EP0977502A1

EP0977502A1 - Shoe comprising a grind insert

Info

Publication number: EP0977502A1
Application number: EP99902602A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sébastien Mazars
Original assignee: Salomon SAS
Current assignee: Salomon SAS
Priority date: 1998-02-16
Filing date: 1999-02-05
Publication date: 2000-02-09
Also published as: WO1999040810A1; FR2774870A1; FR2774870B1; US6226900B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a shoe comprising a sole (20) provided on its lower surface with a transverse gliding and wear reinforcement (30) arranged in said sole central zone (21), characterised in that said transverse reinforcement has the shape of a cylinder position arranged transversely to the sole longitudinal axis with a concave curve oriented downwards. The shoe also comprises a longitudinal reinforcement (60, 140, 240) arranged on either side of the transverse reinforcement and defining a longitudinal groove (41, 42; 140, 140) on either side of said transverse reinforcement (30).

Description

FOOTWEAR WITH GRIND INSERT

The present invention relates to a "grind" shoe, that is to say intended for producing figures by sliding on various elongated supports such as stair railings, rails, edges of walls or low walls, etc.

Such figures are commonly performed in the context of the so-called "aggressive" practice of inline skating.

By DE 296 13 508 it has been proposed to provide the underside of a shoe sole with a reinforcement which can be compared to the reinforcements used in inline skating and called grind blocks. Such reinforcement consists in fact of a sliding and wearing part which can be dismounted on the sole to allow the slips mentioned before.

There is also a shoe on the market represented in FIG. 1 and the sole 1 of which comprises, at the level of the arch of the foot, a sliding and wear plate 2 fixed to the sole by means of screws 3 cooperating with an insert (not shown in the figure) arranged between the sole and the upper.

As shown in Figure 1, the sliding and wear plate of this known shoe has a rectangular shape and very "flat". Such a shape of the sliding plate in practice allows the realization of only one type of figure, namely that called "Royal" which consists of sliding on a bar or the like, the two feet parallel and arranged transversely to the direction sliding on the said bar.

Indeed, the flat shape of the sliding and wear plate does not allow a "lock" effect, that is to say of jamming / wedging on the sliding support.

Such a construction therefore only allows sliding and provides no means of guidance and braking. Furthermore, the insert on which the sliding and wear plate is fixed is disposed directly between the upper of the shoe and the sole and can therefore be a source of discomfort, especially when walking.

Finally, in this known construction, the sliding and wear plate can be torn off relatively easily due to the sole fixing by the screws 3, which are themselves subject to wear.

The purpose of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a shoe called "grind", improved which allows in particular to achieve a greater number of figures. This object is achieved in the shoe according to the invention which is of the type comprising a sole provided on its underside with a transverse wear reinforcement disposed in the central zone of said sole, by the fact that said transverse reinforcement has the shape of a cylinder portion, arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the sole, and having a concave curvature oriented downwards. 2

Indeed, the arch-shaped configuration of the sliding and wear reinforcement in the central area of the sole allows better wedging of the shoe on the sliding surface and in particular allows for "edge grip" effects similar to that we meet in alpine skiing, allowing to slow down and therefore to control the slide.

Advantageously, the shoe comprises a longitudinal reinforcement, disposed on either side of the transverse reinforcement and defining a longitudinal groove on either side of said transverse reinforcement. The "cross" shape of the reinforcement thus obtained allows other figures to be produced, opening up the possibility of sliding along the longitudinal axis of the foot.

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 by way of nonlimiting examples a few examples of embodiments and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective figure, seen from below, of a shoe according to the prior art,

FIG. 2 is a figure similar to FIG. 1 of a shoe according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a figure similar to FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along IV-IV of FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along V-V of FIG. 2,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along VI-VI of FIG. 2,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 6 according to another embodiment,

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 according to another embodiment,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the underside of a shoe according to another preferred embodiment,

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view along X-X of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view along XI-XI of FIG. 9,

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view along XLT-XII of FIG. 9,

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view along XLIII-XIII of FIG. 9,

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view along XIV-XTV of FIG. 9,

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view along XV-XV of FIG. 9,

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view along XVI-XVI of FIG. 9,

- Figure 17 is a partial sectional view along line XVII-XVII of Figure 9.

