EP2640211A1 - Éléments de fixation destinés à interconnecter des articles chaussants, et articles chaussants construits au moyen de ces éléments de fixation - Google Patents

Éléments de fixation destinés à interconnecter des articles chaussants, et articles chaussants construits au moyen de ces éléments de fixation

Info

Publication number
EP2640211A1
EP2640211A1 EP11805136.6A EP11805136A EP2640211A1 EP 2640211 A1 EP2640211 A1 EP 2640211A1 EP 11805136 A EP11805136 A EP 11805136A EP 2640211 A1 EP2640211 A1 EP 2640211A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
male
female
article
article according
fastener
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11805136.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Mauro Bonelli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2640211A1 publication Critical patent/EP2640211A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A43C11/12—Slide or glide fastenings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
    • A43B3/242—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the upper
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
    • A43B3/244—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the attachment between upper and sole
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/10—Slide fasteners with a one-piece interlocking member on each stringer tape
    • A44B19/16—Interlocking member having uniform section throughout the length of the stringer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to fasteners, particularly but not exclusively fasteners for interconnecting footwear components and footwear constructed using such fasteners.
  • items of footwear including boots, shoes and the like, are constructed from a wide variety of materials such as leather, artificial leather and other plastics-based materials, for example polyurethane (in sole construction especially), cotton, canvas etc.
  • plastics-based materials for example polyurethane (in sole construction especially), cotton, canvas etc.
  • the various components of the items of footwear such as the sole, heel, uppers, tongue, toe cap, heel cap etc are typically assembled and held together by stitches and/or glue.
  • a fastener for interconnecting two components, the fastener comprising a first member which is detachably interconnectable with a second member, one member comprising a male member and the other member comprising a female member, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing formed of resiliently deformable material, the members forming an interlocked relationship by the male member penetrating the female member under an applied force in a first insertion direction, whereby during penetration of the female member by the male member, deformation of the resilient wing occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • an article of footwear especially a shoe
  • the article comprising a fastener, the fastener comprising a first member which is detachably interconnectable with a second member, one member comprising a male member and the other member comprising a female member, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing formed of resiliently deformable material, the members forming an interlocked relationship by the male member penetrating the female member under an applied force in a first insertion direction, whereby during penetration of the female member by the male member, deformation of the resilient wing occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • the wing resists disengagement in a direction which is substantially opposite to the first insertion direction.
  • the male and female members when located in the interlocked relationship, are slidable or rotatable relative to one another along an adjustment/release direction.
  • the adjustment/release direction is substantially transverse to the first insertion direction and may be substantially at 90 ° to the first insertion direction.
  • the male and female members are adjusted in position relative to each other in the interlocked relationship by slidable movement along the adjustment/release direction.
  • the male and female members are disengaged from each other out of the interlocked relationship by slidable or rotatable movement along the adjustment/release direction.
  • the male and female members are moved into the interlocked relationship by slidable movement along the adjustment/release direction.
  • the first member is mounted to a component of the article.
  • the second member is mounted to an item, which may be another component of the article, or a decorative item, or an item of clothing or protective gear.
  • the male and female members of the fastener each include a mounting for mounting the members to the respective component or item.
  • each mounting includes a dependent skirt or member.
  • the mounting skirts or members may be attached by any suitable means, such as stitching, gluing, welding, snap fasteners, press studs etc, to a respective one of the components.
  • each of the male and female members has a length, and the cross sectional shape of the member is substantially constant along its length.
  • the male member comprises a head, which may be tapered in cross-section, and may be arrowhead shaped.
  • the head is tapered, and the taper has a direction which is substantially the same as the first insertion direction.
  • the female member comprises channelling defining a channel or a compartment defining a chamber, for receiving the head of the male member.
  • the channelling substantially corresponds in cross- sectional shape to the head.
  • the head is tapered and has a rear surface that is substantially perpendicular or at an obtuse angle to the direction of the taper.
  • the head defines an undercut recess.
  • the female member includes a locking formation which comprises the resilient wing. Possibly, in the interlocked relationship, the locking formation is received within the undercut recess. Possibly, in the interlocked relationship, the locking formation abuts the rear surface.
  • the male and female members of the fastener are each formed integrally with a respective one of the components or items.
  • the male and female members of the fastener are contiguous with an edge of the respective one of the components or items on which they are carried whereby the components/items are held in the interlocked relationship substantially along the whole of those edges.
  • the male and female members of the fastener are contiguous with only part of an edge of the respective one of the components/items on which they are carried whereby the components are held in the interlocked relationship at their respective edges substantially only in the region of the fastener.
  • the male and female members of the fastener are contiguous with only part of an edge of the respective one of the components/items on which they are carried whereby the components/items are held in the interlocked relationship at their respective edges substantially only in the region of the fastener.
  • the two components/items are held in interlocked relationship with one another by at least two fasteners as herein described, the male and female members of the respective fasteners are each contiguous with only part of an edge of the respective one of the components on which they are carried whereby the components are held in the interlocked relationship at their respective edges substantially only in the region of each of the fasteners.
  • one of the members includes a plurality of the male and/or female members, to permit detachable interconnection with up to a corresponding plurality of corresponding female and/or male members.
  • the article includes a plurality of components, which are interconnected by a plurality of fasteners.
