EP2934209B1 - Shoe made from a sock and a reinforcing structure - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the production of a piece of clothing, shoe type, or more generally, an article of footwear.

The realization of a shoe, whatever its shape, requires the implementation of many parts, of the order of several tens, sometimes up to 45, and the realization of many steps of assembly, bonding, keeping all these pieces together.

A shoe according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in US2012 / 0011744 .

The assembly of a shoe is therefore a time-consuming process requiring specific, heavy and expensive tools.

The invention proposes a novel shoe or footwear structure, as well as an embodiment method for making a shoe or an article of footwear.

To this end, the invention firstly proposes a textile piece comprising a sock foot, a first heel, a first shank, a second bead, disposed at the top of said shank, and a second shank, in the extension of the second bead. . For example, the second rod is connected seamlessly to the first rod.

An opening may be made in the second rod, in order to provide a passage for one or more lacing cords.

The invention also relates to a shoe comprising, from inside the shoe, a first flexible textile layer, forming a sock, and a reinforcing structure in which the textile layer is arranged and to which it is fixed by fixing means .

• de manière amovible par rapport à la structure de renfort, à laquelle elle est reliée par des moyens de type clipsage, boutonnage, surfaces auto-agrippantes, ou autres ;
• ou de manière inamovible par rapport à la structure de renfort, à laquelle elle est reliée par exemple par collage, thermosoudage ou tout autre moyen.

The textile layer can be arranged:

• removably with respect to the reinforcing structure, to which it is connected by means of clipping, buttoning, hook-and-loop or other surfaces;
• or irremovably with respect to the reinforcing structure, to which it is connected for example by gluing, heat sealing or any other means.

The shoe further comprises a second textile layer, the reinforcing structure being disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

The second textile layer is made in the continuity of the first textile layer, seamless to connect the first and the second.

According to one embodiment, the reinforcing structure comprises at least one sole and side reinforcing elements.

This reinforcement structure may further comprise at least one front stop element and / or a buttress element.

The reinforcing structure can be flexible, it is for example made of a fiber-based material.

• enfiler la chaussette sur une forme de pied ;
• positionner la structure de renfort sur la chaussette, en contact avec celle-ci, et la fixer à ladite chaussette à l'aide de moyens de fixation.

The invention also relates to a method of producing a shoe, using a sock and a reinforcing structure comprising at least one sole and at least one lateral reinforcing structure, comprising the following steps:

• put the sock on a foot shape;
• positioning the reinforcement structure on the sock, in contact therewith, and attaching it to said sock using fastening means.

The sock is a textile piece as already described above.

The attachment of the reinforcing structure to the sock is performed irremovably, for example by gluing, heat sealing, or other.

Alternatively, the attachment of the reinforcing structure to the sock is performed removably by means of clipping, buttoning, hook-and-loop surfaces, or the like.

According to one embodiment, which allows an adaptation of the reinforcement structure during the actual construction of the shoe, this reinforcing structure comprises a first part and a second part, which are, before attachment to the sock, movable one relative to each other so as to adjust the reinforcement structure to the foot shape.

Whatever the embodiment envisaged, at least a portion of the textile material used may comprise one or more physical and / or chemical properties giving it an anti-odor, fungicidal, moisture-absorbing, scarring and anti-scalding function. skin, impermeability or water repellency, resistance to intrusion of a foreign body, abrasion resistance, elasticity, or other.

• Les figures 1A et 1B représentent une pièce en textile, ou chaussette, pouvant être mise en oeuvre dans le cadre de la présente invention.
• Les figures 2A-2C illustrent des étapes de réalisation d'une pièce du type représenté en figures 1A-1B.
• Les figures 3A-3E représentent divers modes de réalisation de moyens de renfort, pouvant être mis en oeuvre dans le cadre de la présente invention.
• Les figures 4A et 4B représentent une préforme, sur laquelle une chaussure selon l'invention peut être réalisée.
• Les figures 5A et 5B représentent une première étape d'un mode de réalisation d'un procédé selon l'invention.
• Les figures 6A et 6B représentent une deuxième étape d'un mode de réalisation d'un procédé selon l'invention.
• Les figures 7A-7B représentent une deuxième étape d'un mode de réalisation d'un procédé selon l'invention et la figure 7C un exemple d'une chaussure obtenue par procédé selon l'invention,
• La figure 8 représente un autre exemple d'une chaussure obtenue par procédé selon l'invention,
• Les figures 9A-9B représentent des étapes d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un procédé selon l'invention.

At least two zones of the textile material may have one or more different physical or chemical properties, for example at least two zones of the textile material may be zones of different impermeability.