As shown in Figure 2, the shoe "grind" 10 according to the invention consists of a sole 20 surmounted by a rod 11 (shown in phantom in the figure). The sole 20 has on its lower face two sliding and wear reinforcements, respectively transverse 30 and longitudinal 40.

The transverse reinforcement 30 is arranged transversely in the central zone 21 of the sole. It has the shape of a portion of cylinder of revolution having a concavity oriented downwards.

This cylinder portion has a substantially constant radius of curvature and in this case between 30 and 40 mm (cf. FIG. 4). Such a radius of curvature presents a compromise with respect to most of the gliding surfaces used and therefore allows better guidance and attachment and therefore improved braking possibilities on said surface. Therefore a larger number of figures can already be achieved thanks to this simple construction compared to the prior art. Of course, other values of radius of curvature can also be chosen.

As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 5, the transverse reinforcement 30 is extended on each side of the sole by a lateral rise 32 which has, in the transverse direction of the shoe, a convex curvature and which in the longitudinal direction goes widening from the bottom 31 of the portion of the cylinder towards the outside of the sole.

This lateral ascent 32 also makes it possible to improve the guiding and the attachment of the sole on the sliding surface, in particular in "edge grip", that is to say sole inclined with respect to said surface since the surface of contact is then increased.

It will be noted that the curvature of the ascent 32 not only is opposite to the curvature of the central zone 30, but is also oriented longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to that of the said central zone 30. Preferably, but not limited to, the radius of curvature of the lift 32 is between 40mm and 60mm.

It will be noted that the curvature of the ascent 32 can also go up to the rod 11 in order to protect it during slips and figures.

The longitudinal reinforcement 40 defines two aligned grooves 41, 42, arranged on either side of the transverse reinforcement 30, along the longitudinal axis 23 of the sole. Each groove 41, 42 is in fact defined by a portion of cylinder of revolution, the concavity of which is turned downwards and having the same radius of curvature, preferably between 20 and 30 mm.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bottoms of the two grooves 41 and 42 are aligned and are arranged less deeply than the bottom 31 of the groove of the transverse reinforcement 30 relative to the bottom surface of the sole, or, in d In other words, the grooves 41, 42 are less dug than the transverse groove 30. 4

Of course, the bottoms of the grooves 41, 42 could also be aligned with the bottom 31 of the groove 30, the main thing being that the groove 30 does not form a projection relative to these grooves 41, 42.

In this way, the sole 20 defines in its lower face a longitudinal groove extending over the entire length of said sole and interrupted only in its middle by the transverse groove 30. This results in a possibility of guiding over the entire length of the sole in longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each of the grooves 41, 42 is interrupted by a transverse slot respectively 43, 44. The transverse slot 43 is wide and arranged substantially in the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone, while the thinner transverse slot 44 is disposed in the heel area.

These two slots 43, 44 make it possible to maintain good flexion of the sole and consequently good movement of the foot when walking despite the stiffness of the material of the reinforcements 30 and 40. Walking is therefore easier and safer.

In the case of FIG. 3, several slots 43, 44 are provided both at the front and at the rear of the shoe. Of course the number, the shape and the arrangement of the slots 43, 44 is variable and depends on the desired effect.

In principle, a slit is especially necessary in the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone so as not to hinder the course of the foot.

The insert 30, 40 is preferably made in one piece, in one piece. According to a preferred embodiment, it is glued in the sole, between an intermediate sole 25 and a wear sole 26, and for this purpose has hooked zones 50 arranged laterally over the entire length of the insert parts 41, 42, as shown in Figure 6. It can also be molded.

