U.S. patent application number 13/319045 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for closing part for a shoe and corresponding shoe system.
Invention is credited to Alexandre Haouari.
Application Number | 20120110870 13/319045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41403895 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120110870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haouari; Alexandre |
May 10, 2012 |
CLOSING PART FOR A SHOE AND CORRESPONDING SHOE SYSTEM
Abstract
The invention relates to a closing part (1) for a shoe (2) that
includes an upper (3) comprising an open area (5) for facilitating
the insertion of the foot into said shoe (2), said closing part (1)
being designed so as to close said open area (5), said closing part
(1) being characterized in that it comprises a unitary portion
(100) to be attached to said upper (3) by means of at least first
and second zip fasteners provided on either side of said open area
(5), respectively. The invention also relates to a shoe closing
device.
Inventors: |
Haouari; Alexandre;
(Labergement Les Seurre,, FR) |
Family ID: |
41403895 |
Appl. No.: |
13/319045 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
May 7, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2010/050891 |
371 Date: |
January 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/83 ; 12/142R;
36/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/22 20130101;
A43C 1/00 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/83 ; 36/50.1;
12/142.R |
International
Class: |
A43C 11/00 20060101
A43C011/00; A43D 9/00 20060101 A43D009/00; A43B 3/00 20060101
A43B003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 7, 2009 |
FR |
0902202 |
Claims
1. A closing part (1) for a shoe (2), which shoe comprises at least
an upper (3) that includes an open area (5) for facilitating the
insertion of a foot into said shoe (2), said closing part (1) being
adapted for closing said open area (5), said closing part (1) being
characterized in that it comprises a unitary part (100) intended to
be fastened to said upper (3) by means of at least a first and a
second sliding connections provided on either side of said open
area (5), respectively.
2. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the unitary part (100) is adapted for being
removably fastened to said upper (3).
3. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the open area (5) is delimited by at least a
first and a second lateral edges (5A, 5B), to each of which said
unitary part (100) is adapted to be fastened by means of the first
and second sliding connections, respectively.
4. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 3,
characterized in that the unitary part (100) is adapted for being
connected to each of said first and second lateral edges (5A, 5B)
through a male/female coupling.
5. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 3,
characterized in that the unitary part (100) comprises a first and
a second lateral grooves (7A, 7B), and in that the first and second
lateral edges (5A, 5B) comprise a first and a second lateral guides
(6A, 6B), respectively, said first and second lateral grooves (7A,
7B) being adapted for being fastened to said first and second
lateral guides (6A, 6B), respectively, by means of the first and
second sliding connections, respectively.
6. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 5,
characterized in that the lateral grooves (7A, 7B) of the unitary
part (100) have the shape of a laterally open cylinder forming a
female part, whereas the lateral guides (6A, 6B) have a male
cylinder shape
7. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 5,
characterized in that each of said lateral guides (6A, 6B)
comprises at least one tab (10), which tab is intended to be held
in the upper (3), between the inner wall (11) and the outer wall
(12) of the upper (3) delimiting the contour of the latter, wherein
the inner wall (11) is intended to be in contact with the foot,
whereas the outer wall (12) is intended to be oriented toward the
outside.
8. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 5,
characterized in that each lateral guide (6A, 6B) is adapted for
being covered, at least in part, with a textile material (14)
adapted for allowing the holding of said lateral guides (6A, 6B) in
the lateral grooves (7A, 7B) of the unitary part (100).
9. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the unitary part (100) has a U-shape, wherein
each leg (100A, 100B) of the U is adapted for being fastened to
said upper (3) by means of said first and second sliding
connection, respectively.
10. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that it comprises at least one lace (8) adapted
for being fastened to the unitary part (100).
11. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 9,
characterized in that each leg (100A, 100B) of the unitary part
(100) comprises at least one orifice (9), in which said at least
one lace (8) is intended to be introduced.
12. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the unitary part (100) has its own mechanical
strength.
13. A shoe system (40) comprising: a shoe (2), which shoe comprises
at least an upper (3) that includes an open area (5) for
facilitating the insertion of a foot into said shoe (2), a closing
part (1) for a shoe (2) adapted for closing said open area (5), the
closing part (1) comprising a unitary part (100) fastened to said
upper (3) by means of at least a first and a second sliding
connections provided on either side of said open area (5),
respectively.
14. The closing system (40) for a shoe (2) according to claim 13,
characterized in that the upper (3) comprises a first and a second
quarters (23), and in that said shoe (2) comprises, under each of
said quarters (23), a first and a second elastic portions (21),
respectively, adapted for reducing the stresses applied by the
closing part (1).
15. A method for fabricating a shoe system (40) comprising: a step
of fabricating or providing a shoe (2), which shoe comprises at
least an upper (3) that includes an open area (5) for facilitating
the insertion of a foot into said shoe (2), a step of fabricating
or providing a closing part (1) for a shoe (1), adapted for closing
said open area (5) and comprising a unitary part (100), a step in
which the unitary part (100) and the upper (3) are provided with
means adapted for providing at least a first and a second sliding
connections between said unitary part (100) and said upper (3).
