Interchangeable Boot Attachment

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/303,978, filed Apr. 20, 2023, now allowed, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to an interchangeable boot attachment, more specifically, but not by way of limitation, more particularly to an interchangeable boot attachment for allowing seamless transition between a variety of boot modes through the exchange of a plurality of inserts that is assembled intuitively and performs in a secure manner.

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0321074 A1 (Barbera et al.) discloses a chassis having a motive interface device affixed thereto for a motive sport footwear, wherein the chassis has a housing of rigid plastic or rubber, a mechanism for attachment of a motive interface device at a bottom portion of the chassis, and a top portion of the chassis having at least two through holes therein each having an internally threaded metal insert. Shortcomings include an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts onto an existing boot in a seamless, time efficient manner.

D.E. Pat. No. 29,608,296 U1 (Schaeffer) discloses a shoe with a detachable lower part, designed as a lower part for an ice skate, roller skate, inline skate, sliding shoe, roller skate or the like. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode, an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner and inability to prevent accidental release of the detachable lower part.

E.P. Pat. No. 891,792 B1 (Nicoletti et al.) discloses ice skates which have blades arranged for fixing releasably to the body of the skate so that the user can change the blade without having to replace the body of the skate or the associated boot are known. The skates generally only permitting interchangeable replacement of blades of identical configuration and the user is consequently forced to equip himself with a different pair of skates for each of the skating disciplines which he intends to practice such as, for example, ice hockey, for which short, thick blades are required, or speed skating for which, on the other hand, relatively long, thin blades are required. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode, an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner and an inability to attach a member for hiking, rollerblading or roller skating.

E.P. Pat. No. 3,354,149 B1 (Navarro et al.) discloses a footwear item skate with multiple interchangeable blades for ice and skating rinks, designed to allow a person to slide on a flat, sliding surface, with the footwear item-skate based on a functional structure with interchangeable metal blades, comprising a boot, which has the advantages of sports footwear items in regards to its comfort and flexibility, and providing very good stability thanks to its multiple metal blades arranged in parallel and at a minimum distance from the ground. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode, an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner, an inability to attach a member for hiking, rollerblading or roller skating, an inability to prevent accidental release of the skate and an inability to be compatible with different blade forms that are more appropriate for different types of skating.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,991,855 A (Johnson) discloses an interchangeable skate and shoe that has an offset stud rotatively engaged in a bayonet opening in the shoe bottom for the engagement and disengagement of these parts, and in addition, the skate has a slide support and a catch for coaction with other portions of the shoe for firmly holding the skate in position on the shoe. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode and an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,026, 118 A (Pare) discloses shoe skates wherein the skate is detachable from the shoe. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode and an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,008,901 A (Conn) discloses an improved method of securing and/or fastening the two designs of skates; the ice skate and the wheel type roller skate into one shoe attachment design and invention so as to use the one pair of skating shoes for the dual skating purpose. The skates thus being manufactured or constructed with the attachments so as to be connected to the one pair of skating shoes, thus one pair of skating shoes to be used for both types of skating wherein the street shoe sole attachment can be connected to said shoe so as to use as the common street shoe, thus the triple skates attachments. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode and an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,499 A (Wang) discloses a shoe adapted for use with a plurality of various attachable and interchangeable skating accessories whereby the accessories may be selectively and removably locked into the sole of the shoe, and whereby certain safety features are provided in the form of front and rear stops for a roller skate. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode and an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,129 A (Post et al.) discloses a quick-release interlocking frame assembly for interchangeably mounting at separate times operative sports devices, such as in-line skate rollers and an ice skate blade, to a boot sole. Shortcomings include an inability to allow for a smooth and efficient transition between the walking mode and the skate mode and an inability to safely and securely affix the one or more inserts via a quick release buckle onto an existing boot with minimal component exchange that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner.

All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.

It is clear that there exists a need for an interchangeable boot attachment for allowing seamless transition between a variety of boot modes through the exchange of a plurality of inserts that is assembled intuitively and performs in a secure manner. There is need for an interchangeable boot attachment that allows for a smooth and efficient transition between a walking mode and a plurality of sport modes, that is safely and securely affixed to a boot via a quick release buckle with minimal component exchange, that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner, that prevents accidental release of the insert based on the tapered dovetail channel paired with a durable lock strap and buckle-release mechanism and eliminates the hassles of having two pairs of footwear and helps to streamline the skating experience-especially on chilly days where the transition from winter boots to skates becomes painfully cold.

