Apparatus and method for securing an athletic boot

Abstract

An apparatus and methods are provided for a boot with features that increase a securing of a user's heel. Embodiments include a heel hastening device that is between an upper portion and a liner. Boot designs are provided that maintain full support of the upper portion, and full comfort of the liner while concurrently providing a heel securing device. Also provided is a heel fastening device that is actuated by a lace. Also provided is a heel fastening device can be removed for repair or replacement if damage occurs.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An article of footwear, comprising: 
 an upper portion attached to a sole portion;    a lace coupled to a substantially front portion of the upper portion; and    a heel securing device coupled to the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace.    
     
     
         2 . The article of footwear of  claim 1 , wherein the heel securing device includes a length of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portion of the upper portion.  
     
     
         3 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the heel securing device includes a first eyelet coupled to a first end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the first eyelet.  
     
     
         4 . The article of footwear of  claim 3 , further including a second eyelet coupled to a second end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the second eyelet.  
     
     
         5 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , further including a lining portion, wherein the length of flexible material passes substantially between the upper portion and the lining portion.  
     
     
         6 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the length of flexible material includes a nylon cord.  
     
     
         7 . The article of footwear of  claim 2 , wherein the length of flexible material is removable from the article of footwear.  
     
     
         8 . An article of footwear, comprising: 
 an upper portion attached to a sole portion;    a lining portion located substantially within the upper portion; and    a length of flexible material passing between the upper portion and the lining portion and passing substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.    
     
     
         9 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , wherein the article of footwear includes a figure skating boot.  
     
     
         10 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , wherein the length of flexible material includes a nylon cord.  
     
     
         11 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , wherein the length of flexible material is removable from the article of footwear.  
     
     
         12 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , further including a lace, wherein the length of flexible material is actuated by the lace.  
     
     
         13 . An article of footwear, comprising: 
 an upper portion attached to a sole portion;    a lace coupled to a substantially front portion of the upper portion; and    a means for securing a heel coupled to the lace, wherein the heel securing device is actuated by the lace.    
     
     
         14 . The article of footwear of  claim 13 , wherein the a means for securing a heel passes substantially between the upper portion and a liner.  
     
     
         15 . A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising: 
 forming an upper portion;    coupling a lace to a substantially front portion of the upper portion;    coupling a length of flexible material to the lace, the length of flexible material passing substantially around a rear portion of the upper portion, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten about the rear portion of the upper when actuated by the lace.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein coupling the length of flexible material to the lace includes coupling a nylon cord to the lace.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further including attaching a first eyelet to a first end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the first eyelet.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further including attaching a second eyelet to a second end of the length of flexible material, wherein the lace passes through the second eyelet.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further including forming a lining portion and locating the length of flexible material substantially between the upper portion and the lining portion.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein coupling the length of flexible material to the lace includes removably coupling a length of flexible material to the lace.  
     
     
         21 . A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising: 
 forming an upper portion attached to a sole portion;    attaching a lining portion substantially within the upper portion; and    passing a length of flexible material between the upper portion and the lining portion and passing the length of flexible material substantially around a heel portion of the article of footwear, wherein the length of flexible material is adapted to tighten against the lining portion when actuated.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further including coupling a lace to a substantially front portion of the upper portion and coupling the lace to the length of flexible material.