EP1156723B1 - Tight shoe lace-up device - Google Patents

Abstract

A lace-up device for tightening an article of footwear, providing for the tieing of the lacing without causing discomfort to the user's hands, as well as to the article of footwear equipped with such device. The lace-up device includes a gripping mechanism arranged on the linkage in the area of a loop formed by the lacing outside the tightening zone. The gripping device includes a rigid frame, making it possible to distribute the tension of the lacing over the hand of the user.

Description

The present invention relates to a power clamping device using a lace type connection and intended to equip a footwear used, including, but not limited to, the practice of sports. This power clamping is more specifically intended for shoes, whose upper is reinforced, and in particular used for snowboarding, in-line skating, downhill skiing, ski touring and Telemark, ice skating , etc.

To properly tighten the kind of shoe mentioned, it is necessary to have a powerful tightening. In addition, the use of a tightening lace type keeps a lightweight and inexpensive system compared to other mechanical locking means such as the buckle. However, to achieve a strong lacing, it is necessary to reduce the friction of the lace in the lace returns. The improvement of the sliding is done in particular by the reduction of the section of the lace, which reduces the surface of contact of friction. Nevertheless, the small section of the lace tends to cause a shearing effect in the hand that is painful and prevents the user from applying sufficient tension to effectively tighten the shoe.

The document FR 2 752 686 proposes a first alternative by describing a variable section lace. The central portion is small in diameter for easy sliding in the returns and the ends of the lace have upper sections to provide more comfort for the hands. However, this system, even if it makes it possible to tension the lace correctly, does not make it possible to maintain the tension because of a locking of the lace by a knot. Indeed, during the time required for the execution of the node the user is obliged to release the tension in the lace. In addition, the system is expensive to implement because requiring specific means for making the lace.

The document FR 2 706 743 describes a clamping device in which the lace of small section passes through crossovers which minimize friction and form a loop. The locking of the lace is performed by an independent blocker which slides along the lace outside the lacing area. The blocker keeps the tension in the lace. However, the user can not put a significant tension in the lace. Indeed, it is obliged to grasp with at least one finger the loop of the lace and pull it which quickly causes shearing of the skin due to the small diameter of the lace.

The document EP 1 034 712 discloses a shoe provided with a clamping device, for which the lace forms a loop which passes through a sleeve. The latter is flexible and adapts to the loop to hide the closing node. Again the user can not put a significant tension in the lace. The sleeve does not prevent shearing of the skin, or at least a high pressure. EP 1 034 712 is prior art under Article 54 (3) EPC.

EP 0 923 886 discloses a shoe provided with a clamping device, for which the lace forms a loop. A gripping element makes it possible to open a storage pocket of the lace loop. A sleeve partially covers the loop of the lace at the closure node. Again the user can not put a significant tension in the lace. The sleeve does not prevent shearing of the skin, or at least a high pressure.

One of the aims of the present invention is to propose a clamping device for a footwear article using a link which makes it possible to guarantee a powerful tightening, while maintaining the comfort of the user during the tightening phase.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive clamping device that does not require the implementation of specific means for the manufacture of the link.

To achieve these objectives, the clamping device comprises a link which connects by a predetermined pathway at least two return elements arranged on different parts to be brought closer to the footwear, and which forms a loop located outside the clamping area. The link is equipped at the loop level with a gripping device that allows the user to pull efficiently with at least one hand on the link. This gripping device comprises a rigid frame for distributing the tension of the link on the hand. In addition, this clamping device comprises an integrated locking means in the return elements which are positioned at the junction of the lacing zone and the loop. Thus, the user can maintain the tension in the link and thus in the lacing zone during the blocking.

In a first embodiment, the gripping device is positioned at one end of the clamping zone.

In a second embodiment, the gripping device is positioned perpendicularly to the clamping zone.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become apparent from the description which refers to the accompanying drawings. The description illustrates, by way of nonlimiting examples, certain preferred embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a footwear equipped with the clamping device according to the first embodiment in a first clamping phase.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the footwear equipped with the clamping device according to the first embodiment in a second clamping phase.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a detail of the gripping device.