16. A method for fabricating a shoe system (40) according to claim
15, characterized in that the step of fabricating or providing the
closing part (1) comprises a sub-step of fabricating the unitary
part (100), by molding of a plastic material.
17. A method for closing a shoe (2), which shoe comprises at least
an upper (3) that includes an open area (5) for facilitating the
insertion of a foot into said shoe (2), said closing method
comprising a step of closing the open area (5) by means of a
closing part (1), said method being characterized in that said
closing part (1) comprises a unitary part (100) intended to be
fastened to said upper (3) by means of at least a first and a
second sliding connections provided on either side of said open
area (5), respectively, and in that the closing step comprises a
sub-step of sliding in which the unitary part (100) is slid with
respect to said upper (3) by means of said first and second sliding
connections.
18. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 2,
characterized in that the open area (5) is delimited by at least a
first and a second lateral edges (5A, 5B), to each of which said
unitary part (100) is adapted to be fastened by means of the first
and second sliding connections, respectively.
19. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 4,
characterized in that the unitary part (100) comprises a first and
a second lateral grooves (7A, 7B), and in that the first and second
lateral edges (5A, 5B) comprise a first and a second lateral guides
(6A, 6B), respectively, said first and second lateral grooves (7A,
7B) being adapted for being fastened to said first and second
lateral guides (6A, 6B), respectively, by means of the first and
second sliding connections, respectively.
20. The closing part (1) for a shoe (2) according to claim 6,
characterized in that each of said lateral guides (6A, 6B)
comprises at least one tab (10), which tab is intended to be held
in the upper (3), between the inner wall (11) and the outer wall
(12) of the upper (3) delimiting the contour of the latter, wherein
the inner wall (11) is intended to be in contact with the foot,
whereas the outer wall (12) is intended to be oriented toward the
outside.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field
of men's and women's wear, in particular the field of foot
protection wear and accessories.
[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to the
technical field of shoes.
[0003] More precisely, the present invention relates to a closing
part for a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper that
includes an open area for facilitating the insertion of a foot into
said shoe, said closing part being adapted for closing said open
area.
[0004] The present invention also relates to a shoe system
comprising: [0005] a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper
that includes an open area for facilitating the insertion of a foot
into said shoe, [0006] a shoe closing part adapted for closing said
open area.
[0007] The present invention further relates to a method for
fabricating a shoe system comprising: [0008] a step of fabricating
or providing a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper that
includes an open area for facilitating the insertion of a foot into
said shoe, [0009] a step of fabricating or providing a shoe closing
part adapted for closing said open area.
[0010] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for
closing a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper that
includes an open area for facilitating the insertion of a foot into
said shoe, said closing method comprising a step of closing the
open area by means of a closing part.
PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is known to use shoes for protecting the foot, in
particular for walking or for any other activity requiring to move
in a standing position. Conventionally, a shoe comprises, on the
one hand, a bottom assembly that forms the bottom portion of the
shoe and that is adapted for protecting the foot from the contact
with the ground, and on the other hand, an upper that forms the top
portion of the shoe and that is adapted for enveloping the foot.
The upper is always open to leave room for the insertion of the
foot into the shoe.
[0012] Furthermore, the shoe often comprises a closing system
adapted for holding the foot in position, once le latter is
inserted in the shoe. For example, the lace-up system is known,
which ensures a good holding of the foot in the shoe. Generally,
the laces are inserted into two series of eyelets arranged
laterally with respect to an opening of the shoe on top of the
upper, above the user's instep.
[0013] While such closing system using laces provides a steady and
efficient holding of the foot in the shoe, it nonetheless has a
number of drawbacks.
[0014] Such closing system is indeed particularly tedious for a
user, which must insert the lace(s) into each eyelet, taking care
to sufficiently pull tight the laces while keeping an appropriate
lace length to finish the lacing up.
[0015] Furthermore, such closing system does not provide simply a
wide opening when the laces are loosened in order to free the foot
from the shoe. Indeed, the lace loosening operation may reveal
particularly long in order to obtain sufficient room for allowing
the exit of the foot.
[0016] Moreover, such closing system does not make it possible to
rapidly change the lace, which may reveal necessary either for
aesthetic reasons, for example for shoe customization, or for
hygienic reasons if the lace is dirty, or for reasons of lace
renewal if the latter is damaged or broken, or for convenience
reasons for children or for old or handicapped persons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The objects assigned to the present invention are therefore
to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a novel
shoe closing part that makes it possible to both close and open
rapidly, simply and steadily the shoe.
[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel shoe
closing part based on the implementation of mechanisms that are
simple and easy to implement.
[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel shoe
closing part that ensures efficient and convenient closing and
opening of the shoe.
