WO2012111032A1

WO2012111032A1 - Closure belt for motorcycle boot, in particular for motocross boot, and boot with such closure belt

Info

Publication number: WO2012111032A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arnaldo Baggio
Original assignee: Greenstar Hong Kong Limited; Lemans Corporation
Priority date: 2011-02-18
Filing date: 2011-02-18
Publication date: 2012-08-23

Abstract

Closure belt for boots for keeping the first edge (110) of the upper of a boot (102) alongside a second edge (120) when closed. The belt 1 comprises: - a first portion (10) to be secured fixed to the first edge (110) of the upper of a boot (100); - a second elongated portion (20) which is to be secured in a removable way to the second edge. (120) by fastening means arranged therein and is mechanically connected to the first portion (10). According to the invention, the first portion (10) comprises at least two elongated appendices (11, 12) which extend longitudinally according to two different directions X, Y incident the one to the other. The two appendices converge on one another in correspondence to their first extremities (11a, 12a) where they are connected to the second portion (20) and diverge the one from the other in correspondence to their second extremities (11b, 12b) where they are to be secured to different parts of the first edge (110) of the upper. The invention also relates to a motorcycle boot, in particular motocross boot, with such closure belt.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Closure belt for motorcycle boot, in particular for motocross boot, and boot with such closure belt"

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] . Subject of the present invention is a closure belt for motorcycle boots, in particular for motocross boots, and a boot with such closure belt.

[0002] . Advantageously, the closure belt according to the invention is usable, in particular, to improve the closing, the safety and the comfort of motocross boots.

STATE OF THE ART

[0003]. In general, motorcycle boots, in particular motocross boots, have a partially open upper, at front or side, having two separable edges so as to allow easy foot fitting.

[0004] . The closing of the two edges is by means of one or more belts which are stably fastened to one of the two edges and can be overlapped on the other edge and fastened there in a removable way by means of ^' suitable fastening means, e.g. a lever or a Velcro fastener.

[0005] . To ensure adequate boot closing, crucial in the case of motocross due to the stresses which the boots have to withstand,^■ a plurality of closure belts are provided distributed along the length of the upper, from the tibia area as far as the foot area. [0006] . The presence of the belts is also crucial for ensuring the upper adheres correctly to the conformation of the leg and foot, adapting it to the requirements of the user.

[0007], The positioning of such closure belts and relative fastening means can be more difficult in the foot area compared to the tibia area due to the less space at disposal; In particular, the positioning of the fastening means could be complicated close to the sole, because this can create constructional complications in fastening.

[0008] . Furthermore, from an operating viewpoint, the positioning of the fastening means close to the sole, towards the toe area, is not particularly appreciated. This part of the boot is in fact, more than others, subject to stress and- knocks during the use of the boot, in particular in motocross. In this position, the fastening means, besides being a possible encumbrance for the user, increasing the overall dimensions of the boot, can be more easily damaged, with the risk of accidental opening of the corresponding belt.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] . Object of the present invention is to provide a closure belt for motorcycle boots, in particular motocross boots, which allows obtaining an adequate closing of the boot in a constructively simpler way. [0010]. A: further object of the present invention is to provide a closure belt for motorcycle boots, in particular motocross boots, which allows adequately closing the upper in the foot area without requiring the positioning: of fastening means in the proximity of the toe area.

[0011]. A further object of the present invention is to provide a closure belt for motorcycle boots, in particular motocross boots, which ensures easier boot closing.