Figure 4 illustrates a three-quarter view of the clamping device according to the second embodiment.

In Figure 1, the footwear CH shown is a snowboard boot. Of course, the invention applies to any type of shoe whose flexible upper is reinforced either to increase the bending rigidity of the rod, or to protect the foot and ankle from shocks and external aggression. We find this type of shoe in the practice of sports such as snowboarding, skating online, ice skating.

The invention also applies to shoes provided with an outer rigid shell made for example of plastic, in particular used for the practice of alpine skiing, snowboarding, in-line skating, ice skating, ski skiing. hiking or telemark skiing.

The footwear CH comprises a rod O which has two parts 12a and 12b intended to be brought closer to each other by the clamping device. This clamping device comprises, in general, a clamping zone 16 which here breaks down into two zones 16e and 16f. The clamping zone 16 comprises, in a conventional and known manner, return elements 50a to 54a and 50b to 54b respectively positioned on each of the two parts 12a and 12b.

A link 15, such as a lace or a cable, connects by a determined path at least two elements of references 50a and 50b. Of course, the link 15 may advantageously connect all the return elements to complete the tightening. In addition, the link 15 forms a loop 2 which is located outside the clamping zone 16.

In order to maintain the tension in the link 15, the clamping device also comprises a means 20 for locking the link 15.

Figure 1 illustrates more precisely the first tightening phase of the device which is intended to clamp a shoe high stem. This phase ensures the tightening of the lower clamping zone 16e which extends approximately from the metatarsophalangeal joint to the ankle by making it possible to firmly hold the kick in the footwear CH. The lower clamping zone 16e comprises a series of return elements 53a and 53b advantageously having a suitable device for reducing the friction of the link 15 in said elements of the return.

Despite the use of suitable return elements as described in document FR 2 706 743, the tests have shown that it is preferable to limit for example to four the number of return elements 53a and 53b disposed on each part. 12a and 12b for each clamping zone 16e and 16f to optimize clamping.

The lower clamping zone 16e ends with two return elements 52a and 52b, arranged on each of the parts 12a and 12b, which optionally have specific functions detailed later, and which separate the two clamping zones 16e and 16f.

The link 15, coming out of the return elements 52a and 52b, forms a loop 2 which comprises a gripping device 1 disposed on the link 15. This gripping device 1 allows the user of the footwear CH to catch easily the loop 2, and easily exercise on the loop 2 a force F1 oriented globally upwards. This force F1 generates a tension in each strand of the link 15 which contributes to the clamping power of the present clamping device by bringing the two parts 12a and 12b closer together. However, the tension in each strand of the link 15 substantially corresponding to half of said force F1, it is important that the gripping device 1 ensures the comfort of the user during tightening.

In order to achieve this objective, the gripping device 1 comprises a frame 3 which is rigid. This rigid character makes it possible to distribute the tension of the link 15 on the hand of the user by limiting the phenomenon of the shearing of the link on the skin. Thus, the more the sensation of pain on the hand is removed, the more the user can pull heavily on the gripping device 1.

The rigid frame 3 may advantageously be made of material which has a certain resistance to bending such as thermoplastics such as polyamide, polypropylene, and in a suitable geometry that favors greater inertia along the direction of the force F1 .

Once the tension exerted in the link 15, it is necessary to maintain this tightening tension in order to be able to release the gripping device 1. This function is provided by a locking means 22 which is integrated with the return elements 52a and 52b. These elements 52a and 52b simultaneously provide a sliding function in one direction, and a locking function in another direction. The return elements 52a, 52b may in particular be constructed as described in FR 2 757 026.

In order to combine these two functions, it is possible to orient, in a suitable manner, the return elements 52a and 52b on the rod O, so that the action of the force F1 on the link 15 makes it possible to slide the link into the elements referrals 52a and 52b, and also allows to perform a non-return action. But it is also possible to orient the return elements 52a and 52b so as to favor sliding in the direction of the force F1, then, once the force F1 exerted, the user exerts a force F2 oriented substantially forward. This force F2 changes the orientation of the link 15 in the reference elements 52a and 52b and makes it possible to use said references 52a and 52b in their blocking function.

