GB2480142A - Sailing Boot with Gripping Surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of improving the hiking capabilities of a sailor, the method comprising the step of providing a watersport boot 200 including a first profiled surface for mating with a second profiled surface of a hiking strap 300, where the profiled surfaces feature a texture or combination of studs (510, fig. 5) that mesh, increasing friction between the surfaces to produce grip between the boot and hiking strap. The studs of the first and second surfaces are preferably formed from elastomeric and flexible material, and may be arranged in a triangular pattern in the form of a 60 degree lattice. The studs may have a rounded or domed tip and a rounded fillet at the base of each stud. The first and second surfaces may have a pattern of primary studs and shorter secondary studs.

Description

Watersport Hiking Support System ZPOO9

Field of the invention

100011 The invention generally relates to the field of sportswear products. More specifically, the invention relates to combining a novel hiking support strap system with watersport boots, to help reduce muscle fatigue in situations such as hiking from the gunnels of a sailing vessel.

Background of the invention

100021 Hiking support systems have been applied to wetsuits for dinghy sailing for some time, for hiking from a sailing dinghy with the use of a hiking strap and boot like that shown in FIG. 1 and there have been some advances in the mechanics of how the hiking strap 300 and watersport boots 200 interact.

100031 An example boot strap interaction is disclosed in United States Patent 7,650,703, such that CO the hiking strap 300 interaction with the watersport boot 200 is utilising mating pattern.

100041 While previous patents US 6,372,323, US 6,610,382 and US 6,904,615 disclose slip control surfaces and outline that increase grip strength through part mechanical interlocking and part friction, they also refer to a stud pattern density of at least 100 per square inch so as to provide a smooth tactile surface for hand grips. This stud pattern density does not apply itself well in the watersport boot and hiking strap scenario due to the lack of gripping strength and durability of the smaller sized studs.

100051 Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common

general knowledge in the field.

Summary of the invention

100061 It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of hiking system.

100071 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of improving the hiking capabilities of a sailor, the method comprising the step of: providing a watersport boot preferably can include a first profiled surface for mating with a second profiled surface of a hiking strap where the profiled surfaces feature a pattern of flexible studs that mesh thereby increasing friction between the surfaces to produce grip between the boot and hiking strap.

100081 In some embodiments, the first profiled surface features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible studs arranged in a density of substantially 25 to 95 studs per square inch where each stud can be substantially between 1 to 3mm in diameter and I to 4mm in height.

O 100091 In some embodiments, the second profiled surface features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible studs arranged in a density of substantially 25 to 95 studs per square inch where each stud can be between substantially 1 to 3mm in diameter and substantially 1 to 4mm in height.

In some embodiments, the studs are preferably arranged in a triangular pattern in the form of a degree lattice and feature tapered sides. The studs can be rounded or domed tip to facilitate meshing with an opposing profiled surface. The studs can feature a large rounded fillet around Q the base of the stem to increase durability and strength. The first profiled surface can features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible primary studs arranged in a density of 25 to 500 studs per (\J square inch where each stud can be between substantially I to3mm in diameter and substantially I to4mm in height and a secondary pattern of smaller studs, the secondary studs being between substantially 0.25 to 2mm in diameter and substantially 0.25 to 2mm in height arranged in a density of between substantially 25 to 500 studs per square inch. The second profiled surface can feature a pattern of elastomeric, flexible primary studs arranged in a density of substantially 25 to 500 studs per square inch where each stud can be between substantially 1 to 3mm in diameter and 1-4mm in height and a secondary pattern of smaller studs. The secondary studs are preferably between substantially 0.25 to 2mm in diameter and substantially 0.25 to 2mm in height arranged in a density of between substantially 25 to 500 studs per square inch.

100101 In some embodiments, the studs are preferably arranged in a triangular pattern in the form of a substantially 60 degree lattice. The studs can feature tapered sides. The studs can feature a rounded or domed tip to facilitate meshing with the opposing profiled surface. The studs can feature a large rounded fillet around the base of the stem to increase durability and strength.