[0012] . A further object of this invention is to provide a motorcycle boot, in particular a motocross boot, which is constructively easier to make and quicker and safer- to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] . The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the above purposes, are clearly indicated by the contents of the claims shown below and the advantages of same will appear more clearly evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent one or more embodiments which are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limitative in any way, wherein: ·

[0014] . - the figure 1 shows a perspective view of a motorcycle boot, in particular a motocross boot, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, seen ^' on the outer side; [0015]. - the figure 2 shows the boot of figure 1 according to another perspective, seen from the inner side;

[0016] . - the figure 3 shows an enlarged detail of the figure 1 relating to a closure belt according to. the present invention; and

[0017] .. - the figure 4 shows an exploded view of a closure belt according to the present invention, with some parts not shown to better evidence others.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] . The present invention refers to a closure belt for motorcycle boots, in particular motocross boots, and boot with such closure belt.

[0019]. With reference to the attached drawings, generally indicated by 1 is a closure belt for boots according to the present invention, while by 100 has been generally indicated a motorcycle boot, in particular motocross boot, according to the invention.

[0020] . In general, as can be seen in the Figures 1 and 2, a motorcycle boot, and in particular a motocross boot, comprises a sole 101 and a upper 102 stitched to the sole and which extends as far as underneath the knee. Advantageously, the upper has at least a protection plaque 102, located in the front area, as a shin guard.

[0021] . The upper 102 is partially open so as to define a first edge 110 and a second edge 120 which can be separated from one another for easy foot fitting.

[0022]. Preferably, the two edges 110 and 120 can be separated from one another substantially along the entire height extension of the boot, from the tibia area as far as the foot area.

[0023]. As can be seen in the figure 1, the boot 100 has a plurality of closure belts 1, 2 and 3, distributed along the entire height extension of the boot and suitable for keeping the two edges 110, 120 of the upper 102 alongside one another when closed.

[0024] . Each closure belt 1, 2 and 3 is stably fastened to the first edge 110 and can be overlapped on the second edge 120 and there fastened in a removable way by fastening means 131, 132, 133 to keep the two edges 110, 120 of the upper 102 alongside one another when closed.

[0025] . Preferably, as shown in the attached drawings, the first edge 110 (to which the closure belts are secured) can be overlapped at least partially on the second edge 120when closed.

[0026] . According to a general embodiment of the invention, at least one of the above closure belts (indicated by 1 in the drawings) comprises:

[0027]. - a first portion 10 to be secured in a fixed way to the first edge 110 of the upper 102 of the boot 100;

[0028] . - a second elongated portion 20 to be fastened in a removable way to a second edge 120 of the upper by means of fastening means 131 arranged therin and which is mechanically connected to the first portion 10.

[0029]. According to the invention, the above first portion 10 (provided to stably secure the belt to the first edge 110) comprises at least two elongated appendices 11 and 12 which extend longitudinally according to two different directions X, Y incident the one to the other, as shown in detail in the figure 4.

[0030], More in detail, as can be seen in particular in the Figures 2 and 3, the two appendices 11, 12 converge with . one another in correspondence to their, ^' first extremities 11a and 12a, where they are connected to the second portion 20 (provided to secure in a removable way the belt 1 to the second edge 110), and diverge from one another in correspondence to their second extremities ±±u and 12b, where they are destined to be secured to different parts of the first edge 110 of the upper.

[0031] . Functionally, the closure belt according to the present invention allows reducing the number of removable fastening points to the second edge 120 and theretore also the number of corresponding fastening means, without however reducing the number of stable fastening points to the first edge 110.

[ 0032 ] . This way, it is possible to restrict the problems related to the removable fastening of the belt to the second edge (positioning and number of fastening means) without at the same time losing effectiveness as regards the closing of the two edges, effectiveness that increases along with the increase in number and distribution of the stable fastening points.

[ 0033] . In other words, the closure belt 1 according to the invention allows connecting two or more different points of the first edge 110 to a single point of the second edge where the removable fastening of the belt 1 is envisaged.

[0034 ] . Preferably, as shown in particular in the Figures 3 and 4, the two appendices 11, 12 of the first portion 10 join one another in correspondence to their first extremities 11a and 12a, i.e., at the connection point with the second elongated portion 20 of the belt.

