EP2314177B1 - Boot with improved leg tightening - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a shoe, especially sports, and more particularly relates to a shoe for skiing, athletic walking, or athletics.

Such shoes can be used in areas such as cross-country skiing or telemark, walking or running flat or mountain, mountaineering or snow surfing, snowshoeing, rollerblading, wheeling, cycling, ball sport, or whatever.

A shoe may include a low or high shaft. The shoe can also be relatively flexible or on the contrary more rigid. However it is in all cases desirable that the foot of a user is sufficiently maintained. Indeed, a good support of the foot in the stem allows a better use.

For example with a soft shoe, as used for the practice of cross-country skiing, sufficient support facilitates the transmission of sensory information or the unfolding of the foot. Especially at the instep, a device for clamping the rod is intended to hold the foot of a user.

Traditionally, a clamping device comprises, on the one hand, a link or lace and, on the other hand, links from the lace to the rod. These links are materialized by passers-by, associated with lateral or medial portions or quarters of the stem. The lace follows a path that leads alternately from one neighborhood to another. Thus just pull on the lace to bring neighborhoods and tighten the rod. Then, the locking of the lace maintains the tightening.

A problem to be solved by a good clamping device is the integral maintenance of the foot in the shoe. In other words it is to avoid inadvertent movements of the foot in the shoe, especially at the heel.

Indeed, when the foot moves in the stem, at the heel or elsewhere, the transmission of sensory information or driving impulses is less precise. As a result, performances, especially sports, are altered.

In addition, repeated movements of the foot in the stem result in friction that creates trauma.

In order to improve the holding of the foot in the rod, the known clamping devices have sought to increase the clamping performance. This is why the slip of the laces in the loops is reduced, which facilitates its tensioning. The consequence is a stronger hold of the foot in the instep and / or metatarsal area. This means that the foot is biased towards the sole with more force.

However, it has appeared that, despite the improvement of the clamping performance, the maintenance of the foot is sometimes imperfect. It is especially in the heel that we observe the most parasitic movements of the foot in the stem. A way of improving the holding of the foot has therefore been to add heel clamping means.

For example, according to the document FR 2,499,834 it is known to grip the heel of a shoe with a link whose tension is adjusted by the user. In this case the shoe comprises firstly a clamping device as mentioned before and, secondly, clamping means of the heel. It has nevertheless still appeared sometimes imperfect maintenance of the foot.

Another example is given by the document US 5,829,169 , for a shoe provided with several clamping devices. These are independent of each other, to obtain a personalized tightening. It appears again that the maintenance of the foot is imperfect.

The document DE 40 24 782 A1 describes ( Fig. 4 ) a shoe comprising a sole and a shank, the shoe extending in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and in height from the sole to an end upper, the boot having a boot opening, and comprising a first clamping device (laces 9) for clamping the lateral and medial portions, and a second clamping device (6, 7, 13, 8) for clamping a portion rear, the second clamp comprising a link, the link comprising a first inextensible portion (heel cup 8) and an elastic means (13), the first inextensible portion (8) extending along the rear portion, and along at least one of the lateral and medial parts, the resilient means (13) urging the first inextensible portion (8) in a direction of reduction of the length of the link, the shoe further comprising a reversible immobilization means (6, 7) for immobilizing the extensible portion (13) with respect to the rod, when it is biased in a tightening direction, the first clamping device (9) causing retention in a given and stable tightening state of the second clamping device (6, 7, 13, 8). The shoe of the figure 4 of the document DE 40 24 782 A1 does not disclose a mobile inextensible portion and, therefore, does not disclose a reversible immobilization means for immobilizing the inextensible portion relative to the rod.

