CA2097323A1

CA2097323A1 - Shoe with central clasp

Info

Publication number: CA2097323A1
Application number: CA002097323A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Christoph Berger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Puma SE
Priority date: 1990-11-30
Filing date: 1991-08-05
Publication date: 1992-05-31
Also published as: HU9301592D0; JPH06502775A; ATE112940T1; YU187491A; ES2040165A1; TR26273A; IE914151A1; AU8294391A; CN1054273C; DE59103300D1; CN1061706A; AU659782B2; JP3162377B2; PT8877T; BR9107105A; KR100191297B1; EP0559648B1; MX9102291A; ES2040165B1; CS362791A3

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention concerns a shoe, in particular a shoe for sport, leisure or rehabilitation purposes, with a centrally positioned clasp mounted on a dimensionally stable instep covering which can be moved towards or away from the instep.
The clasp is designed so that it can be used with shoes having uppers made of material which is flexible with respect to tensional forces, i.e. with shoes which do not have dimensionally stable sheath-like uppers. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the centrally positioned clasp is fitted on a mounting plate which is attached to a flexible tongue. The mounting plate is significantly smaller than the length of the instep, thus allowing substantial parts of the tongue to remain flexible.

Description

A ~ho~ with a Central Fastener .~
The present invention relates to a shoe with a central fastener according to the introductory clause of claim 1.
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Such a shoe is known from DE-U-8 912 788. There, an instep cover of hard-elastic materi~l is provided over a soft elastic tongue.
Closing flaps that can be moved sideways are hinged to the instep cover, at the sides, in the area of the foreshoe and each of these is connected rigidly with a side part of the shoe upper.
The central ~astener is attached rigidly to the instep cover, which is to say is connected i~separably with this. At least one rope-like tightening element runs from th~ central fastener alternately over guide elements of the closing flaps and of the instep cover. The central fastener, instep cover, and closing ~laps form a technical unit that can be prefabricated and checked prior to use/ and which functions in a reliable manner.
DE-A-2 341 658 describes a sXi boot with a central fastener and a tongue-like middle upper which, ~or purposes of easier access is connect-d to the foreshoe in the manner of a hlnge at the toe.
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The central ~aste~er is provided on the middle upp~r in the form of a rotatable toggle. A tightening rope runs both upward and downwards from this central fastening device, essentially transversely ko the middle upper. This tightening rope forms a loop on the outside and after a transverse return through the middle upper and after formation o~ another loop on the other side of the middle upper at the same height as the first loop, it is fastened to the middle upper. The loops, which are opposite each other, are located in the area of the bend of the foot at the end of the instep, i.e., in the joint at the transition to the lower leg. Two other loops are provided in the area of the ball of the big toe or of the metatarsophalangeal joints. Hooks are formed on the upper material of the ski boot. When the middle upper is folded against the upper, the loops are placed over the hooks and, by rotation of the toggle, the tightening rope is put under tension by a rope roller that is connected to the toggle, so that khe ski boot is tightly closed. When this is done, in each instance tension acts perpendicularly to~the extension of the middle upper which, in each instance, covers the side uppers. With such a~configuration, good access to the ski boot is indeed possible although positioning loops over the hooks when closing the ~oot is bothersome and time-consuming and is a problem especially when the hooks are clogged with snow or ice.
., Using the present invention it is intended to solve the problem of so improviny a boot with a central fastener of the type described in the introduction hereto that the central fastener can be replaced in a simple manner--as in the case of laces in a conventional shoe--when a good adaptation of the shoe to the foot is made possible, particularly in the upper area, so that despite .
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good fixing of the foot in the shoe, the mobility of the foot in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joints as well as in the area of the upper and lower ankle joint is not restricted.
This problem has ~een solved by the features set out in patent claim 1. ~ecause of the configuration according to the present invention, the shoe remains flexible in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joints and the tongue, especially its center part, as a result of the soft elastic design can fit well over the entire instep length on the instep formj i.e., on the instep arch of the foot.
Since the holding plate for th~ central fastener does not completely cover the instep length but a lower partial area of the tongue remains free and thus elastic, for the shoes, which are not alpine ski boots, important mobility of the foot in the area of the metatarsophalangeal ~oints is assured. This applies bec~use of the dimensioning of the length of the holding plate also for the unhindered mobility of the upper and lower ankle joint, which in shoes of the type according to the invention -- also in contrast with alpine ski boots -- is not impaired and does not have to be completely eliminated at all.

