EP1486131A1 - Mountain boot - Google Patents

Abstract

The shoe has an upper (2) and an external sole (3). A force transmission and maintenance framework (20) is made by an inextensible plastic material for transmitting foot maintenance and tightening stress. The framework has a counter heel that has an upper part with two lacing straps having a loop (26) to receive a lace for tightening the framework around the foot. An outer envelope (30) covers units of the framework.

Description

The subject of the present invention is an article of footwear such as a shoe for walking / hiking intended more particularly for mountain races.

• tenue du pied et de la cheville et protection contre les entorses notamment sur les terrains en dévers ou irréguliers,
• "étanchéité" ou protection de la chaussure vis à vis de l'extérieur, notamment pluie et neige mais également protection mécanique du pied contre les éboulis, cailloux coupants ou autres agressions extérieures,
• confort du pied et selon le type de chaussure, protection thermique.

In a shoe of this type, the upper must perform several functions, namely:

• foot and ankle support and protection against sprains, especially on slopes or irregular terrain,
• "waterproofing" or protection of the shoe from the outside, in particular rain and snow but also mechanical protection of the foot against scree, sharp stones or other external aggressions,
• foot comfort and depending on the type of shoe, thermal protection.

Traditionally, shoes of this type have an outer upper made of very thick leather and resistant, lined internally with comfort foam, and an inner lining such as leather.

Such shoes are extremely heavy and have a minimum weight of about 2.8 kg per pair.

More recently, shoes have been proposed whose outer upper is in fact a shell plastic, therefore particularly rigid and waterproof, and whose comfort is guaranteed internally by a removable liner.

Such shoes are even heavier and have a minimum weight of around 3 kg per pair. They are also very expensive to build because they require at least one pair of molds per size.

Even more recently, shoes with a so-called mixed upper have appeared, the outer rod is made of resistant fabric, as known under the trade name cordura®, coated with synthetic material.

Such shoes are intended to be lighter, but still weigh 2.6 kg per pair and are also not suitable for high use mountain due to their lack of rigidity.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known shoes and to propose a new concept of shoe allowing to significantly reduce the weight a pair of shoes, while providing good hold and protection of the foot and ankle and ensuring isothermal if necessary.

Another object of the present invention is also to propose a modular concept of shoe allowing the construction of a shoe to be easily adapted to a use particular.

• un chausson de confort,
• une ossature de maintien et de transmission des efforts en un matériau sensiblement inextensible et destiné à transmettre les efforts de serrage du pied et à maintenir le pied,
• une enveloppe extérieure de protection contre les éléments extérieurs.

This object is achieved in the footwear consisting of a rod and an outer sole, according to the invention, by the fact that the rod comprises, from the inside to the outside of the footwear:

• a comfort slipper,
• a framework for holding and transmitting forces made of a material which is substantially inextensible and intended to transmit the clamping forces of the foot and to hold the foot,
• an outer casing for protection against external elements.

Such a shoe construction makes it possible to separate the functions of comfort, support and transmission of forces and protection against external elements, on three layers unlike shoes of the prior art in which the outer upper has generally a double function of protection with respect to external elements and foot support / effort transmission.

As a result, the materials constituting each of the three functional "layers" of the shoe can be optimized, in terms of function and weight, and we can therefore obtain a much lighter shoe construction.

Thus, the frame can be made of a very light material, while being chosen so as to ability to transmit the forces exerted in such a type of shoe and ensure the maintenance desired foot / ankle.

In the prior art, on the contrary, as in the case of leather shoes, the material of the outer rod should be chosen very thick leather and therefore necessarily a lot heavier to perform the functions of force transmission and foot support, as well as protection functions against external elements.

Furthermore, the separation of functions in the shoe according to the invention makes it possible to have a much more modular shoe concept, in which it is enough to modify the characteristics of a functional layer to obtain a behavioral shoe totally different.

• la figure 1 est une vue de côté d'une chaussure selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée de l'ossature de la chaussure de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale de la chaussure des figures 1 à 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 4 selon un autre mode de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une vue avec arraché partiel de l'enveloppe externe selon un mode de réalisation,
• la figure 7 est une vue de côté d'un ensemble chausson-ossature selon un second mode de réalisation,
• les figures 8 à 10 sont des vues similaires à la figure 7 illustrant différents modes de réalisation d'un ensemble chausson-ossature.

In any case, the invention will be better understood and other advantages and functional characteristics thereof will be highlighted with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing, representing, by way of examples not limiting, several embodiments and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the framework of the shoe of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe of FIGS. 1 to 3,
• FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 according to another embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a view with partial cutaway of the external envelope according to one embodiment,
• FIG. 7 is a side view of a boot-frame assembly according to a second embodiment,
• Figures 8 to 10 are views similar to Figure 7 illustrating different embodiments of a liner-frame assembly.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention applied to a so-called mountain shoe 1.

