U.S. patent application number 12/256219 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for boot with improved tightening of upper.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Louis Cabanis.
Application Number | 20090100717 12/256219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39493721 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100717 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cabanis; Louis |
April 23, 2009 |
BOOT WITH IMPROVED TIGHTENING OF UPPER
Abstract
A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending
length-wise from a heel to a front end, and height-wise from the
sole to an upper end, the boot having an opening for foot
insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion, as
well as a tightening device, the tightening device including a
first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections of the
linkages to the upper. The first linkage runs from one portion to
the other, in the area of the instep. The second linkage passes
through an initial sliding connection located on one of the
portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection
located on the other portion, then extends along the upper by going
around the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to
arrive at a fixed end connection located on that of the portions
which carries the initial connection.
Inventors: |
Cabanis; Louis; (Rumilly,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.S.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
39493721 |
Appl. No.: |
12/256219 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/116 ; 36/115;
36/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/0411 20130101;
A43C 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/116 ; 36/50.1;
36/115 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/04 20060101
A43B005/04; A43C 11/00 20060101 A43C011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 23, 2007 |
FR |
07.07410 |
Claims
1. A boot comprising: an external sole; an upper; a length
extending from a rear of a heel to a front end, and a height
extending from a lower part of the sole to an upper end of the
upper; the upper comprising: an opening for foot insertion; a
lateral portion; a medial portion; a tightening including a first
linkage, a second linkage, and connections for securing the
linkages to the upper; the first linkage running from an instep
area of one of the lateral and medial portions to another of the
lateral and medial portions; the second linkage passing through an
initial sliding connection located on one the lateral and medial
portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection
located on another of the lateral and medial portions, then
extending along the upper by extending around the heel, height-wise
between the external sole and the upper end of the upper, and to a
fixed end connection located on the one of the lateral and medial
portions which carries the initial sliding connection.
2. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the tightening device
includes a series of lateral connections, a series of medial
connections, a first intermediate connection located on the lateral
portion of the upper, and an end connection located on the medial
portion of the upper.
3. A boot according to claim 2, wherein: the lateral portion of the
upper has a lateral edge, which demarcates the opening of the upper
in an area of a lateral side; the lateral connections are affixed
to the upper in the area of the lateral edge; the medial portion of
the upper has a medial edge demarcating the opening of the upper in
an area of a medial side; the medial connections are affixed to the
upper in the area of the medial edge; the first intermediate
connection is located height-wise between the lateral sole and the
opening; the end connection is located between the external sole
and the opening.
4. A boot according to claim 3, wherein: a first of the lateral
connections is located in a vicinity of the upper end of the boot;
a remainder of the lateral connections successively extend in a
direction toward the front end; a first of the medial connections
is located in a vicinity of the upper end of the boot; a remainder
of the medial connections successively extend in a direction toward
the front end; length-wise, the first intermediate connection is
arranged between the upper end and the front end; and length-wise,
the end connection is at a front of the heel.
5. A boot according to claim 3, wherein: height-wise, the first
intermediate connection is located between the sole and the lateral
edge; and height-wise, the end connection is farther from the sole
than the intermediate connection, but not as far from the sole as
the first medial connection.
6. A boot according to claim 2, wherein: the series of lateral
connections successively includes a first connection, a second
connection, a third connection, and a fourth connection, the
lateral connections being sliding connections; the series of medial
connections successively includes a first connection, a second
connection, a third connection, and a fourth connection, the first,
second, and third medial connections being sliding connections, the
fourth connection being fixed.
7. A boot according to claim 6, wherein: the first linkage
successively extends through the first lateral connection, the
second medial connection, the third lateral connection, the third
medial connection, and the fourth lateral connection, and then
arriving at the fourth medial connection; the second linkage
successively extends through the first medial or initial
connection, the second lateral connection, and then the first
intermediate connection, and then arriving at the end
connection.
8. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the initial sliding
connection and the end connection are arranged on the medial
portion of the boot.
9. A boot according to claims 6, wherein: the fixed fourth
connection is arranged below the lacing zone and on a side of the
front end.
10. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the first linkage
includes a lace strand; the second linkage includes a lace strand
extended by a strap.
11. A boot according to claim 1, further comprising: a mechanism
for fastening the boot to a sports apparatus.
12. A boot according to claim 1, further comprising: a flap for
covering a lower portion of the opening.
13. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the opening is structured
and arranged to expand farther when the linkages are loose,
compared to prior art boots.
14. A boot according to claim 1, wherein: the upper comprises a top
portion extending above a wearer's ankle, and a bottom portion; at
least the upper comprises a flexible material; the first and second
linkages are adapted to be selectively moved to a tightened state
and a slackened state; at least flexibility of the flexible
material of the top portion of the upper, coupled with the second
linkage being in the slackened state, comprise means for expanding
the opening for foot insertion, whereby the flexible material of
the top portion of the upper flexes rearwardly during said
slackened state of the second linkage.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
of French Patent Application No. 07 07410, filed on Oct. 23, 2007,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an article of footwear, i.e., a
boot, and, particularly, a sports boot, and more particularly to a
boot adapted for skiing, walking, or any of a plurality of other
activities, including sports activities.
[0004] Such boots can be used in fields such as cross-country
skiing or telemark skiing, walking or running on flat terrain or in
mountainous areas, mountaineering, snowboarding, snowshoeing,
roller skating, skateboarding, cycling, ball-playing sports, and
the like.
[0005] 2. Description of Background and Other Information
[0006] A boot can have a low upper or a high upper. A boot can also
be relatively flexible or more rigid. In any case, however, the
user's foot should be adequately supported. Indeed, good foot
support in the upper results in a more efficient use.
[0007] For example, adequate support in a flexible boot, such as
boots used in cross country skiing, facilitates the transmission of
sensory information or the rolling movement of the foot. A device
for tightening the upper is adapted to support the user's foot,
especially in the area of the instep.
[0008] Conventionally, a tightening device includes a linkage, such
as a lace, on the one hand, and connections for the linkage/lace to
the upper. These connections are defined as keepers that are
associated with lateral and medial portions or quarters of the
upper. The lace follows a path along which it runs alternatively
from one quarter to the other. Thus, it suffices to pull on the
lace to bring the quarters closer together and to tighten the
upper. Then, blocking the lace keeps the upper tightened.
[0009] One objective that a good tightening device must achieve is
holding the foot in its entirety inside the boot. In other words,
ill-timed movements of the foot within the boot, especially in the
area of the heel, should be avoided.
[0010] Indeed, when the foot moves in the upper, in the area of the
heel or elsewhere, the sensory information or steering forces (if
the boot is used in connection with a ski or snowboard, e.g.) are
transmitted less precisely. Consequently, one's performance,
especially in sports, is adversely affected.
[0011] Moreover, repeated foot movements in the upper can translate
into friction that causes injuries to the foot.
[0012] To improve foot support in the upper, known tightening
devices have been intended to increase the tightening efficiency.
For this reason particularly, laces slide minimally in the keepers,
thereby facilitating the tensioning of the boot. As a consequence,
the foot is more tightly held in the area of the instep and/or in
the area of the metatarsus. This means that the foot is biased
toward the sole with greater force.
[0013] However, known boots have been found to provide incomplete
foot support. Unwanted foot movements are often observed in the
area of the heel.
[0014] In addition, putting on or removing such boots is not always
easy.
[0015] In other words, the comfort of a boot, and the ability to
adequately support a boot, particularly during use in various
sports environments, remains important and desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In view of the above, the invention provides for a more
comfortable boot, whether considered in a static mode or in a
dynamic mode. Indeed, it is desirable for the user, whether at rest
or in motion, to have pleasant sensations, such as those generated
when cross-country skiing, walking, or while engaged in other
activities.
[0017] In addition, the invention improves foot support in the boot
or, in other words, the invention reduces, or even eliminates
ill-timed foot displacements in the boot.
[0018] Further, the invention improves putting on and removing the
boot, in the sense that it is desirable to facilitate the passage
of the foot into or out of the upper.
[0019] To this end, the invention provides a boot including a sole
and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a heel to a front
end, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having
an opening for foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a
medial portion, as well as a tightening device provided to
reversibly reduce the size of the opening, the tightening device
including a first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections
for the linkages to the upper.
[0020] The boot according to the invention includes a first linkage
running from one portion to the other, in the area of the instep,
and the second linkage passes through an initial sliding connection
located on one of the portions, then through a first intermediate
sliding connection located on the other portion, then extends along
the upper by going around the heel, between the sole and the upper
end, so as to arrive at a fixed end connection located on that
portion of the upper that carries the initial connection.
