EP0710451B1 - Sportsshoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The boot, e.g. for mountaineering, skiing and other snow sports, consists of a sole (10) and an upper (2) which has a hole (22) at the top for inserting the foot. The front portion of the upper is closed by a tongue (25) which has a gusset (23) on each side connecting it to the main part of the upper to prevent anything from penetrating between the two sides of the boot once it is laced up. The lacing holes/hooks extend from the toe of the boot to the very top of its leg section, which is lines with an elastic foam material.

Description

The present invention relates to a sports shoe and more specifically a shoe to ensure a double function of holding the foot and protecting it with respect to elements outdoors such as rain, snow, stones, ..., such as a walking shoe intended for walking mountain and high mountain, or a cross-country ski or ski touring boot, telemark, snowboarding, ... etc.

Traditionally, mountain or ski touring boots, telemark, ... etc, are sturdy shoes, uppers and thick leather to ensure good foot hold and of the ankle on any type of ground, in particular in scree and slopes, and a good control of the organ sliding in the case of a ski boot, telemark, surf, ... etc.

However, these shoes have the disadvantage of being heavy, not very comfortable and difficult to lacing around the foot due to the rigidity of the material used.

It is also known, more particularly for glacier walking, to use shoes say plastic shell, ie shoes whose upper is made of rigid synthetic material. Of such shoes also include a generally removable internal bootie intended for ensure the comfort of the foot inside the shoe.

In this case, the foot is held by the liner, by the deformation of the shell putting stress on the latter.

In addition to the difficulty of deforming the plastic shell to ensure the desired tightening, this type of shoe also has the disadvantage that any relative movement of the boot relative to the shell cannot be excluded, except to very strongly deform the shell on the liner and thus generate strong pressure and discomfort on the foot.

It is also known, for example by EP-A-0 521 287 (FR-A-2 678 487) to make a walking shoe comprising inside of an external rod a clamping device for the foot intended to ensure the holding of the foot inside the shoe, independently of the external upper, which provides only protective function against external conditions.

In this shoe, the outer upper is provided on the top of the foot with a longitudinal opening extending from the ankle to the toe, and closed either by a zipper or by hook-and-loop means.

Such a shoe effectively provides foot support and comfort inside the significantly improved shoe.

However, the longitudinal opening of the outer upper on the top of the foot is detrimental to the tightness of the assembly.

These known shoes also have the disadvantage of allowing little sensation. proprioceptive for the foot due to the rigidity of the materials used for the upper.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a shoe for advanced sport / walking / mountain / skiing, and in particular a shoe providing foot support and improved sealing while remaining as light as possible, and offering good characteristics of proprioceptive sensations.

This object is achieved in the sports shoe according to the invention which is of the type comprising a internal clamping device arranged at the instep, and an external rod for protection against external aggressions provided with an opening for the passage of the foot and closing means of this opening, by the fact that the opening of the external rod is only disposed at the end upper part of the latter, and the external rod has a completely closed structure at the front, provided with at least one bellows allowing an opening of the rod allowing the passage of a foot, the means for closing the opening of the rod being constituted by a lacing arranged above of bellows.

Indeed, the elimination of the longitudinal opening over the entire front of the foot existing in the known shoes makes it possible to considerably increase the tightness of the shoe, and, by elsewhere, it was made a priori not obvious observation that such a rod construction was not incompatible with the use of an internal clamping device, and that the opening of the rod authorized by the bellows was sufficient to allow access to the internal clamping device.

A waterproof and lightweight shoe construction is thus obtained since the tightening device internal by means of clamping quarters is much lighter than an internal clamping device with double rod or inner bootie.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the lacing of the external rod extends from the end upper of the latter to the level of the toe, therefore, the lacing of the outer rod can also be used as an additional means of holding the foot inside the shoe.

According to a preferred embodiment, the internal wall of the rod is lined with a material elastic foam, at least on the forefoot part of the shoe, so as to obtain during lacing of the external rod contact of the foot with the foam, without any compression of the parts in contact of the foot.

Indeed, it was found that this simple contact of the foot with the foam brought a sensitivity proprioceptive particularly appreciable for the practice of climbing since informing about balancing, positioning and moving the body.

Finally, according to another embodiment, the means for tightening the internal tightening quarters consist of a lace connecting the two quarters by means of return elements arranged on these quarters, and by a blocker placed at the free end of the lace. As a result, the internal tightening of the foot is further facilitated despite the limited opening of the rod since it suffices to exert traction on the free end of the lace until the desired tightening tension is obtained, and then lock the yaw in the position obtained with the yaw lock.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de 3/4 avant avec arraché partiel d'une chaussure selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue similaire à la figure 2 d'une chaussure selon un autre mode de réalisation.