In order to facilitate the sequence of clamping and loosening actions of the lower clamping zone 16e, the return elements 52a, 52b, 53a and 53b, which are situated in the lower clamping zone 16e, comprise guiding means suitable for do not let the link slip out during loosening. One way to implement these guide means is to use return elements which include a tunnel which the link 15 can not escape inadvertently.

FIG. 2 illustrates the second and last tightening phase of the footwear CH which is still a shoe intended for the practice of snowboarding. This clamping phase makes it possible to tighten the upper clamping zone 16f by bringing the parts 12a and 12b closer to the rod O. The present clamping device thus makes it possible to separate the clamps and their intensities for the lower clamping zone 16e and the clamping zone. upper clamping 16f. Indeed, the tightening of the upper clamping zone 16f does not affect the tightening of the lower clamping zone 16e thanks to the locking function of the link 15 which is integrated with the return elements 52a and 52b.

To proceed to the second phase of clamping, the user begins by manually positioning the link 15 in the reference elements 51a and 50a and their symmetrical, located on the opposite portion 12b. The user crosses the link 15, in known manner, going back from the deflection element 52a to the deflection element 50a. In order to perform this manual operation, the return elements 50a, 50b, 51a and 51b, located in the upper clamping zone 16f are hook type. That is, they are open to retain the link in the direction that brings the two parts 12a and 12b closer to the rod O.

Once the link 15 is positioned, the user pulls by a force F3, oriented substantially upwards, on the gripping device 1 which is positioned on the link 15 at the level of the loop 2. This action puts in tension the link 15 which brings the two parts 12a and 12b closer to the rod O, at the level of the upper clamping zone 16f. The tightening tension is maintained in this zone 16f by means of a locking means of the link 15.

This blocking can be done in two distinct ways. On the one hand, the return elements 50a and 50b which are positioned at the end of the clamping zone 16 and at the junction of the upper clamping zone 16f and the loop 2, incorporate a locking means 23. locking means is substantially similar to the locking means 22 disposed on the return members 52a and 52b and previously described. Similarly, the user can block the link 15 by pulling in the direction of the force F3 if the return elements 50a and 50b are arranged on the rod O in a specific orientation. Otherwise, the user pulls on the gripping device 1 with the force F3 and then moves forward in a direction F4 said device 1 to ensure the blocking of the link 15 according to a previously described mechanism.

On the other hand, the locking means 20 can be integrated in an independent locking element 21 which is slidably mounted on the buckle 2. In order to achieve the locking, the user pulls in the direction F3 on the gripping device 1 and then moves the locking element 21 in a direction Δ which brings the locking element 21 closer to the return elements 50a and 50b. The locking element 21 is preferably slidably mounted simultaneously on the two strands of the loop 2. Of course, the locking means 20 can be made by two sliding blockers respectively on each of the strands of the loop 2. In this case, the user will have to move the two blockers in order to obtain the blocking of the link 15.

In addition, the two locking devices, previously mentioned, can be combined for greater safety against inadvertent loosening that may occur on this type of shoes that are subjected to significant efforts during the practice of sport. FIG. 2 illustrates this combination with blocking means 23 integrated in the return elements 50a and 50b and the locking element 21 mounted on the loop 2 of the link 15.

The tests carried out have highlighted the interest of using a link 15 which is flexible and substantially inextensible. Flexibility is required in the course imposed by the location of the return elements, and the inextensible character makes it possible to limit the elongation of the link 15, in particular at the level of the loop 2, during tightening.

Indeed, the tension obtained by the rigid frame 3 of the gripping device 1 is so important that in the case of a traditional lace or even a cord, the user would spend his energy to deform the lace instead of bring the two parts 12a and 12b closer together. The best results have been obtained with a link made with a kevlar or aramid bond, and whose outer diameter is between 2 and 4 mm.

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail of the clamping device at the level of the gripping device 1 and its rigid framework 3. This framework 3 comprises a contact surface 4 which is complementary to at least three fingers 25x, 25y and 25z of the hand M. This contact surface 4 comprises three receptacles 4x, 4y and 4z which respectively follow the morphology of the fingers 25x, 25y and 25z in the folded position around the frame 3. Tests have shown that to obtain a better power of the clamping, the fingers used are preferably the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger.