The document DE 40 24 782 A1 also describes ( Figures 7 and 8 ) a shoe comprising a sole and a shank, the shoe extending in length from a rear end to a front end, in width between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and in height from the sole to an end upper, the boot having a boot opening, and comprising a first clamping device (laces 9) for clamping the lateral and medial portions, and a second clamping device (18, 19, 25) for clamping a rear portion, the second clamping device comprising a link, the link comprising a first inextensible portion (18) and a hook-and-loop device (19), the first inextensible portion (18) extending along the back portion, as well as along at least one of the lateral and medial parts, the velcro device (19) urging the first inextensible portion (18) in a direction of reducing the length of the link, the shoe further comprising a in reversible immobilization (25) for immobilizing the inextensible portion (18) relative to the rod, when it is biased in a tightening direction, the first clamping device (9) causing the holding in a given clamping state and stable of the second clamping device (18, 19, 25).

The shoe of the figure 8 of the document DE 40 24 782 A1 does not disclose an elastic means.

It has also been found that a shoe according to the prior art does not always offer sufficient comfort of use, or that it is not easy to handle, especially in the sense of actuating devices and clamping means.

It also appeared that it is not always very convenient to put on or take off, that is to say to enter or leave the foot of the shoe.

This is why one of the aims of the invention is the improvement of the foot holding in the shoe or, in other words, the reduction or even the suppression of untimely movements of the foot in the shoe.

Another object of the invention is to make a shoe more comfortable, both in static mode and in dynamic mode. It is indeed interesting to have pleasant sensations both at rest and during movements, such as those generated during the practice of cross-country skiing, walking, or other. It is also interesting to easily manipulate the elements that activate or deactivate the clamping of the rod.

Yet another goal is the improvement of the boot and / or heaving, in the sense that it is desirable to facilitate the passage of the foot to enter or exit the rod.

To do this, the invention proposes a shoe according to claim 1.

The second clamping device is structured to tighten the heel of the foot before clamping the rod. It is in fact to make a wedging of the heel prior to the clamping action of the first device. Stalling reduces or even eliminates the play between the heel of the foot and the rod or between the heel of the foot and the link of the second clamping device. This results in a limitation, or even an absence, of parasitic movements of the heel of the foot in the rod as soon as the tightening is done. A benefit that results is a better hold of the foot in the stem, in the sense that the untimely movements of the foot relative to the stem are strongly reduced or even eliminated, especially at the heel. That is to say that the holding of the foot is more precise.

The shoe according to the invention is, according to an additional advantage, more comfortable, whether in static or dynamic mode. This results in particular from a better connection of the foot to the stem. In addition the action of the elastic means, the second clamping device, improves the handling comfort of the elements that activate or deactivate the clamping of the rod. The improvement comes from the reduction of the tightening management operations, because the elastic means manages part of the clamping.

Another advantage provided by the invention is greater ease of passage of the foot to enter or exit the rod. Indeed, this faculty is conferred by the elastic means.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant d'une chaussure selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue, similaire à la figure 1, qui fait apparaître des dispositifs de serrage de la tige de la chaussure,
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective, dans l'esprit de la figure 2, qui met en évidence le cheminement des dispositifs de serrage,
• la figure 4 est une vue de côté de la chaussure schématisée à la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une coupe selon V-V de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une coupe partielle selon VI-VI de la figure 5, dans un cas où le moyen d'immobilisation réversible est totalement actif,
• la figure 7 est similaire à la figure 6, dans un cas où le moyen d'immobilisation réversible est partiellement actif,
• la figure 8 est similaire à la figure 6, dans un cas où le moyen d'immobilisation réversible est inactif,
• la figure 9 est similaire à la figure 6, selon une deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 10 est similaire à la figure 8, selon la deuxième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 11 est similaire à la figure 3, selon une troisième forme de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 12 est une coupe selon XII-XII de la figure 11.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, according to non-limiting embodiments, how the invention may be implemented, and in which :

