EP0818157B1 - Sports shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The sports boot has a sole (3), which is joined to an article of sports equipment such as a ski or skate, and an upper (7) in two sections (7A,7B). The first section (7A) is made from a relatively rigid material, e.g. a plastic, and forms a cradle (13) for the heel. It is joined to the sole of the boot in the heel zone. The second section (7B) of the upper is made from a relatively supple material covering the forward part of the foot and attached to the front end of the sole and to the sides (13a) of the rigid rear section, e.g. by rivets (14) or stitches. The supple forward section of the upper has apertures (15) in its sides to provide aeration and greater suppleness. The sections of the upper between the aperture form tongues (16) which are connected to the rear rigid section and the sole. The top portion of the upper's forward section has a central lengthwise aperture (17) forming two side flaps with fastenings (18) to grip the foot after insertion.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a sports shoe such as sports sliding, or other sport requiring the transmission of specific efforts, more particularly adapted to skiing on snow, ice skating, or even skating on hard ground using classic roller skates or inline skates.

In the case of skating, whether on snow, ice or hard ground, the shoe has generally an outer sole intended to be made integral with the upper plate of a frame, on which the wheels are arranged, and from which extends a rod covering the foot and extending toward a skater's ankle.

The problems encountered in these shoes intended for the transmission of forces reside in the fact that they are generally designed according to the technique of alpine ski boots, that is to say relatively rigid one-piece plastic shell.

However, it has been found, especially in the application to roller skating shoes practicing on hard ground, a degradation of the rigidity of said shell caused by a temperature higher or lower, because this sport is mainly done in good weather. This phenomenon is still accentuated in regions where temperatures are high.

This loss of rigidity of the shell is an essential criterion for good transmission of forces. and good stability.

Of course, it would be possible to correct the aforementioned defect using materials whose module of flexion is higher, but this would be at the expense of the comfort and enveloping qualities of the foot.

Some shoes provide an answer to this problem by overmolding in the bottom of the shell a rigid insert tending to restore thereto the loss of rigidity caused by the elevation of aforementioned temperature.

This manufacturing process has proven to be expensive and not very reactive.

Document FR 2 668 072 shows a shoe comprising an outer sole intended to be rendered integral with a sports article, a rod covering the foot and comprising an internal comfort element, the rod being composed of two parts, the first of which is made of a material constituting a cradle forming a rear envelope for housing the user's heel in the area of the heel, a second part of the upper being made of a relatively flexible material constituting a slap covering the user's foot intended to be fixedly attached to the envelope back. It is in fact a basketball type shoe on which a rigid reinforcement is attached (such shoe is relatively expensive to manufacture).

Document WO 94/21149 shows a shoe comprising rigid elements which are superimpose at the heel, toe and sides of the foot on a flexible rod which extends from the sole to the top of the shoe to cover the entire foot and ensure its comfort.

These last two types of manufacturing prove to be expensive because there is a need to assemble beforehand a flexible shoe and then adding rigid elements to it.

Consequently, the object of the present invention is to remedy the above drawbacks, and in particular to reconcile the comfort and the rigidity necessary in certain parts of the shoe with minimum costs.

This objective is achieved by the present invention which for this purpose relates to a sports shoe, in particular a sliding sport, comprising an external sole intended to be made integral with a sports article, and from which extends a rod covering the foot and comprising an element of internal comfort, the upper being made up of two parts, the first of which is made of a material relatively rigid constituting a cradle forming a rear envelope intended for housing the heel of the user and integral with the sole in the heel area, a second part of the rod being made of a relatively flexible material constituting a slap covering the the user's forefoot, intended to be fixedly attached, at its peripheral edge lower and lateral, on the one hand with the free front part of the sole and on the other hand the rim lateral peripheral of the rear casing which is integral therewith, by means of connection means.

Such a concept allows, without losing the qualities of wrapping and holding the foot, in a way general, to have a rigidity of the lower part of the rod or shell, and an insensitivity to temperature while having improved comfort and a more flexible and less expensive manufacturing, allowing by example of modulating the characteristics of the front and rear parts of the rod or shell according to the user and the type of practice.

