EP0850000B1 - Boot with a flexible upper and a reinforcing frame therein, particularly for snowboarding - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR97/00358 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 16, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 16, 1997 PCT Filed Feb. 28, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/32496 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 12, 1997A boot having a flexible upper for snowboarding. The boot includes a flexible upper portion and a rigid reinforcing frame, wherein the rigid reinforcing frame includes a lower reinforcement portion surrounding the heel at least; a dorsal reinforcement portion surrounding the rear area of the lower part of the leg; both parts are connected via a narrow connecting portion that includes, on the lateral side, a stiffening arrangement that stiffens the connecting portion only during lateral tilting of the dorsal reinforcement portion on the lateral side of the boot. Because of the aforementioned construction, the boot retains its qualities of comfort and, at the same time, ensures the transmission of the essential forces by virtue of a frame that provides flexibility on the medial side of the boot and support on the lateral side of the boot.

Description

Boot with flexible upper provided with a reinforcing framework, in particular for the snowboarding.

The present invention relates to a boot with a flexible upper, more particularly intended for the practice of snowboarding.

There are two main families of snowboard boots; that of rigid plastic shells provided with a flexible internal liner and that with rod flexible or partially flexible, in fabric, leather or flexible plastic. The first one category is not really suitable for modern snowboarding because the practitioners are often required to move around while walking in the snow. The invention relates to the second category of flexible shoes more suitable for walking. Today, these shoes or boots are designed basically like simple high boots, waterproof and comfortable but without an effective role in transmitting the efforts linked to the practice dynamics of the discipline. In most cases, these shoes fit on so-called "shell" fasteners comprising a base on which the sole and a back element connected to the base and which gives a rigid rear support lower leg, especially to make the turns on the back side to the surfer. of the Sufficient straps tighten the shoe in the binding.

These systems have drawbacks; they are bulky due the rear rear element and the presence of the straps. The setting of straps must be renewed each time the shoe is re-engaged in the attachment to "hull" before each descent. The tightening of the straps must be sufficient to effectively retain the shoe; which causes problems comfort due to the flexibility of the upper. Finally, these shells badly transmit different bending forces combined due to shape adaptation often approximate, especially of the back element with the shoe that tightening straps is not enough to correct.

To replace the shell fasteners appeared different systems of so-called "step-in" fasteners consisting in connecting one or more hooking elements connected to the sole of a flexible boot with a fixed automatic locking member on Plate. Such an example of step-in fixing is described in the WO application. 95/09035. For the transmission of forces, the flexible shoe undergoes a localized reinforcement in particular to ensure rear support.

Document FR 2 722 371 relates to such a type of boot which includes a inner part of flexible and deformable liner, outer part of upper flexible and waterproof, disposed between these two parts; one more shell element rigid on which is articulated along an axis passing through the median longitudinal plane of the shoe, an articulated back element which encloses part of the calf. Such type of shoe has the advantage of favoring cornering on the back side to the surfer effectively thanks to the back element inserted in the structure of the boot, while promoting a certain lateral laxity, indifferently from the inside or outside, to allow the surfer to adopt more or less leg positions less flexed laterally with respect to its bust.

Document EP-A1-646334 also relates to a boot with an internal frame with articulated back part. In the example described, the shoe is connected to a base plate-shaped and tightening on this base is done by straps. This solution therefore takes up certain disadvantages of strap fasteners.

The patent application FR 2 719 197, which represents the preamble of claim 1, proposes another solution of shoe with flexible upper and rigid articulated external frame. The principle of construction of such a shoe allows adaptation to any type of binding, including traditional plate bindings for rigid shell shoes rising derived from alpine.

All these shoe solutions are interesting because they offer a rear support for back side turns and internal lateral flexibility for figures, jumps, etc. On the other hand, lateral flexibility external to the leg, is not desirable. Indeed, when the surfer is in the position to raise his board or in the skating phase, it needs some external lateral support. This dissymmetry of internal / external function is not treated in art solutions known prior.

The present invention aims to provide a satisfactory solution to the problem supra. In particular, the invention relates to a boot of the flexible type which retains its comfort qualities while ensuring the transmission of forces essential for good control and good control of the board in each terms of use.