• the figure 1 is a front perspective view of a shoe according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a view, similar to the figure 1 , which reveals devices for tightening the upper of the boot,
• the figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, in the spirit of figure 2 , which highlights the path of the clamping devices,
• the figure 4 is a side view of the shoe schematized at the figure 3 ,
• the figure 5 is a section according to VV of the figure 4 ,
• the figure 6 is a partial section along VI-VI of the figure 5 in a case where the reversible immobilization means is fully active,
• the figure 7 is similar to the figure 6 in a case where the reversible immobilization means is partially active,
• the figure 8 is similar to the figure 6 in a case where the reversible immobilization means is inactive,
• the figure 9 is similar to the figure 6 according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 10 is similar to the figure 8 according to the second embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 11 is similar to the figure 3 according to a third embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 12 is a cup according to XII-XII of the figure 11 .

The first embodiment that will be described after more specifically relates to shoes for the practice of cross-country skiing, or telemark. However, the invention applies to other fields such as those mentioned before.

The first form is described below using the Figures 1 to 8 .

As shown in figure 1 , a cross-country ski boot is provided to accommodate the user's foot.

In known manner, the shoe 1 comprises a tread 2 and a shank 3. The shoe 1 extends in length from a rear end or heel 4 to a front end or tip 5, and in width between a lateral side 6 and a medial side 7.

As shown the rod 3 comprises a lower portion 10, provided to surround the foot, and a high portion 11, provided to surround the ankle. However, it could be considered a rod comprising only the lower portion.

According to the first embodiment described, the boot 1 extends in height from the sole 2 to an upper end 12, that is to say up to the free end of the upper portion 11 or the stem 3.

As we see on the figure 2 , the shoe 1 comprises a lateral portion 15, a medial portion 16, and a rear portion 17. The shoe 1 here comprises an envelope 18 which surrounds the ankle and covers the foot of the user by extending at the level of parts 15, 16, 17. The envelope 18 defines an opening 19, at the upper end 12, for passing the foot and also to surround the ankle after donnage. Note that the envelope 18 is continuous along the opening 19.

Without limitation, the envelope 18 is elastically deformable, in part or in whole. For example, the envelope 18 consists of an elastic fabric. As a result, the perimeter of the opening is variable, and may for example increase reversibly during the passage of the foot of the user. This allows of course to put on or off, but it also allows the envelope to perfectly marry the lower leg. An advantage that arises is better resistance to the penetration of foreign bodies in the stem. In particular, it avoids the inadvertent penetration of snow.

It therefore appears that the rod 3 is structured to allow good flexion of the leg or a smooth running of the foot, as well as the transmission of sensory information or driving impulses. The sole can be relatively rigid, for example for practice with skater steps, or more flexible, for example for practice with alternative steps.

Of course the parts 15, 16, 17 are secured to the sole by known techniques such as gluing, sewing, or any equivalent.

It is observed in parallel that the rod structure described for the first embodiment is not limiting. One could for example provide that the opening 19, instead of extending strictly at the upper end 12, extends between the parts 15, 16 to the front end 5. In this case it can optionally be provided that the shoe 1 comprises a tongue, between the parts 15, 16.

In addition, and not mandatory, the shoe 1 comprises a flap 25 provided to reversibly cover the lower portion 10. The flap 25 extends from one portion 15, 16 to the other, to improve the seal of the shoe.

According to the first embodiment, the flap 25 is secured in a fixed manner to the medial portion 16. A reversible closure 26 secures the flap 25 also to the side portion 15. For example, the reversible closure 26 comprises a slide. However, any other structure could be planned to complete the closure. For example a sequence of snaps.

The shoe 1 further comprises a first clamping device 30, designed to clamp the rod 3 reversibly. More specifically, the clamping device 30 clamps the lateral and medial portions 16. According to the first embodiment, the first clamping device 30 clamps the envelope 18.