100111 In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of improving the hiking capabilities of a sailor, the method comprising the step of: providing a watersport boot preferably can include a first profiled surface for mating with a second profiled surface of a hiking strap where the profiled surfaces feature a texture or combination of studs that mesh thereby increasing friction between the surfaces to produce grip between the boot and hiking strap.

Brief description of the drawings

100121 Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 100131 FIG. 1 illustrates a sailor hiking with the use of boots and a hiking strap.

100141 FIG. 2 illustrates the supporting areas for the watersport boots as one particular embodiment of the system; 100151 FIG. 3 illustrates the main areas for the hiking strap as one particular embodiment of the system; C\I 100161 FIG. 4 and 4A illustrates the position of a sailors boot underneath a hiking strap.

[00171 FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a textured grip with a pattern of moulded studs in pictorial view.

100181 FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of two textured surfaces meshed together. The textured surfaces feature a pattern of moulded elastomeric studs.

100191 FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of two textured surfaces meshed together. The textured surfaces feature a pattern of moulded elastomeric studs, the top surface is positioned so that the stud pattern does not align with the pattern of the bottom textured surface.

100201 FIG. 8 is a plan view of two textured surfaces with a square pattern of studs meshed together.

[00211 FIG 8A is a plan view of two textured surfaces with a square pattern of studs, the top surface is positioned at an angle to the bottom surface.

[0022] FIG 8B is a plan view of two textured surfaces with a square pattern of studs that are lower in density of those shown in FIG 8 and 8A, the top surface is positioned at an angle to the bottom surface.

[0023] FIG 8C is a plan view of two textured surfaces with a square pattern of studs that are lower in density of those shown in FIG 8 and 8A, the two surfaces are meshed together.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of two alternate textured surfaces meshed together. The first textured surface features a pattern of moulded studs, the second surface features a similar pattern of studs that are shorter in height.

100251 FIG. 1OA is a cross sectional view of two alternate textured surfaces meshed together, where the top surface is positioned so that the stud pattern does not align with the pattern of the bottom textured surface. The first textured surface features a pattern of mouldcd studs, the second surface features a similar pattern of studs that are shorter in height. r

[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of two alternate textured surfaces meshed together. The textured surfaces feature studs with a stepped profile.

[0027] FIG. 1 IA is a cross sectional view of two alternate textured surfaces meshed together, where the top surface is positioned so that the stud pattern does not align with the pattern of the bottom textured surface, The textured surfaces feature studs with a stepped profile.

100281 FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a textured grip with a pattern of moulded studs and a secondary pattern of smaller studs shown in pictorial view.

[0029] FIG 1 2A is a cross sectional view of a textured grip with a pattern of moulded studs and a secondary pattern of smaller studs meshed with an opposing textured pattern of the same surface.

[0030] FIG 13 is a cross sectional view of two alternate textured surfaces meshed together. The first textured surface features a pattern of moulded elastomeric studs, the second textured surface features smaller studs that have a stepped profile.FIG 14 is a cross sectional view of two alternate textured surfaces meshed together. The first textured surface features a pattern of moulded elastomeric studs, the second textured surface features a pattern of large rounded studs that a relatively low in height and stepped in profile.

Detailed Description of the Invention

100311 In the preferred embodiments, a new improved system is disclosed which provides extra support to the hiking sailor that allows the sailor to relax the foot, ease the strain of hiking, and improve the sailor's competitive endurance.

100321 This includes providing a watersports boot including a first profiled surface for mating with a second profiled surface on a hiking strap. The first profiled surface can comprise a grooved surface. The first profiled surface increases the coefficient of friction between the boot and strap. The watersports boot preferably can include a textured surface on top thereof and the hiking strap preferably can include a textured bottom surface. The surface can comprise a textured rubber like surface. In some embodiments the surface can comprise a flexible rubber underneath the hiking strap, and textured rubber on the top of the watersport boots. Alternatively, the surface can comprise an alternative synthetic material similar in characteristic to rubber underneath the hiking strap, and on the top of the watersport boots. The preferred embodiments can include a watersports boot having a first profiled surface along a top surface thereof, the profiled surface designed to engage with a Q corresponding surface on a boat so as to provide an increased level of frictional fit there CC) between.