  • the components include two or more of a sole, an upper or uppers, part or parts of an upper, a second overlay upper or uppers, a toecap, a tongue, a rear tongue, a heel cap and/or a back piece.
  • the article includes a rear tongue and a back piece, and the rear tongue extends upwardly towards or around the ankle of a user from the back piece.
  • the article includes an upper and one or more fixings for fixing the rear tongue to the upper.
  • the article includes an upper which extends to form an item of clothing such as trousers, leggings or gaiters.
  • the article includes a second overlay upper, which may at least partially overlays an upper.
  • the article of footwear comprises a sole and opposed uppers fastened to the sole by respective fasteners, one member (male or female) of each fastener being secured to a respective long edge of the sole and the other member (female or male as the case may be) of each fastener being secured to a lower long edge of a respective upper, the uppers being held in interlocked relationship with the sole by the male members of the fasteners being located in the female members thereof to form interlocked relationships therewith which prevent disengagement of the male members from the female members by forces applied to pull the male members out of the female members.
  • the article of footwear comprises a sole, an internal heel cap, an elongate back piece removably attached to the centre of the heel cap in a generally vertical position and opposed uppers fastened to the sole and the back piece by respective fasteners, one member (male or female) of each of a first pair of fasteners being secured to a respective long edge of the sole and the other member (female or male as the case may be) of each of the first pair of fasteners being secured to a lower long edge of a respective upper and one member (male or female) of each of a second pair of fasteners being secured to a respective long edge of the back piece and the other member (female or male as the case may be) of each of the second pair of fasteners being secured to a generally vertically positioned rear edge of a respective upper, the uppers being held in interlocked relationship with the sole and the back piece by the male members of the fasteners being located in the female members thereof to form interlocked relationships therewith which prevent disengagement of the male members from the female members
  • the article of footwear comprises a sole, a toecap attached to the sole and a tongue connected to the toecap by a fastener, one member (male or female) of the fastener being secured to the toecap and the other member (female or male as the case may be) of the fastener being secured to an edge of the tongue, the tongue being held in interlocked relationship with the toecap by the male member of the fastener being located in the female member thereof to form an interlocked relationship therewith which prevents disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • an article of footwear especially a shoe, including a rear tongue, which extends upwardly towards or around the ankle of a user in use from the rear of the article.
  • the article includes a back piece.
  • the rear tongue extends upwardly from the back piece and may be integral with the back piece.
  • the article includes an upper and one or more fixings for fixing the rear tongue to the upper.
  • the rear tongue is detachable.
  • an article of footwear especially a shoe, in which the article includes an upper which extends to form an item of clothing such as trousers, leggings or gaiters.
  • the upper is detachable.
  • an article of footwear especially a shoe, including a second overlay upper, which at least partially overlays an upper.
  • the second overlay upper is detachable.
  • a method of assembling an article of footwear, especially a shoe including providing an article comprising a fastener, the fastener comprising a first member which is detachably interconnectable with a second member, one member comprising a male member and the other member comprising a female member, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing formed of resiliently deformable material, the members forming an interlocked relationship by the male member penetrating the female member under an applied force in a first insertion direction, whereby during penetration of the female member by the male member, deformation of the resilient wing occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • the method comprises engaging the male member of the fastener with the female member thereof by applying a force to the male member to cause it to penetrate into the female member to form the interlocked relationship.
  • the method possibly comprises engaging the male member of the fastener with the female member thereof by sliding the male member relative to the female member in a direction transverse to the direction in which the male member may be said to penetrate the female member to form the interlocked relationship.
  • a female member of a fastener for interconnecting two components comprising a first member which is detachably interconnectable with a second member, one member comprising a male member and the other member comprising a female member, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing formed of resiliently deformable material, the members forming an interlocked relationship by the male member penetrating the female member under an applied force in a first insertion direction, whereby during penetration of the female member by the male member, deformation of the resilient wing occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • a male member of a fastener for interconnecting two components comprising a first member which is detachably interconnectable with a second member, one member comprising a male member and the other member comprising a female member, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing formed of resiliently deformable material, the members forming an interlocked relationship by the male member penetrating the female member under an applied force in a first insertion direction, whereby during penetration of the female member by the male member, deformation of the resilient wing occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • a kit of parts for an article of footwear comprising at least two components for holding in an interlocked relationship with one another by at least one fastener, the fastener comprising a first member which is detachably interconnectable with a second member, one member comprising a male member and the other member comprising a female member, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing formed of resiliently deformable material, the members forming an interlocked relationship by the male member penetrating the female member under an applied force in a first insertion direction, whereby during penetration of the female member by the male member, deformation of the resilient wing occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member from the female member by a force applied to pull the male member out of the female member.
  • the article and/or the fastener comprise any of the features described in any of the preceding statements.
  • the method comprises any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements. It will be appreciated that any feature of any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein mutatis mutandis.
  • Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of male and female members of a fastener in accordance with the present invention, the members being shown prior to assembly, as assembled and as partly disassembled, respectively;
  • Figure 4 shows end views of the member configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3, the members being shown, from left to right, pre-assembly, during assembly and post-assembly;
  • Figure 5 shows end views of alternative cross-sectional configurations of the members of a fastener in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows end views of one of the member configurations shown in Figure 5, the members being shown, from left to right, pre-assembly, during assembly and post-assembly;
  • Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an article of footwear in which components thereof are assembled using fastener devices according to the present invention
  • Figures 8 to 10 respectively show perspective views of an assembled article of footwear in which components thereof are held together using fastener devices according to the present invention, in which an upper of the article is partially removed from therefrom and in which the upper is nearly completely removed therefrom;
  • Figs. 1 1 A to 1 1 D show another fastener configuration in accordance with the invention: Fig 1 1 A showing a perspective view in a disassembled condition; Fig 1 1 B showing a perspective view in an assembled condition; Fig 1 1 C showing a perspective view during disassembly; and Fig 1 1 D showing side views from left to right, pre-assembly, during assembly and post- assembly;
  • Fig 12 shows perspective views of another fastener configuration, showing, respectively, the configuration pre-assembly, assembled, during a first disassembly step, and during a second disassembly step;
  • Fig 13 shows side views of another four fastener configurations
  • Figure 14 shows side views of another two fastener configurations
  • Figure 15 shows perspective views of another shoe in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 16 shows a perspective view and a rear view of another shoe
  • Fig 17 is a plan view of a back piece of a shoe
  • Fig 18 is a perspective view of the back piece of Fig 17;
  • Figs 19A-D are respectively, a plan view in an interlocked relationship, a plan view in a release position, a perspective part cut away view in the release position, and a perspective part cut away view during release of another fastener;
  • Figs 20, 21 and 22A-C are perspective views of yet another fastener;
  • Figs 23A-C are side views of the fastener of Figs 20-22 during engagement;
  • Figs 24-28 are perspective views of another shoe utilising the fastener of Figs 20-23;
  • Figs 29A-D show side views of another fastener
  • Figs 30-31 are perspective views of another shoe
  • Figs 32-33 are perspective views of yet another shoe
  • Fig 34 shows perspective views of still yet another shoe
  • Fig 35 is a perspective view of another shoe.
  • Fig 36 shows perspective views of a trouser-shoe combination in accordance with the invention.
  • Figs. 1 to 4 show a fastener 10 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the fastener 10 comprises a first member 1 1 which is detachably interconnectable with a second member 15, one member 1 1 or 15 comprising a male member 12 and the other member 1 1 or 15) comprising a female member 14, the male member and/or the female member comprising at least one wing 28 or 29 formed of resiliently deformable material, the members 1 1 ,15 forming an interlocked relationship by the male member 12 penetrating the female member 14 under an applied force in a first insertion direction 35, whereby during penetration of the female member 14 by the male member 12, deformation of the resilient wing 28 or 29 occurs to permit said penetration, and whereby, in the interlocked relationship, the resilient wing 28 or 29 returns to or towards its original shape, and resists disengagement of the male member 12 from the female member 14 by a force applied to pull the male member 12 out of the female member 14.
  • Each of the male and female members 12, 14 has a length, and the cross sectional shape of each of the members 12, 14 is substantially constant along its length.
  • the male member 12 includes a head 16 tapered in cross-section, which is substantially arrow-shaped in cross-section and has rear surfaces 26 that are at an obtuse angle to the direction of taper of the head 16 defining an undercut recess 27 on each side of the head 16.
  • the female member 14 includes channelling 18 defining a channel 20 substantially corresponding in cross-sectional shape to the head 16, for receiving the head 16.
  • the channelling 18 includes a pair of opposed wings 28, 30 which terminate in respective inwardly-directed locking formations 32, 34, which, when the fastener 10 is assembled (see Figure 2), engage with the rear surfaces 26 on the head 16 to create an interlocked relationship therewith, which relationship prevents disassembly of the fastener members 12, 14 by a force being applied in the direction opposite to that which would effect penetration of the channel 20 by the head 16 (as shown by arrow "A" in Figure 1 ).
  • the male and female members 12, 14 include respective mountings 21 , 23, each mounting 21 , 23 including a mounting skirt or member 22, 24 depending from the head 16 and the channelling 18 respectively by which they may be attached to respective components (not shown) to be held in interlocked relationship by the fastener 10.
  • the male and female members 12, 14 comprise or are formed of a resilient material, such as a plastics material.
  • the male and female members 12, 14 are aligned as shown in Figures 1 and 4 and the head 16 of the male member 12 is introduced into the channel 20 of the female member 14 by applying a force in a first insertion direction 35 as shown by arrow "A".
  • the wings 28, 30 are resiliently deformed and move apart as indicated by the arrows 36 to permit entry of the head 16.
  • the rear of the head 16 also deforms as indicated by the arrows 38 to aid the penetration.
  • the wings 28, 30 return to their original positions to enable the locking formations 32, 34 to abut and engage the rear surfaces 26 of the head 16 in the undercut recesses 27.
  • the fastener 10 resists and possibly prevents disengagement of the male member 12 from the female member 14 by a disengagement force applied to pull the male member 12 out of the female member 14 in a direction substantially opposite to the first insertion direction 35.
  • the resilient material of the female member 14 biases the wings 28, 30 inwardly and the locking formations 32, 34 into the undercut recesses 27 to resist such disengagement movement., the locking formations 32, 34 acting as hooks to retain the members 12, 14 in the interlocked relationship.