The following presents a simplified summary of the general inventive concepts described herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is not intended to restrict key or critical elements of embodiments of the disclosure or to delineate their scope beyond that which is explicitly or implicitly described by the following description and claims.

It is an object of the disclosure to provide an interchangeable boot attachment.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an interchangeable boot attachment, for allowing seamless transition between a variety of boot modes that is assembled intuitively and performs in a secure manner, comprising a buckle strap affixed to a baseplate around a heel of the baseplate and one or more inserts. The baseplate having an insert channel along a bottom of the baseplate that tapers from an opening at the heel towards a toc end of the baseplate and the buckle strap having a buckle that couples to a strap. The one or more inserts having a tapered projection that tapers in an identical formation to the insert channel and is coupled to the insert channel during assembly such that a dovetail joint is formed between the opening, the insert channel and the tapered projection. Wherein the buckle is rotated and snapped into a locked position to apply tension along the strap to secure the one or more inserts to the insert channel, the strap is wrapped around the heel and covering the opening in the heel that provides access to the insert channel for the one or more insert. Wherein the buckle is rotated and unsnapped into an engaged position to release the tension along the strap. Wherein the buckle is decoupled and released from the strap in an open position to remove the strap from the opening to allow for removing the one or more inserts from the insert channel and inserting the one or more inserts into the insert channel.

In one embodiment, the one or more inserts includes one or more of a gripped tread insert, a stability blade insert, a long-distance blade insert, an agility blade insert, a rollerblade insert, a roller skate insert, a ski insert, a snowshoe insert and a snowboard insert.

In one embodiment, the interchangeable boot attachment is manufactured to a boot.

In one embodiment, the baseplate is composed of a durable plastic material.

In one embodiment, the interchangeable boot attachment is affixed to an existing boot.

In one embodiment, the interchangeable boot attachment is affixed to the existing boot via a plurality of fasteners.

In one embodiment, the interchangeable boot attachment is affixed to the existing boot via an adhesive.

In one embodiment, the interchangeable boot attachment is accompanied by a carry case.

In one embodiment, the carry case is composed of a silicon fabric on a front side for added grip for handling the one or more inserts, a microfiber cloth on a back side for clearing and drying ice and snow off of the one or more inserts and a quick-drying nylon lining within a pouch of the carry case to keep the pouch dry to prevent rusting the one or more inserts.

In one embodiment, the one or more inserts comprise a cap at a back end which indicates a direction that the one or more inserts should be slid into the insert channel.

In one embodiment, the cap is shaped in an identical formation to the opening such that the cap fills the opening providing more surface for the strap to contact and further secure the one or more inserts in place.

Other aspects, features and/or advantages will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

The disclosure proposes an interchangeable boot attachment for allowing seamless transition between a variety of boot modes through the exchange of a plurality of inserts that is assembled intuitively and performs in a secure manner that overcomes disadvantages inherent in the existing interchangeable boot attachments. The present disclosure provides an interchangeable boot attachment that may be used with many different embodiments. As such, the general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved interchangeable boot attachment that allows for a smooth and efficient transition between a walking mode and a plurality of sport modes, that is safely and securely affixed to a boot via a quick release buckle with minimal component exchange, that can be accomplished in a seamless, time efficient manner, that prevents accidental release of the skate based on the tapered dovetail channel paired with a durable lock strap and buckle-release mechanism and eliminates the hassles of having two pairs of footwear and helps to streamline the skating experience-especially on chilly days where the transition from winter boots to skates becomes painfully cold, which provides the advantages and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

illustrates a front perspective viewof an interchangeable boot attachmentaffixed to a boot, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown a skate insertis attached to a bootallowing for the user to ice skate. This embodiment also features two points of tightening: a turn-dialat the mid ankle for quick, effortless, and highly secure lacing, along with a Velcro straparound the high ankle that tightens the ankle cuff. The benefit of this two-part system is that the user can easily adjust the tightness to find the optimal combination for both walking and skating respectively, for personal comfort.

illustrates a rear perspective viewof an interchangeable boot attachmentaffixed to a boot, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown a skate insertis attached to a bootallowing for the user to ice skate.

illustrates a front perspective viewof an interchangeable boot attachmentaffixed to a boot, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown a gripped tread insertis attached to a bootallowing for the user to hike. This embodiment also features two points of tightening: a turn-dialat the mid ankle for quick, effortless, and highly secure lacing, along with a Velcro straparound the high ankle that tightens the ankle cuff.

