FR3127679A1 - ANKLE RETAINER FOR SLIPPERS OR SHOE - Google Patents

Abstract

Holding part intended to be inserted into a housing of a removable inner liner of a shoe or into a housing of a shoe, said holding part comprising a plate of thermosetting resin at low temperature (10), a layer of foam thermoformable at low temperature (12) characterized in that the plate comprises a window (14) located in a substantially central zone of said plate and configured to be arranged in line with a malleolus of an ankle. [Fig. 3A]

Description

ANKLE RETAINER FOR SLIPPERS OR SHOE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an ankle support part intended to equip an liner, for example a ski boot liner or a shoe, and to a liner or shoe comprising two such support parts.

PRIOR ART

An alpine ski boot has a rigid outer shell and a liner. The shell has a high upper and hooks designed to tighten the shoe around the ankle and provide ankle support.

During a descent, the skier transmits the impulse to the ski in particular via the ankle joint. The precision and speed of transmission of the impulse between the ankle and the ski depends on how the ankles are held in the ski boots.

We seek to improve the properties of mechanical transmission of the range of motion of the tibio-tarsal joint during the different phases of the mechanical gesture when skiing, and more generally when practicing sports.

The document FR2830418 describes a thermoformable adaptation part comprising a semi-rigid plate and a synthetic foam. The semi-rigid plate is made of polycaprolactone, which is a material that has a very low glass transition temperature such that it becomes deformable at low temperatures. A comfort liner is equipped with two adaptation pieces on either side of the ankle, the pieces are heated and mold to the ankle.

When using ski boots equipped with such comfort liners, the mechanical transmission between the ankle and the ski boot is not entirely satisfactory.

It is therefore an object of the present application to provide an ankle support piece improving the transmission of support from the ankle to the base of the sole of the shoe.

The object stated above is achieved by a retaining piece comprising a plate of thermoformable resin at low temperature and a layer of foam, the plate comprising a window intended to be positioned in line with the bony tuberosity of the internal malleolus or of the external malleolus.

The implementation of a window in the semi-rigid plate makes it possible to release the support of the bony tuberosity of the internal malleolus or the external malleolus, improving the molding of the support part on the internal or external malleolus and improving the distribution of forces between the internal malleolus or the external malleolus and the shoe.

Each slipper or shoe has two retaining pieces arranged on either side of the ankle in line with the internal and external malleolus, which ensure a grip of the ankle and improved support thereof, and the transmission of the impulse between the ankle and the sole of the shoe.

Advantageously, the semi-rigid plate has grooves or slots starting from the window and extending outwardly therefrom. The outer end of the slots has a width greater than the average width of the slots.

Each retaining piece preferably has a larger dimension in a first direction intended to be substantially aligned with the direction of the ankle. The four grooves or slots are arranged substantially crosswise, the slots being arranged on either side of the first direction.

The molding process is carried out directly on the ankle of the user. The parts are previously heated to a temperature of no more than 80°C, placed in slippers or shoes. In the case of ski boot liners, the liners are inserted into the shells and the user puts on the ski boots. The shoes are attached and the user moves. As it cools, the support pieces conform directly to the internal and external malleolus.

Thanks to the invention, the user then has shoes with customized ankle support and having mechanical transmission between the ankle and the shoe that is significantly improved.

An object of the present application is a retaining piece intended to be inserted into a housing of a removable inner liner of a shoe or into a housing of a shoe, said retaining piece comprising a plate of thermosetting resin at low temperature , a layer of thermoformable foam at low temperature. The plate comprises a window located in a substantially central zone of said plate and configured to be arranged in line with a malleolus of an ankle.

Preferably, the plate has four grooves crossing said plate over its thickness, said grooves extending from the outer edge of the window substantially in a star shape around the window.

Advantageously, each groove has a free end of width greater than the average width of the groove.

For example, the grooves have a width of the order of 1 mm.

The retaining piece preferably has an elongated shape in a first direction, said first direction being intended to be parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of an ankle.

In an advantageous example, two grooves are arranged on one side of the first direction and two grooves are arranged on the other side of the first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plate is made of polycaprolactone with a surface mass of between 1150 kg/m2 and 1250 kg/m2.

Another object of the present application is a shoe comprising an upper provided with a first housing and a second housing located laterally so that the first housing faces the external malleolus and the second housing faces the malleolus internally, each housing containing a holding part according to the invention, and the first and the second housing comprise means for fixing the holding part cooperating with fixing means carried by said holding part.