[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel shoe
closing part that offers an easier implementation and that ensures
aesthetic and convenient closing and opening of the shoe.
[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel shoe
system that makes it possible to both close and open rapidly,
simply and steadily the shoe.
[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method
for fabricating a shoe system, which implements simple, rapid and
convenient to implement steps of fabrication.
[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a novel method
for closing a shoe, which makes it possible to both close and open
rapidly, simply and steadily the shoe.
[0024] The objects assigned to the present invention are achieved
by means of a closing part for a shoe, which shoe comprises at
least an upper that includes an open area for facilitating the
insertion of a foot into said shoe, said closing part being adapted
for closing said open area, said closing part being characterized
in that it comprises a unitary part intended to be fastened to said
upper by means of at least a first and a second sliding connections
provided on either side of said open area, respectively.
[0025] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by
means of a shoe system comprising: [0026] a shoe, which shoe
comprises at least an upper that includes an open area for
facilitating the insertion of a foot into said shoe, [0027] a shoe
closing part adapted for closing said open area,
[0028] the closing part comprising a unitary part fastened to said
upper by means of at least a first and a second sliding connections
provided on either side of said open area, respectively.
[0029] The objects assigned to the invention are further achieved
by means of a method for fabricating a shoe system comprising:
[0030] a step of fabricating or providing a shoe, which shoe
comprises at least an upper that includes an open area for
facilitating the insertion of a foot into said shoe, [0031] a step
of fabricating or providing a shoe closing part adapted for closing
said open area and comprising a unitary part, [0032] a step in
which the unitary part and the upper are provided with means
adapted for providing at least a first and a second sliding
connections between said unitary part and said upper.
[0033] Finally, the objects assigned to the invention are achieved
by means of a method for closing a shoe, which shoe comprises at
least an upper that includes an open area for facilitating the
insertion of a foot into said shoe, said closing method comprising
a step of closing the open area by means of a closing part, said
method being characterized in that said closing part comprises a
unitary part intended to be fastened to said upper by means of at
least a first and a second sliding connections provided on either
side of said open area, respectively, and in that the closing step
comprises a sub-step of sliding in which the unitary part is slid
with respect to said upper by means of said first and second
sliding connections.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in
greater detail upon reading of the following description, and by
means of the appended drawings, provided in a purely illustrative
and non-limitative way, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a shoe system
comprising a closing part and a shoe, in open position, according
to the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the shoe
system of FIG. 1, in closed position;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a closing
part and a lateral guide according to the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an
enlargement of the area A of FIG. 3;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an embodiment of the
present invention in which the shoe comprises an elastic gore;
[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a shoe
closing part and two lateral guides according to the invention;
[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view showing a particular
embodiment of a lateral guide according to the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial perspective front view showing
the closing part and the lateral guides of FIG. 6, in slidingly
closed position;
[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a closing part comprising
a stop according to the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view showing an enlargement
of the area B of FIG. 6, related to a lateral groove according to
the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 11 is a schematic partial view showing an enlargement
of the area C of FIG. 6, related to a lateral guide according to
the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an
enlargement of the area D of FIG. 1 of a lateral guide according to
the present invention.
BEST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0047] The present invention relates to a closing part 1 for a shoe
2, which shoe comprises at least an upper 3 forming the top portion
of the shoe 2 and adapted for enveloping the foot, and a bottom
assembly 4 forming the bottom portion of the shoe 2, intended to
come into contact with the ground. Preferably, the upper 3 includes
a first and a second quarters 23, intended to be joined to form an
envelope around the foot. The upper 3 comprises an open area 5 for
facilitating the insertion of a human foot into said shoe 2. The
closing part 1 is adapted for closing said open area 5. In other
words, the closing part 1 is adapted for filling the open area 5,
so as to close said shoe 2. Preferably, the open area 5 is located
between the two quarters 23 of the upper 3, on the front and the
top of the latter, as shown in FIG. 1, preferentially from the
forepart 3A of the upper 3.
[0048] Preferably, the shoe 2 is advantageously a versatile sport
shoe of the "basketball" type, for example of the "sneaker" type,
which is substantially supple and adapted to walking or occasional
practice of sport. The upper 3 of the shoe 2 preferentially forms
an envelope comprising at least a first layer, delimited by an
outer wall 12 and an opposite inner wall 11, and made of a common
material for sport shoes, for example leather, fabric or synthetic
material. As an alternative, it is perfectly conceivable that the
upper 3 could be made of any other material adapted to the
protection of the foot and to the practice of walking. Preferably,
the inner and outer walls 11, 12 delimit the contour of said upper
3, wherein said walls 11, 12 preferably delimit several layers of
materials making up said upper 3. Advantageously, the inner wall 11
is intended to be in contact with the foot, whereas the outer wall
12 is intended to be oriented toward the outside.
[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the shoe 2 also comprises a
tongue (not shown), as usually seen on shoes of the market with
laces, said tongues being preferentially fastened at the base 5C of
said open area 5. Preferably, the open area 5 is located at the
forepart 3A of the upper 3.