  • the location of the locking formations 32, 34 in the undercut recesses 27 means that as the disengagement force is applied, the locking formations 32, 34 are seated more firmly against the rear surfaces 26 which are inwardly angled, thus preventing the wings 28, 30 from opening to permit disengagement.
  • the male member 12 can be adjusted in position relative to the female member 14 and then released from engagement with the female member 14 by slidable movement along an adjustment/release direction 37 as indicated by the arrow "B" in Figure 3, which direction is substantially at 90 ° transverse to the first insertion direction 35. It is also possible for the male member 12 to be inserted into the female member 14 by slidable movement along the adjustment/release direction 37, which thus comprises a second insertion direction.
  • the head 16 is flat on one side, the arrow cross-sectional shape only being present on the opposite side thereof, the channelling 18 defining the channel 20 to conform to that shape of head 16.
  • the wings 28, 30 further define a generally parallel-sided portion 40 at the base of the channel 20, which portion 40 improves the flexibility and resiliency of the wings during insertion of the head 16 into the channel 20.
  • the head 16 defines a central channel 42 that improves the flexibility and resiliency of the head 16 during assembly of the fastener 10 as shown in the sequence in Figure 6.
  • Figures 7 to 10 show an article of footwear according to the invention, for example a shoe 50.
  • the shoe 50 has a sole 52, and a toecap 54 and an internal heel cap 56 attached respectively to the front and rear ends of the sole 52, a tongue 58 attached to the toecap 54, an elongate back piece 60 attached in a generally vertical disposition to the centre of the heel cap and two opposed uppers 62, 64.
  • the toecap 54 and the heel cap 56 are typically joined to the sole 52 by stitching and/or gluing.
  • the back piece 60 is removably attached to the heel cap 56 using fasteners 66 such as snap fasteners or press-studs or the like.
  • the article of footwear is assembled as follows.
  • the tongue 58 is attached to the toecap 54 using a fastener 10 in accordance with the invention.
  • the male and female members 12, 14 of the fastener 10 are located one on each of the toecap 54 and tongue 58; in this instance the male member 12 being attached by its skirt 22 to the lower end of the tongue 58 and the female member 14 being attached by its skirt 24 to the toecap 54.
  • the members 12, 14 could be attached to the respective components by stitching and/or gluing for example. Assembly is achieved by pushing the head 16 of the male member 12 on the tongue 58 into the channel 20 of the female member 14.
  • the tongue 58 may be readily removed from the toecap 54 for replacement by sliding the male member 12 relative to the female member 14 as described previously.
  • the uppers 62, 64 are then assembled on the shoe using fasteners 10 according to the present invention.
  • a first pair of fasteners 10 is used to retain the uppers 62, 64 on the sole 52 and a second pair of fasteners 10 is used to attach the uppers 62, 64 to the back piece 60.
  • the male and female members 12, 14 of the first pair of fasteners 10 are located one on each long side of the sole 52 and one on each bottom edge of the uppers 62, 64; in this instance the male members 12 being attached by their skirts 22 to the sides of the sole 52 and the female members 14 being attached by their skirts 24 to the uppers 62, 64.
  • the male and female members 12, 14 of the second pair of fasteners 10 are located one on each side of the back piece 60 and one on each rear, generally vertically-disposed edge of the uppers 62, 64; in this instance the male members 12 being attached by their skirts 22 to the uppers 62, 64 and the female members 14 being attached by their skirts 24 to the sides of the back piece 60.
  • the members 12, 14 may be attached to the respective components by stitching and/or gluing for example.
  • the uppers 62, 64 are each also provided at their front ends with respective halves 68 of a pair of snap fasteners or press-studs, the other halves 70 of which being located on each side of the tongue 58 adjacent the toecap 54.
  • assembly of the uppers 62, 64 to the sole is achieved as follows:- 1 .
  • the left hand (as shown in Figure 7) upper 62 is connected to the back piece 60 by pushing the head 16 of the male member 12 on the rear edge of the upper 62 into the channel 20 of the female member 14 carried on the left edge of the back piece 60;
  • the back piece 60 is then connected by the fasteners 66 to the internal heel cap 56 and the head 16 of the male member 12 on the bottom edge of the upper 62 is pushed into the channel 20 of the female member 14 carried on the left edge of the sole 52 and the fastener halves 68, 70 are pressed together;
  • the right hand upper 64 is then presented to the partially constructed shoe 50 and the respective heads 16 of the male members 12 on the rear and bottom edges of the upper 64 are pushed into the channels 20 of the female members 14 carried on the right edges of the back piece 60 and the sole 52 and the fastener halves 68, 70 are pressed together.
  • the fasteners 66, 68, 70 secure the ends of the fasteners 10 to help prevent "unzipping" of the fasteners 10 in use.
  • An upper 62, 64 may be removed from the shoe 50 for repair or replacement, for example the right hand upper 64 as shown in Figures 8 to 10. This is achieved by undoing the fasteners 66 and 68, 70, sliding the back piece 60 vertically (as the fasteners 10 permit) to free the rear edge of the upper 64, the back piece then being re-attached to the upper 62, if desired, and then sliding the upper 64 forward as indicated by arrow "C" in Fig. 9 to free it from the female member 14 of the fastener 10 on the right side of the sole 52. The other upper and then the tongue could be similarly detached.
