Single-Lace Boot with Tension-Equalizing Middle Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot lacing arrangements with separate zones for the leg and foot regions often fail to provide sufficient tension at the foot bend, leading to insecure support and difficulty in putting on and taking off the boot.
Innovation Solution
A boot with a single continuous bootlace divided into three zones: an upper, middle, and lower zone, where the middle zone acts as a tension-equalizing zone with functional connections to both, allowing for uniform tension distribution and easy adjustment of lacing tightness using lockable lace-tightening devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate bootlaces are used for independent lacing zones, then the upper and lower lacing zones can be adjusted independently, but insufficient tension is built up in the bend of the foot region and secure support is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate bootlaces into a single continuous bootlace that runs through both the upper and lower lacing zones. This merging ensures that tension applied in either zone is transmitted throughout the entire lacing arrangement, including the bend of the foot region, thereby maintaining secure support while preserving independent adjustability of the zones.
2Ease of operation
If two separate bootlaces are used for independent lacing zones, then each zone can be tightened or loosened separately, but it is necessary to loosen both zones to remove the boot
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two lacing systems into a single continuous bootlace, the patent enables the boot to be removed by loosening only one zone. The slackening in one zone automatically transmits through the continuous lace to the other zone, allowing rapid boot removal without the need to adjust both zones separately.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a single bootlace with three zones is used, then uniform tension distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases with lockable lace-tightening devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single bootlace into three functional zones (upper, middle, lower) with lockable lace-tightening devices at each zone. This segmentation allows independent adjustment and locking of each zone while maintaining uniform tension distribution through the continuous lace, balancing functionality with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a boot comprising a lacing arrangement having a single bootlace. The lacing arrangement comprises three zones of action, namely an upper, middle and lower zone of action, the middle zone of action, in respect of lacing up and opening, having a direct functional connection both to the upper zone and to the lower zone.