• un chausson de confort 10,
• une ossature 20 destinée à assurer le maintien du pied et, dans le cas présent d'une chaussure de montagne également de la cheville, ainsi que la transmission des efforts et notamment efforts de serrage,
• une enveloppe extérieure 30 destinée à protéger l'ensemble de la chaussure des éléments extérieurs.

As particularly shown in Figures 1 and 2, this shoe 1 consists of a rod 2, in this case a high rod since it is a mountain shoe, and an outer sole 3 and the rod 2 consists of three different functional layers, namely from the inside to the outside:

• a comfort liner 10,
• a frame 20 intended to ensure the maintenance of the foot and, in the present case of a mountain boot also of the ankle, as well as the transmission of the forces and in particular tightening forces,
• an outer casing 30 intended to protect the entire boot from the external elements.

The comfort liner 10 is, in the first example shown, distinct from the framework 20 and therefore removable. Such removableness is advantageous for example for making to dry the slipper or to walk inside shelters with only the slipper, in particular in the case of mountain boots.

This liner 10 traditionally consists of a rod 11, in this case high, that is to say covering the ankle, a sole 12 and a lacing system 13. In the case present the lacing system 13 is substantially provided in the upper part, covering the ankle, rod 11 of the bootie, but it could also extend, depending on the case also on the foot portion of said liner.

The lacing system 13 is intended to ensure the tightening of the liner 10 around the foot / leg, especially when the bootie is removed from the frame 20. This lacing system 13 can be replaced by a velcro type closure system. Slipper 10 has also laterally hooks 15 intended to cooperate with the lacing system of the framework 20 as will be seen later.

The liner 10 is, in a manner known per se, made up of foams disposed between a inner envelope and an outer envelope.

The outer envelope 30 is in fact a kind of gaiter made of flexible material covering externally the entire frame 20 and the liner, and therefore extending from the top of rod 2 down.

In the example shown, the outer casing 30 is provided with closing means 31 of the zipper type, but of course other closing means can be provided.

The outer casing 30 is also covered at its lower end, i.e. located just above the sole 3, by a wrapping 32, that is to say a rubber band (or similar material) bonded peripherally to said envelope so as to provide a additional protection against abrasion.

The envelope 30 is made of a material chosen according to the type of protection to be assured.

In the case of a mountain shoe, the casing 30 is first of all made of a material abrasion resistant as known under the trade name cordura®.

If a seal is desired, the envelope 30 may also be doubled by a layer of impermeable material and preferably permeable to water vapor as known under the trade name GoreTex.

The frame 20 consists of a heel counter 21, two clamping flanges 22, arranged on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe, a toe 23 and a tongue 24, and a sole 25. The heel counter 21 fits and surrounds not only the heel but also ankle. Depending on the type of shoe, for example a shoe with a low or desired upper flexible, this buttress 21 may only surround the heel part proper of the foot the user.

The heel counter 21 is also provided at its upper part with two lacing tabs. 21a carrying loops 26 intended to receive a lace 27 for tightening the frame around of the foot. The heel counter 21 finally comprises two vertical lights 21c intended for soften said heel counter.

Each clamping flange 22 extends from the heel counter 21 and the sole 25 of the framework up to the level of the user's instep.

In the case shown each flange 22 consists of a plurality of fins 22a extending in either a substantially vertical or oblique direction. Each fin 22a is provided at its free end with a loop 26 intended to receive the lace 27. Preferably, each loop 26 is of the type described in FR 2 752 683 for a minimum size and a good sliding. The fins 22a define, with the lacing tabs 21 has buttress and the lacing hooks 15 of the liner, the lacing and tightening area of the foot and the ankle. The hooks 15 of the liner allow a resumption of the tightening forces from the bottom of leg at shoe level. Of course, the entire clamping system could also be transferred to the framework.

Preferably, the flanges 22 are made of a more flexible material than the heel counter 21, for more flexibility and better adaptation to the volume of the foot.

The flanges 22 are assembled for example by seams 29, to the heel counter 21 in an overlap area 28. Each overlap area 28 is defined by respective thinning 21b, 22b of said buttress and clamping flanges 22. These respective thinning 21b, 22b are provided of sufficient length to allow the production of two different sizes with the same elements respectively 21, 22, by more or less significant overlap.

The tip 23 is intended to ensure the shaping of the volume to receive the toes and possibly, that is, depending on the type of shoe, to provide some protection against the shocks of said toes. The end piece 23 preferably forms a single piece with the tongue 24 which extends under the entire lacing area, so as to allow a good distribution of the clamping pressure. The tip 23 has at its junction, tongue 24 / tip 23, two side slits 23a to increase the flexibility of this area and allow better tightening the forefoot. As the tongue 24 passes below the clamping fins 22a, the number of passers-by 26 can be reduced because the tongue distributes the forces / pressures. Thereby, a better slip of the lace is obtained in the loops 26 and the tightening is easier and more efficient.