  • tongue 58 is shown attached to the toecap 54 using a fastener 10 in accordance with the invention, it could be otherwise attached to the toecap 54, for example by gluing or stitching.
  • the invention provides an article of footwear which can be easily fabricated by a relatively unskilled user, who could be an end user, from components formed of different materials or different colour materials, and which can then be disassembled and reassembled easily to permit replacement of one, some or all of the components for the purposes of style, fashion or refurbishment.
  • the article could be supplied to the end user in the form of a kit of parts for assembly by the end user.
  • Figs. 1 1 A to 1 1 D show another fastener 210 in accordance with the invention, which is similar to the configurations shown in Figs 1 to 6, except that, rather than comprising a male member and a female member, the fastener 210 comprises two similar members 213, each of which includes a male member part 212 and a female member part 214 disposed alongside each other.
  • the male part 212 includes a tapered half-arrow shaped head 16 including a male wing 29 which has a rear surface 26, which defines an undercut recess 27.
  • the female part 214 includes a female wing 28 with an inwardly directed locking formation 32.
  • the female wing 28 and the head 16 together define a channel 20 therebetween.
  • assembly and disassembly of the fastener 210 is similar to that previously described for the configurations shown in Figs 1 to 6.
  • Fig 12 shows a another fastener 310 in accordance with the invention, which is similar to the configurations shown in Figs 1 1 A to 1 1 D, except that the head 16 and the female wing 29 of fastener members 313 are mounted to the mounting members 22, 24 in sections 46 separated by gaps 48. The length of the gaps 48 is greater than the length of the sections 46.
  • the fastener members 313 mounted together as previously described with one of the fastener members 313 moving in the first insertion direction 35.
  • the fastener members 313 can be mounted together by aligning the sections 46 of one member 313 with the gaps 48 of the other member 313, bringing the members 313 together, and then slidably engaging the female parts 214 of one member with the male parts 212.
  • one of the fastener members 313 is slidably moved along the adjustment/release direction 37 until the sections 46 are located within the gaps 48, permitting, in a second disassembly step, release of the one fastener member from the other along a second release direction 44, as indicated by arrow D in the bottom right drawing of figure 12.
  • This fastener configuration provides the advantage that to disengage the fastener members, it is not necessary to slide one member the full length of the other member, but only the length of one section. Also, advantageously, this configuration is more flexible than a continuous fastener.
  • Figs 13 and 14 show a number of other fastener configurations.
  • fastener 410 comprises a male member 412 which is similar to the fastener 12, third from left shown in figure 5, in that the head 16 defines a central channel 42 which separates the head 16 into two parts.
  • the male member 412 includes a tapering mounting member 22, which, in use, could be received and fixed within a slot 72 defined by an item 74.
  • the item 74 could, for example, be the upper of a shoe.
  • the fastener 410 comprises a female member 414 which includes the central wall 77 located within a channel 20 defined by wings 28. In the assembled condition, the central wall 77 is received within the channel 42, and the head parts of the head 16 are received on either side of the wall 77 in the channel 20.
  • fastener 510 comprises the female member 414 of the previous configuration, and a pair of similar but opposed male members 512, which are similar in configuration to the male member 12 shown in figure 5, first left.
  • Each of the male members 512 is mounted to an item 74, 76 respectively, which items are separate.
  • the central wall 77 of the female member 414 means that each of the male members 512 can be assembled to the female member 414 separately or together.
  • fastener 610 comprises similar but opposed male members 512 and a female member 14 which is similar to the female member 14 shown in figs 1 to 4.
  • the male members 512 are mounted to separate items 74, 76.
  • both of the male members 512 are received together within a channel 20 of the female member 14.
  • This is a relatively simpler configuration than the previous configuration described, but requires both male members 512 to be assembled to the female member 14 to obtain good performance.
  • fastener 710 is similar in configuration to the fastener 610, except that one male member 712 has a relatively short mounting member 722 which is mounted to an item 76.
  • Item 76 could, for example, be a decorative item such as piping or beading.
  • fastener 810 comprises a female member 414 which is similar to that shown in figure 13 first from left, except that, in this configuration, the female member 414 is mounted to the item 74 which could be an upper member of a shoe.
  • the fastener 810 comprises a male member 412 which is similar to that shown in figure 13 first from left, except that in this configuration the male member 412 is mounted to an item 78 which could be the sole 52 of a shoe.
  • fastener 910 comprises a pair of opposed female members 914, each of which comprises a wall member 77 and a wing 28 which together define a channel 20.
  • the fastener 910 comprises a male member 412 similar to that of the configuration previously described.
  • each of the head parts of the head 16 is received in one of the channels 20, and both of the wall members 77 are received within the central channel 42.
  • fasteners of the invention can be configured a number of different ways, with the male members and the female members being attached to either a sole, an upper member, and/or another item.
  • the feature that the fastener of the invention permits attachment of two items to a third item permits the user many possibilities.
  • a second upper 124 could be attached to overlay the first upper 62 to provide decorative enhancement and/or technical/functional enhancement such as reinforcement/protection, waterproofing, and/or stiffness, with the advantage provided by the invention that the uppers 62, 124 can be removed and exchanged easily by the user.
  • FIG 15 shows another shoe 150, in which a front upper 102, which could be formed of more than one part (eg a toe cap, a tongue, a double tongue, etc.) is attached to a sole 52 by means of any of the fasteners of the invention.