100331 The at least one watersports boot can have a first profiled surface along a top surface thereof a hiking strap having a second profiled surface designed to mate with the first profiled surface so as to provide an increased level of frictional fit there between. The surfaces are preferably formed from a rubber like material. In one embodiment, these surfaces may consist of a pattern of elastomeric studs that interact with the studs on the opposing surface thereby increasing friction between surfaces. The opposing surfaces are designed to mesh thereby providing significant grip to the sailor when a minimal compressive force is applied to combine the surfaces. The design of the opposing surfaces also affords the ability to release the mesh with minimal resistance when one surface is lifted away from the other. The spacing, profile, material choice and pattern of the textured surfaces facilitate meshing of the surfaces when positioned at a range of planar angles and therefore various boot positions.

100341 The preferred embodiments provided a pair of watersports boots and a hiking strap designed to work together to provide extra grip. There are a number of ways in which this can be accomplished, and the challenge is to provide the extra grip while not constraining the sailor into the boat too much for safety and mobility. One particular embodiment uses a textured rubber material under the hiking strap and a similar mating (but not necessarily the same) material used on the top of the watersport boots. The materials provide particularly good grip, even when wet, yet do not fasten the boot to the hiking strap.

100351 The boots of the preferred embodiment are ergonomically designed to provide improved support to the muscles in the foot that are under strain while hiking. In another embodiment, the watersport boots include thick supporting material, such as rubber, to the upper parts of the boot.

[00361 Turning initially to FIG. 2, there is provided a watersport boot 200, constructed primarily 0 of neoprene and rubber. In an embodiment, the whole top part of the boot 210 can be made of neoprene, typically 3 mm thick, and has a hard wearing, gripping, yet flexible sole 220. A top support panel 230, is preferably made of rubber, typically 2 mm (although optionally thicker), and is vulcanised to the neoprene. This top support panel is preferably adapted to extend from the top of the toe (under a toe support and grip panel 240) and extend toward the top of the boot, thus providing considerable support to the foot while stretched during hiking. The toe Q support and grip panel 240, is also preferably vulcanised to the boot, over the Top Support Panel 230, and is made of a textured rubber, typically 2 mm thick (however optionally (\J thicker). The toe support and grip panel 240 is adapted to grip to the underside of a hiking strap. This toe support and grip panel 240, also provides extra support to this part of the foot while hiking, and extra abrasion resistance to the boot. A heel support panel 250 is also preferably formed from a rubber material vulcanised to the neoprene boot, and is also designed to support the foot. In an embodiment, both the top support panel 230 and the toe support panel 240 include a profiled surface for engaging a surface of a hiking strap. It would be appreciated that other variations of the construction and material of the boot are possible, while providing similar hiking support and grip, with similar panel areas as in this preferred embodiment.

100371 Referring to FIG. 3, the main areas of an example hiking strap 300 are shown, by way of a top view 3 10 and an underside view 320. The main support material 350, typically in the form of a seat belt like material that is screwed or tied to the deck of a sailing vessel. A padding material 360 is typically provided for providing a sailors foot some comfort and protect it from the stiff edges of the main supporting material 350. This main supporting material 350 typically provides additional width to the strap. A further grip material 370 is also provided to improve the grip between the hiking strap 300 and a watersport boot (for example as shown in FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, this grip material 370 is formed of textured rubber material, vulcanised to the padding material 360. FIG. 4 is an illustration that represents the position of a sailors boot 200 on a hiking strap 300 in plan view. It is also appreciated that the boot may be positioned at a range of angles and other positions on the strap, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 4A 100381 Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred example of the texture for the rubber material 500 is shown. This example entails the use of an array of elastomeric studs 510 which are moulded into the rubber grip material 520. The studs may be arranged in a variety of regular or irregular patterns.