[0050] The closing part 1 comprises a unitary part 100, i.e. a
single-piece part, fabricated for example by single-piece molding
and that forms a so-called "one-piece" single part. Said unitary
part 100 is intended to be fastened to said upper 3 by means of at
least a first and a second sliding connections provided on either
side of said open area 5, respectively.
[0051] The closing part 1 is thus preferentially held on said upper
3 by means of a fixation allowing a sliding of the part 100 with
respect to the upper 3, so as to close of the shoe 2, in particular
in order to ensure the holding of the foot in position in said shoe
2. Said first and second sliding connections are advantageously
provided on either side of said open areas, respectively, at each
quarter 23 of the upper 3, i.e. each on a different side of the
open area 5 with respect to an axis of main extension (XX') of said
shoe 2 (cf. FIG. 2).
[0052] Advantageously, the unitary part 100 is adapted for being
removably fastened to said upper 3, i.e. it is connected to the
upper 3 in a reversible way, and said upper 3 and the unitary part
10 form two parts independent and separable from each other.
Therefore, the user may advantageously operate at will a connect or
a disconnect of said closing part 1 with respect to the upper 3, by
means of the first and second sliding connections. Indeed, said
first and second sliding connections that connect the closing part
1 and the shoe 2 to each other are reversible connections. It is
therefore possible, at any time, to change the position of the
unitary part 100 with respect to the upper 3, in particular to
fasten or unfasten said unitary part 100 to or from said shoe 2, it
being understood that, once fastened to the shoe 2, the part 100
keeps its degree of freedom in translation with respect to said
shoe 2.
[0053] The open area 5 is preferentially delimited by at least a
first and a second lateral edges 5A, 5B, to each of which said
unitary part 100 is intended to be fastened by means of the first
and second sliding connections, respectively. Preferably, said
first and second lateral edges 5A, 5B correspond to a top
delimitation of the first and second quarters 23 of the upper 3,
respectively (cf. FIG. 5).
[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, said unitary part 100 is
adapted for being connected to each of said first and second
lateral edges 5A, 5B, through a male/female coupling, i.e. through
fitting of a male portion into a female portion, said fitting
however enabling a sliding of said male and female portions
relative to each other.
[0055] Preferably, the unitary part 100 comprises a first and a
second lateral grooves 7A, 7B, preferentially substantially
identical to each other, forming a female part. Moreover,
advantageously, the first and second lateral edges 5A, 5B comprise
a first and a second lateral guides 6A, 6B, respectively,
preferentially substantially identical to each other, forming a
male part (cf. FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 10). The first and second lateral
grooves 7A, 7B are then preferentially adapted for being fastened
to said first and second lateral guides 6A, 6B, respectively, by
means of the first and second sliding connections,
respectively.
[0056] In other words, said lateral grooves 7A, 7B, are adapted for
fitting into said lateral guides 6A, 6B, respectively, such fitting
being reversible and said lateral grooves 7A, 7B being perfectly
independent and separable from said lateral guides 6A, 6B, in
particular by sliding. The closing of said shoe 2 thus
advantageously consists in a mechanical assembly, through insertion
of said grooves 7A, 7B onto said guides 6A, 6B.
[0057] Preferably, the lateral guides 6A, 6B secured to said upper
3 have their own mechanical strength, i.e. they are adapted for
supporting the unitary part 100, so as to stay in position on the
upper 3 despite their fitting with the lateral grooves 7A, 7B.
[0058] Advantageously, the lateral grooves 7A, 7B of the unitary
part 100 have the shape of a laterally open cylinder forming a
female part, whereas the lateral guides 6A, 6B have a male cylinder
shape, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7. In other words, the lateral
grooves 7A, 7B have a partially circular section and slidingly
cover the guides 5A, 5B of circular section. Advantageously, the
diameter of said lateral grooves 7A, 7B is substantially greater
than that of said lateral guides 6A, 6B, so as to enable the
sliding while providing a sufficient friction between said lateral
guides 6A, 6B and said lateral grooves 7A, 7B to ensure the holding
of the shoe 2 in closed position.
[0059] As an alternative, it is also perfectly conceivable, without
departing from the scope of the present invention, that the grooves
7A, 7B and the guides 6A, 6B could have a section of another
complementary shape, for example substantially square, rectangular
or of any geometry, enabling the above-mentioned fitting as well as
a sliding of the grooves 7A, 7B and the guides 6A, 6B relative to
each other.
[0060] Advantageously, the lateral grooves 7A, 7B comprise at least
one sliding stop means, for example a top stop 17 (cf. FIGS. 8 and
9), in the top portion of said groove 7A, 7B. Preferably, the
lateral grooves 7A, 7B slide over the guides 6A, 6B until these
latter reach said top stop 17 that defines the end of the sliding
and the desired position of the closing part 1 on the shoe 2.