As we observe in particular on Figures 3 and 4 , the clamping device 30 comprises a link 31. This link is broken down into a first strand 32 and a second strand 33, which extend one another. The clamping device 30 further comprises links 34 to 41 of the strands 32, 33, that is to say the link 31, to the rod. For example, without limitation, the device 30 comprises four lateral connections 34 to 37 as well as four medial links 38 to 41. It will be seen later that if most of the links 34 to 41 are stationary relative to the rod 3, one of them is mobile. Of course, the link 31 travels between the links to urge them reversibly in a clamping direction of the rod 3. In order to maintain the clamping, the device 30 comprises a locking means 42 not described here, because well known to the skilled person. According to the first embodiment, the locking means 42 acts on the two strands 32, 33 of the link 31.

For the practical realization of the clamping device 30, provision can be made for the link 31 to be constituted by a lace, and for the links 34 to 41 to be constituted by hooks or loops, this in a nonlimiting manner, of course. Note that all the links 34 to 41 are slippery, which promotes a balancing clamping tensions.

The shoe 1 further comprises a second clamping device 50.

According to the invention, the second clamping device 50 comprises a link 51, the link 51 comprising a first inextensible portion 52 and an elastic means 53, the first inextensible portion 52 extending along the rear portion 17, as well as the along at least one of the lateral and medial portions 16, the resilient means 53 urging the first inextensible portions 52 in a direction of reduction of the length of the link 51, the shoe 1 further comprising a reversible immobilization means 54 to immobilize the inextensible portion 52 relative to the rod 3. It appears that the resilient means biases the link 51 in a direction of clamping the heel of the user, either directly or via the rod 3. According to the first embodiment, it will be seen better later, the link 51 encloses the elastic envelope 18 at the side portions 15, rear 17 and medial 16. In fact the first inextensible portion 52 extends l along the lateral portion 15, the rear portion 17 and the medial portion 16. This limits or even avoids a movement of the heel of the foot in the rod. As a result the untimely movements of the foot in the stem are strongly, even totally, avoided. The hold of the foot is more precise, which allows a transmission of supports or more precise sensory information.

Of course the link 51 of the second clamping device 50 is structured accordingly. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the inextensible portion 52 comprises a first sector 60, or immobilization sector, and a second sector 61, or sector of constriction. Of course each of the sectors 60, 61 is a subdivision of the inextensible portion 52.

It is first observed that the first sector 60 here comprises a rack 62, that is to say a part which comprises a series of teeth 63 and recesses 64. The rack 62 extends in length between a first end 65 and a second end 66, in width between a first edge 67 and a second edge 68, and in thickness between an inner face 69 and an outer face 70, the inner face 69 being turned towards the rod 3. In fact the rack 62 is a band, inextensible in length, but nevertheless flexible enough to flex along a transverse axis Wo. Of course, a transverse axis extends from the first 67 to the second edge 68. Its flexibility allows the rack 62, and therefore the first sector 60, to match the curvature of the rod 3. The first sector 60, that is to say the rack 62, is for example made from a plastic material such as polyethylene, polyamide, polyurethane, or any equivalent.

Without limitation, the teeth 63 are oriented to protrude at an edge, for example the first 67. By corollary the troughs 64 pass through the rack 62, that is to say the first sector 60, the inner face 69 to the outer face 70.

It is now observed that the second sector 61 comprises for example a strap 74 which extends in length between a first end 75 and a second end, in width between a first edge 77 and a second edge 78, and in thickness between an inner face 78 and an outer face 80. Again the inner face 79 is facing the rod 3. The strap 74 is inextensible in length, and flexible along a transverse axis. Such an axis extends from the first 77 to the second 78 edge. The flexibility of the strap 74 allows it to match the curvature of the rod 3. The second sector 61, that is to say the strap 74, is for example made with fibers impregnated with plastic material, braided fibers or no, or a strip of synthetic material.

The first 60 and second 61 sectors extend each other to bypass the heel 4. In fact the second end 66 of the rack 62 is secured to the first end 75 of the strap 74, by a securing means such as a collage, a seam or any equivalent. The second end 76 of the second sector 61 is secured to the rod 3, the medial side 7, on the envelope 18. The second end 76 is secured by any means such as a seam, gluing, or any equivalent . The end 76 is therefore retained at the rod 3, that is to say here to the casing 18, permanently. Alternatively, the end 76 could be removable.

