Footbed for a skate boot

Abstract

A footbed for a skate boot having a quarter and a toe cap defining an internal space for receiving a human foot having a heel, an ankle, medial and lateral sides, a big toe, second, third and fourth toes, a little toe and a plantar surface, the footbed comprising: (a) a sole portion for facing the plantar surface of the foot, the sole portion having medial and lateral sides and front and rear ends; and (b) medial, front and lateral walls extending from the front end of the sole portion, the medial, front and lateral walls being movable from a first position, wherein the medial, front and lateral walls are generally in the same plane than that of the sole portion, to a second position, wherein each of the medial, front and lateral walls define an angle with respect to the sole portion such that, in use, the medial, front and lateral walls face the toes and are located between the toes and the toe cap of the skate boot. In one embodiment, the medial, front and lateral walls are replaced by first and second lateral walls, each having at least one flexing zone extending in a direction that is general traversal relative to the sole portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a footbed for a skate boot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Skate toe caps are generally made of hard plastic material using injection molding or similar manufacturing methods. Although great care is usually taken in shaping the mold so as to produce a toe cap with a smooth inner surface, this surface is sometimes scratched during storage or the assembly process of the skate boot. As the mold ages, flashing may also occur during the injection molding process, which can affect the final shape of the toe cap. In these instances, the inner surface of the hard plastic toe cap may become scuffed or is otherwise rendered imperfect, which may result in discomfort and / or irritation for the skater, especially in the region around his or her toes.[0003]Against this background, there is a need in the industry for a footbed that offers better comfort for the skater at the toes region.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]As embodied and broad...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As the mold ages, flashing may also occur during the injection molding process, which can affect the final shape of the toe cap.

In these instances, the inner surface of the hard plastic toe cap may become scuffed or is otherwise rendered imperfect, which may result in discomfort and / or irritation for the skater, especially in the region around his or her toes.

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