  • the fastener member attached to the front part of the front upper 102 forms a toe cap rail 103.
  • the fastener member attached to the sole 52 forms a sole rail 104 which is continuous around the sole 52 apart from a gap 105 which is used as an exit and entry allowing sliding engagement and disengagement. It will be realised that the fasteners of the invention also permit engagement in the first insertion direction 35.
  • the front upper 102 is located on top of the gap
  • the left upper and the right upper 62, 64 can use the front gap 105 as exit or a back gap left by the removed back stopper piece 60.
  • the back strip (stopper) piece 60 is shown and can comprise any of the fastening means herein described, and can include resiliently deformable material such as elastic bands 107 in the middle portion (between the two fastener rails 107A) and/or between the upper (62, 64) and the fastener rail 107B.
  • the elastic band or fabric will absorb some of the stress from the fastener rails increasing therefore the life of the fasteners and can be placed anywhere between the fastener and one of the uppers.
  • the stopper back strip 60 can be removed by a sliding movement upwards as indicated by arrow L.
  • Fig 18 shows a possible way of assembling the strip/stopper 60.
  • the elastic band 107 might be fixed by stitching to the skirt 22 of a male or female fastener rail 107A or 107B on one side and to the back strip/stopper 60 or to an upper on the other side.
  • Figs 19A to 19D show another fastener 1010 comprising a male rail 101 1 which comprises a plurality of discrete, separated male fastener members in the form of teeth 89.
  • Each male fastener member 1012 includes a male wing 81 .
  • the fastener 1010 comprises a female rail 1013 which comprises a plurality of discrete, separated female fastener members each of which comprises a compartment 87 in which a female wing 82 is located.
  • Fig 19A-D show perspective and top views where it is possible to appreciate multiple compartments 87 containing female wings 82 which under the head of the male 81 will bend to allow penetration to return to its original position once the head of the male wing 81 is completely inside the compartment 87 locking the male wing 81 in its place.
  • Figs 19A and 19B show how the engagement and disengagement happens.
  • the male rail 101 1 has been inserted along the first insertion direction 35 and the male wing 81 engages beneath the female wing 82.
  • a gap 109 is present between one of the side walls 88 and the female wing 82 and the male tooth 89.
  • the chambers 87 could be provided with taller walls 88 stopping a male rail 101 1 from sliding past the compartment 87.
  • Figs 20 to 26 show another fastener 1 1 10 comprising a male rail 101 1 which comprises a plurality of discrete, separated male fastener members in the form of teeth 91 , each tooth 91 including a pair of resiliently deformable male wings 90.
  • the fastener 1 1 10 comprises a female rail 1013 which comprises a plurality of discrete, separated female fastener members each of which comprises a compartment 92 defining a chamber 1 1 14 comprising a top entrance 97 extending downwardly to a chamber cavity 96 and thence to a side exit opening 93.
  • the chamber 1 1 14 includes a relatively narrow opening 94 which extends from the top entrance 97 to the side exit 93.
  • the chamber cavity 96 is relatively enlarged in comparison to the top entrance 97 and the opening 94.
  • each tooth 91 is inserted through one of the top entrances 97.
  • the top entrance 97 is of a dimension such that the wings 90 must be deformed to pass through the entrance 97 as shown in figure 23B.
  • the wings 90 open out to prevent removal through the top entrance 97.
  • the side exit 93 is of a dimension that the wings 90 can pass through the side exit 93 to permit release (arrow D).
  • the direction of rotation is the first release direction 37 indicated by arrow E
  • the second release direction 44 is the lateral sliding movement indicted by arrow D.
  • the compartment 92 could include female wings 82, which deform to permit entry of the male tooth 91 , which could have relatively less deformable male wings 99. Otherwise, operation is the same.
  • this fastener provides release which does not require sliding movement, or the removal of the stopper strip 60, or the provision of a gap 105.
  • Figures 24 to 28 show a shoe 1 150 which utilises the fastener 1 1 10. It will be noted from figure 24 that the side exits 93 face inwardly to the shoe 1 150.
  • Fig 27 shows the first step to unlock the upper 62 by a rotational movement (arrow E) towards the middle of the sole 52 before pulling the male teeth 91 out by through the exit 93.
  • the side exits 93 could face outwardly and the rotational movement could be away from the middle of the sole 52. This option is less preferred, as there is likely to be a greater risk that, in use, a user might bend the uppers outwardly, which might cause disengagement.
  • Figs 30 and 31 show another shoe 1250, in which the upper 62 is split into a plurality of parts (1 15 and 1 16 on one side and 1 13 and 1 14 on the other side of the same shoe).
  • the slide fasteners previously described it is possible to combine the two parts 1 13, 1 14, 1 15, 1 16 together in a strong bond that cannot be pulled open by a force acting along the length of the shoe.
  • the parts 1 15, 1 16 have to be slid out of the sole fastener 1 1 1 until the connection point 1 18 slides out of the front 1 17 or back 1 19 exits.
  • Figs 32 and 33 show another shoe 1350, in which the back piece 60 is extended to form a rear tongue 1351 .
  • the rear tongue 1351 could extend from the upper edge of the sole or it could be an extension of the heel cap, whether the heel is an inner heel cap or an outer heel cap.
