Patent Application
20130152425
This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 11/03842, filed Dec. 15, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. ยง119.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an article of footwear, especially a sports shoe, and relates more particularly to a shoe adapted for running, power walking, cycling, various types of sports, including ball sports and winter sports, as well as exercise and athletics.
An article of footwear of the aforementioned type can be used in fields such as walking or running on flat or mountainous terrain, tennis, basketball, cycling, skateboarding, roller skating, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, and the like.
2. Background Information
An article of footwear, referred to herein as a shoe, for convenience, can have a low upper, a high upper, or even a mid-upper. In any case, it is generally desirable for the foot of a wearer to be adequately supported. Indeed, good foot support in the upper results in a more effective use of the shoe.
For example, adequate support in a flexible shoe, such as that in a shoe used for running on flat or mountainous terrain, facilitates the transmission of sensory information and the rolling movement of the foot. By adequate support is meant, in particular, that the upper closely conforms to the shape of the foot, so as to avoid excessive tightening, or undesired loosening. Thus, a device for tightening the upper is adapted to support the user's foot, especially in the area of the vamp.
Conventionally, a tightening device includes a linkage, such as a lace, on the one hand, and connections for the lace to the upper. These connections are defined in the area of the vamp by keepers or guides that are associated with lateral and medial portions, or quarters, of the upper. The lace follows a path along which it typically runs alternately from one quarter to the other. Thus, it suffices to pull on the lace to bring the quarters in a direction toward one another to tighten the vamp of the upper. Thereafter, blocking the lace, such as by means of a tied knot, keeps the vamp tightened.
Although a tightening device comprised of a lace and keepers effectively tightens the vamp of a shoe, it is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, it is sometimes observed that the upper does not closely conform to the shape of the foot in the area of the vamp. Some subdivisions of the upper are overly tightened, while other subdivisions of the upper are not sufficiently tightened. Moreover, the tightening or loosening of a subdivision can vary while the shoe is being worn.
For overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks, shoes have been proposed having a plurality of tightening devices in the area of the vamp.
For example, the patent document GB 1 262 218 discloses a shoe having a first device for tightening a first subdivision of the vamp, and a second device for tightening a second subdivision of the vamp. For each tightening device, the lace has two free ends arranged at the same end of the subdivision. The portion of the lace maintaining the tightening extends into the subdivision, from the aforementioned end, by running through the keepers. It suffices to pull on the two free ends of the lace, and then to tie them together in order to tighten the respective subdivision. According to the document GB 1 262 218, the use of a plurality of tightening devices enables the vamp to be tightened more evenly. However, the result obtained is not yet optimal.
Indeed, tightening sometimes is not uniform within a subdivision of the vamp. Some zones of the subdivision may be too tight, while other zones may be too loose. The distribution of the tightening force of a subdivision may also vary during use, i.e., while the shoe is worn. For example, when tightening the shoe, the user ties a knot when the lace appears to be sufficiently tensioned. However, the tension is not evenly distributed in the subdivision. Thus, during use, after a more even distribution of the tension, resulting from the bending or flexing of the shoe, the perceived tightening force decreases, thereby making it necessary to tighten the vamp once again.
It can be said of a prior art shoe, generally speaking, the vamp of an upper having a flexible lower portion does not conform closely enough to the shape of the foot. Consequently, there remain areas of the vamp in which tightening is either excessive or insufficient. It is further observed that the tightening or loosening of the vamp varies in certain areas during use.
It has also been observed that a shoe according to the prior art does not always offer sufficient comfort of use, or that it is not easy to adjust or manipulate, especially in terms of the actuation of the tightening devices and mechanisms.
Further, it has been observed that it is not always easy to put on or remove the shoe, that is to say, to insert or remove the foot in relation to the shoe.
The invention improves the support of the foot in a flexible shoe, especially in the area of the vamp, thereby enabling the lower portion of the upper, which is adapted to cover the foot, to more closely conform to the shape of the foot. In other words, the invention ensures that the vamp is neither too tight nor too loose in any area of the vamp.
The invention also ensures that the tightening force is more constant during a period of use of the shoe.
Further, the invention enables faster actuation of a tightening device.
The invention also enables a shoe to be used more comfortably, whether in a static mode or in a dynamic mode. It is indeed advantageous for the shoe to transmit sensations to the user's foot, while at rest or in motion, such as those sensations generated when walking, running, cross-country skiing, or while engaged in similar activities. It is also advantageous to be able to easily manipulate the elements that enable or disable the tightening of the upper.