Another object of the present application is a boot comprising an outer shell made of rigid material and an inner boot according to the invention, the boot being for example a ski boot.

Another object of the present application is a shoe comprising a sole and an upper, said upper being provided with a first housing and a second housing located laterally so as to be that the first housing faces the external malleolus and the second housing is opposite the internal malleolus, each housing containing a holding piece according to the invention. The first housing and the second housing comprise means for fixing the holding piece cooperating with fixing means carried by said holding piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

is a perspective view of a ski boot to which the invention can be applied,

is a perspective view of a ski boot liner according to an exemplary embodiment,

is a front view of a retaining piece according to an embodiment from the side of the plate,

is a view identical to that of the ,

is a side view of the holding part of figure 3 before the molding step,

is a side view of the holding part of figure 3 after the molding step,

is a front view of the holding part of figure 3 provided with fastening means,

is a perspective view of a shoe according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention applies to high upper shoes provided with removable or non-removable liners, shoes for the practice of a sport, more particularly and in a non-limiting manner alpine ski boots, cross-country ski boots, skating boots, snowboard boots, roller ski boots, ice skating boots, for example for the practice of ice hockey, shoes fitted with rollers, for example inline roller skates more commonly referred to as rollerblades in-line, hiking shoes. The present invention also applies to orthopedic shoes, in particular in the case of shoes used during a rehabilitation period.

The following description will relate more particularly to the application to a ski boot, but the description applies to all types of boots with high uppers.

On the , one can see a ski boot 2 comprising a rigid outer shell 4 and an inner liner 6 housed inside the shell 4.

The liner 6 is removable and is shown alone on the .

The ski boot features a high T upper. In the present application, the term "high stem" means a stem which covers at least the ankle. The ski boot comprises a tightening system 7 of the shell 4 around the ankle of the user, for example these are hooks cooperating with loops and providing circumferential tightening. Other clamping systems are possible.

The liner 6 is made of a flexible material relative to that of the shell and also has a high upper.

The liner 6 comprises two housings 8.1, 8.2 (shown in dotted lines) formed in the upper T and arranged on either side of the location intended to receive the ankle in the liner (an ankle CH is shown in dotted lines in the liner ). One of the housings 8.1 is a so-called external housing since it is located outside the ankle, and the other housing 8.2 is a so-called internal housing, since it is located outside the ankle. When the foot is in place in the liner, the outer housing 8.2 faces the external malleolus Ma and the internal housing faces the internal malleolus (not shown).

The outer housing 8.1 is arranged in the upper T, so as to be level with the external malleolus of the ankle considering a horizontal direction and the internal housing 8.1 is positioned in the upper so as to be level with the internal malleolus of the ankle. the ankle considering a horizontal direction.

According to the invention, two ankle retaining parts are inserted into the housings 8.1 and 8.2.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B and 4A and 4B, one can see an embodiment of a retaining piece P1.

The two holding pieces are identical or similar, only one of them will be described in detail.

The retaining piece P1 has a larger dimension d1 in a first direction Z and a smaller dimension d2 in a second direction X. The retaining piece P1 is intended to be arranged relative to the ankle so that the dimension d1 is in the direction of the ankle, i.e. the direction of the leg.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, part P1 can be seen seen from the side before molding and after molding on the ankle respectively.

The part P1 comprises a plate 10 having a certain rigidity and providing mechanical strength to the part at ambient temperature and a layer of flexible material 12, for example a foam.

The material of the plate 10 is a thermoformable resin at low temperature. By “low temperature” is meant a temperature below 85° C., preferably below or equal to 80° C., so this material can be easily made malleable, and then molded onto the ankle of the user. By way of non-limiting example, the resin is a polyester, very advantageously polycaprolactone, the melting point of which is approximately 60° C., the polyester can be filled, for example, with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). In another example, the resin is Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) co-polymer which can be thermoformed from 72°C.

The thermoformable resins usually used in orthopaedics, for example for making plantar support can be used to make the plate.

The plate 10 has a sufficient thickness to ensure a certain hold to the part while giving it flexibility. For example, the plate has a thickness between 1 mm and 2 mm.

The material of the layer 12 is a low density foam which is also thermoformable at low temperature, preferably whose density is less than 80 kg/m3, for example a polyethylene foam.

Layer 12 has a thickness of several millimeters, for example 4 mm.