  • flanges 123 one or more on each side, which might extend forward towards the front part of a collar 1354 of the upper 62.
  • the bottom part can comprise a fastener rail 107A along the vertical edge, and preferably, but not necessarily, another fastener 1 15 at the bottom edge to connect it to the sole.
  • the tongue 1351 could comprise at least one fixing or fastener 1 16 such as a clip or stud or the like to fasten it to the inner heel cap or to the side covers 62, 64.
  • fixing or fastener 1 16 such as a clip or stud or the like to fasten it to the inner heel cap or to the side covers 62, 64.
  • the tongue 1351 could comprise at least one clip 1 17 on the lateral flanges 123 on the top part of the tongue to fasten it to the front part of the collar in both directions, inside the collar 1354 or outside the collar 1354.
  • the tongue 1351 could comprise one or more open loops 1 18 to hold a fastener strap 120 such as hook and loop straps, laces, or alike.
  • the tongue 1351 could comprise at least one hook and loop fastener 120 to attach it to the side of the uppers 62.
  • the side of the uppers 62 could comprise hook and loop parts 1 19 or other fixings or fasteners such as clips or the like 1 17 to tighten the back tongue to the side uppers.
  • the strap 120 could be on both sides of the shoe 1350.
  • the strap 120 could be removable by sliding out of the pocket 1 18 or could be stitched.
  • the tongue 1351 could be part of the sole (moulded with the sole as a single sole), like an extension of the rubber sole or stitched or glued to it.
  • the tongue 1351 could be connected to the side uppers by means of stitching.
  • the tongue 1351 could comprise a plurality of members. For example, it could comprise an overlapping member to form a double back tongue.
  • the double back tongue could comprise two separate back tongues connected to the sole by means of fasteners or could be stitched together as single components of the assembly or stitched and/or glued together to the sole.
  • the tongue 1351 could be moulded together with the fastener using the process where two different materials can be moulded together.
  • the side covers or uppers could comprise holes for laces, hook and loop fasteners, clips and so on.
  • the tongue 1351 could have different shapes to the one shown in Figs 32 and 33. It could be padded, and could comprise different materials, heights and sizes.
  • the tongue 1351 could comprise a zipper, or any other fasteners explained previously, in the middle vertical or horizontal to allow it to be further customised by means of swapping one of the parts.
  • Fig 35 shows another shoe 1450, in which the shoe 1450 comprises a rim piece 127 extending from the sole 52, removable using any of the fasteners of the type disclosed herein, or fixed by any suitable means, such as stitching and/or gluing (or could be as one piece with the sole, for example integrally moulded) and comprising a fastener of the type disclosed herein on the upper edge 129 to connect other parts 128. This could be especially useful if the rim piece 127 is fixed to the sole 52 as it could provide better insulation or protection in case of rain or high water on the pavement.
  • Fig 36 discloses a benefit of the fasteners of the type disclosed herein.
  • Fig 36 shows a trouser-shoe combination 1500 including a trouser part 1510 and shoe parts 1520.
  • the shoe parts 1520 are fastened by fasteners 10 of the type disclosed herein (although the reference numeral 10 has been used, it will be understood that any of the fasteners disclosed herein could be similarly used) or a zipper or any other fastener means to a removable and interchangeable sole 52.
  • the uppers are one piece with the trousers.
  • the trousers/shoes could comprise holes for laces, hook and loop fasteners, zips, clips and any other means for fastening and tightening, and could comprise multiple pieces and double uppers as the assembly of the shoe described in this patent.
  • Other items apart from trousers could be attached to the soles by means of the fasteners disclosed herein.
  • leggings or stockings could be attached to the soles.
  • one of the items could be a shoe upper part and the other item could be a trouser leg or a legging.
  • the article of footwear may be provided with a defined heel which may be integral with the sole or separate therefrom and attached by any convenient means.
  • the uppers of the article of footwear may be provided with any convenient fastening means for retaining the article on the foot of a wearer, for example holes for laces, zips, hook and loop fasteners, straps etc.
  • the fastenings of the invention could extend either wholly or only partly or intermittently along the junction between components.
  • the fasteners of the invention could be combined with conventional fastening means in any suitable way to form an article of footwear.
  • the components of the footwear could be of any suitable shape and size and formed of any suitable material, and could be different to that shown.
  • the outer wings of the rail of the sole and/or of the upper could comprise a border in any suitable material, rubber, fabric or the like, possibly glued, to protect the shoe from water and in different colours as decorative purpose.
  • An additional border can be attached using fasteners along the upper edge of the sole and /or the lower edge of the uppers and tongue.
  • One of the uppers can be fixed by means of stitching or gluing or any other means to the sole which can comprise one or more fasteners for additional removable covers (basically it can be a normal shoe with the fasteners on the sole to which extra parts can be attached).
  • the assembly of the shoe with all the options explained previously can be achieved using any other type of fastener such as zippers.
  • One of the assembly can comprise a continuous fastener rail (on the sole) without any external gaps but with internal gaps only (to give stronger structure to the shoe) in which case the removable uppers will slide only from the inside of the sole.
  • One of the assembly can comprise a continuous fastener rail (on the sole) without any internal gaps but with external gaps only in which case the removable uppers will slide only from the outside of the sole.
  • the sole can comprise more than one fastener next to each other to add even further customisation options.