100391 FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section view of an array of studs 610 of one textured surface 620 interlocked with the studs 630 of an opposing textured surface 640. To provide substantial grip between a hiking strap and a boot it is preferred that the pattern of the studs used on the boots (top support panel and toe support and grip panel) is arranged so that it interlocks with a Q corresponding pattern used on the hiking strap (grip material). The grip between the boot and hiking strap is therefore produced through the mechanical interference of the opposing studs (\J and also the friction between the touching elastomeric surfaces.

100401 The studs are preferably with rounded tops in cross section, the stems of the studs are approximately 1-3mm in diameter, and the pattern is arranged in a density between 25-95 studs per square inch. The studs are preferably 1-4mm in height and flexible with tapered sides 650 to facilitate meshing and a large fillet around the base 660 to increase durability.

100411 Experimenting with different sizes of studs in various patterns leads to a variance in the gripping quality between the surfaces. This variance is dependent on the density and pattern of the studs and also their flexibility. The level of grip is also dependant on the alignment of the patterns on each opposing textured surface. When the opposing surfaces are positioned at different angles, the ability for the patterns to mesh will vary depending on the pattern and the spacing of the studs. The flexibility of the studs preferably allows for overlapping studs to bend facilitating the meshing of opposing surfaces that are not aligned. FIG. 7 illustrates the preferable behaviour of the studs 730, 740, 750 and 760 when two opposing surfaces 710 and 720 are combined at an angle that does not allow the patterns to align causing some studs to overlap.FIG. 8 represents a potential embodiment of a surface 810 with an array of cylindrical studs 820 that is of a square pattern meshed with an opposing surface 830 that has the same pattern of studs 840. In this embodiment, in order to provide mechanical grip, the studs are arranged in a dense pattern to prevent the opposing studs from moving when the two surfaces are combined. When the surface of the boot is rotated as illustrated in FIG 8A, there is significant overlapping of the studs which restricts the meshing ability of the two surfaces, thereby significantly limiting available grip. The embodiment shown in FIG 8B represents the increased ability for the two surfaces to mesh when positioned at different angles through the use of smaller studs thereby increasing the amount of space for the opposing studs to mesh due to a reduced amount of overlapping. This embodiment has significantly reduced grip when the opposing patterns are aligned as there is less mechanical interference between studs as represented in FIG 8C.

100421 One alternative embodiment of the arrangement of studs is shown in FIG 9 and comprises a surface 910 with triangular array of cylindrical studs 920 that is meshed with an opposing surface 930 comprising the same pattern of studs 940. It is preferred that this arrangement is in Q the form of a 60 degree lattice however other arrangements are also possible. The arrangement allows for the use of a lower density arrangement of studs which facilitates better angular grip CO through improved meshing due to less interference shown in FIG 9A whilst still providing an adequate amount of mechanical interference when the surfaces are aligned.

[00431 Although the embodiments illustrated above represent the studs as cylindrical in shape, it will be appreciate by those skilled in the art that there are other mating patterns or profiled surfaces which could be utilised. By way of example, circular or oval patterns, squares, zig-zags etc. may be used.

100441 FIG 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment where the top textured surface 1010 features studs 1020 that are long relative to their diameter meshed with shorter studs 1040 of the opposing surface 1030. The shorter profile of the studs 1040 on surface 1030 facilitates easier application on a curved surface such as a boot whilst the longer, more flexible studs 1020 on the opposing surface 1010 provide flexibility and enhance the ability to mesh when the stud pattern of the two opposing surfaces do not align.

[00451 FIG II illustrates an alternative embodiment whereby the profiled surface 1110 features a series of stepped profile studs 1120, these studs may be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern and facilitate a wide range of interlocking possibilities when the opposing patterns do not align as represented in FIG 1 1A.