By instep length is meant -- according to the lower illustration of fig.l -- the distance between the upper and lower ankle joint and the metatarsophalangeal joints.
Other advantageous details of the invention are indicated in ~he subclaims and are described helow in greater detail by the embodiments illustrated in the drawing. There are shown in:
Fig. 1, a perspective exploded view of different individual elements of a shoe and the related central fastener, Fig. la, the view oi a part of the central fastener seen in the direction of arrow I of fig. 1, Fig. 2, a top view of the shoe composed of the individual parts of fig. 1, Fig. 3, a part of the side view of the shoe of fig. 2/
Fig. 4, the view of straps used with a tension strip before assembly, Fig. 5, a section through the tension strip of section plane II II of fig. 4 and Fi~. 6, a partial view of the tension strip and the related headpiece of a strap.
In fig. 1 a shoe 1 according to the invention is represented in exploded view in its essential individual elements. Here it is preferably a sport, leisure or rehabilitation shoe, i.e., a shoe, whose upper in contrast with an alpine ski boo~, does consist of dimensionally stable shell-shaped upper parts but whose upper consists of a uniform, deformable upper material or of several deformable upper materials such as leather, artificial leather, fiber fabric, optionally provided with leather or artificial leather trimmings. These sport or leisure shoes include, for example, training shoes, tennis shoes, jogging shoes or also special sport shoes such as running shoes, jumping shoes or the like.
By rehabilitation whoes or shoes for rehabilitation purposes are meant especially those shoes which make i~ possible in $he case of psrsons wi~h foot injuries or who have had foot operations for the rigid holding devices, such as plaster casts, orthotic devices or the like, to be able to be removed as soon as possible again and for the patient to be able as ~uickly as po6sible to walk again, without renewed injuries or secondary injuries occurring, for example, by false walking positions because of the so-called "relieving postures." Such rehabilitation shoes are described in greater detail in DE-A-3S 20 786.
Shoe 1 represented in exploded view according to fig. 1 consists of a sole (not indicated in greater detail), the upp~r material with side parts 3 and 4 of upper 2, heel part 5, foreshoe 6 and an insole 7.
Edge 8 of side parts 3, 4 ending in the instep area is provided with a stiffening element 9, 10 each in the form of tension strip 9.1 or 10.1 consisting of an elastic~
flexi~ly deformable material. Each of tension strips 9.1 or 10.1 is provided with two longitudinal slots 11 or 12 each. Below longitudinal slots 11, 12 a strap 13, 14 each come~ out which each run over side parts 3 or 4 of upper 2 in the sole area and are fastened between the upper material and the sole material.
A well cushioning tongue 15 of soft elastic material, preferably of foamed plastic, is inserted into the shoe opening in the instep area and with end 17, turned toward toe 16, is shoved under the upper material and is deflectably fastened there by stitching and optionally gluing. Side walls 18, 19 of tong~e 15 thus come to lie below side parts 3, 4 of upper 2. By the removal of tension strips 9.1, 10.1 or by dimensioning of th~ height of edges 8 of side parts 3, 4 of upper 2 an opening 20 is formed which leaves a center strip 21 of tongue 15 free even in maximum closing position in a width of at least 1.5 to 2 cm.
In tongue 1~ preferably in its center third on its upper surface a shallow depression 22 is provided, in which a holding plate 23 of a central fastener 24 is ~ 5 ~ ?~J ~
inserted and can be fastened there, for example, by ; gluing, stitching or sheathing. Holding plate 23 consists of a hard elastic dimensionally stable and thus hardly or only slightly deformable material, especially of a hard compact plastic such as polyamide, p~lyimide, polyethylene or the like. Length 25 of holding plate 23 and its arrangement on center strip 21 of tongue 15 is ~elected 80 that about 25~to 95% of inst~p length 26 can be covered, but at least 5%, preferably 20% to 50~, of .instep length 26 between front edge 27 of holding plate 23 and fastened end 17 remains free and therefore flexible and moreover according to a preferred embodiment at least about 10%
.:: of instep length 26 behind back edge 28 of holding plate 23 remains free or is covered only by tongue 15 wi~h a tongue part 29 extended in the direction to the upper and lower ankle jointO
;. Holding plate 23 is provide with a support 30 in .. ~ the form of a deepened base plate and with tab sections 31, 32 annularly surrounding it. A closing part 33 can be inserted into this support 30 and, for example, can be fastened there by gluing.
Closing part 33 comprises a solid lower part 34 with lateral arms 35,36 and a ro~atable adjustment button 37. Between lower part 34 and adjustment button : 37 is provided a winding device with locking action and optionally with an unlocking possible by pressure on button 38 for a tightening element 3g or for the two ends of a one-piece tightening element or for the ends ~ of two tightening element sections. By rota~ion of . adjustment button 37 in one direction tightening element 39 i8 wound up and by rotation in the opposite direction -- as is known -- it is unwound.
With the insertion of closing part 33l arms 35, 36 laterally engage over holding plate 23~ A recess 40 for guiding tightening element 39 is/are provided in arms 35, 36 and/or in the suppor~ 30 locat~d under them.