  • the rear tongue can be higher or shorter than the lateral uppers.
  • the rear tongue can comprise a stiff material inside to improve rigidity.
  • the rear tongue can be wider and include portion of the lateral uppers.
  • the rear tongue can comprise a heel cap inside or outside the shoe.
  • the rear tongue can comprise holes for laces at the front part of the lateral flanges or at the back and/or hook and loop straps to tighten it to the lateral uppers.
  • the rear tongue can comprise the back strip/stopper making it a rear tongue/stopper.
  • the rear tongue can be connected to the shoe by any suitable fixings or fasteners (clips, slide fasteners and the like).
  • the back strip can comprise flanges that go either behind the lateral uppers for increase strength on the heel cap or above as decorative purpose.
  • the material of the fasteners could be a plastics material, and could be a nylon fibre, which could be natural, or could be glass filled to increase strength.
  • the fasteners could be formed of different material for each part. For example, the wings could be made of a stronger material.
  • fasteners of the invention could be utilised for other articles, such as clothing, bags, cases and handbags.
  • the invention provides a fastener for retaining two components in interlocked relationship but which may be easily released from such a relationship.
  • the fastener of the invention achieves this by providing two interlocking members which, when pushed together, interlock to resist separation by being pulled apart but which are slidable or rotatable relative to one another such that such action releases the member parts from one another.

Landscapes

  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un article chaussant (50), en particulier une chaussure, comprenant un élément de fixation (10) comportant un premier élément (11) pouvant être interconnecté amovible à un second élément (15). Un élément (11 ou 15) comprend un élément mâle (5) (12) et l'autre élément (11 ou 15) comprend un élément femelle (14). L'élément mâle (12) et/ou l'élément femelle (14) comprennent au moins une aile (28 ou 29) composée d'un matériau élastiquement déformable. Les éléments (11, 15) forment une relation verrouillée par l'élément mâle (12) pénétrant dans l'élément femelle (14) sous l'application d'une force dans une première direction d'insertion (35). 10 Pendant la pénétration de l'élément femelle (14) par l'élément mâle (12), une déformation de l'aile élastique (28 or 29) se produit pour permettre ladite pénétration. Dans la relation verrouillée, l'aile élastique (28 ou 29) retourne à sa forme originale et résiste au dégagement de l'élément mâle (12) de l'élément femelle (14) par une force appliquée pour tirer l'élément mâle (15) (12) à l'extérieur de l'élément femelle (14).
EP11805136.6A 2010-11-19 2011-11-21 Éléments de fixation destinés à interconnecter des articles chaussants, et articles chaussants construits au moyen de ces éléments de fixation Withdrawn EP2640211A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201019651A GB201019651D0 (en) 2010-11-19 2010-11-19 Fasteners for interconnecting footwear components, and footwear constructed using such fasteners
PCT/GB2011/052284 WO2012066363A1 (fr) 2010-11-19 2011-11-21 Éléments de fixation destinés à interconnecter des articles chaussants, et articles chaussants construits au moyen de ces éléments de fixation

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2640211A1 true EP2640211A1 (fr) 2013-09-25

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11805136.6A Withdrawn EP2640211A1 (fr) 2010-11-19 2011-11-21 Éléments de fixation destinés à interconnecter des articles chaussants, et articles chaussants construits au moyen de ces éléments de fixation

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2640211A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB201019651D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012066363A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014000336A (ja) * 2012-06-20 2014-01-09 Yoshimasa Sato 靴の製造方法
DE102013003360A1 (de) * 2013-02-27 2014-08-28 Alexandra Solowski Schuh mit einem Schuhunterteil und mindestens einem lösbar an dem Schuhunterteil angeordneten Schuhoberelement
DE102013105971A1 (de) * 2013-06-10 2014-12-24 Marko Bussat Schuh und Schuhset
US9700107B1 (en) * 2016-07-05 2017-07-11 Fabio de Andrade Fastening structure
US20190142105A1 (en) * 2017-11-15 2019-05-16 Kadima Forward Inc. Adjustable footwear having interchangeable panels
WO2023275414A1 (fr) * 2021-06-28 2023-01-05 Big Augusta, S.L. Dispositif de fixation pour élément d'article chaussant démontable et élément d'article chaussant démontable

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH233835A (de) * 1943-05-07 1944-08-31 Keller Cornelia Schuh.
US4777665A (en) * 1986-07-07 1988-10-18 Osaka Necktie Hosei Kabushiki Kaisha Quick-release necktie
US5065531A (en) * 1990-08-20 1991-11-19 Prestridge Patrick L Attachment device for providing detachable uppers in footwear and the like
GB2379592A (en) * 2001-09-18 2003-03-19 Guillaume Lyons Shoe cover
EP1489938A4 (fr) * 2002-03-14 2005-04-06 Darren Paul Bruce Systeme de chaussure interchangeable
WO2005104886A2 (fr) * 2004-04-23 2005-11-10 The Timberland Company Revetements amovibles pour chaussures
US20080098623A1 (en) * 2006-10-25 2008-05-01 Liron Komitau Shoes with replaceable uppers

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Title
None *
See also references of WO2012066363A1 *

Also Published As

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WO2012066363A1 (fr) 2012-05-24
GB201019651D0 (en) 2010-12-29

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