U.S. patent application number 10/392039 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-23 for mechanism of tying of shoes circumferentially embracing the foot within the shoe.
Invention is credited to Csorba, Julius.
Application Number | 20040181972 10/392039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32987816 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040181972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Csorba, Julius |
September 23, 2004 |
Mechanism of tying of shoes circumferentially embracing the foot
within the shoe
Abstract
The invention is the mechanism of tying of footwear using one or
more girth laces, which are led in predetermined directions around
the foot across the instep of the shoe and through the sole of the
shoe. Eyelets are located at the ends of the girth laces. The usual
lace is wound through these and any other eyelets of the shoe. By
tying up the tying mechanism, the girth laces slide around the foot
and, together with the usual lace (if used), circumferentially
embrace the foot within the shoe.
Inventors: |
Csorba, Julius; (Kosice,
SK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JULIUS CSORBA
RUZINA 258
OKRES LUCENEC
98552
SK
|
Family ID: |
32987816 |
Appl. No.: |
10/392039 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/14 20130101;
A43B 11/00 20130101; A43B 7/1495 20130101; A43C 1/00 20130101; A43C
11/12 20130101; A43B 23/0265 20130101; A43B 13/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/050.1 |
International
Class: |
A43C 011/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A mechanism of tying of a shoe, comprising (a) at least one
girth lace; and (b) at least one layer of an instep of the shoe,
the girth lace is led around the foot across the instep of the
shoe; or between layers of the instep of the shoe; or through the
instep of the shoe, and through a sole of the shoe, whereby by
tying the girth lace, the girth lace embraces the foot within the
shoe through the instep of the shoe and the sole of the shoe.
2. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 1, comprising
an outer coat, whereby the outer coat is joined with the sole of
the shoe and covers the girth lace.
3. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 1, further
comprising means for directing the girth lace (i) across the instep
of the shoe; or (ii) between layers of the instep of the shoe; or
(iii) through the instep of the shoe.
4. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 1, wherein the
girth lace is also led through a part of the shoe located under or
below the foot and which is not the sole of the shoe.
5. A mechanism of tying of a shoe, comprising (a) at least one
upper lace; (b) at least one girth lace; (c) at least one eyelet;
and (d) at least one layer of an instep of the shoe, the girth lace
is led around the foot across the instep of the shoe; or between
layers of the instep of the shoe; or through the instep of the
shoe, and through a sole of the shoe, and the eyelet is attached to
the girth lace, and the upper lace is wound through the eyelet,
whereby by tying the upper lace, the upper lace pulls the eyelet,
and the eyelet strains the girth lace, and the girth lace together
with the upper lace embrace the foot within the shoe through the
instep of the shoe and the sole of the shoe.
6. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 5, comprising
an outer coat, whereby the outer coat is joined with the sole of
the shoe and covers the girth lace.
7. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 5, further
comprising means for directing the girth lace (i) across the instep
of the shoe; or (ii) between layers of the instep of the shoe; or
(iii) through the instep of the shoe.
8. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 5, wherein the
girth lace is also led through a part of the shoe located under or
below the foot and which is not the sole of the shoe.
9. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 5, comprising
five pairs of the girth laces, three pairs of the girth laces are
led around the instep of the foot, one pair of the girth laces is
led around the instep of the foot and the heel of the foot, and one
pair of the girth laces is led around the heel of the foot and over
the tip of the heel of the foot.
10. A mechanism of tying of a shoe, comprising (a) at least one
upper lace; (b) at least one girth lace; (c) at least two eyelets;
and (d) at least one layer of an instep of the shoe, the eyelets
are joined with the girth lace, the girth lace is led from one
eyelet (i) across the instep of the shoe; or (ii) between layers of
the instep of the shoe; or (iii) through the instep of the shoe,
and around the heel of the foot (i) across the heel part of the
instep of the shoe; or (ii) between layers of the heel part of the
instep of the shoe; or (iii) through the heel part of the instep of
the shoe, and across the instep of the shoe; or between layers of
the instep of the shoe; or through the instep of the shoe, and
through the sole of the shoe, and up to the other eyelet joined
with the girth lace, (i) across the heel part of the instep of the
shoe; or (ii) between layers of the heel part of the instep of the
shoe; or (iii) through the heel part of the instep of the shoe,
whereby by tying the upper lace, the upper lace pulls the eyelets,
and the eyelets strain the girth lace, and the girth lace together
with the upper lace embrace the foot within the shoe through the
instep of the shoe and the sole of the shoe.
11. A mechanism of tying of a shoe, comprising (a) at least one
upper lace; (b) at least one girth lace; (c) at least one layer of
the instep of the shoe; (d) at least one eyelet; and (e) at least
one frame located within the sole of the shoe, the girth lace is
led around the foot across the instep of the shoe; or between
layers of the instep of the shoe; or through the instep of the
shoe, and through the sole of the shoe, and the girth lace is
attached to the frame, and the eyelet is attached to the girth
lace, and the upper lace is wound through the eyelet, whereby by
tying the upper lace, the upper lace pulls the eyelet, and the
eyelet strains the girth lace, and the girth lace pulls at the
frame and pushes other parts of the sole of the shoe, and the girth
lace together with the upper lace embraces the foot within the shoe
through the instep of the shoe, the frame and other parts of the
sole of the shoe.