[0021] Each of the linkages is tensioned, and is reversibly kept
tensioned by any known means. For example, the first and second
linkages can include lace strands provided to be tied together. In
this case, each linkage is tightened by manual traction thereon. A
knot then keeps the linkages in tension. Tightening can be equal or
differentiated between the linkages. This is why the tightening
device according to the invention makes it possible to tighten the
instep zone, on the one hand, and the heel zone, on the other hand,
with the desired intensity.
[0022] The tightening device enables a specific distribution of the
tightening on the upper and, therefore, on the user's foot, because
it tightens two zones of the boot, namely that of the instep and
that of the heel.
[0023] The tightening device also enables a better tightening and,
therefore, a better support, in the area of the heel.
[0024] An advantage resulting from the above is good foot support.
Indeed, movement of the foot within the boot is either eliminated
or rendered insignificant. As a result, the transmission of sensory
information and steering forces is improved.
[0025] Another advantage associated with the tightening device is
the consequence of the tightening action. Indeed, a dual phenomenon
is observed when the linkages are loosened. The lateral and medial
portions of the upper move apart in the area of the instep, and the
top portion of the upper, plumb with the heel, can bend, or flex,
rearward in the area of the opening.
[0026] This means that the opening expands further when the two
linkages are loosened, compared to known boots of the prior
art.
[0027] As resulting advantage, it is much easier to put on and
remove the boot, because there is increased space for passage of
the foot.
[0028] Generally speaking, the boot according to the invention
offers greater comfort, whether in static mode or in dynamic mode,
i.e., whether the wearer is in motion or not.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
be better understood from the description that follows, with
reference to the annexed drawings showing, by way of non-limiting
examples, how the invention can be embodied, and in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a boot according to a
first embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a view, similar to FIG. 1, showing a device for
tightening the boot upper;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view, in the context of
FIG. 2, showing the path followed by the linkages of the tightening
device;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a side view of the boot as schematically shown in
FIG. 3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the boot of FIG. 3, in the
case in which the tightening device is not tightening the
upper;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic view, similar to FIG. 5, in the case
in the which the tightening device is tightening the upper;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of a boot according to a
second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The first embodiment described hereinafter relates more
particularly to boots intended for the practice of cross-country
skiing or telemark skiing. However, the invention applies to other
fields, such as those mentioned above.
[0038] A first embodiment is described hereinafter with reference
to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, a cross-country ski boot is provided to
receive the user's foot.
[0040] As known, the boot 1 includes an upper 3 and an exterior
sole 2, i.e., a walking sole. The boot 1 extends lengthwise from a
rear end 4, or heel, to a front end 5, or tip, and width-wise
between a lateral side 6 and a medial side 7.
[0041] As shown, the upper 3 includes a lower portion 10, provided
to surround the foot, as well as a top portion 11, provided to
surround the ankle. However, an upper could be envisioned to have
only a lower portion, i.e., the boot thereby having a low
upper.
[0042] According to the first embodiment being described, the boot
1 extends height-wise from the bottom surface of the sole 2 to an
upper end 12, i.e., up to the free end of the top portion 11 of the
upper 3.
[0043] The boot 1 is structured so as to enable proper bending of
the leg, i.e., to enable a good rolling movement of the foot, as
well as the transmission of sensory information and steering
forces. Thus, the upper 3 is relatively flexible. The sole can be
relatively rigid, for example, for performing skating steps, as in
cross-country skiing, or it can be much more flexible, for example
for performing alternative steps.
[0044] As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the boot 1 includes a
lateral portion 15 and a medial portion 16. The portions 15, 16
include quarters that are adapted to cover the foot.
[0045] The portions 15, 16 are affixed to the sole by means of any
of a number of known techniques, such as an adhesive, stitching, or
an equivalent technique. The portions 15, 16 are arranged such that
the boot 1 has an opening 17 for inserting the foot. The opening 17
extends from the upper end 12 toward the front end 5, to a front
region, such as that shown in the drawing. On the side of the upper
end 12, the opening 17 has an upper subdivision 18 adapted to allow
the foot to pass through, and also to surround the ankle after the
boot has been fully inserted within the boot. The opening 17 has a
lower subdivision 19 that enables the size of the opening and the
size of the fitting volume to vary in the area of the instep,
between the upper end 12 and the front end 5. The upper 18 and
lower 19 subdivisions of the opening 17 are continuous with one
another, i.e., the upper and lower subdivisions communicate with
each other to create a single foot insertion/removal opening
17.