Advantageously, the top stop 17 has a length substantially
comprised between 2 and 15 mm, preferably substantially comprised
between 5 and 10 mm. Such a stop thus ensures a reproducible
position of the lateral grooves 7A, 7B on the guides 6A, 6B.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, each of said lateral guides 6A,
6B comprises at least one tab 10, preferably three tabs 10 (cf.
FIGS. 1 and 6), the latter being intended to be held in the upper
3, between the inner wall 11 and the outer wall 12 of the upper 3.
The tabs 10 provide, at least in part, the securing and holding of
the guides 6A, 6B on the upper 3. The tabs 10 are preferably
fabricated by single-piece molding or over-molding with said guides
6A, 6B, so as to form a part integral with these latter.
[0062] Preferably, said tabs 10 are intended to be secured between
said inner and outer walls 11, 12 of the upper 3, by means of a
conventional bonding means, for example by means of a neoprene gel
13 and/or a textile adhesive 13 that is arranged between the tab 10
and said walls 11, 12 of the shoe 2 (cf. FIG. 12). As an
alternative, the tabs 10 are advantageously sewed to at least one
of said inner and outer walls 11, 12.
[0063] Preferably, each lateral guide 6A, 6B is adapted for being
covered, at least in part, with a textile material 14 adapted for
allowing the holding of said lateral guides 6A, 6B in the lateral
grooves 7A, 7B of the unitary part 100. The textile material 14
around said guides 6A, 6B is preferentially chosen from those which
are particularly resistant to wear, to breaking and to solvents.
Further, it must advantageously have a thickness and a nature
making it possible to ensure, on the one hand, the sliding of the
lateral groove 7A, 7B over the guide 6A, 6B, and on the other hand,
the steady holding of the fitting of said groove 7A, 7B and guide
6A, 6B, i.e. with no risk of inopportune disconnection during a
conventional use of the shoe 2, in particular when the shoe is put
on (insertion of the foot into the shoe 2) or during walking.
[0064] In such particular embodiment, it is possible that the
guides 6A, 6B does not advantageously comprise tabs 9, insofar as
the textile material 14 that covers said guides 6A, 6B, and catches
the latter, extends also at least in part between the inner and
outer walls 11, 12 of said shoe 2, so as to hold said guides 6A, 6B
secured on the shoe 2, by being sewed to the walls 11, 12 or by
means of a bonding system as mentioned above. Preferably, a bottom
portion 16A of said guides 6A, 6B, located at the base 5C of the
open area 5, is entirely covered with the textile material 14, so
that the guides 6A, 6B are held in position on the shoe 2.
[0065] Preferably, each lateral guide 6A, 6B comprises at least one
bulge 19, such as a boss 19, at its top end 16B, i.e. the end
corresponding to the area of beginning of sliding of the lateral
groove 7A, 7B over said guide 6A, 6B. Such a boss 19, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, whose diameter is substantially greater than that of
the guide 6A, 6B, is intended to facilitate the insertion of the
unitary part 100 into the shoe 2. Besides, at least one of the ends
16A, 16B of each lateral guide 6A, 6B preferentially comprises a
chamfer intended to facilitate the insertion of the guide 6A, 6B
into the corresponding lateral groove 7A, 7B.
[0066] Furthermore, advantageously, a damping means 15 (cf. FIG. 7)
may be introduced under said lateral guides 6A, 6B, so as to
improve the comfort of the user, in particular by limiting the
friction and the pressure applied by said unitary part 100 on the
instep and/or flat of the foot of the user. Preferably, the damping
means 15 is a synthetic foam pad enveloped within a textile
material, preferably substantially identical to that used for said
guides 6A, 6B.
[0067] The lateral guides 6A, 6B, covered or not with the textile
material 14, may advantageously be covered, at least in part, with
a piece of supple material, of the eyelet cover type, adapted for
hiding, mainly for aesthetic reasons, said guides 6A, 6B on the
shoe 2 (cf. FIG. 8).
[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the unitary part 100
has a U-shape (cf. FIGS. 3, 6 and 8), wherein each leg 100A, 100B
of the U is adapted for being fastened to said upper 3 by means of
said first and second sliding connection, respectively. Preferably,
the two legs 100A, 100B, having preferably a substantially square
or rectangular cross-section, are connected to each other by a
web-forming link bar 100C, substantially transverse to the axis of
extension of said legs 100A, 100B, said bar 100C having also
preferably a substantially square or rectangular cross-section.
[0069] Advantageously, these are the legs 100A, 100B that are
introduced in first onto the guides 6A, 6B, according to FIGS. 1,
3, 6 and 8, showing a closing direction following to the arrow 30A
and an opening direction following the arrow 30B. The unitary part
100 is thus used in the reversed-U direction, which simplifies its
handling and its insertion onto the lateral guides 5A, 5B, to close
the open area 5. Moreover, the U-shape has the interest that it
limits the quantity of plastic material required for the
fabrication of the closing part 1.