12. A mechanism of tying of a shoe, comprising (a) at least one
girth lace; and (b) at least one layer of the instep of the shoe,
the girth lace is led around the foot across the instep of the
shoe; or between layers of the instep of the shoe; or through the
instep of the shoe, and through a heel part of a sole of the shoe,
whereby by tying the girth lace, the girth lace embraces the foot
within the shoe through the instep of the shoe and the heel part of
the sole of the shoe.
13. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 12, wherein
the girth lace is also led through a part of the shoe located under
or below the foot and which is not the sole of the shoe.
14. A mechanism of tying of a shoe according to claim 12, further
comprising (a) at least one upper lace; and (b) at least one
eyelet, the eyelet is attached to the girth lace, the upper lace is
wound through the eyelet, whereby by tying the upper lace, the
upper lace pulls the eyelet, the eyelet strains the girth lace, and
the girth lace together with the upper lace embrace the foot within
the shoe through the upper part of the shoe and the heel part of
the sole of the shoe.
15. An improvement of the mechanism of tying of a shoe, comprising
(a) at least one girth lace; and (b) at least one sole structure,
the sole structure is made of a material which is either less
flexible or more flexible than the rest of the sole, and the sole
structure is located within the sole of the shoe, and the shape of
the sole structure, in the part of the sole of the shoe where the
girth lace is located, is different from the shape of the sole
structure, in the part of the sole of the shoe where the girth lace
is not located, whereby the sole structure provides for different
flexibility of the part of the sole of the shoe where the girth
lace is located, than is the flexibility of the part of the sole of
the shoe where the girth lace is not located.
16. An improvement of the mechanism of tying of a shoe according to
claim 15, wherein the sole structure has at least one channel, and
the girth lace is led through the channel in the sole structure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention pertains to the area of construction,
manufacture and use of different kinds of footwear. The invention
regards the efforts of footwear manufactures to provide their
customers with footwear, which to the maximum extent snugly and
closely fits to the feet of the same size, regardless of the
individual proportions of the particular foot.
[0002] When making purchase decisions, customers frequently
consider the criteria of snug fit of the footwear and comfortable
feeling of their feet. Further, some customers prefer footwear
which more intensely closes and stiffens their feet in the
footwear.
[0003] Footwear manufacturers try to achieve the snug fit of the
foot in the shoe by use of materials and features of various
properties and shapes. However, these cannot be individualized to
the particular foot and only in some cases are adjustable to the
actual shape of the foot.
[0004] To achieve the improved fit, the footwear manufacturers
normally use shoe-easers, arch supporters, shoe upholstery,
shoe-sock, anatomically shaped shoe-sole and internal parts of the
shoe, and other similar means. However, such means are designed for
the proportions of an average foot. In addition, such means are
frequently almost equally flexible in all directions and tend to
subdue to the pressure of the foot, they do not efficiently prevent
the undesired movements of the foot within the shoe.
[0005] Even in cases when the internal part of the sole of the shoe
is ergonomically shaped, it cannot equally correspond to the
individual proportions and equally fit to the feet of all people
with the same size of foot.
[0006] Because of various individual proportions of feet of people
with their feet of the same size, the contact between the foot and
the shoe is frequently unequally close within the shoe and the shoe
may still be variously loose and tight in different parts of the
shoe. Since the foot tends to move within the unfitting shoe to
looser areas, this causes deformation of the shoe and the foot, and
the feeling of discomfort of the foot in the shoe.
[0007] The usual footwear-tying mechanism and the usual
construction of footwear, to a certain degree, limit the ability of
the manufacturers to provide their customers with the footwear with
a notably improved fit.
[0008] In the usual footwear, the lace is normally located at the
top of the shoe, at the upper part of the instep of the shoe. In
the usual mechanism of tying of footwear by a lace, by pulling at
the lace, the eyelets draw together the sides of the instep of the
shoe to the central upper part of the shoe. During this process,
the sole of the shoe is being, relative to the structure of joining
of the instep with the sole of the shoe and shape of the foot,
slightly stretched and/or bent by the pull of the instep of the
shoe at the edges of this sole.
[0009] Use of the usual footwear tying mechanism frequently results
in an increased tension and contact between the shoe and the foot
in the upper part of the instep of the shoe, whereas the remaining
parts of the footwear are relatively loose compared to this area.
The usual tying mechanism of footwear does not fully embrace the
foot around the girth of the shoe and, particularly in the area
near the edges of the sole of the foot, it does not significantly
reduce the space gap between the foot and the shoe, even when the
lace is being tied hard. This is so primarily because the usual
tying mechanism does not generate the sufficient embracing power
around the whole circumference of the shoe. The tying power is not
specifically directed into the girth sections, as it is the case
with the invented tying mechanism. The relative stiffness of the
sole of the shoe, which may be difficult to overcome by the usual
tying mechanism, may contribute to the insufficient embrace of the
foot within the shoe.