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A catch lug 41 each is formed on lower part 34 on the front side and rear side (not visible). With insertion of closing part 33 the lug engages tab sections 31 or 32 thr~ugh an opening 42 each of support 30 so that closing part 33 can be fastened to holding plate 23 by a catch connection. Holding plate 23 has an 0xtension 43 projecting forward. ~he extension itself or an attachment 44 -- represented in fig. la in the view of arrow I --can be superpo~ed on it and/or locked with it and/or glued to it and/or welded by an ultrasonic welding connection, is d0signed double-shelled. Between upper shell 45 and lower shell 46 a space 47 ~ith an inside width iæ provided, which is the same or somewhat greater than the thickness of tightening element 39.
The two shells 45, 46 are connected to one another on sides 48, 49 by guide elements 50, Sl for tightening element 39 provided or f~rmed on in space 47.
Pref~rably extension 43 and/or attachment 44 in each case designed as one piece, are produced, for example by injection or die-casting molding process.
Attachment 44 can be pro~ided on sides 48,49 with one fixing tab 52,53 each projecting downward.
In assembly, tightening element 39 i~ shoved forward from the rear through space 47 of attachment 44, and upper and lower lateral loops are formed, which are brought into working connection with guide elements of side parts 3, 4, as is illnstrated below by fig. 2.
Fig.2 shows in top view a shoe 1 assembled rom the individual parts of fig. 1. Tongue 15, matched in cross section approximately to the curvature of the instep of a food covers at least about 60% of the instep area visible from above with its si.de walls 18, 19. At the same time, the surface of side walls 18, 19 i5 designed as a sliding surface for adjacent side parts 3, 4.
According to a feature of the invention, tightening element sections 54, 55 guided in the top, i.e., in the guide groove ~- lying closest to the heel . 7 ~
-- of holding plate 23 and/or of recess 40 of arms 35, 36 on lower part 34 of closing part 33 starting from adjustment button 37 ~f central fastener 24, first are : guided back over guide elements 56, 57, which are in nonpositive connection with side parts 3,4, to guide elements 50, 51 of holding plate 23 and from it to the front guide elements 58, 59 and finally from them to the f.ront part of center strip 21 of tongue 15. In a one-piece tightening element 39 returning section 60 ; lies in a crosswise groove 61 of center strip 21 of tongue 15. Additionally, a pipe section 62 can be shoved over it there. ~lso section 60 in crosswise groove 61 can be secured against lateral shifting.
Although in the embodiment according to fig. 2 only two guide elements are provided in each side part 3 or 4, it is basically conceivable to place other guide elements there, which would be corresponding ;` brought into working connection with other guide elements on holding plate 23. Also it is basically possible, to config-lre the qlliding of tightening : element 39 so that, for example, tightening element sections 63, 64 or 65, 66 cross one another in the area . of`holding plate 23 under central fastener 24.
With a tightening element 39, consisting of two tightening element sections, the ends are fastened either in the area of crosswise groove 61 on tongue 15 . or on side parts 3, 4.
As can be seen in fig. 2, at least the two top lateral tightening element sections 54, 55 of tightening element 39, but preferably also directly following tightening elemen~ sections 63, 64 are proYided to run from their guides on holding plate 23 or from center strip 21 of ~ongue 15 obliquely b~ckward to the respective guide elements 56, 57 or 58, 59 provided there. In this way, the tensile stress, occurring in the top or in the two top tightening :: element sections 54, 55 or 63, 64 in olosing is guided : in the direction of heel part 5. In this case, straps . 13, 14 preferably are also a.rranged so that the tensile . ' .

