U.S. patent application number 14/241462 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for shoe sole device and shoe comprising such a sole device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christian Colin. Invention is credited to Christian Colin.
Application Number | 20140223781 14/241462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46796591 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140223781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colin; Christian |
August 14, 2014 |
SHOE SOLE DEVICE AND SHOE COMPRISING SUCH A SOLE DEVICE
Abstract
The invention relates to a shoe sole device comprising two
superposed chassis articulated relative to one another. For
preference, movement-absorbing means, which notably absorb pivoting
movements of the chassis relative to one another are provided. The
invention also covers a shoe having such a shoe sole device and an
assembly rig for manufacturing such a shoe.
Inventors: |
Colin; Christian;
(Travanca-Feira, PT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Colin; Christian |
Travanca-Feira |
|
PT |
|
|
Family ID: |
46796591 |
Appl. No.: |
14/241462 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/066967 |
371 Date: |
February 27, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 ; 36/12;
36/25R; 36/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/127 20130101;
A43B 13/189 20130101; A43B 13/141 20130101; A43B 13/181 20130101;
A43B 9/00 20130101; A43B 7/32 20130101; A43B 3/244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 ; 36/25.R;
36/28; 36/12 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 9/00 20060101 A43B009/00; A43B 7/32 20060101
A43B007/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2011 |
FR |
11 57 667 |
Claims
1. A sole assembly for a shoe comprising two frame members located
one above the other, and articulated with respect to each
other.
2. The sole assembly according to claim 1, comprising means for
damping movement, in particular pivoting of the frame members
relative to each other.
3. The sole assembly according to claim 2, wherein the movement
damping means comprise two pieces of resilient material interposed
between the two frame members located one above the other.
4. The sole assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pieces of
resilient material are received in complementary housings dug in at
least one of the two frame members, preferably in the two frame
members.
5. The sole assembly according to claim 3, wherein the two frame
members are articulated at a pivot point disposed between the two
pieces of resilient material.
6. The sole assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two frame
members are articulated by means of a component forming two
cylinders, each cylinder being received in a complementary housing
formed in each one of the two frame members, at least one of the
two cylinders being of circular section.
7. The sole assembly according to claim 6, wherein the component
forming two cylinders is made of resilient material.
8. The sole assembly according to claim 7, wherein the component
forming two cylinders also form a tongue of resilient material
between the two cylinders.
9. The sole assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first one of
the two frame members has a cylindrical projection of circular
cross-section and the other frame member has a housing
complementary to the cylindrical projection of the first frame
member, to allow the articulation the two frame members one
relative to the other.
10. The sole assembly according to claim 1, wherein outsoles are
fixed on one of the two frame members.
11. The sole assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first comfort
padding is fixed on one of the two frame members, different, where
appropriate, from the frame member to which outsoles are fixed.
12. A shoe comprising: a sole assembly comprising two frame members
located one above the other, and articulated with respect to each
other, a shoe upper, and means for securing the shoe upper onto the
sole assembly.
13. The shoe according to claim 12, wherein the means for securing
the shoe upper onto the sole assembly are detachable, preferably
manually.
14. The shoe according to claim 13, wherein the means for securing
the shoe upper onto the sole assembly comprise screws, preferably
quarter-turn screws.
15. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein a plate is fixed to one
of two frame members, the plate having holes adapted to receive the
screws.
16. A ready-to-assemble kit comprising: a first and a second frame
member, means for articulating the first frame member relative to
the second frame member when the two frame members are located one
above the other, means for damping movement of the frame members
relative to each other, a shoe upper, and means for securing the
shoe upper onto one of the first and second frame members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sole device or assembly
for a shoe and a shoe comprising this sole device or assembly.
[0002] A sole device for a shoe having a longitudinal slot is
already known from Spanish utility Model ES 1041101. The
longitudinal slot separates a rear upper portion and a rear lower
portion of the sole. Due to the presence of the longitudinal slot,
the sole is in a position to bend so that the rear upper portion
can move toward or away from the lower rear portion. A V-folded
metal plate is disposed in the slot between the upper rear and the
lower rear portions of the sole.
[0003] Spanish utility model ES 1036287 discloses a similar sole
for a shoe wherein the metal plate is relocated by a coil spring.