[0010] One of the differences between the invention and the usual
tying mechanism is that the usual tying mechanism does not directly
tie up and lock the heel of the foot within the shoe. The heel of
the foot is normally enclosed in the heel part of the shoe by the
shape of the heel part of the shoe supported by the sole of the
shoe drawn up by the instep of a tied-up shoe. The usual tying
mechanism does not embrace the heel of the foot together with the
shoe to the extent provided by the invention.
[0011] The invented tying mechanism aims to achieve the improved
fit of footwear to the feet which have the same size but different
individual proportions.
[0012] While there are many footwear tying systems or mechanisms,
none that the Applicant is aware of has the construction or
operates as the one provided in the Application. According to the
knowledge of the Applicant, none of the footwear manufacturers has
so far manufactured or sold the footwear with the tying mechanism
described in the Application.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention is the tying mechanism of footwear. The
invention requires new construction and structure of the footwear.
The invention provides customers with closer and more comfortable
fit of the footwear to their feet, resulting in the improved
coordination of movements between the foot and the shoe and an
increased control of the foot over the movements of the shoe.
[0014] The invention improves the fit of the footwear primarily by
(i) the use of girth laces, which, together with the upper lace,
circumferentially embrace the foot through the shoe, including the
sole of the shoe; and (ii) adding the heel section of the shoe to
the area controlled by the upper lace by means of the girth
laces.
[0015] The invention embraces and locks the heel of the foot in the
shoe by means of the girth laces (e.g. see FIGS. 4, 3, 5, 11 and an
indication of the girth sections in FIG. 14). By adding the heel
section to the area closely controlled by the upper lace through
the girth laces, the invention allows the user to control tying of
the shoe to a substantially larger extent with regard to the
toe-to-heel distance.
[0016] The invention is aimed at improvement of comfort and snug
fit of the shoe by increasing the area of equally close contact
between the foot and the shoe. When the footwear is being tied up,
the invented tying mechanism adjusts itself to the proportions of
the user's foot by taking the exact girth measures of the foot in
the individual girth sections of the tying mechanism. Therefore,
the footwear with the invented tying mechanism is more capable to
snugly fit to the particular foot than the footwear using the usual
footwear-tying mechanisms. This results in the improved
coordination of movements between the foot and the shoe and
capability of the footwear to better follow the movements of the
foot than the footwear with the usual tying mechanism.
[0017] In contrast with the usual tying mechanisms, the invention
tailors the shape of the foot in all selected girth sections of the
shoe. The invention provides for equal tension in the girth
sections of the foot, which are tied-up and controlled by the same
upper lace.
[0018] The improved coordination of movements helps to prevent
injuries of the user and his feet by uniting the foot with the
footwear and, if used in sports footwear, may enhance sports
performance.
[0019] The user may let loose the individual girth laces by
omitting the respective eyelets by the upper lace.
[0020] The girth laces are led down one side of the shoe instep,
through the sole of the shoe and up the other side of the shoe
instep. Channels, rings, etc., which maintain the girth laces in
place and direct the girth lace across the instep of the shoe (see
FIGS. 4, 3, 25 and 1), are firmly attached to the instep of the
shoe in order to secure embracing of the foot and the shoe in the
selected directions. The outer coat (see FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) covers
and protects the invented tying mechanism.
[0021] Tying of the shoe around the foot may be divided into any
practicably possible number of girth sections. Therefore, the
invented tying mechanism encompasses also the use of the girth
laces additional to those described or drawn in the Application, or
directed in other directions than are those drawn in the
Application. The girth laces are controlled by the upper lace wound
through the eyelets usually located at the ends of the girth laces.
The eyelets may be formed by the girth laces (e.g. see FIGS. 1, 2
and 26), or the invention may use separate pieces of eyelets
attached to the girth laces. The upper lace may be wound through
these and any other eyelets of the shoe (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4).
[0022] The girth lace is usually operated by two eyelets, i.e. one
eyelet at each end of the girth lace. However, a single eyelet at a
side may be used to strain two or more girth laces (i.e. one eyelet
pulls several girth laces).
[0023] Another possibility of use of the invention (the minimal
option) is the use of a single girth lace with only one eyelet at
one of its two ends. The other end of the girth lace is firmly
attached to the instep of a shoe. An ordinary eyelet (i.e. one
firmly located at or firmly attached to the instep of the shoe)
would be used instead.
[0024] Tying of the upper lace draws up the eyelets, with which the
girth laces are joined. This movement strains the girth laces,
which slide within or around the shoe and, together with the upper
lace, embrace the foot by the shoe in the whole circumference.
During this process, the space gaps between the foot and the
internal part of the shoe are being reduced primarily in the area
of the girth sections, i.e. where the girth laces are located. The
areas of the girth sections shown in FIG. 14 are often crucial for
the fit of the shoe to the foot. As a result, the contact between
the foot and the shoe becomes closer.
[0025] The invention provides for equal tension in all girth
sections controlled through the girth laces by the same upper lace.
In order to provide for various tensions in the girth sections, the
invented tying mechanism may use two or more upper laces, each of
the upper laces controlling a set of girth laces.