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stress, on the one hand, runs directed downward to the sole and, on the other hand, backward ~o heel 5.
The other tightening element sections 65, 66 or 60 preferably run from holding plate 23 or from center stxip 21 of tongue 15, in top view, obliquely forward or crosswise to tongue 15.
~ o guarantee an effecti~e insertion of the tensile stress in straps 13, 14, the respective guide elements 56, 57 and 58, 59 are applied, preferably are fcrmed on, headpiece 67 each of a strap 13, 14, as illustrated by fig. 4 to ~. Headpiece 67 is put into a lower insertion slot 68 each of tension strip 10.1 opposite longitudinal slot 10 or 11 and locked by a catch 60 with lower edge 70 of insertion slot 68.
Behind slots 11,12 for inserkion of strap 39 is placed a stop 71, for example in the form of a tab, on which front edge 72 of headpiece 67 can strike after bridging a certain clearance of a few millimeters.
On upper surface 73 of guide elements 56, 57 or 58, S9 is provided an edge 75 projecting over its peripheral area 74. Groove 76, thus formed, for tightening element 39 runs flush in a plane with slots ll or 1~. Projecting edge 75 on the side opposite front edge 72 of headpiece 67 is separated by a slit 77 for insertion of tightening element 39 from th~
remaining material of strap 13 or 14.
Tension strips 9.1, 10.1 are advantageously provided with a formed-on fastening tab 78 each. With these fastening tabs 78 they can be stitched and/or glued and/or riveted to the upper material. Fastening tabs 78 preferably are formed on so that they run in a plane below slots 11, 12 or insertion slot 68 and their su~rface is flush with lower edge 70 of insertion slot 68.
Tongue 15 advantageously consists of a foamed polymer, preferably of a thermoplastic, pressure-transmitting cushioning material in the form of foamed polyethylene, polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate.
Tongue 15 can be provided on its underside with a textile lining 79, a~ fig. 2 and 3 show~ In the sarne -` way, the upper surface of tongue 15 can also be cov~red at least partially with a textile layer, with leather or other usual shoe materials, especially it can be lined with it.
Stiffening elements 9, lO or tension strips 9.l, lO.l preferably consist of elastic plastics, especially polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane or the like. This also applies to straps 13, 14, which preferably consist of said plastics in transparent embodiment so that the trademark m~rkin~s of the shoes under discussion cannot become invisible.
By variant embodiment of the invention represented in fig. l to 6, in which a mechanical connection of stiffening elements 9, lO or of tension strips 9.l, i lO.l with straps 13, 14, and by them with the upper and/or sole material, is produced, a width regulating system is obtained, with which the inside dimensions of the shoe upper can be exactly matched to the peripheral measurement of the foot. In this case, central fastener 24 performs a multiple function. It serves not only for production of a uniform ad~ustable closing pressure uniformly distribu~ed over the entire shoe but also at the same time it causes an increased stability of the complete shoe in the sense that the danyer of straining of the sensitive joints and tendons, preferably in the shoe outside area, it reduced to ~he greatest possible extent.
It is especially advantageous that above-described central fastener 33 together with tigh~ening element 39 basically can be detached from holding plate 23 and in practice can be replaced like a shoe lace. As a result central fastener 33 with tightening element 39 can be completed as a partial element of the shoe according to the invention and be tested for serviceabilityO Still central fastener 33 with tightening element 39 can also be replaced after assembl7 of shoe l -- like a ki~
system. As a result the error rate or rejection ratio - 10 ~ 76~
is considerably raduced, ~hich for a "High-Tec" shoe of this type is especially important.
Soft elastic tongue 15, provided as instep cover, forms a pressure damping intermediate member between comparatively rigid holding plate 23, acted on by the tension forces, and the shoe wearer's foot. Holding plate 23 consists of a hard, dimensionally stable material, which preferably has a Shor~ hardness of 60 to 80 Shore D. Consequen~ly, holding plate 23, on the one hand, acts as a pressure distribution element without, on the other hand, the deflectability of tongue 15 being made difficult at tongue end 17.
Tongue 15 consists of essentially softer material than holding plate ~3, thus i~ has a Shoræ hardness clearly below 60 Shore D.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A shoe, especially a sport, leisure, or rehabilitation shoe with a central fastener (24) that is provided on a dimensionally stable instep cover that is moveable toward or away from the instep, from which, towards both sides, a rope-like tightening element (39) that is connected with it runs from upper side guide grooves (40) in the direction of the toe of the boot (16) alternately over a guide element (56, 57), in each instance of a side part (3, 4), and then over a guide element (50, 51) of the instep cover, or else crosses over the instep cover, and then runs in each instance over a further guide element (58, 59) of a side part (3, 4), characterized by the use of the following features:
- the instep cover consists of a soft-elastic tongue (15) that forms a padding;
- the tongue (15) is fastened on the end (17) that is proximate to the toe (16) of the boot to the upper material of the boot so as to be deflectable;
- the central fastener (24) is attached to a free middle strip (21) of the tongue (15) by a holding plate (23) that is of hard, dimensionally stable material;
- the length (25) of the holding plate (23) is at most ninety-five percent of the instep length (26);
- the holding plate (23) is attached to the centre strip (21) of the tongue (15) such that at least five percent of the length of the middle strip (21) between the front edge (27) of the holding plate (23) and the fastening point or lower end (17) of the tongue (15) on the upper material is not covered;
- the holding plate (23) has a support (30) with which the central fastening part (33) can snap together so as to be releasable.