The invention also improves putting on and/or removing the shoe, in the sense that it is desirable to facilitate the passage of the foot when being inserted into or removed from the upper.
To this end, the invention is directed to a shoe having an outer sole assembly and an upper, the upper including a vamp extending lengthwise from a rear zone to a front zone, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to an apex, the shoe including a first device for tightening a first subdivision of the vamp, and a second device for tightening a second subdivision of the vamp.
According to the invention, for at least one of the first and second subdivisions, the tightening device includes a linkage extending from an anchoring point in relation to the upper to a blocking point in relation to the upper, the anchoring point being located in the area of the vamp, and the blocking point being located in the area of the vamp.
Due to the structure of the tightening device, the tension of the linkage or lace is uniform within the subdivision involved. In other words, the tension of the linkage is kept constant by the tightening device, from the anchoring point to the tightening point. As a result, the tightening of the upper, that is to say, the tightening of the upper in this case, is uniform within the respective subdivision of the vamp. In addition, the tightening of the subdivision is constant, or at least substantially constant, during the period of use of the shoe. The envelope of the upper, at least in the respective subdivision of the vamp, closely conforms to the shape of the foot.
The resulting advantages include improved foot support, especially in the area of the vamp. Each subdivision of the vamp more closely assumes the shape of the foot. The tightening force is nominal, i.e., neither too great nor too small, throughout the subdivision.
Another advantage is that the tightening force is more constant during the period of use of the shoe.
In addition, applying a tightening device is faster with the invention. Indeed, the required tightening force is applied to a single section of the linkage or lace, i.e., that which extends from the anchoring point to the blocking point.
Another advantage is increased comfort of the shoe, both in a static mode and in a dynamic mode. Indeed, the more efficient application of the vamp on the foot improves the receptions and transmissions of forces or sensory information, while avoiding injuries related to clearances between the foot and the upper, or to excessive pressure on the foot.
Moreover, the tightening device is easier to operate because it involves only one active linkage section.
An additional advantage is an improvement to the insertion and/or removal of the foot. Indeed, the tightening device according to the invention enables a quick operation, and promotes a large opening of the vamp of the upper upon loosening of the linkage.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:
The first embodiment described below relates more particularly to a shoe intended for walking or running on flat or mountainous terrain. However, the invention is applicable to other fields such as those mentioned above.
The first embodiment is described below with reference to
Conventionally, and in general, the shoe 1 includes an outer sole assembly 2 and an upper 3. The shoe extends along a longitudinal direction L from a rear end, or heel 4, to a front end, or tip 5, and along a transverse direction W between a lateral side 6 and a medial side 7.
As shown, the upper 3 includes a lower portion 10 provided to surround the foot, and does not have a top portion, i.e., a portion extending above the wearer's ankle. However, the upper could be provided to include a top portion. In any case, however, the shoe 1 is structured so as to enable proper bending of the leg or a good rolling movement of the foot, as well as the transmission of sensory information or steering forces. Therefore, the upper 3 is relatively flexible. The outer sole assembly can be relatively rigid, or it can be much more flexible.
According to the first illustrated embodiment, the shoe 1 extends heightwise from the outer bottom assembly 2 to an upper end 12, that is to say, up to the free end of the lower portion 10 or of the upper 3. The shoe 1 has a foot insertion opening 15, which extends from the rear end 4 to the front end 5. On the side of the rear end 4, the opening 15 has a rear subdivision 16 adapted to allow the foot to pass through, and also to surround the ankle after the foot has been inserted. From the instep, starting at the rear subdivision 16 forward, the foot insertion opening 15 has a front subdivision 17 which makes it possible to vary the size of the opening and of the fitting volume. The rear 16 and front 17 subdivisions are co-extensive with one another. The specific characteristics of the front subdivision are further described below.
Still according to the first embodiment, the shoe 1 includes a vamp 20 extending lengthwise from a rear zone 21 to a front zone 22, widthwise between a lateral portion 23 and a medial portion 24, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly 2 to an apex 25, the apex of the vamp merging with the upper end 12 of the upper 3. The vamp 20 serves to cover, completely or possibly only partially, that surface of the foot which extends from the instep or from the flexion crease to the toes. Therefore, the rear zone 21 of the vamp 20 is located in the area of the boundary between the rear subdivision 16 and the front subdivision 17 of the foot insertion opening 15. The front zone 22 of the vamp 20 merges with the front end 5 of the upper 3. In the same spirit, the lateral portion 23 of the vamp 20, in the area in which it extends, demarcates the lateral edge 6. Consequently, the medial portion 24 of the vamp 20, in the area in which it extends, demarcates the medial side 7.