[0046] The upper 3 additionally includes a tongue 20, which is
arranged between the lateral 15 and medial 16 portions of the
upper, in the area of the lower subdivision 19 of the opening 17,
in order to provide the upper 3 with continuity between the lateral
and medial portions. However, in a particular alternative
embodiment, the tongue could be omitted, in which case, the
portions 15, 16 can remain separate, perhaps in abutment when
closed, or superimposed, such as overlapping. Alternatively, the
lateral and medial portions of the upper could be transversely
connected via a gusset.
[0047] In addition, and as an optional feature, the boot 1 includes
a flap 25 provided to reversibly cover all or part of the lower
subdivision 19 of the opening 17. The flap 25 extends from one
portion 15, 16 to the other to improve the imperviousness of the
boot.
[0048] According to the first embodiment, the flap 25 is fixedly
connected to the medial portion 16. A reversible closure 26 makes
it possible also to affix the flap 25 to the lateral portion 15.
For example, the reversible closure 26 includes a slide fastener,
such as a zipper. However, any other structure known in the art for
such purpose could be provided to obtain the closure. For example,
a series of snap fasteners could be used.
[0049] The boot 1 further includes a tightening device 30, provided
to reduce the size of the opening reversibly. In other words, the
tightening device 30 makes it possible to tighten the upper 3
reversibly, i.e., selectively tighten or loosen the upper.
[0050] As can be understood particularly with reference to FIGS. 3
and 4, the tightening device 30 includes first and second linkages
31, 32, or laces, as well as connections 33 to 42, connecting the
linkages to the upper 3. Such connections, as described further
below, can be either connections by which the linkage is fixed
relative thereto (referred to as a fixed connection) or by which
the linkage can slide relative thereto as the wearer tightens or
loosens the linkage (referred to as a sliding connection).
[0051] According to the invention, the first linkage 31 runs from
one portion 15, 16 of the upper to the other in the area of the
instep, i.e., in the area of the lower subdivision 19 of the
opening 17, and the second linkage 32 passes through an initial
sliding connection 37 located on one of the portions 15, 16 of the
upper, then through a first intermediate sliding connection 41
located on the other portion of the upper, and then extends along
the upper 3 by going around the heel 4, between the sole 2 and the
upper end 12 of the boot, to arrive at a fixed end connection 42
located on that portion of the portions 15, 16 that carries the
initial connection 37.
[0052] This structure makes it possible to apply a reversible
tightening of the upper 3, toward the instep, in the area of the
subdivision 19 of the opening 17, on the one hand, and around the
heel or the ankle, i.e., toward the rear end or heel 4, on the
other hand. In other words, it is possible to adjust the tightening
on the user's foot selectively. This makes it possible, for
example, to take into account the morphology of the wearer or the
need for support or the desired comfort.
[0053] More precisely, with particular reference to FIG. 3, the
tightening device 30 includes a series of lateral connections 33 to
36. This series itself successively includes a first connection 33,
a second connection 34, a third connection 35, and a fourth
connection 36. The particular number of connection in the
illustrated embodiment is non-limiting. Although there are four
connections in this case, it could be otherwise, as a series can
have more or less than four connections.
[0054] The lateral connections 33 to 36 are arranged on the lateral
portion 15 of the upper of the boot 1. More specifically, the
lateral portion 15 has a lateral edge 50, which demarcates the
opening 17 in the area of the lateral side 6. The lateral
connections 33 to 36 are affixed to the upper 3 in the area of the
edge 50. The first connection 33 is located in the vicinity of the
upper end 12 of the boot, near the intersection of the subdivisions
18, 19 of the opening 17. The other lateral connections here,
namely, the second 34, third 35, and fourth 36 connections, extend
successively toward the front end 5 and away from the upper end 12
of the boot.
[0055] All of the lateral connections 33 to 36 are sliding
connections. As such, as will be further described below, each
lateral connection 33 to 36 includes a closed keeper. It is shown
that such a keeper enables a linkage 31, 32 to slide through, while
maintaining the latter in the area of the connection. One or
several of the connections could alternatively be provided to
include an open keeper or a hook. The latter also enables the
linkage to slide, while also allowing the linkage to be separated
from upper temporarily from such connections.