2. Shoe according to claim 1, wherein the two top lateral tightening element sections (54, 55) of tightening element (39) and optionally also the two following lateral tightening element sections (63, 64) in the top view of the shoe upper surface run through top guide elements (56, 57) of side parts (3, 4) of upper (2), corresponding offset in the direction toward the heel part (5), from the guide elements of holding plate (23) or optionally center strip (21) obliquely backward so that the tensile stress occurring on closing of central fastener parts (33) is directed in the direction of heel part (5).

3. Shoe according to claim 1, wherein the other tightening element sections (65, 66; 60) in top view run obliquely forward or crosswise to tongue (15) from holding plate (23) or center strip (21) of tongue (15).

4. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one strap each (13, 14) is provided extending from the guide elements of side parts (3, 4) of upper (2) into the sole area of the shoe.

5. Shoe according to claim 4, wherein straps (13, 14) in top view run obliquely backward from guide elements (56, 57; 58, 59).

6. Shoe according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one guide element (56, 57, 58, 59) each is provided on the headpiece (67) of each strap (13, 14).

7. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein tightening element sections (54, 55; 63, 64;
65, 66) of tightening element (39) run in the direction of allocated straps (13,14).

8. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein edges (8) of side parts (3, 4) of upper (2) ending in instep area (26) are stiffened by stiffening elements (9.1, 10.1).

9. Shoe according to claim 8, wherein stiffening elements (9.1, 10.1) exhibit slots (11, 12) through which tightening element (39) passes through and loops around one guide element (56, 57; 58, 59) each of headpiece (67) of a strap (13, 14).

