EP1658778B1 - Gaiter - Google Patents

Abstract

The gaiter (16) has an envelope (18) made of an elastic material and comprising a lower edge (22) whose elastic front and rear parts are reinforced using an elastic band (36). The envelope has end edges that are not arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal median plane of a foot of a user. A strap (32) has Y shaped portions (34) that are oriented in the alignment of the front and rear parts of the edge (22). The elastic band is disposed on the periphery of the envelope by extending along the lower edge (22), an upper edge (20) and end edges of the envelope.

Description

The invention relates to the field of leggings.

It relates more particularly to a removable gaiter of the type of that described in the document WO 2004/068986 , that is to say the gaiters for cooperating with low-stemmed shoes.

In this type of shoe, the upper edge of the rod which delimits the entry of foot is generally arranged below the level of the malleolus, or just at this level. Indeed, these shoes favor the freedom of movement of the foot to a perfect support of the ankle. However, this low opening of the shoe is that dust, dirt, twigs and other impurities enter the shoe very easily. In addition to dirt problems, these impurities can cause irritation or even injury. For this type of shoe, it is therefore particularly important to be able to offer gaiters that minimize any intrusion of impurities in the shoe. However, most often, leggings are designed to prevent the entry into the shoe of snow or water, and they privilege the sealing vis-à-vis intrusions from above. Because of this, it is known, as for example in the document GB-2,336,100 , to provide that the upper edge of the gaiter, which is intended to surround the bottom of the leg of the user, is provided with an elastic edge which allows a good adaptation of the gaiter to the diameter of the leg.

Most often, leggings are suitable for high-stemmed shoes, whether they are ski boots or hiking boots. These shoes have a stem upper that is generally tubular to surround the lower leg of the wearer. Due to this tubular shape, it is relatively easy to form a tight connection between the bottom of the gaiter (also usually tubular) by simply tightening the lower edge of the gaiter by a cord or by an elastic zone.

However, until now, it has not been proposed gaiter that adapts very satisfactorily, especially at the lower edge, on the stem of a low shoe, so that impurities such as the Dust, plant debris and dirt can still easily get inside the shoe. Indeed, to be effective, the lower edge of the gaiter should be pressed against the stem in a line of contact that follows a complex course surrounding the heel, passing over the instep, and resting on the lateral faces of the the stem.

Very often, to guarantee a minimum of efficiency, the gaiters are provided with a series of means for anchoring the lower edge of the gaiter on the upper and / or on the lacing. Sometimes, no less than four means of anchoring are planned. While these means are generally effective, they make it on the other hand the assembly and disassembly of the gaiter so tedious that the user often prefers to do without gaiters.

It has also been proposed that the lower edge of the gaiter be permanently connected to the rod (the gaiter is then irremovable and it is sometimes provided other ways to fold it into an unused position) or that it is linked so removable to the stem by means such as velcro strips or zippers. In the first case, the irremovable gaiter is an inconvenience when its wearing is not made necessary by the conditions, and in the second case, the means of connection between the gaiter and the rod create unnecessary rigidity, source of discomfort , and also pose aging problems.

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a removable gaiter, especially for low shoes, which is both simple to assemble and disassemble, and perfectly adaptable to minimize the entry of particles into the shoe.

For this purpose, the invention provides a removable gaiter adaptable to a low shoe (10), of the type comprising a working envelope intended to surround the user's ankle, and a flange for passing under the sole of the shoe, characterized in that the casing is made of an elastic material, and in that the casing comprises a lower edge of which an elastic front part and an elastic rear part are reinforced by at least one elastic band.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective illustrant une chaussure et une guêtre selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté de la chaussure et de la guêtre illustrées sur la figure 1, assemblées l'une sur l'autre ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la l'avant de la guêtre, en configuration ouverte ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de détail d'un bord inférieur arrière de la guêtre ;
• la figure 4a est un agrandissement d'une partie de la figure 4 illustrant un mode d'assemblage du galon et de la bordure élastique sur l'enveloppe ;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique du patronage d'assemblage d'une bordure élastique sur le bord inférieur arrière de la guêtre.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description, as well as on the following drawings:

• the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a shoe and a gaiter according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a side view of the shoe and gaiter shown on the figure 1 , assembled one on the other;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the front of the gaiter, in open configuration;
• the figure 4 is a detail view of a lower rear edge of the gaiter;
• the figure 4a is an enlargement of part of the figure 4 illustrating a way of assembling the strip and the elastic border on the envelope;
• the figure 5 is a schematic view of the joining pattern of an elastic border on the lower rear edge of the gaiter.