[0056] Similarly, the tightening device 30 includes a series of
medial connections 37 to 40. This series itself successively
includes a first connection 37, a second connection 38, a third
connection 39, and a fourth medial connection 40. Once again, the
number of connection in the illustrated embodiment is not limiting
to the invention. There are four connections according to the
embodiment shown, but this number could more or less than four.
[0057] The medial connections 37 to 40 are arranged on the medial
portion 16 of the boot 1. More specifically, the medial portion 16
has a medial edge 51, which demarcates the opening 17 in the area
of the medial side 7 of the upper. The medial connections 37 to 40
are affixed to the upper 3, in the area of the edge 51. The first
connection 37 is located in the vicinity of the upper end 12 of the
upper 3, i.e., near the intersection of the subdivisions 18, 19 of
the opening 17. The other medial connections, in this case the
second 38, third 39, and fourth 40 connections, extend successively
toward the front end 5 and away from the upper end 12 of the
boot.
[0058] The first 37, second 38, and third 39 medial connections are
sliding connections, whereas the fourth connection 40 is fixed.
Once again, the sliding connections 37 to 39 include a closed
keeper, although an open keeper can be used. With respect to the
fixed connection 40, as further described below, the connection 40
permanently affixes the linkage 31 to the upper 3. According to the
first embodiment, the connection 40 fixes the linkage 31 to the
upper 3 by means of stitching. However, adhesive, crimping,
knotting, or any equivalent expedient could alternatively be
provided. The fixed connection 40 is arranged below the lacing
zone, or at the end of the lacing zone, and toward the front end
5.
[0059] Although the tightening device 30 is mainly located along
the edges 50, 51 of the lower subdivision 19 of the opening 17, the
tightening device 30 further includes a first intermediate
connection 41, the function of which is described hereinafter. This
connection 41 is located on the lateral portion 15, according to
the first embodiment. More specifically, the intermediate
connection 41 is located, height-wise, between the sole 2 and the
opening 17, i.e., between the sole 2 and the lateral edge 50. The
intermediate connection 41 is therefore farther from the lateral
edge 50 than the lateral connections 33 to 36. This also means that
the intermediate connection 41 is closer to the sole 2 than the
lateral connections 33 to 36. Length-wise, the intermediate
connection 41 is arranged between the upper end 12 and the front
end 5 of the boot. According to the first embodiment of the
invention, the intermediate connection 41 is longitudinally located
between the first connection 33 and the fourth connection 36, for
example, in the area of the third connection 35, or between the
third connection 35 and the fourth connection 36, i.e., in the
front end region of the lacing zone.
[0060] The intermediate connection 41 is a sliding connection, in
the sense that it enables the linkage 32, or lace, to slide.
According to a first embodiment, the intermediate connection 41
includes a keeper, which is closed, but could alternatively be
open.
[0061] The tightening device 30 finally includes an end connection
42, which is a fixed connection. The function of this connection 42
is further described hereinafter. This end connection 42 is located
on the medial portion 16 according to the first embodiment. In
fact, the intermediate connection 41 and the end 42 connection are
located on two opposite portions 15, 16, respectively, of the
upper, one of which is lateral and the other medial.
[0062] Height-wise, the end connection 42 is located between the
sole 2 and the opening 17, i.e., between the sole and the upper end
12. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4, the end connection 42 is
height-wise farther from the sole 2 than the intermediate
connection 41, but not as far from the sole as the first medial
connection 37. It can also be said that the end connection 42 is
positioned substantially at the intersection between the lower
portion 10 and the top portion 11 of the upper 3.
[0063] Length-wise, the end connection 42 is at the front of the
heel 4, or in the front region of the heel, but rearward of the
lateral connections 33 to 36 and the medial connections 37 to 40.
In fact, the end connection 42 is plumb with the upper subdivision
18 of the opening 17, i.e., vertically below the upper end of the
opening 17. However, the connection 42 could alternatively be
provided to be further forward, for example plumb with the first
medial connection 37, or even farther forward.
[0064] Now that the arrangement of the connections 33 to 42 has
been explained, the paths of the linkages 31, 32, as well as their
actions, will be described.