In any case it follows from the construction presented above that, with the exception of the end 76, the inextensible portion 52 of the link 51 can slide relative to the rod 3, outside thereof. This portion 52 is biased in tension by the elastic means 53, as explained below.

In a nonlimiting manner, the elastic means here comprises an elastic band 84 which extends in length from a first end 85 to a second end 86, in width between a first edge 87 and a second edge 88, and in thickness between an inner face 89 and an outer face 90. Again the inner face 89 is facing the rod 3. The band 84 is extensible, at least in the direction of its length, reversibly. The band 84 is in fact an elastically extensible fabric, which comprises, for example, rubber threads, or equivalent materials. The first end 85 of the band 84 is secured to the rod 3 removably and adjustably, by a securing means 91 which comprises for example a portion of tissue 92 connected to the band 84 and a portion of tissue 93 connected to the rod . These portions are evoked in a simplified manner, as well known to those skilled in the art: one of them has loops and the other hooks, for a reversible restraint. It is therefore possible to arrange the first end 85 a little more towards the front end 5 or a little more towards the rear end 4 with respect to a reference position. This adjusts the tension of the link 51.

It goes without saying that the second end 86 of the band 84 is secured to the first end 65 of the rack 62. Again the fastening is made by any means such as a seam, gluing, or other. This is for example a permanent bonding, not removable. One could of course alternately provide a temporary attachment, that is to say, removable with or without tools.

In the end the link 51 extends from the first end 85 of the elastic means 53, or the band 84, to the second end 76 of the second sector 61, or the strap 74.

Note in passing that the ends 85, 76 of the link 51 are arranged asymmetrically transversely. Indeed, the first end 85 of the band 84 is located in the front half of the shoe 1, for example at the height of the metatarsal and midway between the sole 2 and the peak 98. The latter 98 is the line that marks the boundary between the lateral portion 15 and the medial portion 16. The second end 76 is located in the rear half of the shoe 1, for example at the height of the ankle. The second end 76 is further away from the sole 2 than the first one 85. This is why the link 51 extends in a clamping plane T inclined with respect to a plane S connected to the sole 2, according to a value of angle α. Of course the plane S is the one that runs along the sole 2 when it has its natural shape. The angle α is between 10 and 50 °, values of 20 to 35 ° giving good results. It should be understood that the heel of the foot is effectively maintained against the sole 2 by the link 51. Of course, the maintenance is effective when the reversible immobilizing means 54 acts, as can be understood below.

According to the first embodiment described, as is understood in particular by means of the Figures 3 to 8 the immobilizing means 54 comprises in particular a guide 101, a tab 102 and a locking pin 103.

The guide 101 is provided to guide the inextensible portion 52, in this case the first sector 60. For this purpose the guide 101 comprises an inner wall 104, opposite the rod 3, and an outer wall 105 which is opposite. The inner walls 104 and outer 105 are joined together by a lower bridge 106 and an upper bridge 107. The lower bridge 106 is so designated because it is closer to the sole 2 than is the upper bridge 107. The walls 104, 105 and the bridges 106, 107 define a corridor 108, in which the first sector 60 passes. In a nonlimiting manner, the corridor 108 has a rectangular section. But it could be oblong, or any other form. It will be seen later how the sector 60 slides in the corridor 108 of the guide 101. In a nonlimiting manner, the guide 101 is located on the side portion 15, between the sole 2 and the opening 19. It could alternatively be provided that the guide 101 is located on the medial portion 16.

The tab 102 extends from a connecting end 109 to an attachment end 110. The connecting end 109 is secured to the guide 101, while the attachment end 110 is secured to a portion of the rod 3 for example adjacent to the sole 2. Alternatively, the absence of tab can be provided. In this case the guide 101 is secured directly to the rod 3, that is to say here to the envelope 18, by any means such as a collage, a seam, or other.