The foam layer 12 is intended to be placed on the side of the external malleolus and ensure a certain comfort during contact between the external malleolus and the support piece P1.

In an advantageous example, the layer 12 comprises two layers of foams of different densities. Preferably, the higher density foam is against the plate 10 and the lower density foam is intended to be oriented towards the malleolus.

The plate 10 further comprises a central window 14 intended to be placed in line with the bony tuberosity of the external malleolus. It should be noted that this window 14 is closed by the layer of foam 12. This window releases the bony tuberosity of the external malleolus and facilitates the molding of the part P1 on the malleolus. In addition, the positioning of the external malleolus on the part is more precise during molding. Preferably window 14 is circular. Any other shape which comes close to the circular shape is possible, for example a polygonal shape, for example hexagonal or octagonal.

The diameter of the window is of the order of 10 mm to more tens of millimeters, advantageously of the order of 20 mm.

In a particularly advantageous example, the plate 10 comprises grooves 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, preferably four grooves. The grooves cross the plate 10. The width of the grooves is preferably of the order of mm.

The grooves 16 extend from the edge of the window radially outwards thereof. The grooves are advantageously four in number and are distributed substantially star-shaped.

Preferably, the grooves 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4 are distributed so that two grooves 16.1, 16.2 are arranged on one side of the Z direction and two grooves 16.3, 16.4 are arranged on the other side of the Z direction. , i.e. no groove is aligned or substantially aligned with the Z direction.

Furthermore, in this example the grooves each have a free end 17 whose width is greater than the average width of the grooves. In the example shown, the free ends 17 have the shape of a circular hole with a diameter substantially larger than the average width of the slot. The free ends 17 can have any other shape, for example an oval, star or polygonal shape. The diameter of the ends 17 is of the order of a few mm, for example 3 mm.

On the , we can see the angles α1, α2, α3, α4 between the grooves.

Preferably, the opposite angles α1 and α3 are equal or close and the angles α2 and α4 are equal or close. Preferably, the angle α1 is less than the angles α2 and α4, and the angle α3 is less than the angles α2 and α4. The angles α1 and α2 are preferably between 60° and 90°.

The grooves 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4 have a length l1, l2, l3, l4 respectively between the outer edge of the window 14 and the free end 17

Preferably, lengths l1 and l2 are greater than lengths l3 and l4.

The lengths l1, l2, l3, l4 are of the order of a few tens of mm.

A holding part in which the grooves all have different dimensions does not go beyond the scope of the present application.

The shape of the outer contour of the support piece P1 has a shape which makes it possible to operate in an anatomical manner taking into account the functional mechanical stresses of the ankle in displacement. The tops of the support piece are rounded to ensure user comfort.

Advantageously, the shape of the outer contour comprises three sides C1, C3, C4 of convex shape and one side C2 of concave shape. The concave side C2 is intended to face the back of the foot. The radii of curvature of the sides are chosen to best conform to the anatomy of an ankle.

On the , we can see the holding piece after molding. This has a curved shape in the form of a cup which forms a cradle for the malleolus on which the part is molded, the plate 10 being located on the outside.

The dimensions of the window and the grooves are chosen to ensure an accurate molding of the malleolus.

As explained above, the retaining pieces are intended to be placed in side housings of the liner.

Preferably, each holding part comprises fastening means 18 cooperating with means located in the pocket so as to immobilize the part in the pocket. Preferably, the fastening means are of the self-gripping type, for example a strip of fabric whose surface comprises hooks is carried by the holding part, and a strip of fabric whose surface comprises loops grip the to each other when pressed together. It will be understood that the textile strips can be interchanged. The strip of fabric is fixed either to the plate 10 or to the foam 12. The implementation of such means allows easy repositioning of the holding pieces, and their removal for example for their replacement. The fixing means are chosen so as not to disturb the operation of the holding part, nor its comfort.

On the , one can see represented schematically the fixing means 18 which cover the window. The strip of fabric being flexible, it does not disturb the molding of the part.

By way of non-limiting example, the plate 10 is made of polycaprolactone with a surface mass of between 1150 kg/m2 and 1250 kg/m2 and a thickness of between 1.2 mm and 1.6 mm, and a layer of double density foam made of polyethylene, comprising a first layer of 2 mm with a density of 70 kg/m3 and a second layer of 2 mm of foam with a density of 30 kg/m3.