100461 FIG. 12 illustrates a further possible embodiment where the textured surface 1210 features a pattern of moulded studs 1220 that may be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern and also features a pattern of smaller secondary studs 1230. The secondary studs facilitate more interference between studs of opposing textured surfaces thereby increasing grip, represented in FIG 12A. The secondary pattern of studs is preferably arranged in a density of 25-500 studs per square inch.

[0047] Although the embodiments illustrated above represent the secondary studs as cylindrical in shape, it will be appreciate by those skilled in the art that there are other mating patterns or profiled surfaces which could be utilised. By way of example, circular or oval patterns, squares, zig-zags etc. may be used.

100481 Other alternative embodiments for the profiles of the textured surfaces are illustrated in FIG 13 and FIG 14 and may be used in combination with any other profile detailed here or Q 15 with any other potential embodiments foreseeable by those skilled in the art.

CO 100491 Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise', ??comprising?? and the like are to be constnied in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to.

100501 Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or "an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases ??in one embodiment or ??in an embodiment?? in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

100511 The foregoing describes preferred features of the present invention. Modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. What is claimed is: 1. A method of improving the hiking capabilities of a sailor, the method comprising the step of: providing a watersport boot includes a first profiled surface for mating with a second profiled surface of a hiking strap where the profiled surfaces feature a pattern of flexible studs that mesh thereby increasing friction between the surfaces to produce grip between the boot and hiking strap.
2. 2. A method as claimed in claim I wherein said first profiled surface features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible studs arranged in a density of substantially 25 to 95 studs per square inch where each stud is substantially between 1 to 3mm in diameter and 1 to 4mm in height.
3. 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second profiled surface features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible studs arranged in a density of substantially 25 to 95 studs per square Q inch where each stud is between substantially 1 to 3mm in diameter and substantially 1 to 4mm in height. Co
4. 4. A method as claimed in claim I whereby the studs are arranged in a triangular pattern in the form of a 60 degree lattice.
5. 5. A method as claimed in claim 1 whereby the studs feature tapered sides.
6. 6. A method as claimed in claim 5 whereby the studs feature a rounded or domed tip to facilitate meshing with an opposing profiled surface.
7. 7. A method as claimed in claim 6 whereby the studs feature a large rounded fillet around the base of the stem to increase durability and strength.
8. 8. A method as claimed in claim I wherein said first profiled surface features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible primary studs arranged in a density of 25 toSOO studs per square inch where each stud is between substantially I to3mm in diameter and substantially I to4mm in height and a secondary pattern of smaller studs, the secondary studs being between substantially 0.25 to 2mm in diameter and substantially 0.25 to 2mm in height arranged in a density of between substantially 25 to 500 studs per square inch.
9. 9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second profiled surface features a pattern of elastomeric, flexible primary studs arranged in a density of substantially 25 to 500 studs per square inch where each stud is between substantially 1 to 3mm in diameter and 1-4mm in height and a secondary pattern of smaller studs. The secondary studs are between substantially 0.25 to 2mm in diameter and substantially 0.25 to 2mm in height arranged in a density of between substantially 25 to 500 studs per square inch.
10. 10. A method as claimed in claim 9 whereby the studs are arranged in a triangular pattern in the form of a substantially 60 degree lattice.
11. 11. A method as claimed in claim 10 whereby the studs feature tapered sides.

    Q
12. 12. A method as claimed in claim 11 whereby the studs feature a rounded or domed tip to facilitate meshing with the opposing profiled surface. (\J
13. 13. A method as claimed in claim 12 whereby the studs feature a large rounded fillet around the base of the stem to increase durability and strength.
14. 14. A method of improving the hiking capabilities of a sailor, the method comprising the step of: providing a watersport boot includes a first profiled surface for mating with a second profiled surface of a hiking strap where the profiled surfaces feature a texture or combination of studs that mesh thereby increasing friction between the surfaces to produce grip between the boot and hiking strap.
15. 15. A method of improving the hiking capabilities of a sailor, the method comprising the step of providing a watersports boot and hiking strap having a series of meshing studs, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Co (\J