We illustrated on the figure 1 a shoe 10 to 12 low stem. Such a shoe thus has a rod 12 which surrounds the foot and whose upper edge 14, which defines the entrance of the shoe, is located at a height corresponding substantially to the user's ankle. More specifically, this upper edge 14 is intended to be arranged at the level of the medial and external malleolus, or even just below these malleoli to allow the foot maximum freedom of movement.

In the example shown, the shoe has a lacing system 11 which allows a facilitated entry of the foot into the shoe and which allows to tighten the rod on the foot, for a perfect fit of the shoe. This lacing system thus comprises a longitudinal slot 13 of the rod which extends on the upper face thereof, and which opens into the upper edge 14 of the rod, in front of the latter. This slot delimits two lateral quarters 12a and medial of the stem, and allows the separation of the two quarters to facilitate entry foot in the shoe. A lace 15 runs along the slot, passing through eyelets located on the quarters on either side of the slot to allow the approximation of the two quarters, and thus the tightening of the stem on the foot.

However, the removable gaiter according to the invention can be implemented with any type of low-stemmed shoes, whatever the type of clamping they can be provided, and even with shoes without clamping system.

On the Figures 1 to 5 , there is illustrated a gaiter 16 adapted to fit on a low shoe. This gaiter 16 comprises an envelope 18 which is formed of a strip of material intended to come to wrap the user's ankle. The envelope 18 is in fact preferably an open envelope, thus comprising an upper edge 20, a lower edge 22, and end edges 24, 26 which are provided with complementary fastening means intended to allow the closure of the envelope. envelope in place around the user's ankle. These attachment means are in this case self-gripping strips 28, 30 complementary, but could be replaced or supplemented by other means such as snaps, staples, etc ...

Note also that the end edges 24, 26 are not arranged symmetrically with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the foot of the user (or the corresponding shoe), so that when the gaiter 16 is in place on the shoe, the area of overlap of the two end edges 24, 26 of the envelope is offset relative to the median longitudinal plane of the user's foot, preferably outwardly. This arrangement is advantageous because the area of overlap, which is inevitably steeper than the rest of the casing 18, is offset relative to the bending flexion of the ankle, and particularly with respect to the tendon of the anterior tibialis. This results in an appreciable gain in terms of comfort.

The envelope itself is made of an elastic material, preferably an elastic material in at least two orthogonal directions. It may thus be made with a fabric comprising elastane fibers (such as the fibers known under the trade name Lycra), neoprene material, etc ... However, among the wide variety of usable materials, it will be preferable to choose those with the highest elasticity possible (depending of course other functional parameters that may be sealing or on the contrary aeration, tear resistance etc ...).

According to one of the features of the invention, the gaiter is provided with a flange 32, whose two ends 34 are integral with lateral portions of the lower edge 22 of the casing 18, and which is intended to pass below the sole of the shoe, approximately under the portion corresponding to the user's arch. This flange 32 may be extensible or not, adjustable or not. In the example illustrated, the flange 32 is substantially inextensible and of fixed length, and it is connected to the side portions of the lower edge of the envelope by Y portions 34 which distribute the voltage. The connection portions of the flange delimit on the lower edge 22 of the casing of the front and rear portions.

As can be seen at least partly on the figure 2 , the fact that the gaiter is adaptable on a low shoe implies that, when the gaiter is in place on the shoe, the lower edge 22 of the gaiter is arranged and maintained below the upper edge level 14 of the rod 12 of the shoe. This implies in particular constraints in the positioning of this lower edge and, in this case, in the length of the flange. It also implies that this lower edge is non-circular, and that it has a complex geometry.