To permit tightening the upper 3 reversibly, the shoe 1 comprises a first tightening device 31 for tightening a first subdivision 32 of the vamp 20, and a second tightening device 33 for tightening a second subdivision 34 of the vamp. As further explained below, each tightening device 31, 33 is constructed and arranged to reversibly reduce the size of the opening 15.
According to the invention, for at least one of the first 32 and second 34 subdivisions, the respective tightening device 31, 33 includes a linkage 35, 36 extending from an anchoring point 37, 38 in relation to the upper 3 to a blocking point 39, 40 in relation to the upper, the anchoring point 37, 38 being located in the area of the vamp 20, and the blocking point 39, 40 being located in the area of the vamp.
Because of the structure of the tightening devices, the tension of the each linkage is uniform within in a respective subdivision. The tension of the linkage 35, 36 is kept uniform by the tightening device, from the anchoring point to the tightening point. Therefore, the tightening of the vamp 20, and also of the upper 3, is uniform within the respective subdivisions 32, 33.
According to the first embodiment of the invention, and without being limiting, the first device 31 for tightening the first subdivision 32 includes a first linkage 35 extending from a first anchoring point 37 in relation to the upper 3 to a first blocking point 39 in relation to the upper, the first anchoring point 37 being located in the area of the vamp 20, the first blocking point 39 being located in the area of the vamp. Similarly, the second device 33 for tightening the second subdivision 34 includes a second linkage 36 extending from a second anchoring point 38 in relation to the upper 3 to a second blocking point 40 in relation to the upper, the second anchoring point 38 being located in the area of the vamp 20, the second blocking point 40 being located in the area of the vamp. In the end, two subdivisions 31, 32 of the vamp are provided with good tightening uniformity.
According to the first embodiment, and in a non-limiting fashion, the first tightening device 31 extends from the rear zone 21 of the vamp 20 to the front zone 22, along a distance ranging between 40% and 90% of the length of the vamp. A distance between 60 and 80% of the length of the vamp enables the metatarsal zone of the foot to be tightened evenly. This is very useful for the transmission of forces and sensory information during front support forces.
The first point 37 for anchoring the first linkage 35 of the first tightening device 31 to the upper 3 includes stitching 45. In fact, the first linkage 35 is folded and sewn to form a loop 46 in the area of the anchoring point 37. The loop is retained by an end keeper 47, which is itself affixed to the vamp 20 by the aforementioned stitching 45. This arrangement is simple and lightweight, and also preserves the flexibility of the vamp as the end keeper 47 is comprised of a folded strap portion. It is however possible to provide alternative structures for the first anchoring point 37.
The first tightening device 31 has intermediate keepers 48, 49, 50 located on the lateral portion 23 and medial portion 24 of the vamp 20. In this case, the first tightening device 31 comprises two lateral keepers 48, 49 and a medial keeper 50. The number of keepers may be different, either greater or smaller. However, a small number of keepers, between two and five, provides the first device 31 with high tightening effectiveness. As with keeper 47, the intermediate keepers 48, 49, 50 are each comprised of a folded strap portion. The advantage, as stated above, is to preserve the lightness and flexibility of the vamp, or of the upper.
In a non-limiting fashion, the intermediate keepers 48, 49, 50 are arranged at a distance ranging between 40% and 60% of the length of the vamp. The distance of arrangement of the keepers 48, 49, 50 is measured from the rear zone 21, and the length of the vamp is measured from the rear zone 21 to the front zone 22. This arrangement enables a uniform tightening of the metatarsus of the foot and, consequently, an adequate support of the foot within the shoe.
The structure of the second tightening device 33 is based on that of the first tightening device 31. Thus, the second tightening device 33 extends from the rear zone 21 of the vamp 20 to the front zone 22, along a distance ranging between 15% and 60% of the length of the vamp. A distance between 15% and 40% of the length of the vamp allows for a uniform tightening of the instep zone. This is very useful for maintaining the upper in the area of the instep. The vamp remains in place on the foot during supports on sloping terrain, especially downhill.
The second point 38 for anchoring the second linkage 36 of the second tightening device 33 to the upper 3 includes stitching 55. In fact, the second linkage 36 is folded and sewn to form a loop 56 in the area of the anchoring point 38. The loop is retained by an end keeper 57, which is itself affixed to the vamp 20 by the aforementioned stitching 55. Here again, the arrangement is simple and lightweight, and preserves the flexibility of the vamp as the end keeper 57 is comprised of a folded strap portion. It is however possible to provide alternative structures for the second anchoring point 38.