[0026] By reducing space gaps and making closer the contact between
the foot and the shoe, the invention helps to reduce the undesired
movements of the foot within the shoe and enables the user to enjoy
closer contact and control of movements of the shoe by the
foot.
[0027] The invented tying mechanism also ties up and locks the heel
of the foot in the shoe. The girth laces may be positioned in the
heel part of the shoe as shown in FIG. 5. The girth laces may cross
each other at the back of the heel of the shoe as depicted in FIGS.
3, 4 and 11. These girth laces cross in the area below the Achilles
tendon, at or around the tip of the back of the heel of the foot
(see FIGS. 14 and 16). To improve locking of the heel of the foot
in the shoe, the cushions located in the heel area of the shoe may
be used to fill in the space (the anatomical depression) between
the anklebone and the lower part of the heel of the foot on both
sides of the foot (see FIGS. 14, 15 and 16). The girth laces led in
the heel part of the shoe, when strained, push the cushions into
this area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0028] FIG. 1 provides view of the invention from the above, with
removed Outer Coat and several channels and girth tubes.
[0029] Numeral 1 indicates the round profile girth lace, numeral 3
the girth tube of the appropriate shape. The loops of the pairs of
the girth laces sticking out of the girth tubes serve as the
eyelets, through which the upper lace (numeral 7) is wound. Numeral
14 indicates the ordinary eyelet. Numeral 8 indicates the Inner
Coat and numeral 26 the tongue of the shoe. Numeral 13 indicates
the channels firmly attached to the Inner Coat, through which are
led the Girth Tubes with the girth laces.
[0030] FIG. 2 provides view of the invention from the above.
Numeral 9 indicates the Outer Coat, which, in this case, uses
zipper. Numeral 8 indicates the Inner Coat, numeral 1 the girth
lace, numeral 14 the ordinary eyelet. Numeral 13 indicates the
channels firmly attached to the Inner Coat, in which are located
the Girth Tubes with the girth laces. Numeral 7 is the upper lace
and 26 is the tongue of the shoe.
[0031] FIG. 3 is the view of the invention from the back, with the
Outer Coat removed. This figure shows one of several possible ways
of crossing of the girth laces at the heel part of the shoe. The
girth laces are located in the Girth Tubes. Numeral 8 indicates the
Inner Coat, numeral 12 the Sole. Numeral 13 indicates the channels
through which the Girth Tubes are led. Numeral 3 indicates the
Girth Tubes.
[0032] FIG. 4 provides the partial side view of the invention, with
the Outer Coat removed. This view shows possible channeling of the
girth laces and the Girth Tubes in the heel part of the Shoe.
Numeral 8 indicates the Inner Coat, numeral 13 the channels for the
Girth Tubes, numeral 3 the Girth Tubes, numeral 5 the grooves in
the Upper Layer of the Sole, in which the Girth Tubes are placed.
Numeral 10 indicates the Upper Layer of the Sole, 11 the Lower
Layer of the Sole. Numeral 39 indicates the area where the Outer
Coat is attached between the two layers of the Sole.
[0033] FIG. 5 provides the outline of the full side-view of the
Shoe, with removed some of the channels for the Girth Tubes.
Numeral 9 indicates the Outer Coat, numeral 8 indicates the Inner
Coat, numeral 3 the Girth Tubes for the girth laces, numeral 13 the
channels for the Girth Tubes, numeral 5 the grooves in the Upper
Layer. Numeral 10 indicates the Upper Layer, numeral 11 the Lower
Layer.
[0034] FIG. 6 is the side view of the Shoe. The dashed lines
(numeral 27) indicate the girth sections. The Outer Coat (numeral
9) covers the Upper Layer of the Sole. Numeral 11 indicates the
Lower Layer of the Sole. Numeral 39 indicates the place where the
Outer Coat is joined between the two layers of the Sole.
[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the possible use of the Y-shaped
stripe-profile girth laces. In FIG. 7, the Y-shaped stripe-profile
girth lace is the first from the left, in FIG. 8 it is the second
from the left. Numeral 2 indicates the stripe-profile girth laces,
numeral 6 indicates the grooves in the Upper Layer for the
stripe-profile girth laces. Numeral 8 indicates the Inner Coat; 10
the Upper Layer; and 11 the Lower Layer.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows the Upper Layer of the Sole. Numeral 10
indicates the Upper Layer, numeral 5 indicates the grooves in the
Upper Layer.
[0037] FIG. 10 is the side-view of the Upper Layer and the Lower
Layer. Numeral 10 indicates the Upper Layer; numeral 11 the Lower
Layer. Numeral 5 indicates the grooves in the Upper Layer.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows the pair of the girth laces, which is nearest
to the back of the heel of the Shoe. This Figure outlines possible
direction of these girth laces across the heel part of the Inner
Coat. The girth laces cross in the area at or around the tip of the
heel of the foot. The Inner Coat is "unwrapped". Numerals 14
indicate the ordinary eyelets which are nearest to the heel of the
Shoe. Numeral 8 indicates the Inner Coat; numeral 1 indicates the
girth laces; numeral 10 indicates the Upper Layer of the Sole;
numeral 11 indicates the Lower Layer of the Sole.