In a nonlimiting manner, the guide 101 and the lug 102 form a single piece, made for example of plastic. Securing the attachment end 110, and therefore the immobilizing means 54, to the rod 3 is obtained for example by gluing, sewing or any equivalent. The tab 102 is thus permanently linked to the rod 3, which implies that the immobilizing means 54 is mounted on the boot 1 irremovably. Note that the guide 101 comes into contact with the rod 3 by bearing on it by the inner wall 104, and that relative movements can occur between the guide 101 and the rod 3. Of course, alternatively, in the When the guide 101 is secured directly to the rod, these relative movements do not take place.

In fact during its use, the shoe 1 according to the first form can be deformed so that the guide 101 slides relative to the rod. It will be seen later that it improves the tightening of the rod 3, and the holding of the foot.

In order to receive the finger 103, the guide 101 has an internal slot 114 formed in the inner wall 104, as well as an outer slot 115, formed in the outer wall 105. The two slots 114, 115 are opposite the one of the other, and oriented in length in a direction which goes from a bridge 106, 107 to the other of the guide 101. The finger 103 is housed in the guide 101, and maintained therein by any appropriate means , being perpendicular to the walls 104, 105. The finger 103 is formed for example in the form of a journal, that is to say a cylindrical piece whose diameter is for example between two and twelve millimeters. The finger 103 passes through the slots 114, 115 and the passage 108 to cooperate with the rack 62, as will be seen later.

To actuate the finger 103, there is provided a means of biasing the latter 103. In fact the finger biasing means is here, without limitation, constituted by the movable connection 34. Of course this connection 34 is secured to the finger 103 by any means, such as crimping, stamping, riveting, or the like. It is obviously the mobility of the finger 103 relative to the guide 101 which makes the connection 34 mobile, according to a range determined by the length of the slots 114, 115. For example, the range is between 10 and 25 mm.

It is now natural to explain the operation of the second clamping device 50. In fact, the operation of this device 50 is correlated with the operation of the first clamping device 30. This means that when it is urged in a clamping direction , the first clamping device 30 keeps the second clamping device 50 in a given and stable clamping state. In other words, this second device can not change its state until the first device 30 is loosened. .

During a use such as walking, the shoe 1 is in a configuration according to the Figures 2 to 6 . In this case the first clamping device 30 is tightened, which implies that the link 31 is under tension. As a result, the rod 3 is tightened and, in particular, the mobile connection 34 is biased towards the upper bridge 107, in a direction away from the soleplate 2. In fact the tensioning of the first clamping device 30 solicits the movable link 34, and thus the finger 103, to the rack 62. It follows that the finger 103 is supported on the rack 62, between two teeth 63. This keeps constant the length of the link 51 of the second clamping device 50. Indeed, the rack 62 is then immobilized in the hallway 108. As a result, the foot is held in the shoe not only at the instep, but also at the heel. This is why, for example, the untimely movements of the foot in the shoe are very limited, or even totally limited in certain cases.

Before or after use, the foot is introduced or removed from the shoe. Of course, to do this, the first clamping device 30 is loosened. This means that link 31 is relaxed, as is the case on Figures 7 and 8 . As a result, the movable connection 34 and the finger 103 are no longer biased towards the rack 62. When the foot is introduced into the boot or removed, the passage of the heel at the height of the second sector 61 causes a temporary elongation of the link 51 against the action of the elastic means 53. During the extension of the link 51 a tooth 63 pushes the finger 103 to the lower bridge 106, that is to say also to the sole 2. The elongation of the link 51 makes that the rack 62 moves the finger 103 away from the teeth 63. It will be seen later that the geometry of the component parts of the second device 50 promotes this phenomenon.

