Snowboarding boot

#The present invention relates generally to a snowboarding boot and more particularly to a snowboarding boot having an improved sole construction.

#The popularity of snowboarding increases substantially each year. As the sport's popularity has grown, so has the need for refined, high-performance equipment. One of the most important pieces of snowboarding equipment is the snowboarding boot which should be comfortable, lightweight, sturdy and provide a good "feel" of the board. The feel, or feedback, that the rider receives from the board as it traverses terrain allows for improved control in a variety of conditions.

#Prior art snowboard boots have typically consisted of a flexible rubber sole with treads connected to a cloth and/or leather upper. An inner bladder or boot is also typically provided for a snug fit and insulation from cold.

#The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more clear with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments as illustrated by the drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snowboarding boot according to this invention;

#FIG. 2 is a rear view of a snowboarding boot according to this invention;

#FIGS. 1-3 show, generally, a snowboarding boot 20 according to this invention. The snowboarding boot 20 is sized and shaped to conform to a specialized binding system. A conventional snowboarding binding system 27 is shown in phantom, schematically in FIG. 1. The binding system is attached to a snowboard top 25, shown partially. The boot 20 includes an upper 21 according to this embodiment, constructed to extend from the sole 23 to an upper rim 24. The upper 21 is arranged to wrap securely around the rider's foot and ankle. The outer shell 26 of the upper 21 is generally constructed from a combination of durable fabric such as canvas or, preferably, Cordura.RTM.. Portions of the upper 21 are reinforced by further layers of natural/synthetic cowhide, vinyl or leather. This leather can consist of new buck leather or polyurethane "PU" new buck. The leather portions 28, 30, 31 and 32 can be located where added stiffness or strength is desired such as the toe section 34. The cloth sections 29 are generally positioned where flexure is desired. The exact placement and outline of the leather and fabric sections are generally dictated by taste and style, however. Although an upper 21 according to the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, any snowboarding boot upper can be utilized in connection with the sole according to this invention.

#Within the outer shell 26 is located an inner bladder or boot 36 formed, generally, from a polyurethane foam with a soft inner layer 38 and a waterproof outer layer 40. The upper 21 is secured tightly to the rider's foot by laces 42 of somewhat conventional design. A padded fabric tongue 43 bears the bladder 36 when the laces are tightened.

#With specific reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper 21 engages the rubber outer sole 44 at the toe section 34. Adjacent this location, the upper is formed in three layers. The outer layer 30, as described above, is generally composed of leather or vinyl of a stiff, rugged material. At the toe section 34, the leather or vinyl 30 is secured to the sole 23 by an adhesive. The adhesive is chosen based upon its waterproof properties, resilience and strength. In this embodiment a contact adhesive is used. This adhesive can comprise a polyurethane or methy ethyl ketone-based glue such as Barge.TM. cement. It is usually applied to both parts, heat dried and the parts are then joined by a press fit.