In addition, in the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the frame 3 also serves to close the loop 2 constituted by the link 15. The gripping device 1 comprises hooking means 5c and 5d which are able to cooperate respectively with the two ends 15c and 15d of the link 15. The attachment means 5c, 5d, may consist of a wall 100, perpendicular to the link 15, which is an integral part of the rigid frame 3. In this wall 100 is arranged a hole 101 in which the end 15c of the link 15 passes. This end 15c is equipped with a locking means such as a node 102 whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the hole 101.

Of course, as illustrated in Figure 4, the link 15 can also cross the frame 3 from one side. The ends 15c and 15d of the link 15 are connected to the return elements 54a and 54b located substantially at the ends of the clamping zone 16. However, in this embodiment, the loop 2 which comprises the frame 3 is not located at one end of the clamping zone 16. The loop 2 is located outside the clamping zone 16 but extends substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the clamping zone 16 so as to split said zone 16 in two sub-regions. clamping zones 105 and 106.

In addition, the gripping device can be provided with an improvement not illustrated. In this improvement, the gripping device comprises a complementary attachment means of the footwear which allows to store said gripping device on the footwear. This attachment means can be advantageously self gripping type or in the form of a snap. The footwear may also be provided with a pocket or strap forming a loop in which the gripping device could be accommodated outside the tightening and loosening phases. In addition, the gripping device may advantageously comprise comfort elements, consisting of a material less hard than that of the frame, and positioned at the contact surface intended to be in contact with the fingers of the hand.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are given for information only, but encompasses all the embodiments covered by the claims.

Claims (8)

1. Lace-up device adapted to equip a footwear (CH), which comprises two portions (12a, 12b) to be brought closer to one another, comprising:

   - a tightening zone (16) comprising return elements (50a to 54a and 50b to 54b) positioned on the portions (12a, 12b),

   - a linkage (15), comprising two ends (15c, 15d) and connecting, along a predetermined travel, at least two return elements (50a, 50b) arranged on different portions (12a, 12b), which forms a loop (2) located outside the tightening zone (16),

   - the linkage (15) being flexible and substantially inextensible,

   - a means (20, 21, 22, 23) for locking the linkage (15),

   the lace-up device comprising a gripping device (1) arranged on the linkage (15), in the area of the loop (2), enabling the user to pull efficiently on the linkage (15) with at least one hand (M), characterized in that the gripping device (1) comprises a rigid frame (3) allowing distributing the tension of the linkage (15) on the user's hand (M).
2. Lace-up device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises a contact surface (4) complementary of at least three fingers (25x, 25y, 25z) of the hand (M).
3. Lace-up device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the gripping device (1) comprises hooking means (5c, 5d) adapted to cooperate with the two ends (15c, 15d) of the linkage (15), thus closing the loop (2).
4. Lace-up device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking means (23) is integrated into the return elements (50a, 50b) positioned at the junction of the tightening zone (16) and loop (2), in order to maintain the tension in the tightening zone (16).
5. Lace-up device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tightening zone (16) comprises at least two zones (16e, 16f) separated by at least one return element (52a, 52b) positioned on each of the portions (12a, 12b), and in that the locking means (22) is integrated into the return elements (52a, 52b) in order to maintain the tightening tension in the lower tightening zone (16e), which is separated from the gripping device (1) by said return elements (52a, 52b).
6. Lace-up device according to claim 5, characterized in that the return elements (52a, 52b, 53a, 53b), located in the lower tightening zone (16e), comprise guiding means adapted to prevent the linkage (15) from escaping during the loosening.
7. Lace-up device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the return elements (50a, 50b, 51a, 51b), located in the upper tightening zone (16f), are of the hook type, making it possible to manually position the linkage (15) in the return element (50a, 50b, 51a, 51b).
8. Lace-up device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking means (20) is integrated into a locking element (21) that is slidably mounted on the loop (2).

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