The second tightening device 33 has intermediate keepers 58, 59, 60 located on the lateral portion 23 and medial portion 24 of the vamp 20. In this case, the second lightening device 33 includes a lateral keeper 58 and two medial keepers 59, 60. The number of keepers may be different, either greater or smaller. However, here again, a small number of keepers, between two and five, provides the first device 31 with high tightening effectiveness. The intermediate keepers 58, 59, 60 are each comprised of a folded strap portion. The advantage is to preserve the lightness and flexibility of the vamp, or of the upper.
In a non-limiting fashion, the intermediate keepers 58, 59, 60 are arranged at a distance ranging between 15% and 40% of the length of the vamp. The distance of arrangement of the keepers 58, 59, 60 is measured from the rear zone 21, and the length of the vamp is measured from the rear zone 21 to the front zone 22. This arrangement allows for a uniform tightening of the instep and, consequently, adequate support thereof in the shoe.
The positioning of the tightening devices 31, 33 is such that the first anchoring point 37 of the first tightening device 31 and the second anchoring point 38 of the second tightening device 33 are offset longitudinally. The first anchoring point 37 is farther forward, in relation to the second anchoring point 38, which is consistent with the difference between the longitudinal extents of the lightening devices 31, 33 on the vamp. This shifts the two subdivisions 32, 34 of the vamp longitudinally with respect to one another. The result is two separate tightening zones for the shoe 1, including the one connected to the first tightening device 31, which is active primarily in the area of the metatarsus, and the one connected to the second tightening device 33, which is active in the area of the instep. A resulting advantage is allowing for a discretionary distribution of the tightening of the zones or subdivisions by the user. Because of the invention, a uniform tightening of the foot is more easily obtained.
As can be understood with reference to each of
In a non-limiting fashion, as can be understood particularly with reference to
The blocking keeper 62 is a lace or linkage guide having the general shape of a crescent, and is made to be identical or similar to that described in the document EP 0 848 917-B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,823-A, the disclosure of the latter being hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety. The blocking keeper 62 shown in
Alternatively, other structures may be provided for the blocking devices 61, 62.
In a non-limiting fashion, and still according to the first embodiment of the invention, the first quick-blocking device 61 and second quick-blocking device 62 are opposite one another transversely. This facilitates the manipulations for tightening the vamp 20, especially when the two devices 31, 33 are tightened simultaneously, one with one hand, and the other with the other hand. In this way the foot remains naturally aligned in relation to the leg during tightening.
For at least one of the tightening devices 31, 33, the linkage 35, 36 is a lace. More specifically, in this embodiment, each of the linkages 35, 36 is a lace. This is a simple and lightweight component, well-suited for cooperation with a blocking keeper.
As shown in particular in
By way of a non-limiting example, the opening 78 of the envelope 75, that is to say, also the subdivision 17 of the foot insertion opening 15, extends from the rear zone 21 to the front zone 22, along a distance ranging between 40% and 90% of the length of the vamp. This makes it possible to adjust the tightening of a large area of the upper more easily.
The first embodiment provides that, by extending in a direction away from the rear zone 21, the opening 78 of the outer envelope curves towards one of the sides 6, 7. A curved opening enables the vamp to flex more easily during a gait cycle, thereby reducing user fatigue.
For example, the opening 78 of the outer envelope 75, or the front subdivision 17 of the foot insertion opening 15, curves toward the medial side 7. This arrangement enables the vamp 20 to better adapt to feet of various widths and/or thicknesses. In other words, the foot is enveloped more effectively.
Additionally, the vamp 20 includes an inner envelope 79 which doubles, or underlies, the lateral 76 and medial 77 quarters, and which at least partially covers the opening 78 of the outer envelope 75. According to the first embodiment, the inner envelope 79 extends opposite the entire opening 78. Alternatively, however, the inner envelope 79 could be provided to extend opposite only a portion of the opening 78. In any case, the inner envelope 79 enables a more uniform application of the vamp 20 on the foot, acting as a screen between the foot and the quarters 76, 77.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner envelope 79 is reversibly extensible. For example, the inner envelope 79 is made from a stretchable fabric, a layer of elastically deformable material such as rubber, or any equivalent. An extensible envelope further improves the ability of the vamp 20 to conform to the shape of the foot.