As before, the end piece 23 has thinnings 23b to cooperate with thinning 22b of the flanges for their mutual connection by a seam 29 in an overlap zone 28, and these thinning operations 23b are provided with dimensions large enough to be compatible with two successive sizes.

As shown in particular in FIG. 3, the different elements 21, 22, 23, 24 of the framework are produced independently and then assembled together, in particular by stitching 29. Other assembly methods such as gluing, ultrasonic welding, etc., can also be provided.

Making these elements independently reduces the cost of the molds necessary for their realization, since they have less complicated forms, as well as the number of these molds, since the same set of these elements can make it possible two successive sizes.

Furthermore, these elements can be made of different materials and in particular having different stiffnesses / hardnesses.

By way of nonlimiting example, these elements 21, 22, 23, 24 can be made in polyurethane, Pebax and hardnesses can be around 65 to 70 sh A for flanges 22 and 85 sh A for the heel counter 21 and the end piece / tongue 23/24.

Once assembled together, the different elements 21, 22, 23, 24 of the frame are assembled for example by a seam called strobel 25a to the sole 25. The sole 25 is example in PE foam, EVA or felt.

As shown in Figure 4, the assembly is then glued to the outer sole 3, after interposition of the outer envelope 30 and its wrapping 32.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the liner 10 is sewn at the same time that the frame 21, 22, 23, 24 on the sole 25, which is then common to the two layers.

In this case the liner 10 is not removable, however the construction of the shoe is more compact and light, and the foot is closer to the ground since it lacks a thickness of sole.

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the external envelope 30, in which this consists of two layers of material respectively 33, 34, namely a first outer layer 33 of abrasion resistant material such as cordura® and a layer 34, internal, made of insulating foam such as EVA foam, to increase insulation thermal of the shoe.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate different embodiments of the liner assembly 10 - framework 20, in which similar or identical elements will be designated by the same references increased by 100.

In the case shown in FIG. 7, the only difference resides in the liner 110 which comprises at its upper end, at the level of the tibial base, a strap 115 intended for cooperate with the top of the tongue 124 in order to provide additional support. Otherwise, the heel counter 121 of the frame 120 laterally has two vertical lights softener 121b and two notches 121c intended in particular to adapt to calf dimensions.

In the case of FIG. 8, the shoe is a shoe of the "mid" type, that is to say with an upper mid-high and the heel counter 221 is therefore devoid of high part and leg Tightening. The flange portion 222, end piece 223 are moreover substantially identical and the liner 210 is also reduced in height. In this embodiment the framework 220 does not has no tab. Heel counter 221 has two notches softening 221c.

In the case of FIG. 9, the shoe comprises a liner 310 high and provided at its upper end of two tightening straps respectively 315, 316, but the framework 320 corresponds to a low shoe frame as shown in Figure 8, but with a tongue 324. In this case the second tightening strap 316 of the liner cooperates with the upper end of the tongue 324. Here also the heel counter 321 has two softening notches 321c.

Finally, the embodiment of FIG. 10 corresponds substantially to that of FIG. 8, namely that the shoe is of the "mid" type and the heel counter 421 is devoid of part high, but has two softening notches 321c, the framework 420 being also without tongue.

In this embodiment, the fins 422a of the clamping flanges 422 are hollowed out by 422c holes for more flexibility.

Furthermore, the liner 410 has a single tightening tab 415.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of nonlimiting examples.

Claims (12)

Footwear (1) of the type consisting of an upper (2) and an outer sole (3), characterized in that the upper (2) comprises from the inside towards the outside of the footwear: a comfort liner (10, 110, 210, 310, 410), a framework (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) for holding and transmitting forces in a substantially inextensible material, for transmitting the clamping forces of the foot and maintaining the foot, an outer casing (30) for protection against external elements. Footwear (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the framework (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) for holding and transmitting forces is made of an inextensible plastic material. Footwear (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the framework (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) has a buttress (21, 121, 221, 321, 421) heel, two flanges (22 , 122, 322, 422) of clamping arranged respectively laterally and medially, and provided with clamping means and a nozzle (23, 123, 223, 323, 423). Footwear (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the framework (20, 120, 320) has a tongue (24, 124, 324) extending under the tightening zone. Footwear (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the tongue (24, 124, 324) is integral with the toe (23, 123, 323). Footwear (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the tightening flanges (22, 122, 322, 422) are made of a more flexible material than the buttress (21, 121, 221, 321, 421) heel and toe (23, 123, 223, 323, 423). Footwear (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the framework (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) consists of several separate parts assembled for example by sewing. Footwear (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the areas of assembly of the different parts of the frame are compatible with at least two successive sizes. Footwear (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the comfort liner (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is removable. Footwear (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the liner (10) is integral with the frame (20). Footwear (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer shell (30) is made of an abrasion resistant material. Footwear (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the outer shell (30) is lined internally with an insulating material.

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