[ 0035] . Advantageously, the two appendices 11, 12 of the first portion 10 are made in a single body, e.g., by moulding. In particular, the appendices can be made in a single body with a reinforcement layer and protection destinated to at least partially cover the upper.

[0036] . Advantageously, the closure belt 1 according to the invention can also comprise more than two appendices, arranged with a radial pattern starting at the connection point with the second portion 20 of the belt and extending along different diverging directions. This way, as the number of appendices increase, so do the number of stable fastening points connected to a single removable fastening point.

[0037] . According to the preferred embodiment shown in the attached drawings, the above first portion 10 of the belt 1 only comprises two elongated appendices 11, 12 which extend longitudinally according to two different directions X, Y incident the one to the other forming a V- shaped body. Such V-shaped body is connected to the second portion 20 in correspondence to an apex 13 and is destined to be secured to the first edge 110 of the upper 102 in correspondence to the two extremities lib, 12b of the appendices 11, 12 opposite the apex 13.

[0038] . Advantageously, the closure belt 1 according to the invention can be fitted in any part of the boot, if necessary to replace all the traditional closure belts.

[0039] . Preferably, as shown in the Figures 2 and 3, the closure belt 1 is used to close the edges 110, 120 in correspondence to the foot area.

[0040] . The belt 1 is secured stably to the first edge 110 of the upper 102 in correspondence to the foot area, in different and distanced points of the upper by means of the second extremities lib, 12b of the two appendices 11, 12 of the first portion 10.

[0041] . Advantageously, the fastening means 131 destined to engage the second portion of the belt 20 are secured to the second edge 120 in correspondence to the foot area, in the proximity of the heel area.

[0042] . This way, positioning the fastening means in the vicinity of the toe area is avoided. The overall dimensions of the boot are thus reduced in the proximity of the toe area, as are the risks of the fastening means being damaged. In fact, as can be seen in the Figures 1 and 2, thanks to the converging appendices 11, 12 of the belt 1 an area 110a of the first edge 110 in the proximity of the toe area can be placed in traction by operating from a position diametrically opposite (i.e., the heel area) by means of the second portion 20.

[0043] . The number of fastening means to be positioned in the proximity of the sole is also reduced.

[0044] . According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, the second portion 20 of the belt 1 (destined to secure in a removable way the belt 1 to the second edge 110) is connected rotationally to the first portion 10 in correspondence to the joining area of the two appendices 11, 12, in such a way that such second portion 20 can be orientated in a variable way with respect to the two appendices 11, 12 of the first portion 10.

[0045] . This way, the second portion 20 can be correctly aligned with the fastening means 131 secured to the second edge 120, e.g., when instep conformation changes.

[0046] . Preferably, the second portion 20 of the belt 1 comprises a toothed tongue 21 susceptible to engage fastening means 131 of the ratchet type starting with one of its free extremities 22.

[0047] . As shown in the figure 4, the second portion 20 can consist of a toothed tongue 21 having, in correspondence to a first extremity 23 (opposite the free extremity 22 intended to be engaged with the fastening means), a protruding pin 24 with an enlarged retention head 25. Functionally, the pin 24 is destined to engage rotationally in a coupling seat 14 obtained in the first portion 10 in correspondence to the joining area of the appendices 11, 12.

[0048] . A fastening means 131 of the ratchet type (known to an expert in the sector) can include in particular:

[0049] . - a base 135 to be fastened stably to the upper;

[0050] . - an operating lever 136, pivotally connected to the base 135 and provided with a tooth 137 suitable for engaging in dragging the toothed tongue 21 so as to transform the pivoting movement of the lever into a translation movement of the tongue with respect to the base 135;

[0051]. - a unidirectional stop element 138, pivotally connected to the base 135 and suitable for preventing a translation movement of the tongue 21 opposed to that set by the operating lever 136.

[0052] . The closure belt for boots according to the invention allows obtaining numerous advantages, some of which have already been previously underscored.