Furthermore, the bootmay be customizable in some embodiments, such as the use of specific materials and construction of the bootitself along with the assembly of the interchangeable boot attachmentat the discretion of a partner company specializing in footwear design and manufacturing.

illustrates a rear perspective viewof an interchangeable boot attachmentaffixed to a boot, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown a gripped tread insertis attached to a bootallowing for the user to hike.

illustrates an underside perspective viewof an interchangeable boot attachmentaffixed to a boot, according to some embodiments. The interchangeable boot attachmentis shown comprising a baseplatecoupled to a buckle strap. The baseplatecontains an insert channelalong the center of the base that starts at the heel end and tapers towards the end of the toe end. The tapered nature of the insert channelis employed to ensure a secure and snug fit once an insert is attached to the baseplate. A plurality of assembly channelsare shown which are employed in some embodiments to affix the baseplateto a boot.

In some embodiments, the baseplatefeatures a recess on the inner side, along with four threaded holes (two on either side) that nest in and secure a quick release locking mechanism, shown as buckle strap. In some embodiments, the baseplatefeatures a curved toe edge to support a natural walking stride.

illustrates an exploded viewof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of fastenersare each shown coupling to a plurality of assembly channelsfor affixing the baseplateto the bootas well as coupling the buckle strapto the baseplate. Examples of fastenersinclude, but are not limited to, split rivets, screws, threaded inserts, hollow rivets, etc. In some embodiments, the baseplateis affixed to the bootvia an adhesive. In some embodiments, one or more of the baseplateand the buckle strapare molded to the bootduring the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the baseplateis composed of a durable plastic material.

illustrates a top perspective viewof a baseplateof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments.

illustrates an underside perspective viewof a baseplateof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, an openingat the heel of the baseplateprovides an entrance to the insert channel, which is where an insert may be passed through when attaching an insert to the interchangeable boot attachment.

illustrates a perspective viewof a buckle strapof interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, a bucklefrom the buckle strapis coupled to a strapof the buckle strapsuch that the buckle strapis in a locked position. In this position, the buckle strapis under tension and covers the openingof the baseplate, locking an insert within the insert channeland affixing the insert to the baseplatefor safe use of the interchangeable boot attachment. In some embodiments, the buckle strapfeatures a durable synthetic lock strapand metal bucklethat facilitate a quick-lock and quick-release mechanism.

illustrates a perspective viewof a buckle strapof interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the buckleis rotated about the strapfrom the locked position and unsnapped into an engaged position such that the tension on the strapis released.

Conversely, from the engaged position, the bucklemay be rotated in the reverse direction about the strapfrom the engaged position and snapped into the locked position such that the tension applied along the strapthat is wrapped around the heel and covering an openingof the baseplatethat provides access to the insert channelfor one or more inserts.

illustrates a perspective viewof a buckle strapof interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the buckleis completely decoupled and removed from the strapand the buckle strapis in an open position such that the openingof the baseplateis exposed and an insert may be removed or inserted into the insert channel. More specifically, in some embodiments the strapis semi-flexible and wraps around the heel of the baseplate, covering the capped end of the insert located at the open end of the insert channel, and secures the insert in place by engaging and snapping shut the buckle.

illustrates a perspective viewof a gripped tread insertof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the gripped tread insertis shown comprising a tapered projectionalong the top with a plurality of gripping membersalong the bottom. In some embodiments, the gripped tread insertis made of rubber. In some embodiments, the gripped tread insertis made of metal and the gripping memberscontain spikes to increase traction for uses such as hiking or as a winter boot. The tapered projectiontapers in an identical formation to that of the insert channeland is coupled to the insert channelof the baseplateduring assembly such that a dovetail joint is formed between the opening, the insert channeland the tapered projection. In some embodiments, the gripped tread insertis a treaded rubber winter boot sole insert.

illustrates a top viewof a gripped tread insertof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments.

illustrates a back viewof a gripped tread insertof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments.

illustrates a profile viewof a gripped tread insertof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments.

illustrates a bottom viewof a gripped tread insertof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments.

illustrates a perspective viewof a stability blade insertof an interchangeable boot attachment, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the stability blade insertis shown comprising a tapered projectionalong the top with a stability bladealong the bottom. The tapered projectiontapers in an identical formation to that of the insert channeland is coupled to the insert channelof the baseplateduring assembly such that a dovetail joint is formed between the opening, the insert channeland the tapered projection. In some embodiments, the stability bladeis a low, flat, thick and medium-length blade.