10. Shoe according to claim 9, wherein headpiece (67) of a strap (13, 14) is put in an insertion slot (68) provided on the side opposite slots (11, 12) in stiffening element (9.1, 10.1).

11. Shoe according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein stiffening elements (9.1, 10.1) of a side part (3, 4) form an individual elastic tension strip.

12. Shoe according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein stiffening elements (9.1, 10.1) or the tension strips consist of flexible plastic.

13. Shoe according to claim 12, wherein stiffening elements (9.1, 10.1) or the tension strips exhibit a fastening tab (78).

14. Shoe according to claim 13, wherein fastening tab (78) runs in a plane under the slots (slots 11, 12, insertion slot 68) and its upper surface is flush with lower edge (70) of insertion slot (68).

15. Shoe according to one of claims 4 to 14, wherein on headpiece (67) of straps (13, 14) at least one catch (69) each is provided which, in the inserted condition, locks with lower edge (70) of insertion slot (68).

16. Shoe according to one of claims 4 to 15, wherein below slots (11, 12) for inserting strip (39) at least one stop (71) each is provided for front edge (72) of headpiece (67) of a strap (13, 14).

17. Shoe according to one of claims 4 to 16, wherein guide element (56, 57; 58, 59) provided on headpiece (67) of strap (13, 14) exhibits on upper surface (73) an edge (75) projecting over its peripheral area (74) and groove (76), thus formed, for tightening element (39) runs flush with slots (11, 12).

18. Shoe according to claim 17, wherein projecting edge (75) on the side opposite front edge (72) is separated by a slit (77) for insertion of tightening element (39) from material of strap (13, 14).

19. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein tongue (15) consists of a foamed polymer, especially polyurethane.

20. Shoe according to claim 19, wherein the underside of tongue (15) is provided with a textile lining.

21. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein tongue (15) exhibits on the upper surface a depression (22) in which holding plate (23) of central fastener (24) is inserted and is fastened in it with glue.

22. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the surface of side walls (18, 19) of tongue (15) is designed as a sliding surface for supporting side parts (3,4) of upper (2).

23. A shoe as defined in one of the claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the central closing part (33) that is provided with an adjustment disk (37) can be locked with a tightening element (39) or with the tightening element sections (54, 55).

24. Shoe according to claim 23, wherein central closing part (33) at both sides exhibits an arm (35, 36) each and each arm (35, 36) and/or the part of holding plate (23) located under the respective arm (35, 36) exhibits a recess (40) for the passage of strap (39) or tightening element sections (54, 55).

25. Shoe according to claim 23 or 24, wherein holding plate (23) in front of support (30) exhibits an extension (43) or attachment (44) and extension (43) or attachment (44) is designed double-shelled, and between upper shell (45) and lower shell (46) a space (47) with an inside height, which is the same or somewhat greater than the thickness of tightening element (39), is provided and shells (45, 46) are connected to one another respectively on sides (48, 49) by a guide element (50, 51) provided there.

26. Shoe according to claim 25, wherein double-shelled attachment (44), designed as one piece, with guide elements (50, 51) is attached as a separate component to extension (43) of holding plate (23) and is fastened there.

27. Shoe according to claim 26, wherein doubled-shelled attachment (44) exhibits on sides (48,49) a fastening tab (52, 53) each, projecting downward, which engages over side edges (48, 49) of extension (43) of holding plate (23).

28. Shoe according to claim 26, wherein the fastening between attachment (44) and extension (43) of holding plate (23) is an ultrasonic welding connection or a glue connection.

29. Shoe according to claim 26, wherein the fastening between attachment (44) and extension (43) of holding plate (23) is a locking connection.

30. Shoe according to claim 1, wherein tongue (15) in cross section is adapted to the instep arch of the foot.

31. Shoe according to claim 1, wherein tightening element sections (54, 55) of tightening element (39) guided in the respective top lateral guide groove or recess (40) of holding plate (23) is connected with central closing part (33).