[0039] FIG. 12 outlines the structure located in the Sole,
providing for different sectional flexibility of the Sole in the
areas where the girth laces are located. Numeral 16 indicates this
structure; numeral 2 indicates the stripe-profile girth laces led
through the Sole.
[0040] FIG. 13 indicates the areas where are located the
stripe-profile girth laces in the above FIG. 12.
[0041] FIG. 14 shows possible location of the girth sections
vis--vis the foot. Numeral 41 indicates the girth sections; numeral
29 indicates the instep of the foot; 30 is the heel; 31 is the tip
of the heel; 32 is the big toe; 33 is the ball of the big toe; 40
is the arch of the foot; 28 is the anklebone; and 35 is the area of
the anatomical depression between the anklebone and heel.
[0042] FIG. 15 roughly outlines the area of depression between the
anklebone and heel (numeral 35).
[0043] FIG. 16 is the view of the heel of the foot from the back.
Numeral 35 indicates the area of depression between the anklebone
and heel on both sides of the foot, where may be located the
cushions improving locking of the heel of the foot within the Shoe,
pressed into the depression areas by the surrounding girth
laces.
[0044] FIG. 17 indicates the stripe of an anti-abrasive material
(numeral 15), which may be used to cover the loop formed by a pair
of the girth laces serving as an eyelet.
[0045] FIG. 18 shows the same stripe put on the pair of the girth
laces.
[0046] FIG. 19 is the stripe-profile girth lace (num. 2) led
through the stripe-profile Girth Tube (num. 4).
[0047] FIGS. 20 and 21 show the Upper Layer of the Sole with
grooves for the stripe-profile Girth Tubes (num. 6). Numeral 10 is
the Upper Layer; 11 is the Lower Layer.
[0048] FIG. 22 is the outline of the circumferential tying of the
shoe. Numeral 7 indicates the upper lace; 14 the eyelet at the end
of the girth lace; 1 is the girth lace, 10 is the Upper Layer; 11
is the Lower Layer; and 8 is the Inner Coat. The girth lace
together with the upper lace form a circle for the circumferential
embrace of the foot within the shoe.
[0049] FIGS. 23 and 24 show the structure inserted in the Sole,
which is used to provide for different sectional flexibility of the
Sole in the areas where the girth laces are located (num. 17).
[0050] FIG. 23 shows this structure from the above, FIG. 24
provides a profile view. This particular type of the sole structure
has channels, through which the girth laces are led. Numeral 1
indicates the round profile girth laces; numeral 2 the
stripe-profile girth laces; numeral 42 the channels in the sole
structure for the round profile girth laces; and numeral 43 the
channels in the sole structure for the stripe-profile girth
laces.
[0051] FIG. 25 shows the rings, which may replace the channels at
the Inner Coat. Similar to the channels, these rings (num. 18)
direct the girth laces across the instep of the Shoe in the
predetermined directions.
[0052] FIG. 26 shows the stripe-profile girth lace (num. 2) through
which the upper lace (num. 7) is wound. Numeral 44 indicates the
sewn-up end of such girth lace, which serves as an eyelet for the
upper lace.
[0053] FIG. 27 shows the girth laces (num. 1) joined with the Frame
(24) located within the Sole. In this case, two parallel axles form
the Frame. In this case, the tying mechanism embraces the foot
within the shoe, save for the area between the two axles. Numeral 1
indicates the girth laces; numeral 37 indicates the places where
are joined the girth laces with the axles.
[0054] FIGS. 28 and 29 outline possible alternative leading of the
girth lace (num. 1) through the lower part of the Shoe. In these
cases, the girth lace is not led only through the sole of the Shoe,
but its direction is diverted so that it leads also through other
parts of the Shoe. Num. 10 is the Upper Layer; num, 11 is the Lower
Layer; num. 8 is the Inner Coat. In FIG. 29, num. 45 indicates the
arch supporter located in the Shoe.
[0055] FIG. 30 shows some of the alternative methods of tying of
the Shoe. The shown methods do not use the usual lace as the upper
lace.
[0056] The stripe-profile girth laces (num. 2), are tied by the
upper lace, which is in this case a stripe of Velcro (19).
[0057] Num. 20 is the version not using any upper lace, in which
the stripe-profile girth lace is tied by Velcro. Num. 22 is the
version not using any upper lace, in which the stripe-profile girth
lace is tied by a buckle or by a hook. Num. 23 indicates the
hook.
[0058] FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 show some of the possible shapes of the
Frame located within the Sole. Numeral 12 indicates the Sole,
numeral 24 indicates the Frame.
[0059] FIGS. 34 and 35 show possible adjustment of the Inner Coat.
Parts of the Inner Coat are removed (num. 25) in order to provide
for easier embracing effect of girth lace(s) led across this area
of the Shoe.
[0060] FIG. 36 shows the round-profile girth lace (num. 1) placed
in the round-profile Girth Tube (num. 3).