In any case, the invention will be better understood and other characteristics thereof will be highlighted with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment, and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of 3/4 front with a partial cutaway of a shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 of a shoe according to another embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sports shoe and more particularly the walking shoe, according to the invention consists of an external sole called a step 10, an external upper 20 and a internal clamping device 30.

The internal clamping device, in a manner known per se, consists of two quarters or bands clamp 31 in a flexible material and arranged at the instep part of the shoe.

Each clamping quarter 31 is fixed, in a manner known per se, by its lower end 32 to the lower edge of the shoe, in this case between the outer sole 10 and the first mounting (not shown in the drawing).

This lower end 32 of each or only one of the clamping quarters can also be fixed at a different level in height on the rod in order to obtain for example a tightening of the foot rather on the internal or medial side of the shoe, or to take account of mounting requirements of the upper / shoe.

Furthermore, the rear edge 33 of each clamping quarter 31 is fixed very far to the rear of the shoe, at the heel 2 thereof, as shown in Figure 2, so as to obtain a hold foot optimum backward, and avoid sliding the foot forward during descents.

The front edge 34 extends in turn at the lower limit of the instep area generally called the instep.

As shown particularly in FIG. 2, each clamping quarter 31 has on its edge upper free 35 a series of loops or return elements 36 for a lace 37.

In the example shown, each loop 36 is constituted by a strap folded in the shape of loop. Such an embodiment has the advantage of a construction with minimum extra thickness, and is therefore suitable for tightening by the external rod without creating overpressures or hard points at level of these passers-by.

Depending on the embodiment or the intended use, these passers-by can also be replaced by metal loops, hooks, ... etc.

According to a preferred construction method, the lace 37 is passed alternately over each of the clamping quarters 31, and is anchored by each of its free ends 38 to the last passer-by 36 located at the front edge 34 of each clamping quarter 31.

The lace 37 then defines, at the end opposite to the anchoring points 38, a closed loop 39 constituting a gripping and traction element for tightening the clamping quarters 31.

Such an anchoring method is particularly advantageous since the loop 39 constitutes an element of unique grip allowing to exert a symmetrical tensile force on each of the strands of the lace.

In addition, a lace blocker 40 slidably mounted on the strands of the lace in the area of the loop 39 allows these strands to be locked in the desired clamping position.

Of course, the lace 37 could also be mounted in a conventional manner with the loop 39 placed at the lower end of the lacing and the lace blocker 40 disposed on the free ends of the lace, such a construction, however, has the drawback of a risk of asymmetrical tightening.

In both cases, the clamping system using a blocker is particularly advantageous because the clamping force can be exerted by one hand, the user then only having to move using his other hand the blocker to the desired position.

In addition, the use of such a yaw clamping system is particularly interesting in the context of use in a limited space inside a closed rod.

Finally, the blocker can be produced in a particularly flat manner without creating any additional thickness. likely to create areas of stress or overpressure on the foot.

A tongue 41 is provided, in a manner known per se, under the internal clamping device so avoid overpressure at the instep.

This tongue 41 is fixed to the front end of the shoe, in a manner known per se, by a sewing 42.

In the embodiment, this seam 42 is covered by a rubber band 43 surrounding the rod, so as to guarantee sealing.

Note that fixing the tongue 41 at a certain distance from the clamping quarters internal allows it to be used as a lever to loosen lace 37.

The external upper 20 of the shoe is preferably made in one piece, as in the example shown so as to eliminate all the seams which could affect the overall sealing of the shoe.

As shown more particularly in Figure 2, the rod 20 has only one opening 22 disposed only at its upper end 21. In order to define a passage which is nevertheless sufficient for the positioning of the foot inside the shoe, the upper has on its vertical part before two bellows 23 of substantially triangular shape closing the opening traditionally formed between the lateral quarters 24 and the front flap 25.

The rod 20 therefore has a closed structure, apart from the top opening 22, and therefore extremely waterproof.

The bellows 23, preferably made of a more flexible material than the rest of the rod so as to allow easy "folding" of the latter, therefore allows a wide opening from the top of the rod 22 for the passage of the foot.

Once the foot in place, the rod can be folded up, as shown in Figure 1, and secured around of the foot.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 2, the rod 20 and in particular its front flap 25, is designed with sufficient width for its opening 22 to extend substantially to the vertical vertically from the bottom edges 34 of the clamping quarters 31. This is guaranteed easy access to the lower end of the lacing of the internal clamping device.