Other particular embodiments according to the invention are indicated in claims 2-17.

The present invention also relates to the characteristics which will emerge during the description which will follow and which should be considered in isolation or in all their combinations possible techniques.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un patin à roues en ligne, cité à titre d'exemple, et d'une chaussure associée conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue latérale d'une chaussure et d'un patin selon la figure 1, correspondant à un premier exemple de réalisation de la chaussure,
• la figure 3 est une vue latérale d'une chaussure selon un second mode de réalisation,
• la figure 4 est une vue latérale d'une chaussure selon l'exemple de réalisation des figures 2 et 3, à laquelle a été adjoint un premier perfectionnement,
• la figure 5 est une vue latérale d'une chaussure selon l'exemple de réalisation des figures 2 et 3, à laquelle a été adjoint un second perfectionnement,
• la figure 6 est une vue latérale d'une chaussure selon l'exemple de réalisation des figures 2 et 3, à laquelle a été adjoint un troisième perfectionnement.

This description given by way of non-limiting example will make it easier to understand how the invention can be implemented, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inline skate, cited by way of example, and of an associated shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a side view of a shoe and of a skate according to FIG. 1, corresponding to a first embodiment of the shoe,
• FIG. 3 is a side view of a shoe according to a second embodiment,
• FIG. 4 is a side view of a shoe according to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, to which a first improvement has been added,
• FIG. 5 is a side view of a shoe according to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, to which a second improvement has been added,
• Figure 6 is a side view of a shoe according to the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, which has been added a third improvement.

The inline skate 1 designated as a whole and shown in Figure 1, comprises a shoe 2 consisting of an outer sole 3 extending over the entire length of the foot and intended for be made integral with the upper plate 4 of a chassis 5 on which the wheels 6 are arranged, sole 3 from which extends a rod portion 7 covering the entire foot and extending towards the skater's ankle by a collar 20.

The sole 3 of the shoe 2 is made integral with the chassis 5 forming the upper plate horizontal 4 on which said sole 3 is fixed by means of fixing means, in the occurrence of the screws 8 passing through the plate 4 to be screwed into the lateral edges of the sole 3.

The chassis 5 also includes a lower part perpendicular to the plate 4 along its axis longitudinal, which is for example constituted by two vertical lateral wings 10, mutually parallel and arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis.

The lateral wings 10 extend respectively at their upper part by a return perpendicular 11, each of them being directed outwards and defining a plane corresponding to the horizontal plate 4.

In this way, the vertical lateral wings 10 define generally with the sole 3 of the shoe 2, an inverted U between the wings of which are arranged a plurality of wheels 6, for example four in number, via the transverse hinge pins 12, integral with the chassis 4 to constitute a running gear.

According to the invention, the rod 7 / sole 3 assembly is composed of two parts, a first of which 7A, 3, is made of a relatively rigid material, and constitutes a cradle forming a rear envelope 13 intended for the housing of the skater's heel and integral with the sole 3 in this zone.

Furthermore, the sole 3 extends freely forwardly with respect to said rod portion 7A by part 3A.

A second part of this rod 7 / sole 3 assembly is constituted by a monobloc shell end-piece made of a relatively flexible material comprising a sole part 3B and a slap part 7B intended to cover the skater's forefoot. The sole portion 3B is preferably designed as a half sole intended to receive the front part or plantar support area of the foot. It can also be limit to a peripheral edge of the flap 7B for its assembly to the sole 3A.

This toe cap is intended to be fixedly attached to the free front part 3A of the sole. 3 by its sole part 3B, on the one hand, and with lateral edges 13a of the rear casing 13 of the rod part 7A by its slap part 7B, on the other hand, by means of connection means 14.

These connecting means 14 of the two parts 7A, 7B, of the rod 7, are interposed between a flange lower and lateral device of the flap 7B and a corresponding rim 13a of the cradle formed by the rear casing 13 and the sole 3.

According to the present embodiment, the connecting means of the two parts 7A, 7B, of rod 7 or parts 3A, 3B, of the sole 3 consist of rivets 14.