[0061] FIG. 37 (Drawing Sheet number 8/17) shows the girth laces
attached within the Sole to the Frame (num. 24), which, in this
case, is a single axle. Numeral 12 indicates the Sole; numeral 1
indicates the girth laces. Numeral 37 indicates the place where the
girth laces are joined with the Frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0062] The invention is the mechanism of circumferential tying of
footwear, requiring the new construction and structure of the
footwear. The circumferential tying of footwear is carried out in
the selected girth sections of the footwear. The invented tying
mechanism uses one or more girth laces and another lace, which is
usually located at the top of the footwear and is operated in the
usual manner (upper lace). The upper lace strains the girth laces
and completes the circuit of the circumferential tying (see FIGS.
1, 2 and 22).
[0063] On the other hand, the usual mechanism of tying of footwear
uses only the upper lace wound through the eyelets at the instep of
the shoe. The usual tying mechanism is sometimes improved by
stripes, which are led from the eyelet to the sole of the shoe and
are usually sewn onto the instep of the shoe.
[0064] The purpose of the invention is to provide customers with an
improved, closer fit of the footwear to their feet. The closer fit
results in the closer coordination of movements between the foot
and the shoe and an increased control of the shoe by the foot. In
general, this improves comfort and safety of users of the footwear.
The customer is in control of the tension of the tying
mechanism.
[0065] The girth laces together with the upper lace embrace the
foot in the whole circumference of the footwear, including the sole
of the shoe. The upper lace, through the girth laces, also controls
tying of the heel section of the shoe (e.g., see FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5,
11 and 14).
[0066] The foot and the shoe get closer by tying the upper lace,
which is wound through the eyelets of the shoe. Some or all of the
eyelets are attached to the girth laces loosely positioned around
the foot, usually within the shoe, including the sole of the shoe.
The girth laces are led from the eyelet down the instep of the
shoe, through the sole of the shoe and up the other side of the
instep of the shoe to the other eyelet. The girth laces together
with the upper lace embrace and bring together the shoe and the
foot when the shoe is tied up by the upper lace (e.g. see FIGS. 24
and 1). The shoe may use any practically possible number of the
girth laces.
[0067] In contrast with the usual mechanism of tying of footwear,
the invention improves tying of footwear in two principal ways.
These are the mechanism of circumferential (girth) embracing of the
foot within the shoe, and the expansion of the tying mechanism's
area of control by adding the heel section of the shoe to the area
controlled by the tying mechanism (see FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 11, 14, 15
and 1).
[0068] The invented tying mechanism embraces the heel of the foot
together with the shoe and locks the heel of the foot in the shoe
by means of the girth laces. For example, the two pairs of the
girth laces on the right side of FIG. 5 pull up the heel section of
the sole of the shoe to the heel of the foot, and help to maintain
the contact of the heel of the foot with the heel of the shoe.
[0069] The invention may be applied in the footwear for
conventional, usual purposes (e.g. walking shoes, high shoes
(boots)) and the footwear for sports (e.g. cleats, trainers, shoes
for running, jogging, fitness, football, basketball, climbing,
cycling, hiking, ice hockey, roller-skating, etc.). The invention
may also be applied in special footwear (e.g. motorbike boots,
military boots).
[0070] The process or method of manufacture of the invention is any
process which leads to incorporation of the invention in any kind
of footwear. The below description of the process of manufacture of
the invention provides for one of the simplest methods of its
manufacture allowing to demonstrate the operation and effect of the
invention. The invention may become incorporated in footwear also
by using other methods or other processes of manufacture.
[0071] Please note that the description below provides only the
basic version and several alternative versions, in which the
invention may be applied. The versions of the invention are
submitted to illustrate but not to limit the invention.
[0072] Unless otherwise provided herein, the Application does not
deal with the usual or obvious methods or means, which are commonly
used in the footwear manufacturing industry to improve the fit of
footwear, such as upholstery, perforations, materials, design,
shape, etc. Among other things, the Application describes and shows
several ways in which the invention may be incorporated in the
footwear.
Basic Cersion--Round Profile Girth Laces Forming Pairs
[0073] This version is the preferred version of manufacture of the
invention. The footwear in which the invention is incorporated
("Shoe") has the sole ("Sole") which is composed of two layers--the
upper layer of the Sole ("Upper Layer") and the lower layer of the
Sole ("Lower Layer"). The Sole is made of rubber, but it may also
be made of any other suitable material used for manufacture of
soles in the footwear manufacturing industry. The Lower Layer is to
be in contact with the ground during the use of the Shoe.
[0074] First, the Upper Layer has to be processed by any method to
create grooves in the Upper Layer, in which the Girth Tubes (see
below), with the girth laces in them, will be placed (see FIGS. 9,
10, 20 and 21). The grooves must be appropriately wide and deep to
take in the Girth Tubes with the girth laces in them.
[0075] Second, the channels made of fabric or other appropriate
material are sewn onto the outer side of the internal layer of the
instep of the Shoe, which will be in immediate contact with the
instep and heel of the foot ("Inner Coat"). The location of these
channels must correspond to the location of the grooves in the
Upper Layer (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0076] Third, the Inner Coat is joined with the Upper Layer in any
manner appropriate in the footwear manufacturing industry for
joining the instep of the shoe with the sole of the shoe.