According to the invention, the front and rear portions of the lower edge 22 of the envelope are reinforced by a strip 36 which is both extensible and elastic. In the illustrated example, this strip 36 is formed of an elastic band which is mounted overlapping on the lower edge of the material forming the envelope 18 and which is folded on itself so as to enclose the edge of the 'envelope. The strip 36 is thus assembled by stitching on the edge 22 of the envelope. Make sure that the seam is an extensible seam, so that it does not block the extension or the elasticity of the lower edge of the envelope. Note that, in the example illustrated, it is provided that the strip 36 is disposed over the entire periphery of the envelope 18, so that it extends along the lower edge 22, the upper edge 24, and end edges 24, 26 of the envelope 18.

The role of the strip 36 is, in addition to the protection against wear, to provide the edges 20, 22, 24, 26 of the envelope elastic stiffness greater than the intrinsic elastic stiffness of the material forming the envelope 18. In Indeed, the intrinsic elastic stiffness of the elastic band 36 is added to that of the material of the casing so that a greater total stiffness is obtained, while remaining perfectly elastic and extensible. This reinforced stiffness contributes to a better holding of the edge of the envelope.

In the example shown, the strip 36 is an insert. However, one could also consider that the elastic band is in the form of a zone of the material of the envelope having a particular structure, for example containing elastic fibers in greater number, and / or larger diameter, and or of different nature of the elastic fibers of the main part of the envelope. In both cases, one will obtain a strip which reinforces the elastic stiffness of the edge of the envelope with respect to the central part thereof, while retaining its extensibility. The extensible nature of the thus reinforced edge assumes that it can withstand an elongation of 20% without breaking, and without significant loss of its extensible character. In an exemplary preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, the entire edge 22 provided with its strip 38 retains an elongation capacity of 40%.

Regarding the lower edge 22, it can be seen that the front portion is thus reinforced by the strip 36, but also that the rear portion of the lower edge 22 is further reinforced by an additional elastic edge 38.

The elastic edge 38 used is for example in the form of band or ribbon of a relatively large width, for example about 2cm. According to a further aspect of the invention, it is assembled at the rear part of the lower edge 22 so as to to confer a three-dimensional natural curvature adapted to marry the best part of the shoe on which this rear portion of the lower edge 22 is intended to come to rest, in this case the heel 40 of the shoe.

We have illustrated figures 4 and 5 an embodiment of an assembly of the elastic border 38 on the lower edge to obtain such a result.

In this drawing, on the one hand, partially visible is the envelope 18 deployed flat, with more particularly the rear portion of the lower edge 22, which is already provided with the reinforcing strip 36, and on the other hand the edge of reinforcement 38 in the free state.

It can be seen that the lower edge 22 and the corresponding strip 36 have, flat, a shape of ogive or arc of a circle, while the elastic border is rectilinear. Furthermore, the assembly lines on the one hand (LC1) on the lower edge 22 and, on the other hand (LC2), on the elastic edge 38 are illustrated in broken lines. The assembly line LC1 on the lower edge 22 follows the profile thereof and extends between points A and B. Assembly line LC2 on the elastic edge 38, which extends between points C and D, follows a substantially curved path, the same direction of curvature as the lower edge 22, but the degree of curvature is different. Moreover, it is noted that the assembly line length LC2 of the elastic edge 38 is shorter, when the elastic edge 38 is in the free state, the length of the assembly line LC1 between the points A and B .

To make the assembly of the border on the lower edge 32, the two parts are assembled, for example by a seam, so that the two assembly lines LC1 and LC2 are superimposed, the points A and C being set correspondence and the points B and D being also matched. This therefore assumes that the elastic border 38 is both curved in its plane and stretched. When this assembly is carried out, for example with an extensible sewing in the direction of its length, the elastic nature of the border 38, and thus its return to a free length, causes a three-dimensional curvature of the lower edge 22 of the envelope 18 ( visible especially at the figure 3 ), which is also doubly reinforced (in particular in terms of elastic stiffness) by the strip 36 and the elastic edge 38. The elastic edge 38 is here assembled on the strip 36, for better strength, but in some cases, it can be provided that the border 38 is assembled directly on the envelope 18. In all cases, the assembly method must ensure the extensibility of the assembly so as to maintain an extensibility of the edge thus reinforced by at least 20 %, more preferably 40%. If the assembly is a seam, we will choose a type of stretch seam.