Of course, these rivets 14 could be perfectly replaced by glue, welding to ultrasound, sewing, or by any other means of connection.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the slap 7B for covering the forefoot, has lateral notches 15 made from its lower peripheral edge or sole 3B in the direction of its upper longitudinal axis in order to provide softening and aeration of the rod 7 in the manner of a sandalette.

Said notches 15 generate tongues 16 whose free ends 16a are intended to be connected with the corresponding edge of the cradle 7A, 3A.

Furthermore, the upper central zone of the flexible slap 7B has an opening longitudinal 17 delimiting two transverse flaps provided with clamping means 18 intended for grip the foot after insertion into the shoe.

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, the envelope 13 of the heel constituting with the sole 3 the cradle has lateral zones on which are articulated axes 19 of the collar 20 for tightening a lower leg of a skater, extending upward in extension of the rod 7 on which it is fixed.

According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3, the slap 7B extends in its part upper by a collar 20A for tightening a lower leg extending upwards, beyond the malleoles of the skater, said collar 20A being in connection with the envelope 13 of the rigid part 7A or cradle, by means of articulation pins 19 arranged on lateral zones of said envelope 13.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the design of both the rigid part 7A forming a cradle and the flexible slap 7B are identical and are interconnected by identical connecting means also in the embodiment described and illustrated by FIG. 2.

Still according to the example of FIG. 3, it will be noted that the collar 20A is obtained in a way monobloc with vamp 7B.

Given this design, the bending of the collar 20A relative to the slap 7B is obtained thanks to a notch 21 giving a certain elasticity of the collar 20A with respect to the flap 7B, said notch 21 being disposed at the flexion fold of the user's foot.

In one or other of the above examples, the slap assembly 7B / sole 3B is produced in a material flexible enough to ensure perfect wrapping of the foot from the flexion fold of the user's foot to the toe area. Said shell end piece not having to ensure rigidity and the quality of the supports, allows the use of materials at low cost, while the whole rod 7 / sole 3 is made of a sufficiently rigid material and not sensitive to variations in temperature, to ensure the quality of the necessary supports and the transmission of forces, especially in the push phase. As will be readily appreciated, the use of different materials in the two shoe parts respectively 7A, 3, and 7B, 3B, makes it possible to reduce so significant manufacturing costs by separating the more technical parts 7A, 3, requiring the use more expensive materials from the "comfort" parts 7B, 3B, which can be made of less materials Dear.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the slap 7B for covering the forefoot is closed at its lower part directed towards the sole 3, by a plantar support 3B doubling the latter over its entire length and extending to the heel by a rear portion 3C. The the sole parts 3A, 3B are joined together in the front zone 3A of said sole 3, simultaneously with the assembly of part 7A with said slap 7B. on the other hand, the rear part 3C of the plantar support 3B remains free in the direction of the envelope 13 of the heel of the rigid cradle 7A by compared to sole 3.

According to an improvement illustrated in FIG. 4, an anti-vibration device 22, constituted by a viscoelastic material is interposed between the sole 3 from the cradle 7A and the rear part 3C of the plantar support 3B coming from the slap 7B, at the level of the heel. This allows shock absorption over a larger area of the foot.

According to another improvement illustrated in FIG. 5, a device 23 for adjusting the position angle of the skater's foot with respect to the ground, acting on the height difference Δh between the support of the heel T and the plantar support 3B of the skater's foot, is interposed between the sole 3 coming from the cradle 7A and the rear part 3C of the plantar support 3B coming from the vamp 7B, at the heel.

According to this same embodiment of Figure 5, the adjustment device 23 is constituted by a wedge-shaped wedge 24, interposed between the sole 3 of the rigid cradle 7A and a part 25 corresponding under the rear part 3C of the plantar support 3B from the slap 7B. Said wedge 24 is capable of being actuated in a longitudinal direction by means of a member maneuvered 26 passing through a rear part of the casing 13 and bearing on it.

Of course, other means for adjusting the height difference Δh between the support of the heel T and 3B plantar support could be provided.

