The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 15, 2009
Filed:
Jun. 07, 2006
Martin Keen, Jamestown, RI (US);
Stephen D. Opie, Arlington, MA (US);
Martin Keen, Jamestown, RI (US);
Stephen D. Opie, Arlington, MA (US);
The Timberland Company, Stratham, NH (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a floating anatomical protector for use in articles of footwear, and is particularly suited for footwear employing a wraparound lacing system. The floating anatomical protector preferably does not directly contact the superstructure of the article of footwear when worn. Instead, the lacing or other fastening system retains the floating anatomical protector in place over the wearer's foot and/or leg. For instance, the instep region of the foot, the shin, Achilles heel, calf, etc. may be covered by the floating anatomical protector. Multiple segments or separate protectors may be used. The lace may run between different layers of the floating anatomical protector. Also, the floating anatomical protector may directly contact the wearer's skin, or it may be used in conjunction with a bootie, sock or other intermediate material.