• The Figures 1A and 1B represent a piece of textile, or sock, which can be implemented in the context of the present invention.
• The Figures 2A-2C illustrate steps of making a part of the type represented in Figures 1A-1B .
• The Figures 3A-3E represent various embodiments of reinforcement means, which can be implemented in the context of the present invention.
• The Figures 4A and 4B represent a preform, on which a shoe according to the invention can be made.
• The Figures 5A and 5B represent a first step of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.
• The Figures 6A and 6B represent a second step of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.
• The Figures 7A-7B represent a second step of an embodiment of a method according to the invention and the Figure 7C an example of a shoe obtained by the process according to the invention,
• The figure 8 represents another example of a shoe obtained by the process according to the invention,
• The Figures 9A-9B represent steps of another embodiment of a method according to the invention.

First of all, the production of a textile part 2, which can be used in the production of a footwear element according to the invention, is described.

This piece is schematically represented in Figures 1A and 1B .

It comprises a first part, forming a foot of sock 10, provided with an end 12 and its heel 14. This foot is extended by a rod 16. These elements 10, 12, 14, 16 constitute the usual structure of a sock. But, in the sock used here, the rod 16 is extended by a second bead 18, then by a second rod 20, which has a final opening 22. This piece, when it is arranged on a flat surface, as in Figure 1A , has a substantially "U" shape.

An opening 21 may be provided in the second rod 20, in order to let cords forming laces.

The set is substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane C-C ', whose trace is seen on the Figure 1B , and which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rod 16. The symmetry does not relate to the end 12 and the opening 22.

In connection with the Figures 2A-2C , steps of a method for producing an element as described above in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B .

On a cylinder 5 ( Figure 2A ), a textile part 1, of substantially cylindrical shape, whose diameter substantially corresponds to the diameter of the rod 16, is produced, for example by knitting, weaving or braiding.

When the piece 1 is finished, it is removed from the support 5 and it is realized ( Figure 2B ) two notches or cutouts 4, 8 in it, with a view to positioning the heels 14, 18 thereon. Figure 2B we already see the opening 22 which will finish the element 10.

The cutouts 4, 8 make it possible to spread the ends of the textile part 1 with respect to its cylindrical axis of symmetry X, X '.

We can then ( Figure 2C ) fix, in the openings made from the notches 4, 8 textile portions 14, 18 forming the heels, and a portion 12 forming the end of the foot of the sock. An element of the type described above is thus obtained in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B .

The fabric used for part 2 and the method described above may be uniform for the entire sock. This textile may have one or more specific physical and / or chemical properties, with a view to integrating certain functions. For example, it may have a composition and / or comprise means making it possible to perform one or more of the following functions: anti-odor, fungicide, moisture absorption, skin healing, impermeability or water repellency (property of being impermeable up to a certain point), resistance to intrusion of a foreign body, abrasion resistance, elasticity.

In addition, one or more of these properties may relate to only one or more localized portions of the sock. For example, a party may have properties to resist intrusion of a foreign body, which may not be necessary on other parts. For example again, one party may have some impermeability, which may not be necessary on another party.

Therefore, the textile used for part 2 and for the above process may be uniform, have specific local, physical and / or chemical properties, in order to incorporate one or more of the above functions.

We now describe, in connection with the in Figures 3A-3E , various embodiments of a reinforcement structure 3 that can be used in the production of a shoe or a footwear element according to the invention.

Each of these various examples is made of a fiber-based material, for example a polyamide, a polyurethane or any equivalent material, and is intended to form part of the sole and side reinforcing means of the shoe. The structure 3 may, without limitation, be obtained by molding an elastomeric thermoplastic material, or be obtained by any technique known to those skilled in the art.

So, in figure 3A we see a first example of such a reinforcement element 3, comprising a flexible sole-forming part 30 delimited by edges 30 ', 30 ", and lateral reinforcing elements 31-36, a first end of which is attached to one of the edges 30 ', 30 "of the sole 30, while the other end may comprise means 31a-36a forming passers in which may be introduced one or more strips or cords 37, intended (s) to form a or lace (s), for example of the type ending in a clamping element 39, as seen in FIG. figure 3C . Each of the lateral reinforcing elements preferably has a shape as illustrated on the figure 3A , which deviates from the end which is opposite the corresponding edge 30, 30 'of the sole 30 to that which is directly connected to the edge of the sole. This shape provides a more effective reinforcement means in the lateral areas.

The sole 30, by its constitution in the form of a thin layer of fibers, is flexible, preferably in two directions, one perpendicular to the axis of the foot, and the other along the same axis. This results in increased adaptability for the next steps.