The elastic border 38 is preferably arranged on the face of the envelope which is turned towards the shoe, and it preferably provided, on its own internal face, anti-slip means such as a coating of silicone or polyurethane. These anti-skid means, combined with the fact that the edge 38 is elastically press on the shoe with a relatively large force due to its stiffness reinforced, will allow a good hold in place of the lower edge 22 of the casing 18 of the gaiter 16, avoiding that it goes back above from the upper edge of the stem. These anti-skid means could also be provided on the strip 36 or directly on the envelope 18, and they could also be provided on the front portion of the lower edge 22 and / or on the upper edge 20 of the envelope.

In the example shown, the front part of the lower edge 22 of the gaiter, which bears on the lacing system, is not reinforced by an additional elastic edge, but only by the strip 36. In this way we obtain a lower edge whose rear portion has a greater elastic stiffness than the front portion. The same result could be obtained by providing that the rear edge and the front edge are provided only with an elastic band, but that this strip is different between the front and rear parts.

However, one could also consider that this front part is also provided with an additional elastic edge, to enhance its elastic stiffness, and possibly also to give it a natural three-dimensional curvature.

In the example illustrated, it can be seen in particular that the Y connection portions (34) of the flange 32 are oriented substantially in alignment with the front and rear portions of the lower edge 22 of the gaiter, which gives the lower edge 22 a V shape in side view. This characteristic contributes to a good tensioning of this lower edge, both front and rear, and allows it to be well pressed on the upper of the shoe, ensuring a good efficiency of the gaiter against any intrusion of debris or projections inside the shoe.

When the user sets up the shoe, he has only to place the heel 40 in the space defined between the rear portion of the lower edge 22 and the flange 32, and to close the envelope by tightening it around his ankle.

The gaiter according to the invention is therefore particularly simple to use, and quick to put in place.

As the upper edge 20 and the lower edge 22 of the gaiter 16 are reinforced by an elastic band, and that they therefore have a greater elastic stiffness, they are tightly tightened respectively on the lower leg of the user and on the upper of the shoe. In use, the elasticity in two directions of the material of the envelope is taken advantage of. Indeed, thanks to this feature, a form of decoupling is allowed between the movements of the upper edge 20 of the gaiter and those of the lower edge 22 of the gaiter, to prevent the relative movement of the lower leg and the shoe (Permitted by the articulation of the ankle), causes untimely displacement of the edges 20, 22 respectively relative to the lower leg and relative to the upper of the shoe on which they are plated. Indeed, the relative movement of the two edges 20, 22 will be at least largely absorbed by the elastic deformations of the envelope. This decoupling will be all the more effective if there will be a great difference between the elastic stiffness of the material of the envelope 18 and the elastic stiffness of the edges, which are reinforced by the strip 36 and (possibly) by the border 38.

The gaiter according to the invention thus has increased holding properties in place during use.

Claims (14)

1. Removable gaiter adaptable to a low upper shoe (10), of the type comprising an envelope (18) that can be opened and is adapted to surround the user's ankle, and a strap (32) adapted to pass beneath the shoe sole, characterized in that the envelope (18) is made out of an elastic material, and in that the envelope comprises a lower edge (22), an elastic front portion and an elastic rear portion of which are reinforced by at least one elastic band (36).
2. Gaiter according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one reinforced portion of the lower edge (22), when in a free state, has a tridimensional curvature.
3. Gaiter according to claim 2, characterized in that the tridimensional curvature of the edge is obtained by assembly of the lower edge (22) with a complementary elastic edge (38)
4. Gaiter according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic edge is assembled to the lower edge (22) while in a stretched state.
5. Gaiter according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the elastic edge (38) is assembled on the reinforcing elastic band (36).
6. Gaiter according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the elastic edge (38) has the shape of a band.
7. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the front and/or rear portions of the lower edge (22) comprises non-skidding means.
8. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (18) can be opened in a zone that is laterally offset with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the user's foot.
9. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strap (32) is fixed on one of the lateral portions of the lower edge (22) of the envelope (18).
10. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing elastic band (36) is assembled on the lower edge (22) of the envelope (18) by an extensible seam.
11. Gaiter according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the reinforcing elastic band (36) is constituted of a zone of the envelope having a specific structure.
12. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic edge (38) is assembled on the lower edge (22) of the envelope by an extensible seam.
13. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope comprises an upper edge (20) that is reinforced by an elastic band (36).
14. Gaiter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (18) is made of an elastic material along at least two orthogonal directions.

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