The rod 20 furthermore comprises a lacing clamping system 26 consisting of elements of reference 27, such as hooks, loop, and a lace 28 which extends not only over the vertical part from the upper, but also over the entire top of the foot to the tip 3 of the shoe.

This lacing 26 allows not only to "close" the opening 22 around the leg, but also tighten the rod 20 around the foot.

An internal / external double tightening is therefore obtained, making it possible to significantly increase the holding and the sensations of the foot.

Thus, the internal tightening allows more particularly to secure the foot to the sole of the shoe, and therefore to have more direct contact with the ground, and therefore "less play", a better transmission and feeling of information coming from the ground, and, surprisingly, the impression of having a much lighter shoe because "responding" immediately.

The external rod provides protection for the foot against external elements (water / snow / cold / shocks), and is made of one of the materials suitable for such a function (for leather example ...). In the case of a ski, snowboard boot, etc., this rod may also include reinforcements appropriate to the transmission of forces, support points, etc., occurring in this type of sport.

Finally, the external tightening allows a precise adjustment of the external volume of the rod around the foot and is therefore particularly interesting for obtaining proprioceptive sensations providing information on balance, positioning or movement of the body. Such proprioceptive sensations are particularly sought in the case of sliding sports or sports such as climbing.

In order to increase this effect of proprioceptive sensations, the internal wall of the rod 20 can be lined with elastic foam material, such as polyurethane, at least on the forefoot of the shoe which corresponds to a part of the foot having an excellent proprioceptive sensitivity. Such a foam lining in fact guarantees an adjustment when lacing the outer rod. extremely precise of the latter in contact with the foot without causing any points compressions on the foot, the foam to compensate for the volume differences related to anatomy and therefore making it possible to obtain the closest stem-foot contact possible.

Preferably, such a foam lining will be produced over the entire inner surface of the rod, and will be of a thickness suitable for the desired use.

FIG. 3 shows a shoe having the same characteristics as the shoe of the Figure 2, apart from the internal clamping device. The same elements will therefore be designated by the same references. In this case, the internal clamping 30 also consists of two quarters of tightening 31 arranged at the instep part of the shoe.

The difference lies in the fact that the rear edge 33a of each clamping quarter 31 extends more vertically with respect to the rear edge 33 of the clamping quarters of the example previous.

In such a case, the rear foot hold or heel hold is provided by a band 35a substantially horizontal connecting the two upper edges 35 of each clamping quarter in forming a kind of chain around the heel.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above at by way of nonlimiting examples, and is in particular not limited to a walking shoe application, but can also be extended to any other type of shoe and in particular any other shoe for the practice of sliding sports.

Claims (12)

1. Sport boot of the type comprising an internal tightening system (30) arranged at the level of the instep, and an external upper (20) for protection against external damage provided with an opening (22) for insertion of the foot and means (26) for closing this opening, characterized in that the opening (22) of the external upper (20) is provided only at the upper end (21) thereof, and in that the external upper (20) has, on the front, a completely closed structure provided with at least one bellows (23) permitting an opening of the upper allowing the insertion of a foot, the means (26) for closing the opening (22) of the upper being constituted by a lacing arranged above the bellows extension (23).
2. Sport boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the lacing (26) of the external upper extends from the upper end of the same to the level of the instep.
3. Sport boot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lacing (26) of the external upper extends to the end (3) of the boot.
4. Sport boot according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the internal tightening system (30) is constituted by two tightening quarters (31) each attached by its lower end to each of the internal/external sides of the boot, their free upper end (35) being provided with connection and tightening means (36, 37).
5. Sport boot according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower end (32) of each tightening quarter (31) is attached within the assembled boot.
6. Sport boot according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the rear edge (33) of each tightening quarter is attached in the area of the boot heel.
7. Sport boot according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the two tightening quarters (31) are connected by a continuous strip (35a) around the heel.
8. Sport boot according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the means for tightening the internal tightening quarters are constituted by a lace (37) connecting the two quarters by means of reversing elements (36) arranged on these quarters, and by a stopper (40) fitted on a free end (39) of the lace.
9. Sport boot according to claim 8, characterized in that each of the ends of the lace (37) is anchored at the front end of a tightening quarter (31).
10. Sport boot according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that each reversing element (36) is constituted by a buckle-shaped folded strap.
11. Sport boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper (20) is produced as a single piece.
12. Sport boot according to any one of the preceding clams, characterized in that the internal wall of the upper is lined with an elastic foam material.

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