[0053] . The belt 1 allows obtaining an adequate closing of the boot in a constructively simpler way, reducing in particular the number of the fastening means required, the fastening points stable at the first edge being equal.

[0054] . When applied in the foot area, the belt 1 according to the invention allows adequately closing the upper in the foot area without requiring the positioning of fastening means in the proximity of the toe area.

[0055] . The reduction in the number of the fastening means made possible by the belt 1 according to the invention also allows simplifying and speeding up boot closing .

[0056]. A motorcycle boot, in particular for motocross, which adopts one or more closure belts according to the invention is constructively simpler to make and more immediate and safer to use. [0057] . The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the set objects.

[0058], Obviously, it may also assume, in its practical realisation, different shapes and configurations with respect to that shown above without, because of this, moving outside the present protection ambit.

[0059]. Furthermore, all the parts can be replaced by technically equivalent elements and the dimensions, the shapes and the materials used may be any according to need.

Claims

1. Closure belt per motorcycle boo.ts, in particular motocross boots, comprising:

- a first portion (10) to be secured fixed to a first edge (110) of the upper of a boot (100);

- a second elongated portion (20) which is to be fastened in a removable way to a second edge (120) of the upper by fastening means arranged therein and is mechanically connected to said first portion (10), said closure belt (1) being arranged to keep said first edge (110) alongside said second edge (120) in closing, characterised in that said first portion (10) of the belt (1) comprises at least two elongated appendices (11, 12) extending longitudinally according to two different directions (X, Y) incident the one to the other, said two appendices (11, 12) converging on each other in correspondence to their first extremities (11a, 12a) where they are connected to said second portion (20) and diverging the one from the other in correspondence to their second extremities (lib, 12b) where they are to be secured to different parts of the first edge (110) of the upper.

2. Closure belt according to the claim 1, wherein said at least two appendices (11, 12) of the first portion (10) join one another in correspondence to their first extremities (11a, 12a).

3. Closure belt according to the claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least two appendices (11, 12) of the first portion (10) are made in a single body and are joined together in correspondence to their first extremities (11a, 12a) .

4. Closure belt according to the claim 2 or 3, wnerein said second portion (20) of the belt (1) is connected rotationally to said first portion (10) in correspondence to the joining area of said at least two appendices (11, 12) , in such a way that said second portion (20) can be orientated . in a variable way with respect to said appendices (11, 12).

5. Closure belt according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion (10) of the belt (1) comprises only two elongated appendices (11, 12) extending longitudinally according to two different directions (X, Y) incident the one to the other forming a V-shaped body, said_. V-shaped body being connected to said second portion (20) in correspondence to the apex (13) and being destined to be secured to the first edge (110) of the upper in correspondence to the two extremities (lib, 12b) opposite the apex (13) .

6. Closure belt according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (20) of said belt (1) comprises a toothed tongue (21) susceptible _. to engage fastening means of the ratchet type starting from one of its free extremities (22) .

7. Motorcycle boot, in particular motocross boot, comprising:

- a partially open upper (102) having a first edge (110) and a second edge (120) separable the one from the other so as to allow easy foot fitting;

- at least a closure belt (1), which is stably secured to said first edge (110) and can be overlapped on said second edge (120) and fastened there in a removable way by fastening means (131) to keep the two edges (110, 120) of the upper (102) alongside one another in closing,

characterised in that said at least one closure belt (1) is according to one or more of the preceding claims.

8. Boot according to the claim 7, wherein said closure belt (1) is stably secured to the first edge (110) of the upper (102) in correspondence to the foot area and said fastening means (131) are secured to said second edge (120) in correspondence to the foot area, in the proximity of the heel area.

9. Boot according to the claim 8, wherein said closure belt (1) is stably secured to the first edge (110) of the upper (102) in different points by means of the second extremities (lib, 12b) of said at least two appendices (11, 12).