[0077] Four, there need to be prepared the flexible tubes long
enough to lead from the upper mouth of the channel on the Inner
Coat (see step Second above), down this channel, through the groove
in the Upper Layer and up the channel on the other side of the
Inner Coat ("Girth Tubes"). The Girth Tubes are used in order to
provide for the smooth sliding of the girth laces.
[0078] Five, the individual girth laces, which embrace the foot in
the Shoe, are put into the Girth Tubes as shown in FIG. 36. Then,
the Girth Tubes are led through the channels on the outer side of
the Inner Coat and placed in the grooves in the Upper Layer. After
that, the Girth Tubes are firmly attached (e.g. glued) into the
grooves in the Upper Layer by any method which allows smooth
movement of the girth laces in the Girth Tubes.
[0079] Six, in order to prevent the damage to the invented tying
mechanism caused by mud, grit or any other material, the Girth
Tubes, the girth laces and the grooves of the Upper Layer are
covered by a layer of flat covering material ("Outer Coat") closely
adhering to the Shoe (see FIGS. 2, 5 and 6).
[0080] The edges of the Outer Coat may be glued or otherwise
attached to the Upper Layer (with the Girth Tubes already placed in
its grooves) below the level of the Girth Tubes placed in the Upper
Layer (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In this case, the edges of the Outer
Coat will be eventually located between the Upper Layer and the
Lower Layer. The Outer Coat may be closed at the instep of the shoe
by any means, e.g. zipper, Velcro, lace, etc. (e.g. see FIG.
2).
[0081] Seven, the Lower Layer is joined with the Upper Layer by
gluing or any other suitable method used in the footwear
manufacturing industry. However, it is important to ensure that the
Girth Tubes will not be misshaped, deformed, clogged or otherwise
damaged in the process of joining the Lower Layer with the Upper
Layer, which would prevent smooth movement of any of the girth
laces in the Girth Tubes.
[0082] Eight, the girth laces are firmly joined together at their
ends by sewing or any other appropriate method, to form the round
shapes--the pairs of the girth laces. The pairs of the girth laces
are operated by pulling at the loop at each end of such joined
pair, which serves as an eyelet (see FIGS. 1 and 2). However, to
prevent early abrasion of the eyelet, e.g. a stripe of an
anti-abrasive fabric or other suitable material may be sewn up and
put on the girth laces to cover that part of the pair of the girth
laces which serves as an eyelet (see FIGS. 17 and 18).
[0083] Nine, the upper lace is wound through the eyelets located at
the ends of the girth laces and through any other eyelets of the
Shoe (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0084] In the heel part of the Sole, the Girth Tubes may be
positioned approximately as depicted in FIG. 5. At the back of the
heel part of the Inner Coat, the Girth Tubes may cross in the
channels laying one over another, or as shown in FIG. 3. These
Girth Tubes cross each other below the Achilles tendon, in the area
of the Shoe around or at the tip of the heel of the foot (see FIGS.
14 and 16).
[0085] At the sides of the heel part of the Shoe, these girth
laces, when strained, help to fill in the anatomical depression
between anklebone and heel and to lock the heel of the foot in the
Shoe. Ergonomically shaped cushions located in the heel part of the
Shoe may be used to help to improve this effect. In such event, the
girth laces located in the heel part of the shoe, when strained,
push the cushions into this area.
Version with Other Types of the Girth Lace
[0086] Instead of the round-profile girth lace, the stripe-profile
girth lace ("Stripe") may be used in the invented tying mechanism
(see FIGS. 19, 7 and 8). These types of the girth lace (together
with any other suitable profile of the girth laces) may be used in
various combinations in the same pair of Shoes.
[0087] Each Stripe may be tied by a single eyelet at each end of
the Stripe (e.g. see FIG. 26).
[0088] In the process of manufacture of this version of the
invention, the grooves in the Upper Layer have to be appropriately
wide and deep to take in the girth lace of the particular profile
placed in the Girth Tube of corresponding shape (see FIGS. 19, 20
and 21).
[0089] The advantage of the basic version of the invention (in
comparison with this version of the invention using Stripes) is
that the pairs of the round-profile girth laces, when led in the
predetermined girth sections, provide for more equal, better
tension on both edges of the girth section (each taken care of by
one round-profile girth lace of the pair), than is the tension on
the edges of the Stripes.
Version without Channeling the Girth Laces through the Sole
[0090] It is possible to avoid leading the girth laces through the
Sole by leading the girth laces through any other part of the Shoe,
which, in strictly technical terms, would not be considered the
sole of the shoe, but would be still located under the foot. Such
version of the invention can also achieve the embracing effect of
the circumferential tying of footwear (e.g., see FIGS. 28 and
29).
Version with More than 1 Upper Lace
[0091] In this version of the invention, the girth laces are
divided into 2 or more sets, each of the sets to be tied by a
separate upper lace. This version allows to apply different tension
for the individual sets of the girth laces.
Version with the Upper Lace other than Lace
[0092] It is not necessary to use the usual lace as the upper lace.