[0065] With reference particularly to FIGS. 2 to 4, the first
linkage 31 includes a lace strand 55 that is made using any known
technique, and from any appropriate material. For example, the lace
55 can comprise interweaved synthetic and/or natural fibers.
[0066] The first linkage 31 extends between a free end 56, provided
to be reversibly biased in traction or in tension, and a fastening
end 57. The first linkage 31, or lace 55, is provided to tighten
the top of the upper 3. To this end, the first linkage 31 runs from
one portion 15, 16 of the upper to the other. According to the
first embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner, the first linkage
31 or lace strand 55 successively extends through the first lateral
connection 33, the second medial connection 38, the third lateral
connection 35, the third medial connection 39, the fourth lateral
connection 36, and then arrives at the fourth medial connection 40.
Because the fourth medial connection 40 is fixed, as shown, the
first linkage 31 is attached thereto via its fastening end 57. At
the front of the lacing zone, the linkage 31 slides in all of the
other connections 33, 35, 36, 38, and 39. Thus, by pulling on its
free end 56 by hand, for example, the first linkage 31 is tensioned
up to its fastening end 57. Consequently, the lateral 15 and medial
16 portions of the upper are biased toward one another, at least in
the area of their respective edges 50, 51. This means that the
tension of the first linkage 31 tightens the upper 3 around the
foot, in the area of the instep, along the series of lateral
connections 33 to 36 and medial connections 37 to 40. Loosening of
the tension exerted on the first linkage 31 causes the upper 3 to
become loosened.
[0067] The second linkage 32 includes, for example, a lace strand
60 that is extended by a strap 61. Here again, the lace 60 can
comprise interweaved synthetic and/or natural fibers. The strap 61
can be formed, for example, from a band that includes fibers, or a
flexible synthetic material.
[0068] The second linkage 32 extends from a free end 62, provided
to be reversibly biased in traction or in tension, up to a
fastening end 63. The second linkage 32 is provided to tighten the
rear of the upper 3, in the area of the heel 4. To this end, the
second linkage 32 runs from an upper portion 15, 16 to the same
portion by extending around the heel 4. It can also be said that
the second linkage 32 extends around the upper 3, beneath the upper
subdivision 18 of the opening 17 for inserting the foot. According
to the first embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner, the second
linkage 32 successively extends through the first medial connection
37, the second lateral connection 34, the first intermediate
connection 41, and then arrives at the end connection 42. Because
the end connection 42 is fixed, the second linkage 32 is attached
thereto via its fastening end 63. The linkage 32 slides in all of
the other connections 34, 37, and 41. The first medial connection
37 is the initial connection for the travel of the second linkage
32. Thus, by pulling on its free end 62 by hand, for example, the
second linkage 32 is tensioned up to its fastening end 63.
Consequently, the heel 4 is tightened between the sole 2 and the
upper subdivision 18 of the opening 17. This means that the tension
of the second linkage tightens the upper 3 around the foot, in the
area of the heel. The tightening of the second linkage 32 biases
the foot toward the front of the boot. Indeed, the first
intermediate linkage 41 is a return, in the sense that, due to its
location on the upper, it directs the tension exerted on the
linkage 32 toward the front. The tightening of the second linkage
32 also biases the heel toward the sole 2. Indeed, the end
connection 42 is farther from the sole 2, height-wise, than the
first intermediate connection or return 41. Thus, in a path between
the heel 4 and the intermediate connection 41, the second linkage
32 is inclined. In fact, the second linkage 32 descends toward the
sole 2, from the heel 4 to the return 41. As a result, the second
linkage 32 biases the heel 4 of the boot, and thereby the user's
heel, toward the front end 5 as well as toward the sole 2. This
enables good support of the heel in the boot. Consequently,
steering forces and sensory information are transmitted with more
accuracy.
[0069] In addition, certain technical details specific to the first
embodiment are described below.
[0070] For example, the lace strand 60 is connected to the strap 61
in the area of a junction 64, which is done by any known technique.
Stitching is suitable; however, adhesive, knotting, or any
equivalent technique can be used. The junction 64 is located
between the first intermediate connection 41 and the end connection
42. However, the junction 64 is in the vicinity of the first
intermediate connection 41. As a result, the strap 61 extends
around the entire heel 4, providing a tightening force that is
distributed better on the upper 3. The tightening is better
distributed especially as the strap 61 is wide with respect to a
lace.
