EP1486131B1 - Mountain boot - Google Patents

Abstract

The shoe has an upper (2) and an external sole (3). A force transmission and maintenance framework (20) is made by an inextensible plastic material for transmitting foot maintenance and tightening stress. The framework has a counter heel that has an upper part with two lacing straps having a loop (26) to receive a lace for tightening the framework around the foot. An outer envelope (30) covers units of the framework.

Description

The subject of the present invention is an article of footwear such as a walking / hiking shoe intended more particularly for running mountain races.

• tenue du pied et de la cheville et protection contre les entorses notamment sur les terrains en dévers ou irréguliers,
• "étanchéité" ou protection de la chaussure vis à vis de l'extérieur, notamment pluie et neige mais également protection mécanique du pied contre les éboulis, cailloux coupants ou autres agressions extérieures,
• confort du pied et selon le type de chaussure, protection thermique.

In a shoe of this type, the rod must perform several functions, namely:

• holding the foot and ankle and protection against sprains, especially on sloping or uneven ground,
• "waterproofing" or protection of the shoe with respect to the outside, in particular rain and snow but also mechanical protection of the foot against scree, sharp pebbles or other external aggressions,
• comfort of the foot and according to the type of shoe, thermal protection.

Traditionally, shoes of this type have an outer rod made of very thick and durable leather, lined internally with comfort foam, and an inner lining such as leather.

Such shoes are extremely heavy and have a minimum weight of about 2.8 kg per pair.

More recently have been proposed shoes whose outer shaft is actually a plastic shell, therefore particularly rigid and waterproof, and whose comfort is provided internally by a removable boot.

Such shoes are even heavier and have a minimum weight of about 3 kg per pair. They are also very expensive construction because they require at least one pair of molds by size.

Even more recently appeared so-called mixed stem shoes that is to say whose outer shaft is made of resistant fabric, as known under the trade name cordura®, coated with synthetic material.

Such shoes are intended to be lighter, but still weigh in the order of 2.6 kg per pair and are also not suitable for high mountain use because of their lack of rigidity.

He is known by the US5,566,475 to have an internal clamping device consisting of internal flexible clamping flaps and an external frame consisting of a buttress and a hinged collar. Such a construction is adapted to a soft technical shoe such as a cross-country ski boot but is not suitable for a shoe intended more particularly for walking / running in the mountains.

He is also known by the EP 1 219 190 a waterproof boot construction in which an external reinforcement such as a buttress, which may also include side flaps provided with clamping means, is assembled by gluing on the rod. Such a construction is essentially to solve the problem of waterproofness and does not seek to solve the problems associated with use walking / hiking in the mountains, including foot hold and mechanical protection of the foot against scree, sharp pebbles or other external aggression . A shoe according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from the document EP-A-1,040,768 .

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of known shoes and to propose a new shoe concept that significantly lighten the weight of a pair of shoes, while providing good hold and protection of the foot and ankle and guaranteeing isothermal if necessary.

Another object of the present invention is also to provide a modular shoe concept for easily adapting the construction of a shoe to a particular use.

This object is achieved in the article of footwear according to claim 1.

Such a shoe construction makes it possible to separate the functions of comfort, maintenance and transmission of the forces and protection against the external elements, on three different layers, unlike the shoes of the prior art in which the outer rod generally has a dual protective function vis-à-vis external elements and foot maintenance / transmission efforts.

As a result, the materials constituting each of the three functional "layers" of the shoe can be optimized, in terms of function and weight, and thus a much lighter shoe construction can be obtained.

Thus, the frame can be made of a very light material, while being chosen so as to transmit the forces exerted in such a shoe type and ensure the maintenance of the desired foot / ankle.

In the prior art, on the contrary, as in the case of leather shoes, the material of the outer shaft should be chosen very thick leather and therefore necessarily much heavier to ensure the functions of transmission of the efforts and maintenance of the foot, as well as as protection functions against external elements.

Moreover, the separation of the functions in the shoe according to the invention makes it possible to have a much more flexible shoe concept, in which it is sufficient to modify the characteristics of a functional layer to obtain a shoe of totally different behavior.

• la figure 1 est une vue de côté d'une chaussure selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée de l'ossature de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale de la chaussure des figures 1 à 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 4 selon un autre mode de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une vue avec arraché partiel de l'enveloppe externe selon un mode de réalisation,
• la figure 7 est une vue de côté d'un ensemble chausson-ossature selon un second mode de réalisation,
• les figures 8 à 10 sont des vues similaires à la figure 7 illustrant différents modes de réalisation d'un ensemble chausson-ossature.

In any case the invention will be better understood and other advantages and functional characteristics thereof will be evidenced by means of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing, showing, as examples not limiting, several embodiments and wherein:

• FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the skeleton of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIGS. 1 to 3;
• FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 according to another embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of the outer casing according to one embodiment,
• FIG. 7 is a side view of a slipper-frame assembly according to a second embodiment,
• Figures 8 to 10 are views similar to Figure 7 illustrating various embodiments of a slipper-frame assembly.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention applied to a so-called mountain shoe 1.