Preferably the midsole is made of a cushioning material known per se such as foam material (polyurethane foam, neoprene, polymer) EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), neoprene, etc.

Such a construction allows shock absorption and is therefore particularly advantageous for a "grind" use involving shocks against different supports.

Depending on the desired damping effect, the layer 25 will be more or less thick. The material may also be different if we are simply looking for a filtration effect. Finally, the midsole 25 can extend over the entire surface of the sole or simply at the level of the insert 30, 40 for localized shock absorption.

It will also be noted that the edge of each reinforcement portion 30, 41, 42 is provided with a flap respectively 35, 45, so as to form a wear-resistant transition between said reinforcement and the outsole on the stem. 5

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate other embodiments of the longitudinal grooves. Thus in the case of Figure 7, the groove 140 has a substantially rectangular section, while in the case of Figure 8, the groove 240 has a substantially triangular section. As before, the insert is provided with lateral hooking zones 150, 250 respectively.

Other throat sections can of course be chosen according to the desired application.

FIGS. 9 to 17 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention in which similar elements are designated by the same references increased by 100.

As in the shoes of FIGS. 2 and 3, the "grind" shoe 110 of FIG. 9 consists of a sole 120 surmounted by a rod 111, which sole 120 has on its underside a reinforcement for sliding and d wear having a transverse reinforcement part 130 and a longitudinal reinforcement part 140 broken down into two reinforcement parts, respectively front 141 and rear 142 arranged in longitudinal direction on either side of the transverse reinforcement part 130.

As before, the sliding and wear reinforcement 130, 140 may be in one piece, as shown in FIG. 9, or be made up of two different parts.

While the longitudinal reinforcement parts 141, 142 have a substantially rectangular cross section, as particularly shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, thus forming a sort of rail whose concavity is turned downward, the transverse reinforcement part 130 has a much more complex shape, combining portions of concave cylindrical surfaces in the longitudinal direction and convex in the transverse direction.

These different concavities / convexities are illustrated by the different sections in Figures 10 to 15.

First of all, as shown in FIG. 14, the central area 131 of the transverse reinforcement 130 has, in the longitudinal direction, a rather flat shape, even provided with a very slight concavity oriented downwards, and connected by a radius of curvature more hollow respectively RI, R2 to the longitudinal reinforcement parts respectively 141, 142.

In this case the radii of curvature RI, R2 have the same value, namely 45 mm.

In the transverse direction, as shown in FIG. 11, the central zone 131 also has a substantially planar shape or provided with a slight downward concavity extending laterally by lateral internal lifts, that is to say located on the internal or medial side of the foot -, 132A, and external, - that is to say located on the external side of the foot -, 132B. These side lifts 132A, 6

132B are in the form of portions of convex curves of radius of curvature respectively R3, R4.

The radii of curvature R3, R4 are different on the external and internal sides, the curvature R3 being more pronounced on the internal side. For example, these values are around 30 mm for R3 and 55 mm for R4.

The side lifts 132A, 132B have a succession of very complex cylindrical surfaces of concave / convex curvature, both in longitudinal and transverse direction which are illustrated more particularly in FIGS. 10 to 13 and 15.

These complex and asymmetrical shapes between the internal and external sides of the shoe are designed to offer optimal guidance and attachment of the sole on the gliding surface, in particular in edge grip and to allow a wedging effect between longitudinally opposite parts. front, rear of said parts 132A, 132B.

First of all at their front zone, each of these lateral lifts 132A, 132B has a convex curvature of radius of curvature respectively R5, R6, the curvature of radius R5 being more accentuated, internal side, than the curvature of radius R6 external.

By way of example, the radius of curvature R5 can have a value of the order of 50 mm while the radius of curvature R6 has a value of the order of 100 mm.