[0071] The end connection 42 is also obtained by means of any known
technique. Although the second linkage 32, more specially the strap
61 in this case, is sewn to the upper 3 to make the end connection
42, one could alternatively or additionally use other techniques,
such as adhesive, welding, knotting, or any equivalent.
[0072] With respect to the path of the second linkage 32, according
to the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 32 passes via the second
lateral connection 34. This passage is an additional guide for the
travel of the second linkage 32, i.e., the travel of the lace
strand 60 in this case. However, this guide 34 is not mandatory. In
fact, the lateral connection 34, i.e., the guide, positions the
second linkage 32 with respect to the first 31, in the area of the
foot insertion opening 17, so as to keep each of the linkages
functioning easily. Indeed, one is prevented from hindering the
other, for example by friction.
[0073] Further, because the boot is adapted selectively to be
affixed or removed from a sports apparatus (such as a ski, for
example), the boot 1 includes a mechanism for fastening thereto,
such as a binding. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the boot 1
includes a first transverse pin 71 and a second transverse pin 72,
arranged in the area of sole 2 toward the front end 5 for
connection to such mechanism or binding.
[0074] Alternatively, only one of the pins 71, 72, or other
fastening member, can be provided for connection to the
mechanism/binding.
[0075] Further still, the boot 1 is shown to include a device 73
for blocking the linkages 31, 32. The device 73 is well-known to
one of ordinary skill in the art, and is therefore not described
here in detail. The device 73 reversibly retains the first 31 and
second 32 linkages to one another, in the area of their respective
free ends 56, 62. The blocking device is not mandatory.
Alternatively, keepers with reversible blocking or a mere knotting
of the free ends 56, 62 could be used to maintain the tension or
the tightening of the linkages 31, 32.
[0076] Consequently, and as can be understood with reference to
FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper 3 can be sometimes tightened and sometimes
loosened.
[0077] In FIG. 5, the linkages 31, 32 are slack, i.e., not
tensioned. Consequently, the edges 50, 51 of the opening are spaced
apart; and the second linkage 32 extends around the heel 4 without
tightening it. Thus, the upper 3. Is loose. Therefore, it is
possible to put on or remove the boot by passing the foot through
the opening 17. Compared with known boots, this operation is
further facilitated due to the fact that the top portion 11 of the
upper is flexible, and that the second linkage 32 is slack. As a
result, the top portion 11 temporarily deforms or flexes toward the
rear, plumb with the heel, in order to further expand the foot
insertion opening 17 when the foot passes through.
[0078] Conversely, in FIG. 6, the linkages 31, 32 are tensioned, as
indicated by the arrows F1, F2 with respect to the tensioning of
the linkages 31, 32. In this case, the edges 50, 51 are closer to
one another; the second linkage 32 extends around the heel 4 and
tightens it. Thus, the upper is tightened. The tightening is
adjusted by the user for the instep, on the one hand, and for the
heel, on the other hand, in order to provide an adapted foot
support, as explained above.
[0079] A second embodiment of the invention is now described with
reference to FIG. 7. For reasons of convenience, the elements
shared with the first embodiment are designated by the same
reference numerals.
[0080] The second embodiment comprises a boot 1 with a tightening
device 30. The tightening device includes a first linkage 31, a
second linkage 32, lateral connections 33 to 36, medial connections
37 to 40, a first intermediate connection 41, and an end connection
42, not shown in FIG. 7 but corresponding to that of the first
embodiment.
[0081] The boot 1 according to the second embodiment is not
provided with a flap, a blocking device, or connection(s) for
fastening the boot to a binding. This boot is adapted, for example,
for walking, or for operating a snowshoe.
[0082] For example, the boot 1 includes an additional connection or
guide 80 for the second linkage 32. This guide is located on the
upper 3, on the lateral side 6, plumb with the upper subdivision 18
of the opening 17. The guide 80 maintains the linkage 32 on its
nominal trajectory.
[0083] The invention is embodied from materials and according to
implementation techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0084] The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments
illustrated and described hereinabove, and encompasses all of the
technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that
follow.
[0085] In particular, in any case, the structure of a tightening
device can be inverted, in the sense that the specific
characteristics associated with a medial side can be applied to a
lateral side, and vice versa.
[0086] The number of various connections, guides, or passages for
the linkages 31, 32, can be increased or decreased.
* * * * *