• un chausson de confort 10,
• une ossature 20 destinée à assurer le maintien du pied et, dans le cas présent d'une chaussure de montagne également de la cheville, ainsi que la transmission des efforts et notamment efforts de serrage,
• une enveloppe extérieure 30 destinée à protéger l'ensemble de la chaussure des éléments extérieurs.

As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 2, this shoe 1 consists of a rod 2, in this case a high stem since it is a mountain shoe, and an outer sole 3 and the rod 2 consists of three different functional layers, namely from the inside to the outside:

• a comfort slipper 10,
• a frame 20 intended to ensure the maintenance of the foot and, in the present case of a mountain shoe also of the ankle, as well as the transmission of forces and in particular clamping forces,
• an outer shell 30 for protecting the entire boot of the outer elements.

The comfort liner 10 is in the first example shown distinct from the frame 20 and therefore removable. Such removability is interesting for example to dry the bootie or to walk inside the shelters with the only slipper, especially in the case of mountain shoes.

This liner 10 is constituted in the traditional way of a rod 11, in this case high, that is to say covering the ankle, a sole 12 and a lacing system 13. In this case the lacing system 13 is substantially provided in the upper part, covering the ankle, of the shank 11 of the liner, but it could also depending on the case, also extend on the foot portion of said liner.

The lacing system 13 is intended to ensure the tightening of the boot 10 around the foot / leg, especially when the boot is removed from the frame 20. This lacing system 13 can be replaced by a Velcro-type closure system. The liner 10 also laterally has hooks 15 for cooperating with the lacing system of the frame 20 as will be seen later.

The liner 10 is, in a manner known per se, constituted of foams disposed between an inner envelope and an outer envelope.

The outer casing 30 is in fact a kind of flexible material gaiter covering the entire frame 20 and the liner, and thus extending from the top of the shank 2 downwards.

In the example shown, the outer casing 30 is provided with closure means 31 of the zipper type, but of course other closure means may be provided.

The outer envelope 30 is also covered at its lower end, ie located just above the sole 3, by a wrapping 32, that is to say a strip of rubber (or similar material) bonded peripherally to said envelope to provide additional protection against abrasion.

The envelope 30 is made of a material chosen according to the type of protection to be provided.

In the case of a mountain shoe, the envelope 30 is first of all made of an abrasion-resistant material as known under the trade name cordura®.

If a seal is desired, the envelope 30 may also be doubled by a layer of impervious material and preferably permeable to water vapor as known under the trade name GoreTex.

The frame 20 consists of a heel counter 21, two clamping flanges 22, arranged medial and lateral sides of the shoe, a tip 23 and a tongue 24, and a sole 25. The buttress heel 21 fits and surrounds not only the heel but also the ankle. Depending on the type of shoe, for example a low or desired shoe more flexible, this buttress 21 may surround only the actual heel portion of the foot of the user.

The heel buttress 21 is also provided at its upper part with two lacing tabs 21a carrying loops 26 for receiving a lace 27 for clamping the frame around the foot. The heel counter 21 finally has two vertical slots 21c for softening said heel counter.

Each clamping flange 22 extends from the heel counter 21 and the sole 25 of the framework to the level of the instep of the user.

In the illustrated case each flange 22 is constituted by a plurality of fins 22a extending in a direction that is substantially vertical or oblique. Each fin 22a is provided at its free end with a loop 26 intended to receive the lace 27. Preferably, each passer 26 is of the type described in FIG. FR 2 752 683 for minimal space and good sliding. The fins 22a define, with the lacing tabs 21a of the buttress and the lacing hooks 15 of the liner, the lacing and clamping zone of the foot and the ankle. The hooks 15 of the liner allow recovery of clamping forces of the lower leg at the boot. Of course, the entire clamping system could also be carried on the frame.

Preferably, the flanges 22 are of a softer material than the heel counter 21, for greater flexibility and better adaptation to the volume of the foot.

The flanges 22 are assembled for example by seams 29, at the heel counter 21 in an overlap zone 28. Each overlapping zone 28 is defined by respective thinning 21b, 22b of said buttress and clamping flanges 22. These respective thinning 21b , 22b are provided of sufficient length to allow the realization of two different sizes with the same elements respectively 21, 22, by a greater or lesser overlap.

The tip 23 is intended to ensure the shaping of the volume to receive the toes and possibly, that is to say according to the type of shoe, to provide some protection against the shocks of said toes. The tip 23 preferably forms a single piece with the tongue 24 which extends under the entire lacing zone, so as to allow a good distribution of the clamping pressure. The tip 23 has at its junction, tab 24 / tip 23, two side slots 23a to increase the flexibility of this area and allow better clamping of the forefoot. As the tab 24 passes below the clamping vanes 22a, the number of loops 26 can be reduced because the tab distributes the forces / pressures. As a result, a better slip of the lace in loops 26 and tightening is easier and more effective.

As previously, the tip 23 has thinning 23b to cooperate with thinning 22b flanges for their mutual connection by a seam 29 in an overlap zone 28, and these thinning 23b are provided of dimensions large enough to be compatible with two successive sizes.