To achieve this object, the invention relates to a boot, in particular intended for snowboarding, including a flexible rod part and a frame rigid reinforcement. This rigid reinforcing frame comprises a part lower reinforcement surrounding the heel at least, a dorsal reinforcement part surrounding the back region of the lower leg. The two parts are connected by a narrowed connection portion comprising, on the external side, a means of stiffening which stiffens said portion only during lateral tilting of said upper reinforcing part on the outer side of the boot. So while ensuring minimal reinforcement, internal / external lateral laxity is treated with asymmetrically.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the stiffening means is consisting of several adjacent abutment elements which come into contact with one of the other during the lateral tilting of the dorsal reinforcement part on the external side of the boot. This construction provides some controlled deformation on the outer side of the shoe and a free deformation on the inner side of the shoe. Due to the simplicity of construction of the invention, the framework can consist of a single molded plastic part.

The framework can also be integrated into the structure of the shoe than being external to the upper of the shoe. The outsole of the shoe can also be an integral part of this framework.

Other particular embodiments according to the invention are indicated in claims 3-8.

• La figure 1 illustre une chaussure en vue de côté selon l'invention;
• La figure 2 montre l'ossature interne de la chaussure de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 3 est une vue arrière de l'ossature de la figure 2 en position de repos ;
• La figure 4 est vue arrière de l'ossature de la figure 2 en position fléchie du côté externe ;
• La figure 5 est une vue arrière de l'ossature de la figure 2 en position fléchie du côté interne ;
• La figure 6 est une vue arrière similaire à celle de la figure 3 selon une variante ;
• La figure 7 montre un détail de la figure 6 ;
• La figure 8 montre une chaussure à ossature externe selon une autre variante possible de l'invention ;
• La figure 9 est une vue de l'ossature de la figure 8.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate, by way of nonlimiting examples, possible embodiments of the invention:

• Figure 1 illustrates a shoe in side view according to the invention;
• Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the shoe of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a rear view of the frame of Figure 2 in the rest position;
• Figure 4 is rear view of the frame of Figure 2 in the bent position on the outer side;
• Figure 5 is a rear view of the frame of Figure 2 in the bent position on the inner side;
• Figure 6 is a rear view similar to that of Figure 3 according to a variant;
• Figure 7 shows a detail of Figure 6;
• FIG. 8 shows a shoe with an external frame according to another possible variant of the invention;
• FIG. 9 is a view of the framework of FIG. 8.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a boot 1 of the type flexible according to the invention. It has, in a manner known per se, a rod flexible 2 and an outer sole 5, suitable for walking, made of a material wear resistant such as rubber for example. Rod 2 is connected to the outer sole 5 by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as by bonding, welding, riveting or other means. The sole may include an organ anchor 51, such as a loop for example as shown in FIG. 1, intended to cooperate with a complementary locking member (not shown) integral with the gliding board to form together a device for retainer of the "step-in" type boot, for example.

The flexible rod 2 can be formed from different parts made of flexible materials different and linked together by different means (sewing, riveting, gluing, etc.). Conventionally, the rod may, for example also have a cover tab and lacing not shown One or more straps complete the tightening of the upper, like an instep strap 21 by example.

Inside this upper which forms the outer part of the shoe, is inserted an internal liner 4 which can rise more or less high and exceed the upper for more comfort. It is made of flexible and deformable material completely foam for example, or may include an envelope in textile or leather stuffed with soft foam.

According to the invention, the boot comprises between the internal liner 4 and the rest of the boot, a reinforcing frame 3. In the example illustrated, the rest of the boot represents the outer rod 2 and the sole 5 which is connected to it, the whole forming part of an external shoe. However, this example of construction is not not in itself limiting, and one can imagine other types of similar constructions.

As shown more precisely in FIG. 2, the rigid framework of reinforcement 3 alone, includes a lower reinforcement portion 30 surrounding the heel at least, a dorsal reinforcing part 31 surrounding the rear region of the bottom leg; the two parts 30, 31 being connected by a narrowed portion of connection 32 comprising, on the external side (EXT), a stiffening means 33 which stiffens said portion 32 only during lateral tilting of said portion upper reinforcement 31 on the external side (EXT) of the boot.

The stiffening means 33 consists of several abutment elements 330, 331, 332, 333 adjacent which come into contact with each other during the lateral tilting of the reinforcement dorsal part 31 on the external side (EXT) of the boot. The stop elements are separated by empty gaps 430, 431, 432. The two central elements 331, 332 thus have the shape of fingers delimited from on either side by a gap. Elements 330, 333 are respectively part from the edge of the dorsal part 31 and from the edge of the lower reinforcement element 30. For ensure solid rear support, in particular when making a back-side turn, the framework 3 comprises two opposite lateral shrouds 60, 61, each connecting a side of the back reinforcement part 31 to one side of the bottom reinforcement part 30.

The operating principle is illustrated more particularly in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

In FIG. 3, the framework is in the straight position; the back portion 31 is aligned with respect to the median vertical plane P.