[0070] Advantageously, the bar 100C is substantially curved toward
the inside of the U (cf. FIG. 9), so as to conform the shape of the
instep and to be comfortable for the user.
[0071] As an alternative, it is perfectly conceivable that the
unitary part 100 could have another shape than a U-shape, for
example A-shape, H-shape, N-shape, M-shape, W-shape, or any other
shape, geometrical or not, enabling the part 100 to be fastened to
the upper 3 by means of said first and second sliding connections,
provided on either side of the open area 5, respectively.
Preferably, the unitary part 100 is multi-shape and comprises two
lateral legs adapted for being slidingly associated with the
lateral guides 6A, 6B of the upper 3.
[0072] The closing part 1 comprises at least one lace 8 adapted for
being fastened to the unitary part 100, so as to form a single
part. Therefore, the closing part 1 forms a lace-bearing part or a
rapid and easy lace-changing part, on which at least one lace 8 is
added and locked. It is conceivable that several laces 8, of
different nature, size and color, could be advantageously laced
onto the unitary part 100.
[0073] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each leg 100A,
100B of the unitary part 100 comprises at least one orifice 9,
preferably at least six orifices 9, in which said at least one lace
8 is intended to be introduced.
[0074] Advantageously, the orifices 9 are pierced through the whole
thickness of each leg 100A, 100B, and are regularly spaced along
these latter (cf. FIGS. 3, 6, 8 and 9). The orifices 9 have
preferentially each a diameter substantially comprised between 5
and 30 mm, preferably substantially equal to 10 mm. Said orifices 9
preferentially each comprise at least one groove 9A arranged on an
inner and outer chamfer 9B of the orifice 9, so as to facilitate
the sliding of the lace 8 during the lacing up of the shoe 2.
[0075] Preferably, the unitary part 100 is pre-laced, before being
introduced into the open area 5 and secured by means of a sliding
connection to the upper 3, so that it forms with said at least one
lace 8 a substantially solid lace-bearing part ensuring the closing
of the shoe 2 and the holding of the foot in the latter. Such part
100, forming with the lace 8 a lace-bearing part 1, then slides,
through its lateral grooves 7A, 7B, over the two lateral guides 5A,
5B of the upper 3, which makes it possible, on the one hand, both
to close and open the shoe 2 at will, to free or lock the foot, and
on the other hand, to rapidly replace said lace-bearing part 1. The
user, by moving the unitary part 100 in one of the directions
indicated in FIG. 1 by the arrows 30A, 30B, i.e. through a
substantially oblique movement with respect to the axis of
extension (XX') of said shoe 2, can then easily open and close the
shoe 2.
[0076] Thus, one of the main interests of the lace-bearing part 1
of the invention is that it makes it possible to change rapidly and
easily the laces and thus offers interchangeability between several
lace-bearing parts 1 on a same shoe 2, so as to satisfy user's
aesthetic, hygienic or maintenance choices. Each lace-bearing part
1 thus preferably comprises laces of different aesthetic nature or
various accessories, such as badges, jewels, figurines, logos . . .
. The user is thus advantageously able to customize his/her shoe
2.
[0077] As an alternative, and without departing from the scope of
the present invention, it is perfectly conceivable that other
elements than laces 8 could advantageously be held locked in the
orifices of the unitary part 100, for example plastic strips (not
shown), secured by means of a "clip" or hook system in the orifices
9, so as to form strips substantially perpendicular to the legs
100A, 100B of the part 100. These strips, which are also
interchangeable between each other or with other strips,
preferentially carry decorative patterns, so as to contribute to
the aestheticism and the customization of the shoe 2.
[0078] Furthermore, in an embodiment alternative or complementary
to the above, the unitary part 100, comprising or not a lace 8, is
advantageously covered, at least in part, with a covering made of
decorative plates (not shown), secured to the upper or directly to
the part 100, for example at the orifices 9, by means of a "clip",
hook and/or "scratch" system.
[0079] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the unitary part
100 has its own mechanical strength, i.e. it is stiff or rigid
enough to adequately resist to bending, for example during its
insertion into the open area 5 or during the use. Therefore, the
unitary part 100 is made, as the lateral guides 6A, 6B, of a
material substantially rigid, substantially deprived of any
flaccidity. The unitary part 100 is nonetheless preferentially
flexible enough to follow, at least in part, the movements of the
foot and to keep a sufficient comfort level for the user. In
particular, the legs 100A, 100B of the unitary part 100 have such a
flexibility that the user, by means of a slight manual pressure,
can slightly bring said legs 100A, 100B apart or together to
facilitate their insertion onto the lateral guides 6A, 6B.
[0080] Advantageously, the unitary part 100 and the guides 6A, 6B
are fabricated from plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic
material of the polypropylene type. As an alternative, it is
perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the
present invention, that another material could be used for the
fabrication of said unitary part 100 and lateral guides 6A, 6B.