To further improve holding precision, the outer envelope 75 includes a flap 85 extending from one of the lateral 76 and medial 77 quarters, the flap 85 being provided to extend at least partially in the area of the opening 78, between the quarters 76, 77. The improved holding is related to the ability of the flap 85 to slide on the inner envelope 79 during tightening of a device 31, 33.
By way of example, the flap 85 extends from the medial quarter 77 of the outer envelope 75. Consequently, the flap 85 extends close to or joins the lateral quarter 76. After tightening of the tightening devices 31, 33, the flap 85 is tensioned while assuming the shape of the foot, by taking support on the inner envelope 79. Thus, the contact between the vamp 20 and the foot remains uniform during the period of use of the shoe. It can also be said that the flap 85 of the illustrated embodiment extends transversely in the area of the instep, thereby bordering the rear zone 21.
The flap 85 has a continuous free end 86, which almost or completely connects to the lateral quarter 76 when the vamp 20 is tightened. This provides a certain continuity to the vamp during use of the shoe.
In the lengthwise direction of the shoe 1, the flap 85 extends in the area of the second tightening device 33. In other words, the flap 85 borders the rear zone 21. This optimizes the support of the instep.
For the second tightening device 33, the invention also provides for the flap 85 to have the keepers of the lateral 23 or medial 24 portion which it extends. More specifically, according to the first embodiment, the flap 85, for the second tightening device 33, has the medial keepers 59, 60 of the medial portion 24. Thus, the second tightening device 33 is offset toward the lateral side. This arrangement enables the vamp to envelop the foot more efficiently after tightening.
Additional embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to
The second embodiment, according to
What is specific to the second embodiment of the invention is that the shoe 1 includes a single blocking device 91 acting for the two linkages 35, 36. The device 91, well known to those skilled in the art, is arranged in the area of the rear zone 21. The device 91 in practice forms a blocking point common to both linkages. This is an alternative embodiment which leads the user to manipulate the tightening device differently. For example, the user can tighten by pulling the linkages with one hand, and can block the linkages with the other hand.
More generally, the blocking point(s) 39, 40, 91 of the linkages 35, 36 are located in the area of the rear zone 21 of the vamp 20, with the advantage of providing easy manual access to the linkages 35, 36 of the tightening devices.
The third embodiment, according to
Specific to the third embodiment of the invention is the flap 95 having a discontinuous free end 96. Consequently, the free end 96 is divided into a plurality of tabs 97, 98, for example two in number. The tabs 97, 98 increase the ability of the flap 95 to conform to the shape of the foot. Each tab here has a keeper 59, 60.
The fourth embodiment, according to
Specific to the fourth embodiment of the invention is that, for at least one of the tightening devices 31, 33, the linkage 35, 36 is a strap. In fact, as illustrated, each of the linkages is a strap for each device. The tightening of the devices 31, 33 are obtained by knotting, for example.
The fifth and sixth embodiments, according to
Specific to these embodiments is that the opening 17, 78 is straight. This is a more conventional construction of the upper 3, for which tightening is improved by the invention, in the same spirit as for the other embodiments.
More particularly for the sixth embodiment, the flap 85 is short, in the sense that there remains a significant gap between its free end 86 and the quarter 76 which it faces. The gap ranges between 40% and 80% of the width of the opening 78.
The seventh embodiment, according to
Specific to the seventh embodiment of the invention is that, in combination with the shape of the opening 17, 78, the shoe 1 includes a single blocking device 91 which acts for the two linkages 35, 36. This device 91 is arranged in the area of the rear zone 21, and thus forms a blocking point common to both linkages.
The eighth embodiment, according to
Specific to the eighth embodiment of the invention is that, for one of the subdivisions 32, 34 of the vamp 20, the tightening device 101 includes a flap 105 that is reversibly tightened by a tightening mechanism 106. In this case, and in a non-limiting fashion, it is the second tightening device 101 that includes a flap. The reverse is possible, in the sense that it the first device could include a flap.
More specifically, the flap 105 extends from the lateral side 6, being affixed to the lateral quarter 76. The tightening mechanism 106 further includes a strap 107 affixed to the flap 105, adapted to cooperate with a return 108 itself affixed to the upper 3, to ensure the reversible tensioning of the vamp 20. The tightening mechanism 106 includes the return 108. This embodiment is an alternative construction that uses a single linkage. In the end, there are indeed two tightening devices 31, 101, the one including a linkage 35, and the other including a mechanism with no linkage.
In any case, the invention is made from materials and using techniques of implementation known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
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, one of the subdivisions of the vamp can be tightened by a device having no linkage.
At least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/03842 | Dec 2011 | FR | national |