According to an improvement illustrated in FIG. 6, the plantar support 3B coming from the slap 7B defines longitudinal ribs 27 open upwards and at the front of the flap 7B is provided a zone 28 for external air capture, in relation to said ribs 27 which constitute means air channeling to the internal volume of the rod 7 with which they communicate.

According to all the exemplary embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 6, the slap 7B is obtained at starting from a relatively flexible material in a single piece with the sole part 3B. She can also be made at least partially of fabric.

It should be noted that the fabric can be with large mesh forming a net.

According to the same embodiments of the figures, the cradle 7A is made of a material rigid plastic.

Still, according to these same examples, the rod 7 has an internal comfort element (not shown). This element of comfort can be a removable one-piece liner.

Claims (17)

1. Sport boot, especially for a gliding sport, comprising an external sole (3) adapted to be affixed to a sporting item, and from which an upper (7) covering the foot and comprising an internal comfort element extends, the upper (7) is composed of two portions, the first (7A) of which is made of a relatively rigid material constituting a cradle which forms a rear envelope (13) adapted to house the user's heel and is integral with the sole (3) in the heel zone, the second portion (7B) of the upper (7) is made of a relatively flexible material constituting a vamp for covering the user's forefoot, which is adapted to be fixedly fastened at the level of its lower and lateral peripheral edge to the free front portion (3A) of the sole (3), on the one hand, and to the lateral peripheral edge of the rear envelope (13) which is affixed thereto, on the other hand, by connecting means (14).
2. Boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal comfort element is a liner,
3. Boot according to claim 2, characterized in that the liner is removable.
4. Boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the vamp is at least partially made of tissue.
5. Boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (14) of the two portions (3, 3B, 7A, 7B) of the upper (7)/sole (3) assembly are interposed between a lower and lateral peripheral edge of the vamp (3B, 7B) and a corresponding edge of the cradle formed of the rear envelope (13) and of the sole (3).
6. Boot according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting means of the two portions (7A, 7B) of the upper (7) are constituted by rivets (14).
7. Boot according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting means of the two portions (7A, 7B) of the upper (7) are constituted by seams.
8. Boot according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the vamp (7B) for covering the forefoot comprises lateral notches (15) made on its lower peripheral edge in the direction of its longitudinal upper axis in order to obtain flexibility and ventilation of the upper (7), said notches (15) generating tongues (16) whose free ends (16a) are adapted to be connected to the corresponding edge of the cradle (7A, 3).
9. Boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper central zone of the flexible vamp (7B) comprises a longitudinal opening (17) demarcating two transverse flaps provided with tightening means (18) adapted to tighten the foot after introduction in the boot.
10. Boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (13) of the heel of the cradle (7A) comprises journal axes (19) of a collar (20) for tightening a skater's lower leg, extending upwardly in the extension of the upper (7).
11. Boot according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the vamp (7B) is extended at its upper portion by a collar (20A) for tightening the lower leg extending upwardly, beyond the user's malleoli, said collar (20A) being connected to the envelope (13) of the rigid portion (7A) or cradle, by means of journal axes (19) arranged on lateral zones of said envelope (13).
12. Boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vamp (7B) for covering the forefoot is closed at its lower portion directed toward the sole (3), by a plantar support (3B) which doubles the latter along its entire length, their affixation occurring in the front zone (3A) of said sole (3).
13. Boot according to claim 11, characterized in that an antivibrating device (22) constituted by a viscoelastic material is interposed between the sole (3) coming from the cradle (7A) and the rear portion (3C) of the plantar support (3B) coming from the vamp (7B) at the level of the heel.
14. Boot according to claim 11, characterized in that a device (23) for adjusting the height difference (Dh) between the support of the heel (T) and the plantar support (3B) of the skater's foot is interposed between the sole (3) coming from the cradle (7A) and the rear portion (3C) of the plantar support (3B) at the level of the heel.
15. Boot according to claim 11, characterized in that the plantar support (3B) defines longitudinal ribs (27) that are open upwardly and in relation to a zone (28) for the external collection of air.
16. Boot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vamp (7B) is made of a relatively flexible material.
17. Boot according to one of claims 1-16, characterized in that the cradle (7A) is made of a relatively rigid material,

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