[0081] Preferably, the upper 3 comprises a first and a second
quarters 23, and said shoe 2 comprises, under each of said quarters
23, a first and a second elastic portions 21, respectively, adapted
for reducing the stresses applied by the closing part 1.
Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 5, said elastic portions 21
form elastic gores 21A made of an elastic textile material and
adapted for improving the comfort of the foot in said shoe 2. These
elastic gores 21A, thanks to their opening amplitude 22
substantially comprised between 1 and 5 cm, preferably
substantially equal to 2 cm, make it possible to reduce the
stresses applied to the instep and the closing part 1.
[0082] The present invention also relates to a shoe system 40
comprising: [0083] a shoe 2, which shoe comprises at least an upper
3 that includes an open area 5 intended to facilitate the insertion
of a foot into said shoe 2, [0084] a closing part 1 of a shoe 2
adapted for closing said open area 5,
[0085] the closing part 1 comprising a unitary part 100 fastened to
said upper 3 by means of at least a first and a second sliding
connections provided on either side of said open area 5,
respectively.
[0086] The closing system 40 of the present invention, shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, has the interest that it makes it possible to
rapidly close and open a shoe, to change easily and without effort
the lace of the shoe 2, to simply and conveniently customize and
modify the aestheticism of the shoe 2. Moreover, it is convenient
and simple of use, in particular for a rapid lacing up, for example
for children, old persons or reduced-mobility persons.
[0087] The present invention also relates to a method for
fabricating a shoe system 40 comprising: [0088] a step of
fabricating or providing a shoe 2, which shoe comprises at least an
upper 3 that includes an open area 5 for facilitating the insertion
of a foot into said shoe 2, [0089] a step of fabricating or
providing a closing part 1 of a shoe 2 adapted for closing said
open area 5 and comprising a unitary part 100, [0090] a step in
which the unitary part 100 and the upper 3 are provided with means
adapted for providing at least a first and a second sliding
connections between said unitary part 100 and said upper 3.
[0091] Advantageously, the unitary part 100 is provided with at
least a first and a second lateral grooves 7A, 7B, as mentioned
above, and the upper 3 with a first and a second lateral guides 6A,
6B, as mentioned above. These grooves 7A, 7B and lateral guides 6A,
6B are adapted for advantageously providing said first and second
sliding connections to close the open area 5 and thus the shoe
2.
[0092] The step of fabricating or providing the closing part 1
comprises a sub-step of fabricating the unitary part 100, by
molding of a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material
such as polypropylene.
[0093] Preferably, the step of providing with means for providing
at least the first and the second sliding connections comprises a
sub-step of fabricating said first and second lateral guides 6A, 6B
in which these latter are molded from a plastic material,
preferably a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. In this
step, tabs 10 are advantageously molded integral with or
over-molded onto said guides 6A, 6B.
[0094] The unitary part 100 and the lateral guides 6A, 6B are
advantageously fabricated independently from each other and form
separate elements that are separable and independent from each
other. Preferably, the sizes of said unitary part 100 and lateral
guides 6A, 6B vary mainly as a function of the models of shoe 2 and
of the sizes of these latter.
[0095] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for
closing a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper 3 that
includes an open area 5 for facilitating the insertion of a foot
into said shoe 2. The closing method comprises a step of closing
the open area 5 by means of a closing part 1.
[0096] Said closing part 1 comprises a unitary part 100 intended to
be fastened to said upper 3 by means of at least a first and a
second sliding connections provided on either side of said open
area 5, respectively. The closing step comprises a sub-step of
sliding in which the unitary part 100 is slid with respect to said
upper 3 by means of said first and second sliding connections.
[0097] In practice, the user takes hold of the unitary part 100,
which is preferably already laced up with at least one lace 8 so as
to form a lace-bearing part, in such a manner that the open portion
of the U is directed toward the base 5C of the open area 5, as
shown in FIG. 1. The user then introduces the lateral grooves 7A,
7B of the unitary part 100, on which the lace 8 is laced up and
locked or not, into said lateral guides 6A, 6B, so as to generate a
slide-type mechanical connection between each lateral guide 6A, 6B
of the upper 3 and each lateral groove 7A, 7B of the closing part
1, as shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the user places the grooves
7A, 7B of the unitary part 100, arranged in a reversed-U direction,
just above and opposite the guides 6A, 6B, so as they can be
inserted and slid into said grooves 7A, 7B.
[0098] The user then pushes the unitary part 100 along said guides
6A, 6B until the insertion is arrested by stops 17 arranged in said
grooves 7A, 7B, so as to lock the shoe 2 in closed position.
[0099] If the user thereafter wishes to change the lace-bearing
unitary part 100 or if he/she wants to open the shoe 2, he/she just
has to remove the unitary part 100 by pulling the bar 1C forming
the web of the U-shape of the latter.