Furthermore, the sole according to ES 1036287 consists of two frame
member located one above the other which are fixed to each other at
a front portion.
[0004] These soles do not however effectively improve wearer
comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a sole
assembly and a shoe comprising a sole assembly having improved
comfort compared to the prior art.
[0006] To this end, the invention provides a sole assembly for a
shoe comprising two frame members located one above the other, and
articulated with respect to each other.
[0007] Preferably, the sole assembly comprises one or more of the
following features, taken alone or in combination: [0008] the sole
assembly comprises means for damping movement, in particular
pivoting of the frame members relative to each other; [0009] the
movement damping means comprise two pieces of resilient material
interposed between the two frame members located one above the
other; [0010] the pieces of resilient material are received in
complementary housings in the form of recesses in at least one of
the two frame members, preferably in the two frame members; [0011]
the two frame members are articulated at a pivot point disposed
between the two pieces of resilient material. [0012] the two frame
members are articulated by means of a component forming two
cylinders, each cylinder being received in a complementary housing
formed in each one of the two frame members, at least one of the
two cylinders being of circular section. [0013] the component
forming two cylinders is made of resilient material; [0014] the
component forming two cylinders also forms a tongue of resilient
material between the two cylinders. [0015] a first one of the two
frame members has a cylindrical projection of circular
cross-section and the other frame member has a housing
complementary to the cylindrical projection of the first frame
member, to allow the articulation the two frame members one
relative to the other. [0016] outsoles are fixed on one of the two
frame members. [0017] a first comfort padding is fixed on one of
the two frame members, different, where appropriate, from the frame
member to which outsoles are fixed.
[0018] The invention also provides a shoe comprising: [0019] a sole
assembly as described above, in any combinations thereof, [0020] a
shoe upper, and [0021] means for securing the shoe upper onto the
sole assembly.
[0022] Preferably, the means for securing the shoe upper onto the
sole assembly are detachable, preferably manually.
[0023] Preferably, the means for securing the shoe upper onto the
sole assembly comprise screws, preferably quarter-turn screws.
[0024] Preferably, a plate is fixed to one of two frame members,
the plate having holes adapted to receive the screws.
[0025] The invention also provides a ready-to-assemble kit
comprising: [0026] a first and a second frame member, [0027] means
for articulating the first frame member relative to the second
frame member when the two frame members are located one above the
other, [0028] means for damping movement of the frame members
relative to each other, [0029] a shoe upper, and [0030] means for
securing the shoe upper onto one of the first and second frame
members.
[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent on reading the following detailed description of
embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a sectional view of a
shoe.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically an example of a sole assembly
that can be implemented in the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a detail of an exemplary sole
assembly which can be implemented in the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically a detail of the securing of a
shoe upper on the sole assembly shown partially in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a shoe 10 having a sole assembly 12 and a shoe
upper 9.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the sole assembly 12 comprises two frame
members 1, 2, namely a lower frame member 1 and upper frame member
2. The two frame members 1 and 2 are located one above the other.
That is to say that when the shoe 10 is worn, the upper frame
member 2 is disposed above the lower frame member 1. The two frame
members 1, 2 are substantially of the same length.
[0038] Outsoles 7, 8 may conventionally be mounted on the lower
frame member 1. These outsoles 7, 8 are wear parts that can be
relocated when worn, to extend the life of the shoe 10. The
outsoles 7, 8 may also have a non-slip function. The outsoles 7, 8
are formed by inserts fixed on and below the lower frame member 1.
These outsoles 7, 8 may especially be of natural or synthetic
rubber. Outsoles 7, 8 can be adhesive bonded on the bottom frame
member 1. According to a preferred embodiment, the outsoles are
fixed to the bottom of bottom frame member 1 by means of pins
integral with the outsoles and tightly received in holes of
complementary shape formed in the lower frame member 1.
[0039] Furthermore, a first anti-shock comfort padding 6 may be
fixed to the upper frame member 2.