In the embodiment of the figure 3A , the sole 30 is flat and is limited neither in its front part nor in its rear part. It therefore delimits no foot end zone, nor any zone forming a buttress for the foot.

The embodiment shown in figure 3B contains all the elements described above in connection with the figure 3A (For this reason, these elements will not be redescribed), but further comprises, at the front end of the sole, an element 40 forming a stop and delimiting the extreme position of the front of the foot. As for the previous embodiment, this reinforcing element has no limitation in the rear area of the foot, and in particular no element defining a buttress. This front element 40 consists of a band, also made of fiber-based material, disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the sole.

The embodiment of the figure 3C comprises, at the same time, a zone 40 delimiting the extreme position of the forefoot, but also a rear zone 42 forming a buttress, and connected to at least a part of the reinforcing elements 31-36 by lateral fiber plies 43 , 43 'which, while maintaining a certain flexibility, will nevertheless bring to the rear part a certain strength or rigidity. The other elements represented on this figure 3C being identical or similar to those already described above in connection with the Figures 3A and 3B .

The embodiment of the 3D figure is a variant of that of the figure 3C . A structure comprising lateral reinforcing means, a stop before 40 of the foot, and a rear buttress 42 is still carried out, but this time in two parts, combining, on the one hand, the structure of the figure 3A , and on the other hand, the structure represented in figure 3E . The latter comprises a sole portion 30a, a front stop 40, a rear portion 42 forming a buttress, and side members also forming reinforcing means in the form of lateral fiber plies 43a, 43a '. In this part can be introduced the structure of the figure 3A , until, for example, the front edge of the sole 30 of the latter comes into contact with the inner surface of the front stop 40. It is also possible to perform the reverse assembly, in which it is the structure of the figure 3E which is introduced into the structure of the figure 3A , until the upper portions of the reinforcing elements 31-34 of the latter substantially coincide with respective portions of the edges 430, 430 'of the lateral fibrous webs 43a, 43'a.

We will now describe how a shoe can be made from the various elements that have already been described above.

To do this, use is made of a shape, or preform, such as the solid shape 50 shown in front view and in side view, respectively in Figures 4A and 4B . This form reproduces the contours of a foot.

On this form, we can don the textile element of Figures 1A and 1B , to obtain the intermediate element represented in Figures 5A and 5B : the front end portion 12 of the sock comes into contact with the forefoot, the portion 10 covers the foot itself, the portion 14 comes into contact with the heel, and the rod 16 surrounds the ankle, the second heel 18 being in contact with the upper rear part thereof. The assembly is extended by the second rod 20.

On this set, one comes to position one of the reinforcing elements of Figures 3A-3E : we chose here the composite element of the 3D figure . The front part of the foot of the form 50 (provided with the sock) is positioned against the inner surface of the front stop 40, and the buttress 48 is positioned against the rear of the heel of the shape 50. Given the flexibility of the fiber material constituting the reinforcing elements thus positioned, the latter can be adapted to the shape defined by the solid element 50. In addition, the structure of the reinforcing means of the 3D figure has an advantage, in that the two parts, front and rear, can optionally slide relative to each other, thus allowing an adaptation of the reinforcement structure to the size defined by the shape 50.

As we see on the Figures 6A and 6B , the opening 21, made in the second rod 20 of the sock, allows to introduce, inwardly thereof, or cords which will subsequently close the shoe.

These two elements, the sock of textile material and the reinforcing element, can be assembled, for example by gluing, the assembly thus forming a non-reversible structure. As a variant, the assembly may be subjected to a heating step, with a view to melting the material of the reinforcement structure and the material of the sock 10.

In a variant, the sock made of textile material and the reinforcing element can be assembled in a reversible manner. For example, the surfaces to be assembled together are connected by means of clipping, buttoning, use of Velcro®-type hook-and-loop surfaces arranged in the areas intended to come into contact with each other. one with the other.

In a later step, and as illustrated in Figure 7A and 7B it is then possible to reduce the portion forming the second rod 20 to the foot, this step requiring only simple manipulation on the part of an operator. This grips the edges of the end opening 22 of the sock, and pulls the portion forming the second rod 20, progressively, firstly on the upper part of the foot and, secondly, on the area forming sole.

The operator progressively continues this operation until the opening 22 reaches the front end of the sock, to form an assembly such as that represented in FIG. Figure 7C . The second bead 18 then covers the first bead 14, which is located in the first textile layer, in contact with the shape 50. The bead 37 and its clamping means 39 remain accessible through the opening 21.

It is still possible to strengthen the assembly thus obtained, by adding another layer of reinforcement, that is to say by introducing the structure of the Figure 7C in a second reinforcing structure, of one of the types already described above in connection with the Figures 3A-3E .