Figure 12 illustrates the shape of the side lifts 132A, 132B at their rear area. They are also in the form of portions of cylindrical surfaces of convex curvature with radii of curvature respectively R7, R8 different internal and external side.

In this case the curvature is always more accentuated on the internal side and the radii of curvature R7, R8 have values of the order of 25 mm for R7 and 80 mm for R8.

In summary, the lateral lifts 132A, 132B have a convex curvature in the transverse direction, always more accentuated on the internal side of the shoe than on the external side, and the radius of curvature of which varies from front to rear.

The side lifts 132A, 132B on the other hand have a concave curvature in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15.

As before, the curvature of the internal lateral lift 132A is more accentuated than that of the external lateral lift 132B.

By way of example, the respective radii of curvature have values of the order of 65 mm for the radius of curvature R9 of the internal lateral ascent 132A and 80 mm for the radius of curvature RIO of the external lateral ascent 132B.

Finally, FIGS. 16 and 17 show in section the rear ends 142 A and front 141 A respectively of the longitudinal reinforcement parts 142, 141 respectively. These ends 141A, 142A go up towards the upper of the shoe by curves having radii of curvature R11, R12 respectively.

In this case these curvatures are quite accentuated and the values of the radii of curvature R11 and R12 are of the order of 10 mm.

Of course the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of limiting examples but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Claims

8 CLAIMS

1. Shoe comprising a sole (20, 120) provided on its underside with a transverse reinforcement (30, 130) of sliding and wear disposed in the central zone (21) of said sole, characterized in that said reinforcement transverse (30, 130) has at least one concave curvature (31, RI, R2) oriented downwards.

2. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the radius of curvature (31, RI, R2) is substantially constant.

3. Shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that the radius of curvature (31, RI, R2) is between 30 and 50 mm.

4. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transverse reinforcement (30, 130) is extended on each side of the sole by a lateral rise (32, 132A, 132B).

5. Shoe according to claim 4, characterized in that each rise (32, 132A, 132B) has at least one convex curvature in the transverse direction.

6. Shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the side lift (32, 132A, 132B) is between 20mm and 100mm.

7. Shoe according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the radius of curvature of each lateral lift (132A, 132B) varies in the longitudinal direction.

8. Shoe according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the radius of curvature is smaller on the internal side (R3, R5, R7) than on the external side (R4, R6, R8).

9. Shoe according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that each lateral rise (132A, 132B) has a concave shape (R9, RIO) in the longitudinal direction.

10. Shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that the radius of curvature is smaller on the internal side (R9) than on the external side (RIO).

11. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a longitudinal reinforcement (60, 140, 240) disposed on either side of the transverse reinforcement and defining a longitudinal groove (41, 42; 140, 240) on either side of said transverse reinforcement (30).

12. Shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that in the longitudinal groove (41, 42) has the shape of a cylinder portion having a concave curvature oriented downwards.

13. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the cylinder portion (41, 42) has a substantially constant radius of curvature.

14. Shoe according to claim 13, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the cylinder portion (41, 42) is between 20 and 30 mm. 9

15. Shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (140) has a cross section substantially in the shape of a triangle.

16. Shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (240) has a substantially rectangular cross section.

17. Shoe according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the longitudinal groove (41, 42; 140, 240) is interrupted by at least one flexion zone (43, 44) substantially transverse.

18. Shoe according to claim 17, characterized in that the flexion zone (43) is arranged in the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone.

19. Shoe according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that each flexion zone (43, 44) is constituted by a transverse slot of the reinforcement (40, 140, 240).

20. Shoe according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the bottom of the longitudinal reinforcement (40, 140, 240) is disposed less deeply or at the same level as the bottom of the transverse reinforcement (30).

21. Shoe according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the longitudinal reinforcement (40, 140, 240) and the transverse reinforcement (30) form a single piece.

22. Shoe according to one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that each longitudinal reinforcement (40, 140, 240) and transverse reinforcement (30) is molded into the sole.