[0040] The two upper 1 and lower 2 frame members are made of any
material known to those skilled in the art as being suitable for
the manufacture of a conventional sole. Thus, the lower frame
member 1 and upper frame member 2 may in particular be made of wood
or compressed chipboard derivatives thereof, of metal such as
aluminum or other light alloys, of plastics material, of resin
material or of compressed fibers. These materials have sufficient
rigidity to ensure a secure fit and stability for the wearer of the
sole in a shoe provided with the sole assembly. The choice of a
plastics material allows the two lower and upper frame member to be
produced by molding.
[0041] In one embodiment, the upper frame member 2 is made of metal
by stamping. The upper frame member 2 has in this case a thickness
of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, particularly a
thickness between 4 and 5 tenths of a millimeter. Such a frame
member 2 is lightweight, and has high rigidity and ease of
installation.
[0042] The two upper 1 and lower 2 frame members are also
articulated relative to each other. Thus, the upper frame member 2
has at least one degree of freedom in rotation about an axis
perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 relative to the lower frame
member 1. As illustrated in the drawings, the two frame members are
articulated at the area for receiving that part of the foot
corresponding to the base of the metatarsal bone.
[0043] The articulated mounting of the two frame members 1, 2
relative to each other improves the comfort of the user, while
ensuring a function of elevation of the wearer. Indeed, as a result
of the wearer putting his or her weight forward, the rear of the
upper frame member is raised, providing the wearer with the same
effect as a heel, for example. The weight of such a sole assembly
is also reduced relative to a conventional platform sole, which is
solid. Furthermore, the degree of freedom between the lower frame
member 1 and upper frame member 2 allows the upper frame member 2
to remain in contact with the foot of the wearer of the shoe 10
during walking.
[0044] The articulation of the frame members 1, 2 is achieved in
the example of FIG. 1, by means of a component 5. Component 5
comprises two cylinders 51, 52. Cylinder 51 is received in a
complementary housing 11 formed in the lower frame member 1. The
other cylinder 52 is received in a complementary housing 21. In
FIG. 1, the two cylinders 51, 52 are of circular cross-section to
ensure the articulation of the upper frame member 2 relative to the
lower frame member 1.
[0045] It should however be noted that by the term cylinder we mean
a surface defined by a closed curve and a direction of extension.
Thus, a cylinder is a priori of any section. It is sufficient a
priori for one of the two cylinders 51, 52 to be of circular
cross-section to ensure the articulation of the upper frame member
2 relative to the lower frame member 1.
[0046] The cylindrical shape also allows easy mounting of component
5 in the two housings 11, 21 by introducing it with a translatory
movement from one side of the two frame members.
[0047] The component 5 is preferably made of a synthetic rubber or
natural rubber to permit cushioning of the movement of the two
frame members one relative to the other.
[0048] In this case, the component 5 can, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, also form a tongue 53 disposed between the
lower frame member 1 and upper frame member 2, to improve the
cushioning provided by the component 5 between the two frame
members 1, 2.
[0049] To limit the amount of movement of the upper frame member 2
relative to the lower frame member 1, in the example of FIG. 1
means for damping/limiting movement, notably pivoting, of one frame
member relative to the other are provided. In the example of FIG.
1, these movement damping means are in the form of two pieces of
resilient material 3, 4 interposed between the lower frame member 1
and upper frame member 2. The resilient material is for example of
synthetic rubber or natural rubber. Obviously, other movement
damping means may be implemented such as pouches of fluid,
particularly viscous fluid. In addition to limiting the
displacement of the upper frame member 2 relative to the lower
frame member 1, the movement damping means are able to damp the
pivoting movements of the upper frame member 2 relative to the
lower frame member 1. For example, when the foot lands on the
ground, the movement damping means--in this case the pieces of
resilient material 3, 4--damp/limit the pivoting of the upper frame
member 2 relative to the lower frame member 1. This further
increases comfort for the wearer.
[0050] The two pieces of resilient material 3, 4 are here arranged
one at each side of the articulation between the lower frame member
1 and upper frame member 2, to facilitate assembly of the sole
assembly 12 and ensure the holding in position of the two pieces of
resilient material, deflection of the upper frame member 2 relative
to the lower frame member 1 being limited at both sides by the
pieces of resilient material.
[0051] It should be noted here that by choosing pieces of resilient
material 3, 4 of varying sizes, it is possible to change the height
of the wearer's heel and thus it is possible to boost the height of
the wearer of the shoe 10 to a greater of lesser degree.