Also by way of example, the lengths l1, l2 of the grooves 16.1, 16.2 are equal to 28.5 mm and the lengths l3, l4 of the grooves 16.3, 16.4 are equal to 31.5 mm.

Preferably, the dimensions of the holding pieces are adapted to the size of the liner or the shoe. For example, three sizes may be provided, a size S or small, a size M or medium and a size L or large.

The dimensions of the window and of the grooves are adapted to the outer dimensions of the retaining piece.

An example of a molding process will now be described.

Two support pieces are implemented in each liner or shoe.

The two holding parts are heated to a temperature making the plate 10 malleable, for example to a maximum temperature of 80° C. for a few minutes, for example between 1 min and 3 min.

Heating can be achieved by immersing the holding pieces in a water bath, placing them in a low temperature oven, or even using a hair dryer. The plate 10 is then malleable while retaining a certain rigidity allowing the manipulation of the parts.

The parts are put in place in the housings of the liner and are fixed by anti-gripping means.

The liners are then placed in the shells.

The user puts on the ski boots, and tightens them with a medium tightening effort ensuring a distribution of the pressure of the outer shell on the liner and the foot.

The user walks and performs forward/backward, medial and lateral flexions. This phase lasts a few minutes during which the pieces cool while forming around the external and internal malleolus.

The structure of the support pieces ensures precise positioning of the malleolus in relation to the pieces and an even more precise molding around the internal and external malleolus. The implementation of the grooves further improves this precision.

The ski boots are then ready to use.

If necessary, the holding pieces can be heated again to restart the molding if the first molding is not satisfactory. In addition, the outer contour of the support parts can be modified to further improve the quality of ankle support.

Thanks to these support pieces, the transmission of support from the ankle to the sole of the shoe is optimized. Indeed, each ankle is received and is held between the cups which themselves are held in the shoe. A larger surface between the ankle and the shoe is developed, improving the distribution of stress and the transmission of forces. In addition, comfort is significantly improved.

As explained above, the support parts apply to shoes provided with removable liners such as ski boots, snowboard boots. They also apply to shoes without a removable liner, the support parts are then placed directly in lateral housings formed in the upper of the shoe.

On the , one can see an example of such a shoe 102. In this example it is a hiking shoe, the housings are formed in the upper outside thereof. Only the outer housing 108.1 is visible.
The invention also applies to orthopedic shoes, in particular rehabilitation shoes.

Claims (10)

Holding part intended to be inserted into a housing of a removable inner liner of a shoe or into a housing of a shoe, said holding part (P1) comprising a plate of low-temperature thermosetting resin (10), a layer of low-temperature thermoformable foam (12) characterized in that the plate includes a window (14) located in a substantially central zone of said plate and configured to be placed in line with a malleolus of an ankle. Holding piece according to Claim 1, in which the plate (10) comprises four grooves (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4) passing through the said plate on its thickness, the said grooves extending from the outer edge of the window substantially in a star shape around the window. Holding part according to Claim 2, in which each groove (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4) has a free end (17) of width greater than the average width of the groove (16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4). Holding part according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the grooves have a width of the order of 1 mm. Holding piece according to one of Claims 1 to 4, having an elongated shape in a first direction (Z), the said first direction (Z) being intended to be parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of an ankle. Holder according to Claim 5 in combination with one of Claims 2 to 4, in which two grooves (16.1, 16.2) are arranged on one side of the first direction (Z) and two grooves (16.3, 16.4) are arranged on the other side of the first direction (Z). Holding piece according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the plate (10) is made of polycaprolactone with a surface mass of between 1150 kg/m ² and 1250 kg/m ² . Slipper comprising an upper provided with a first housing (8.1) and a second housing (8.2) located laterally so that the first housing (8.1) faces the external malleolus and the second housing (8.2) faces of the medial malleolus, each housing (8.1, 8.2) containing a holding piece (P1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, and in which the first (8.1) and the second (8.2) housing comprise fastening means of the retaining piece cooperating with fixing means carried by said retaining piece (P1). Boot comprising an outer shell of rigid material and an inner boot according to claim 8, the boot being for example a ski boot. Shoe comprises a sole and an upper, said upper being provided with a first housing and a second housing located laterally so as to be that the first housing faces the external malleolus and the second housing faces the malleolus internal, each housing containing a holding part according to one of claims 1 to 7, and in which the first and the second housing comprising means for fixing the holding part cooperating with fixing means carried by the said holding part .