[0100] This closing method advantageously makes it possible to
simply, rapidly and conveniently close and open a shoe 2. It also
ensures a rapid and aesthetic customization of the shoe 2, without
a particular effort.
[0101] The present invention relates to a device 1 for facilitating
the changing of the lace 8 of a traditional shoe 2. The lacing up
of the shoe is generally performed by manual insertion of the laces
into the perforated holes provided for that purpose. All these
shoes comprise this same system that implies, when the time has
come to change the laces, for hygienic or aesthetic reasons, to
perform this long and tedious operation. The device 1 according to
the invention makes it possible to remedy this drawback, as it
comprises, according to a first characteristic, a so-called
"lace-bearing" central part 100 having orifices 9 on the two
lateral ends 100A, 100B by which a lace 8 is introduced and locked
so as to form only a single part. Such pre-laced central part 100
that makes it possible to change the laces rapidly and without
effort consists of two cylindrical grooves 7A, 7B on each outer
side 100A, 100B of the part 100, for a lateral sliding into the
guides 6A, 6B that are incorporated in the shoe 2. According to
particular embodiments: [0102] the lace-bearing part 100 and the
guides 6A, 6B can be physically modified so as to offer a better
flexibility or a better resistance, according to the shoe model,
[0103] the lace-bearing part 100 may be thinner or thicker to also
offer a better flexibility or a better hardness, according to the
shoe model, [0104] the twelve orifices 9 of the lace-bearing part
100 may be modified for the insertion of several laces 8 or of
thicker laces 8, [0105] the lateral grooves 7A, 7B of the
lace-bearing part 100 may be modified in order to facilitate the
sliding thereof.
[0106] The appended drawings illustrate the invention. FIGS. 6, 10
and 11 show the complete device 1 of the invention. FIG. 1 shows
the operation of the lace-bearing part 100 of the shoe 2. FIG. 12
shows the description of the position of the guides 6A, 6B on the
shoe 2. FIG. 2 shows the final position of the lace-bearing part
100 on the shoe 2. With reference to these drawings, the device 1
comprises a lace-bearing central part 100 and lateral guides 6A, 6B
(FIG. 6). In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the lace-bearing
part 100 consists of twelve 10 mm-diameter orifices 9, pierced
through the whole thickness thereof and separated equally on each
symmetrical side 100A, 100B of the part 100. A groove 7A, 7B is
also machined on each side 100A, 100B, over the whole length of the
lace-bearing part 100, for the sliding into the lateral guides 6A,
6B secured to the shoe 2. In the embodiment according to FIG. 12,
the cylindrical guides 6A, 6B, whose size is smaller than the
diameter of the grooves 7A, 7B of the lace-bearing part 100, are
incorporated over the whole length of each side 5A, 5B of the
upright of the shoe 2, between the inner fabric 11 and the outer
fabric 12, held and secured by means of a neoprene gel provided for
that purpose (FIG. 12). The six tabs 10 molded by groups of three
tabs to the cylindrical portion, on each of the guides 6A, 6B,
offer better strength and flexibility to the guides 6A, 6B on/in
the shoe 2. By way of non-limitative example, the different
elements 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 10, 100 that constitute this invention
will be made in different sizes according to the size of the shoe
2. This device 1 according to the invention is particularly
intended for changing the lace 8 of a shoe 2.
[0107] The invention relates to a device 1 for rapidly lacing up a
shoe 2 comprising a lace-bearing part 100 having two lateral
cylindrical grooves 7A, 7B, in which slide the lateral guides 6A,
6B of the shoe 2. The lace-bearing part 100 consists of a lace 8
locked so as to form a single part. The lateral guides 6A, 6B are
integral with the shoe 2. The four ends of the lateral grooves 7A,
7B of the lace-bearing part 100 are a chamfer. The four ends 16A,
16B of the two lateral guides 6A, 6B of the lace-bearing part 100
are a chamfer to provide better insertion of the guides 6A, 6B into
the lace-bearing part 100.
[0108] Device for facilitating the changing of the lace of a
traditional shoe. The invention relates to a device 1 for changing
rapidly and without effort the lace 8 of a shoe 2. It consists of a
lace-bearing part 100 having two cylindrical grooves 7A, 7B on
either outer side 100A, 100B of the part 100 for a lateral sliding
into the guides 6A, 6B that are incorporated in the shoe 2. When
the user wants to change the laces 8 of the shoes 2, he/she removes
the deteriorated/damaged lace-bearing part 100 through a simple
sliding action (sliding direction 30B, FIG. 1), and introduces a
new lace-bearing part 100 into the guides 6A, 6B of the shoe 2
through a small vertical pushing action 30A up to the stop 17 of
the shoe 2. This device 1 according to the invention is
particularly intended for changing the laces 8 of a shoe 2.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0109] The invention finds its industrial application in the design
and fabrication of shoe closing parts and shoe systems, usable in
various industrial domains, in particular the field of foot
protection wear and accessories.
* * * * *