[0052] To ensure the positioning of the pieces of resilient
material, they are received in recesses of complementary shape
formed respectively in the lower frame member 1 and/or upper frame
member 2. In view of this requirement and for ease of manufacture
of sole assembly 12, the pieces of resilient material 3, 4 have a
ball shape and are received in dome-shaped or spheroidal cuplike
housings.
[0053] It should be noted that the sole assembly 12 as described
above has the advantage of being able to be mounted/removed without
special tools. This facilitates the replacement of components of
the sole assembly 12.
[0054] To assemble this sole assembly 12, it is sufficient to
introduce component 5 by sliding it into two suitable housings
respectively of lower frame member 1 and upper frame member 2.
After this, one of the two pieces of resilient material, where
appropriate in a recess of corresponding shape, is fitted. Fitting
is facilitated by the absence of the second piece of resilient
material, which allows the lower frame member 1 and upper frame
member 2 to be pivoted one with respect to the other, in order to
fit the piece of resilient material. A force is then exerted on the
upper frame member 2 and/or on the lower frame member 1 at the
piece of resilient material which has already been fitted, to clear
a sufficient space for fitting the second piece of resilient
material.
[0055] Assembly of the sole may continue by securing the shoe upper
9 onto the sole assembly 12 to form a shoe. For this, means for
securing the shoe upper on the sole assembly are implemented. The
securing means for the shoe upper can in particular consist of
staples, glue or nails.
[0056] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the
securing means of the shoe upper on the sole assembly are
attachable and detachable, preferably manually. This makes it
possible to assemble a shoe without special tools. Furthermore,
this may enable the sole assembly and/or the shoe upper to be
replaced one independently of the other. Such securing means are,
for example, snaps, a zipper or lacings.
[0057] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example of means for securing
the shoe upper 9 of sole assembly 12, more particularly on the
upper frame member 2.
[0058] According to this example, metal plates 101, 102, 103 are
fixed to the upper frame member 2. In this case, these metal plates
101, 102, 103 are nailed to the upper frame member 2, the frame
member 102 being made of wood. Of course, other securing means of
the plates 101, 102, 103 onto the upper frame member can be
considered such as for example glue. The plates 101, 102, 103 may
also be attached by insert molding the upper frame member 102, when
the latter is made of plastic material, in particular EVA
(Ethylene-vinyl acetate).
[0059] The plates 101, 102, 103 have holes 104 which are located
opposite housing 105 formed in the upper frame member 2. The holes
104 are adapted to receive screws 106. Preferably, the screws 106
are quarter-turn screws to allow rapid assembly and
dismantling.
[0060] These quarter-turn screws make it possible to trap or pinch
flanges of shoe upper 9 between the metal plate 103 and the head of
screw 106. A washer 107 may be interposed between the head of the
screw 106 and the shoe upper 9 to prevent unintended loosening of
the shoe upper.
[0061] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described above by way of example. The invention on the
contrary covers many variations of these embodiments that are
accessible to those skilled in the art.
[0062] For example, one of the two frame members of the sole
assembly may include a projection (or protrusion or bead) of a
circular-cylindrical shape or having at least a portion of circular
section designed to be received in a housing of complementary shape
formed in the other of the two frame members to permit articulation
of the two frame members one relative to the other.
[0063] The invention also relates to a ready-to-assemble unit (or
kit) comprising the necessary elements to produce the sole assembly
as described above and to a ready-to-assemble kit comprising the
elements necessary for producing a shoe comprising the sole
assembly, a shoe upper and means for securing the shoe upper on the
sole assembly.
[0064] Moreover, it should be noted that the securing of the shoe
upper by means of releasable securing means may be performed on any
type of sole, even if it does not have the configuration described
above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, there is
provided a shoe comprising a sole, a shoe upper and means for
securing the shoe upper on the sole that are detachable, preferably
manually, and without special knowledge, to make it possible to
replace the sole and/or the shoe upper independently of the other.
The securing means are, however, preferably such as described with
reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, where upper frame member 2 is replaced
by a sole, onto which there can be fixed a first comfort padding
and/or a front insole and/or rear insole.
[0065] Finally, the two frame members can be articulated by means
of a hinge or articulation device attached to the two frame
members.
* * * * *