Of course the link 51 has its weakest length when the foot is outside the shoe. The introduction of the foot into the shoe gives it a significant length because it causes a significant elongation, which is obtained when the heel is at the height of the second sector 61. The length of the link 51 then takes a nominal value, included between the lowest length and the longest length, when the foot is in place in the shoe. The tightening of the first clamping device 30 will then freeze the nominal length of the link 51 during the use of the boot 1, as discussed before. At the same time, a locking state of the second device 50 is found. Note that the adjustment of the length of the link 51 is done by the sole passage of the foot, that is to say without additional manual action. In other words, the adjustment of the second clamping device 50 is automatic.

In order to optimize the operation of the second clamping device 50, the rack 62 has a specific geometry. If we take for reference a transverse direction Wo of the rack, oriented from one edge 67, 68 to the other, it is observed that each tooth 63 is asymmetrical in a plane parallel to the faces 69, 70 and with respect to a axis, oriented in the direction Wo and passing through the apex 120 of a tooth 63. Near the apex 120, the face of the tooth 63 facing the first end 65 forms with the transverse direction Wo an angle β between 0 and 20 °. Always near the top 120, the face of the tooth 63 facing the second end 66 forms with the transverse direction Wo an angle γ between 20 and 70 °. This geometry of the teeth 63 allows the rack 62 to push the finger 103 when the first device 30 is loosened and the link 51 of the second device 50 is biased in a direction of elongation.

Complementarily, without this being mandatory, the pitch of the rack 62 is regular. This pitch is between 2 and 12 mm, values of 5 to 8 mm having been satisfactory.

It is also observed that the movement of the finger 103, and the movable connection 34, is in a direction that passes through the heel 4 and the instep, that is to say the separation between the lower portions 10 and high 11 of the rod 3 at the first device 30. This amounts to saying that the upper bridge 107, of the guide 101, is more forward 5 of the shoe than is the lower bridge 106. This facilitates the immobilization of the rack 62 in the guide 101 by the finger 103, when the first device 30 is tightened.

In the structure described above, maintaining the length of the link 51 is obtained by a positive connection, that is to say by obstacle. Indeed, the finger 103 serves as a stop tooth 63 of the rack 62. We will see below that it may be otherwise, for example using the second embodiment, presented according to the Figures 9 and 10 .

For the sake of simplification, the elements common with the first form are designated by the same references. Thus we find the guide 101, the tab 102 and the locking pin 103 of a reversible immobilization means 54.

What is specific to the second embodiment is that the first sector 130 of the inextensible portion 52 consists of a flexible band, inextensible in length, but flexible in width and length. This means that when the sector 130 is biased in a direction of elongation, the distance between its ends 135, 136 remains constant. It also means that when the link 31 is stretched, and the finger 103 is biased towards the upper deck 107, then the width of the sector 130, measured between its edges 137 and 138, is reduced locally at the finger 103. In fact the latter compresses the first sector in the guide 101. To make this operation possible, the sector 130 comprises a or several materials such as synthetic fibers, woven or not, one or more layers of plastic or leather, or any equivalent. Of course, the local deformation of the first sector 130 is reversible. The sector returns to its natural form when the action of the finger 103 stops. It is observed that in its active part, the width of the first sector 130 is constant. According to the second embodiment, maintaining the length of the link 51 is obtained by a frictional connection. Indeed, the action of the finger 103 increases the contact surface and the friction forces between the first sector 130 and the guide 101, in the corridor 108.

The third embodiment is now presented using the Figures 11 and 12 . Here again the elements common with the first form are designated by the same references. In fact, Figures 11 and 12 show a particular, non-limiting architecture of the upper of the shoe 1 according to the first form, the second form, or any other variant of the clamping devices 30, 50. For reasons of graphic clarity, the latter have not been represented. It must however be considered that their respective implantations are conjugated with the structure of the rod 3.

It can thus be observed that this latter 3 comprises two inner shutters, one lateral 145 and the other medial 146. The flaps 145, 146 extend under the first clamping device 30, and partially overlap each other. other. The flaps slide relative to each other in particular during the tightening of the rod 3 by the device 30. This increases the intensity of the tightening and, by corollary, the support of the foot is increased.