Alternatively, other means of tying of footwear, such as Velcro,
brace, buckle, clamp, belt, band, hook, sling, strap, slip, tape,
clip, etc. may be used as the upper lace (e.g., see FIG. 30 using a
stripe of Velcro as the upper lace).
Version without the Upper Lace
[0093] Another version of the invention is the use of a strap,
band, belt or any other means capable of embracing the foot within
the Shoe around the whole circumference of the Shoe. Such girth
lace capable of embracing the foot within the Shoe in the entire
circumference would render the upper lace unnecessary. Such means
of embracing the foot in the Shoe would be tied by a buckle or by
any other suitable means. For examples, see FIG. 30.
Version with an Additional Heel-Component
[0094] The heel section of the Sole may be improved by the use of a
cushion or cushions designed to help to lock the heel of the foot
within the Shoe by filling in the anatomical depressions between
the anklebone and the heel on both sides of the foot (see FIGS. 14,
15 and 16).
Version with the Y-Shaped Stripe(s)
[0095] In this version, the shape of the Stripe is modified into
"Y" shape, which allows to tie a wider area of the Shoe by pulling
at one eyelet attached to an end of the Y-shaped Stripe (e.g., see
FIGS. 7 and 8).
Version with the Girth Laces Firmly Attached within the Sole
[0096] In this version of the invention, the girth lace does not go
through the Sole from one side of the Shoe to another, but is
firmly attached to a place within the Sole.
[0097] In this version of the invention, the girth lace is attached
to a place within the Sole, e.g. onto an axle or other structure
located in the Sole ("Frame") (see FIG. 37 on the Drawing Sheet
number 8/17, and FIGS. 27, 31, 32 and 33). The Frame may be made of
any suitable material and may have various shapes, not limited to
those shown in the above Figures.
[0098] Even this version of the invention allows to utilize the
embracing effect of the invented tying mechanism, because the girth
laces embrace the foot in the entire circumference of the Shoe, as
is the case shown in FIG. 37 (Drawing Sheet number 8/17), or the
girth laces embrace the foot in the circumference of the Shoe, save
for the area enclosed by the Frame (see FIGS. 31, 32 and 33).
[0099] The embracing effect of the invention increases as the
location of the Frame moves closer to the center of the Sole. The
embracing effect gradually reduces when the place where the girth
lace is attached to the Frame moves from the central part of the
Sole closer to the line underneath the edge of the foot on the side
of this girth lace. In such case, the part of the entire embracing
effect which is generated by leading the girth laces through the
Sole is not used and becomes approximately equal to that of the
usual tying mechanism. However, it still would be possible to
utilize the portion of the total embracing effect caused by leading
the girth laces in the girth sections across the instep of the
Shoe.
Version with Shortened or no Girth Tubes
[0100] As an alternative to the Girth Tubes covering the girth
laces in their entire length, the Girth Tubes may cover the girth
laces in a shorter part of their length. In the instep part of the
tying mechanism, the girth laces may be led (without being covered
by the Girth Tubes) through the channels, rings or other similar
means, which are attached to the Inner Coat and direct the girth
laces around the Shoe (see FIG. 25).
Version with High Shoes
[0101] The girth laces used for tying the heel section of the Shoe
may be also led over or above the anklebone, if the invention is
applied in sufficiently high shoes.
Version with Inserted Sole Structure
[0102] Together with the invention, a structure, as e.g. shown in
FIG. 12 or 23, may be located within the Sole. This structure would
be made of a material of different flexibility than is the
flexibility of the material of the rest of the Sole. Because of its
different flexibility, location and shape (and, in some cases,
because of location of its branches), such structure would enable
to achieve varying sectional flexibility of individual parts of the
Sole.
[0103] This structure can be located between the Upper Layer and
Lower Layer. This sole structure may form a set of channels through
which the girth laces are led (see FIGS. 23 and 24).
Versions with Improved Girth Tubes
[0104] The Girth Tubes may be manufactured with various sectional
flexibility. This may alter the distribution of the embracing
effect of the tying mechanism around the foot.
Versions with Eyelet Variants
[0105] To form an eyelet, any means capable of serving as an eyelet
may be attached to the girth laces. The eyelet may be attached to
the end of the girth lace as well as to other parts of the girth
lace.
Version with Altered Channeling of the Girth Lace
[0106] In this version of the invention, the girth lace is led not
only through the Sole, but also through other parts of the shoe
located below or under the foot, as for example depicted in FIGS.
28 and 29.
Types of the Girth Lace
[0107] The girth lace may be any means capable of embracing the
foot within the Shoe, such as the usual lace, strap, brace, band,
belt, rope, tape, etc., made of fabric, leather, plastic or any
other suitable material. The girth laces may be flexible,
inflexible, or made of a blend of flexible and inflexible
materials. The girth lace may be entirely flexible or flexible only
in individual sections or portions.
[0108] After completion of the process of manufacture described
above, the shoes may be put on the foot and tied up by pulling at
the upper lace in the manner usual with the usual tying mechanism.
By tying up the upper lace, the girth laces are drawn by the
attached eyelets and slide in the Girth Tubes around the foot. The
girth laces together with the upper lace circumferentially embrace
the foot in the Shoe.
* * * * *