Thus, an article of footwear has been made which may, if necessary, be completed by a soleplate 52, for example by gluing, which is more robust than the portion 30 of fiber-based material of the reinforcing element (cf. figure 8 ).

The assembly obtained, with or without sole 52, is extremely light, since it comprises only two textile layers and one or more reinforcing element (s) made of fiber material, which is / are very thin and very light (s). This structure therefore comprises two "skins" between which one or more reinforcing elements are arranged.

As understood from the description of the operations, they do not implement any sewing step, and no step of delicate positioning of parts relative to each other. It is thus possible to make an article of footwear, or a shoe, very simply, very fast, and very economical.

Examples of embodiments given above use a sock of the type of that described in connection with the Figures 1A and 1B , i.e. with two rods 16, 20.

In another embodiment, illustrated in Figure 9A and 9B a simple sock with a single shank 16 is used. This sock is threaded onto the shape 50 of the socks. Figures 4A and 4B . Then, as during the stage of Figures 6A and 6B a reinforcement structure is applied to the assembly, for example of the type of one of those described above in connection with the Figures 3A-3E . The textile element and the reinforcing element (s) are then assembled in a definitive manner (for example by gluing and / or heating) or reversibly, for example by clipping, buttoning means, by using self-supporting surfaces. Velcro® type grippers arranged in areas intended to come into contact with each other.

We then obtain the structure of the Figure 9B , which can be completed by a sole 52, such as that presented in figure 8 .

For this other exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to use, as textile material of the sock, a material having one or more physical and / or chemical properties, with a view to conferring on it one of the functions already mentioned above. In addition, too, this or these properties can / can be homogeneous (s) on all of the textile material, or localized (s) only part of it.

We have seen that the textile part 2 is manufactured in one piece, in the sense or the first part and the second part are manufactured one in direct continuity of the other.

Claims (14)

1. Shoe having, from the inside of the shoe, a first flexible textile layer (10, 16), forming a sock, and a reinforcing structure (3) in which the textile layer is disposed and to which it is secured by securing means, the shoe also having a second textile layer (20), the reinforcing structure being disposed between the first textile layer (10, 16) and the second textile layer (20), characterized in that the second textile layer (20) is realized in continuation of the first textile layer (10, 16), without a seam for joining the first and the second.
2. Shoe according to Claim 1, wherein the textile layer is disposed in a removable manner with respect to the reinforcing structure, to which it is connected by means of the clip-fastening type, buttoning type, touch-and-close surfaces type, or the like.
3. Shoe according to Claim 1, wherein the textile layer is disposed in a non-removable manner with respect to the reinforcing structure, to which it is connected by adhesive bonding or thermal bonding.
4. Shoe according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the reinforcing structure has at least one sole (30) and lateral reinforcing elements (31-36).
5. Shoe according to the preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing structure also has at least one front stop element (40) and an element forming a counter (42).
6. Shoe according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the reinforcing structure is flexible.
7. Shoe according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the reinforcing structure is made of a fibre-based material.
8. Shoe according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a part of the textile material of the first textile layer (10, 16) and/or of the second textile layer (20) has one or more physical and/or chemical properties which confer an anti-odour function, a fungicidal function, a moisture-absorbent function, a skin-healing function, an impermeability or water-repellent function, a function of resisting the ingress of a foreign body, an abrasion-resistant function, an elasticity function, or the like.
9. Shoe according to the preceding claim, wherein at least two regions of the textile material have one or more different physical or chemical properties.
10. Shoe according to the preceding claim, wherein at least two regions of the textile material are regions of different impermeability.
11. Method for producing a shoe according to Claim 1, with the aid of a sock (2) and of a reinforcing structure (3) having at least one sole (30) and at least one lateral reinforcing structure (31-36, 43, 43'), the sock being a textile part, the textile part having a first shaft and a second shaft, the method comprising the following steps of:

    - pulling the sock onto a foot shape (52);

    - positioning the reinforcing structure on the sock, in contact therewith, and securing it to said sock with the aid of securing means;

    - turning the part forming the second shaft onto the foot.
12. Method according to Claim 11, wherein the reinforcing structure is secured to the sock in a non-removable manner, by adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, or the like.
13. Method according to Claim 11, wherein the reinforcing structure is secured to the sock in a removable manner, by means of the clip-fastening type, or buttoning type, touch-and-close surfaces type, or the like.
14. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the reinforcing structure comprises a first part and a second part which, before being secured to the sock, are movable with respect to one another so as to adapt the reinforcing structure to the foot shape.

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