion and energy storage are provided during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot into a dorsiflexion position; and Energy return based on the energy storage is provided during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from the dorsiflexed position to the neutral position.

9. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion is at least one of the following: fixedly attached to the heel portion of the boot shell or removably attached to the heel portion of the boot shell.

10. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion is integrated into the heel portion of the boot shell.

11. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion includes at least one of uniform thickness or variable thickness.

12. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion includes at least one of a uniform width or a variable width.

13. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible track portion includes a width selected from the range of approximately 5 mm to 70 mm.

14. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protection component comprises thermoplastic composite material.

15. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protector is at least one of the following: fixedly attached to the flexible track portion or removably attached to the flexible track portion.

16. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protector further includes a sleeve portion configured to accommodate the flexible track portion.

17. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protection component is offset to the rear in a neutral state.

18. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is configured to follow the contours of the boot shell.

19. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protector is at least one of removable or interchangeable to provide the desired level of stiffness.

20. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The boot shell comprises non-orthogonal anisotropic fibers.

21. The footwear article according to claim 20, wherein, The non-orthogonal anisotropic fiber is at least one of asymmetric and non-equilibrium.

22. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a tongue member attached to the boot shell.

23. The footwear article according to claim 22, wherein, The tongue component is at least one of removable or interchangeable.

24. A footwear item for use in ice skating, said footwear item comprising: The boot shell is structured and arranged to accommodate the wearer's foot and has an inner forefoot portion, an outer forefoot portion, an inner midfoot / toefoot portion, an outer midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, an outer ankle portion, an inner ankle portion, and a heel portion; and A collar / Achilles tendon protector attached to the boot shell.

25. The footwear article according to claim 24, wherein, (i) the heel portion of the boot shell further includes a lower heel portion, and (ii) the boot shell further defines an open rear portion disposed above the lower heel portion of the boot shell.

26. The footwear article according to claim 25, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is attached to one or more points around the periphery of the open rear portion of the boot shell.

27. The footwear article according to claim 25, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is attached to the lower heel portion of the boot shell.

28. The footwear article according to claim 25, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protector includes at least one flexible track section.

29. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track portion extends to at least one of the following: to the height of the outer ankle portion and the inner ankle portion of the boot shell, below the height, or above the height.

30. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track portion extends to at least one of the following: to the height of the lower heel portion of the boot shell, below the height, or above the height.

31. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track section is structured and arranged to elastically deform along the longitudinal axis of the footwear.

32. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track portion is at least one of the following: fixedly attached to the sleeve / Achilles tendon protector or removably attached to the sleeve / Achilles tendon protector.

33. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track portion is integrated into the clamp / Achilles tendon protection component.

34. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track portion is positioned close to the heel portion of the clamp / Achilles tendon protector.

35. The footwear article according to claim 28, wherein, The flexible track section is structured and arranged as follows: A progressive flex is provided along the longitudinal axis of the footwear in the forward direction of skating; and It provides energy return in the direction opposite to the forward direction of skating.

36. The footwear article according to claim 24, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is securely attached to the boot shell.

37. The footwear article of claim 24, further comprising a blade retainer attached to the sole portion of the boot shell via one or more fasteners, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is attached to the boot shell via one or more of the fasteners that attach the blade retainer to the sole portion of the boot shell.

38. The footwear article according to claim 24, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protector includes (i) a clamp portion made of an elastomeric material and (ii) an Achilles tendon protector portion made of a thermoplastic composite material.

39. The footwear article according to claim 24, wherein, At least one of the lateral ankle portion or the medial ankle portion of the brace / Achilles tendon protector includes a tension structure made of an elastomeric material.

40. The footwear article according to claim 39, wherein, The stretch structure is structured and arranged to be elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis of the footwear.

41. The footwear article according to claim 39, wherein, The tensile structure is structured and arranged as follows: Progressive flexion and energy storage are provided during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot into a dorsiflexion position; and Energy return based on the energy storage is provided during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from the dorsiflexed position to the neutral position.

42. The footwear article of claim 24, further comprising a compressible structure made of foam or elastomeric material, the compressible structure being disposed between the heel portion of the boot shell and the ferrule / Achilles tendon protector.

43. The footwear article according to claim 42, wherein, The compressible structure is structured and arranged to elastically deform along the longitudinal axis of the footwear.

44. The footwear article according to claim 42, wherein, The compressible structure is structured and arranged as follows: Progressive flexion and energy storage are provided during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot into a dorsiflexion position; and Energy return based on the energy storage is provided during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from the dorsiflexed position to the neutral position.

45. The footwear article according to claim 24, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is attached to one or more points around the periphery of the boot shell.

46. ​​The footwear article according to claim 24, wherein, The ferrule / Achilles tendon protector is attached to at least one of the lateral ankle portion, the medial ankle portion, or the heel portion of the boot shell.

47. The footwear article according to claim 46, wherein, The heel portion of the boot shell includes a lower heel portion, an upper heel portion, and an Achilles heel portion.

48. The footwear article of claim 24, further comprising one or more engagement structures extending from the heel portion of the boot shell, the one or more engagement structures being configured to engage with the ferrule / Achilles tendon protector.

49. The footwear article of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of eyelets defined by (i) the lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion of the boot shell and (ii) the cuff / Achilles tendon protector, wherein, The clamp / Achilles tendon protector is attached to the boot shell through one or more of the plurality of holes.

50. A footwear article for use in ice skating, said footwear article comprising: The boot shell is structured and arranged to accommodate the wearer's foot and has an inner forefoot portion, an outer forefoot portion, an inner midfoot / toefoot portion, an outer midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, an outer ankle portion, an inner ankle portion, and a heel portion; A removable lining is provided within the boot shell; and The plate reinforcement portion is attached to the removable liner to provide lateral stiffness.

51. The footwear article according to claim 50, wherein, The removable lining comprises a thermoformable foam material, and the plate reinforcement comprises a thermoplastic composite material.

52. A footwear item for use in ice skating, said footwear item comprising: The boot shell is structured and arranged to accommodate the wearer's foot and has an inner forefoot portion, an outer forefoot portion, an inner midfoot / toefoot portion, an outer midfoot / toefoot portion, a sole portion, an outer ankle portion, an inner ankle portion, and a heel portion; and At least one compressible structure is disposed in the boot shell.

53. The footwear article according to claim 52, wherein, The compressible structure is disposed in at least one of the lateral ankle portion, the medial ankle portion, the lateral instep / midfoot portion, or the medial instep / midfoot portion of the boot shell.

54. The footwear article according to claim 52, wherein, The compressible structure is made of foam, elastomer, or thermoplastic composite material.

55. The footwear article according to claim 52, wherein, The compressible structure includes an accordion-like structure, which comprises two or more corrugations.

56. The footwear article according to claim 52, wherein, The compressible structure is structured and arranged as follows: Progressive flexion and energy storage are provided during the loading phase of the skating stride, wherein the loading phase of the skating stride includes dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot into a dorsiflexion position.

57. The footwear article according to claim 56, wherein, The compressible structure is structured and arranged as follows: Energy return based on the energy storage is provided during the unloading phase of the skating stride, wherein the unloading phase of the skating stride includes the recovery of the wearer's foot from the dorsiflexed position to the neutral position.

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