During a tilting of the external side (EXT) of the lower leg, the part dorsal is driven and tilts until contact with the stop elements 330, 331, 332, 334. Thus, the inclination can be limited to a particular value for encourage external support during recovery phases, for example, such as shows figure 4.

On the contrary, during a tilting of the internal side (INT) of the lower leg, as illustrated in figure 5, the narrowed portion can flex freely without a hard point nor particular stiffness.

According to a possible variant, the abutment elements 330, 331, 332, 333 are separated by flexible and elastically compressible elements 530, 531, 532, as it appears in figure 6. We can thus obtain more progressivity in external support. These flexible elements can consist of pads elastomers or soft plastics for example. According to the characteristics of the material, we will rather favor energy restitution if the material is strongly elastic (high modulus of elasticity) or rather damping if the material is chosen from viscoelastic or viscoplastic materials with a coefficient amortization in the range of 0.2 to 1.5 (Beta coefficient) and a Shore A hardness of 5 to 90, for example.

FIG. 7 shows that the stop elements 330, 331, 332, 333 have a contact base enlarged to ensure contact, or compression of buffers in this case in this particular example, even when bending combined front / external, for example, or twisting of the frame by ankle rotation.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the invention where the framework 3 is arranged outside the boot and partially covers the upper part flexible 2. In this case, the lower reinforcing part 30 extends forward to form the lower part of the shell 34 and downwards to form the sole of step 5 of the boot. The lower hull part is a reinforcement part which borders each lateral side of the shoe and which extends to the front end, in the toe area. The flexible rod 2 is connected to the edge of this part by any means suitable, such as gluing, welding, riveting, sewing or a combination of these means. In dotted line 340 is shown an assembly by sewing, as example.

Figure 9 shows the framework 3 alone. As in all the examples which above, the framework 3 is preferably made of a single plastic part molded. Sole elements 52, 53 can also be attached and fixed to the backbone. The presence of a lower leg tightening means, such as a strap 35 mounted on the dorsal portion 31, makes it possible to provide support for the framework during forward and / or internal bending. Adjustment means length can of course be associated with the strap 35. In this example, the dorsal part almost completely surrounds the lower leg.

In general, the frame is made of a plastic material rigid. Among the plastics likely to be suitable, mention may be made of the use of polyurethanes, polyamides, A.B.S., polypropylenes, etc. The thickness the framework may be of the order of 1 to 8 mm, for example.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described in title of nonlimiting examples, but includes the technical equivalents allowing, for example, to achieve an internal / external asymmetrical stiffness.

Provision can be made for the flexible elements 530, 531, 532 which separate the stop elements 330, 331, 332, 333 are injected into a mold during a second injection step, a first injection step consisting of injecting previously the reinforcing framework 3 in the mold.

Likewise, using the technique of injecting successively in the same mold different plastic materials, we can differentiate the stiffness internally and externally by selecting the materials and defining the shapes of the flexible element (s). The parts obtained are monobloc and made with at least two different materials.

Claims (9)

1. Boot (1), adapted in particular to snowboarding, having a flexible upper portion (2) and a rigid reinforcing frame (3), the rigid reinforcing frame (3) having a lower reinforcing portion (30) surrounding at least the heel, a dorsal reinforcing portion (31) surrounding the rear region of the lower leg, characterized in that the two portions (30, 31) are linked by a shortened connecting portion (32) having, on the external side (EXT), a stiffening means (33) that stiffens said portion (32) only during the lateral tilting of said dorsal reinforcing portion (31) of the external side (EXT) of the boot (1).
2. Boot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffening means (33) is constituted of several adjacent abutment elements (330, 331, 332, 333) which come into contact with one another during the lateral tilting of the dorsal reinforcing portion (31) of the external side (EXT) of the boot.
3. Boot (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the abutment elements (330, 331, 332, 333) are separated by empty interstices (430, 431, 432).
4. Boot (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the abutment elements (330, 331, 332, 333) are separated by elastically flexible and compressible elements (530, 531, 532).
5. Boot (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is arranged inside the boot, between an inner liner (4) and the rest of the boot having, among others, the flexible upper portion (2) and the external walking sole (5).
6. Boot (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame (3) has two opposed lateral tiebacks (60, 61), each connecting one side of the dorsal reinforcing portion (31) to a side of the lower reinforcing portion (30).
7. Boot (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is arranged outside the boot and partially covers the flexible upper portion (2).
8. Boot (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower reinforcing portion (30) is extended frontwardly so as to form the lower shell portion (34) and downwardly so as to form the walking sole (5) of the boot.
9. Boot (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (3) is constituted of a single molded plastic piece.

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