In all cases the invention is made from materials and according to processing techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, many variants of structures can be provided for the clamping devices. For example, the structure of a rack may vary, especially for the shape or arrangement of the teeth.

Claims (17)

1. Boot (1) comprising a sole (2) and an upper (3), the boot (1) extending lengthwise from a rear end (4) to a front end (5), width-wise between a lateral part (15) and a median part (16), and height-wise from the sole (2) to an upper end (12), the boot having a donning opening (19) and comprising a first tightening device (30) for tightening the lateral part (15) and the median part (16), and a second tightening device (50) for tightening a rear part (17), the second tightening device (50) comprising a link (51), the link (51) comprising a first, inextensible portion (52) and an elastic means (53), the first, inextensible portion (52) extending along the rear part (17) and along at least one of the lateral (15) and median (16) parts, the elastic means (53) loading the first, inextensible portion (52) in a direction so as to shorten the link (51), the boot (1) comprising another reversible immobilizing means (54) for immobilizing the inextensible portion (52) with respect to the upper (3) when it is loaded in a tightening direction, the first tightening device (30) causing the second tightening device (50) to be held in a given, stable tightening state.
2. Boot (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that tightening of the first tightening device (30) fixes the nominal length of the link (51).
3. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises an envelope (18) that extends at the level of the parts (15, 16, 17), and in that the link (51) wraps around the envelope (18) at the level of the lateral (15), rear (17) and median (16) parts.
4. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the link (51) extends from a first end (85, 135) to a second end (76), the ends (85, 135, 76) being arranged in a transversely asymmetric manner.
5. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the link (51) extends in a tightening plane (T) that is inclined with respect to a plane (S) linked to the sole (2).
6. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first tightening device (30) comprises a link (31) and connections (34 to 41) between the link (31) and the upper (3).
7. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inextensible portion (52) of the link (51) comprises a first, immobilizing sector (60, 130) and a second, constricting sector (61), and in that the elastic means (53) comprises an elastic strip (84), and in that the reversible immobilizing means (54) comprises a guide (101) and a locking lug (103).
8. Boot (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that one end (85) of the elastic strip (84) is secured to the upper (3) in a removable and adjustable manner.
9. Boot (1) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the guide (101) is located on the lateral part (15) between the sole (2) and the donning opening (19), the guide (101) being provided in order to guide the first sector (60, 130).
10. Boot (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the guide (101) comprises an inner wall (104) and an opposite outer wall (105), the inner wall (104) and outer wall (105) being connected to one another by a lower bridge (106) and an upper bridge (107), the walls (104, 105) and the bridges (106, 107) delimiting a corridor (108) through which passes the first sector (60, 130), the guide (101) having an inner slot (114), created in the inner wall (104), and an outer slot (115), created in the outer wall (105), a lug (103) being received in the guide (101) while being perpendicular to the walls (104, 105) and passing through the slots (114, 115) and the corridor (108).
11. Boot (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that a connection (34) of the first tightening device (30) is secured to the lug (103).
12. Boot (1) according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the movement of the lug (103) is in a direction that passes via the heel (4) and the ankle.
13. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the first sector (60) comprises a rack (62).
14. Boot (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that if a transverse direction (Wo) of the rack, oriented from one edge (67, 68) to the other, is taken by way of reference, each tooth (63) is asymmetric in a plane parallel to the faces (69, 70) of the rack and with respect to an axis oriented in the direction (Wo) and passing by the apex (120) of a tooth (63).
15. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the first sector (130) of the inextensible portion (52) consists of a flexible strip, of fixed length, the width of the active part of the first sector being constant.
16. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the upper (3) comprises two flaps, a lateral flap (145) and a median flap (146), the flaps partially overlapping one another.
17. Boot (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises a bottom portion (10) and a top portion (11).

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