As shown particularly in Figure 3, the various elements 21, 22, 23, 24 of the frame are made independently and then assembled together, including seams 29. Other assembly methods such as gluing, ultrasonic welding , ... etc., can also be provided.

The fact of producing these elements independently makes it possible to reduce the cost of the molds necessary for their production, since they have less complicated shapes, as well as the number of these molds, since the same set of these elements can make it possible to make two sizes successive.

Furthermore, these elements can be made of different materials and in particular having different rigidities / hardnesses.

By way of non-limiting example, these elements 21, 22, 23, 24 may be made of polyurethane, pebax and the hardnesses may be of the order of 65 to 70 sh A for the flanges 22 and 85 sh A for the buttress heel 21 and the tip / tongue 23/24.

Once assembled together, the various elements 21, 22, 23, 24 of the frame are assembled for example by a so-called strobel 25a seam 25 to the sole 25. The sole 25 is for example PE foam, EVA or felt.

As shown in Figure 4, the assembly is then bonded to the outer sole 3, after interposition of the outer casing 30 and its wrapping 32.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the shoe 10 is sewn together with the frame 21, 22, 23, 24 on the sole 25, which is then common to both layers.

In this case the boot 10 is not removable, against the construction of the shoe is more compact and lightweight, and the foot is closer to the ground since it lacks a sole thickness.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the outer envelope 30, in which the latter consists of two layers of material respectively 33, 34, namely a first outer layer 33 of abrasion resistant material such as cordura® and an inner layer 34, of insulating foam such as EVA foam, to increase the thermal insulation of the shoe.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate various embodiments of the shoe-frame assembly 20, in which similar or identical elements will be designated by the same references increased by 100.

In the case shown in FIG. 7, the only difference lies in the liner 110 which has at its upper end, at the level of the tibial base, a strap 115 intended to cooperate with the top of the tongue 124 in order to provide additional support. . Furthermore, the heel counter 121 of the frame 120 laterally comprises two vertical softening lights 121b and two notches 121c intended in particular to adapt to the dimensions of the calf.

In the case of Figure 8, the shoe is a shoe type "mid", that is to say, mid-high and the buttress heel 221 is therefore devoid of upper part and clamping tab. The flange portion 222, tip 223 are also substantially identical and the shoe 210 is also reduced in height. In this embodiment, the frame 220 does not include a tab. The heel counter 221 has two softening notches 221 c.

In the case of Figure 9, the shoe has a top shoe 310 and provided at its upper end with two clamping straps 315, 316 respectively, but the frame 320 corresponds to a low shoe frame as shown in Figure 8 , but with a tongue 324. In this case the second clamping strap 316 of the boot cooperates with the upper end of the tongue 324. Here again the heel counter 321 has two softening notches 321 c.

Finally, the embodiment of FIG. 10 substantially corresponds to that of FIG. 8, namely that the shoe is of the "mid" type and the heel counter 421 does not have a top part, but has two softening notches 321c. the frame 420 also being free of tongue.

In this embodiment the fins 422a of the clamping flanges 422 are recessed by holes 422c for greater flexibility.

In addition, the liner 410 comprises a single clamping lug 415.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting examples.

Claims (13)

1. Footwear article (1) of the type comprised of an upper (2) and outer sole (3), the upper comprising three different functional layers, from the inside toward the outside:

   - a comfort liner (10, 110, 210, 310, 410),

   - a frame (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) for holding the foot and for transmitting forces, especially tightening forces,

   - an outer envelope (30) for protecting the entire boot against exterior elements,

   - the frame comprising two tightening flanges (22, 122, 322, 422) arranged laterally and medially, respectively, and provided with tightening means, the footwear article being characterized in that the frame comprises a heel stiffener (21, 121, 221, 321, 421) and an end piece (23,123, 223, 323, 423),

   - and in that these various elements of the frame are arranged together.
2. Footwear article (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the various elements of the frame (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) are assembled, for example by a Strobel stitching (25a), to a sole (25).
3. Footwear article (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the frame (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) elements and sole (25) assembly is glued to the outer sole (3).
4. Footwear article (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (20,120, 220, 320, 420) for holding and transmitting forces is made of inextensible plastic material.
5. Footwear article (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (20, 120, 320) comprises a tongue (24, 124, 324), which extends under the tightening zone.
6. Footwear article (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the tongue (24, 124, 324) is affixed to the end (23, 123, 323).
7. Footwear article (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tightening flanges (22, 122, 322, 422) are made of a more flexible material than the heel stiffener (21, 121, 221, 321, 421) and the end piece (23, 123,223,323,423).
8. Footwear article (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the zones for assembling the different portions of the frame are compatible with at least two successive boot sizes.
9. Footwear article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the comfort liner (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is removable.
10. Footwear article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the liner (10) is affixed to the frame (20).
11. Footwear article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer envelope (30) is made of an abrasion-resistant material.
12. Footwear article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the outer envelope (30) is lined internally by an insulating material.
13. Footwear article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the elements of the frame are made independently and are assembled together later.

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