U.S. patent application number 14/812285 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-24 for sport shoe cover with closeable vent.
The applicant listed for this patent is LOUIS GARNEAU SPORTS INC. Invention is credited to Louis GARNEAU, Rene PLOURDE.
Application Number | 20160081422 14/812285 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52017002 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160081422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GARNEAU; Louis ; et
al. |
March 24, 2016 |
SPORT SHOE COVER WITH CLOSEABLE VENT
Abstract
A shoe cover comprising: a soft shell adapted to be worn over a
shoe to cover at least partially the worn shoe. The soft shell
having a front portion covering at least partially an upper toe
region of the worn shoe, a metatarsal portion covering at least
partially an upper metatarsal region of the worn shoe, and a heel
portion covering at least partially an upper heel region of the
worn shoe. A cutout is in the soft shell, the cutout having a
substantial portion located in a lateral sub-portion of the
metatarsal portion of the upper. A closure mechanism closes/opens
access to the cutout from an exterior of the shoe cover.
Inventors: |
GARNEAU; Louis;
(Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, CA) ; PLOURDE; Rene;
(Quebec, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LOUIS GARNEAU SPORTS INC |
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
52017002 |
Appl. No.: |
14/812285 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0081 20130101;
A43C 11/1493 20130101; A43B 3/20 20130101; A43B 5/14 20130101; A43B
13/026 20130101; A43B 5/18 20130101; A43B 7/085 20130101; A43C
11/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/18 20060101
A43B005/18; A43C 11/12 20060101 A43C011/12; A43B 3/20 20060101
A43B003/20; A43B 5/14 20060101 A43B005/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 19, 2014 |
CA |
2864552 |
Claims
1. A footwear cover comprising: a soft shell adapted to be worn
over a shoe to cover at least partially the worn item of footwear,
the soft shell having a front portion covering at least partially
an upper toe region of the worn item of footwear, a metatarsal
portion covering at least partially an upper metatarsal region of
the worn item of footwear, and a heel portion covering at least
partially an upper heel region of the worn item of footwear; a
cutout in the soft shell, the cutout having a substantial portion
located in a lateral sub-portion of the metatarsal portion of the
upper; and a closure mechanism to close/open access to the cutout
from an exterior of the footwear cover.
2. The footwear cover according to claim 1, wherein further
comprising a panel, the closure mechanism being in the panel, the
panel being secured to the soft shell peripherally to the cutout,
with closure mechanism having an openable/closable slit in register
with the cutout.
3. The footwear cover according to claim 2, wherein the panel is
laminated to the soft shell.
4. The footwear cover according to claim 3, wherein the panel is
made of polyurethane and an outer surface of the soft shell around
the cutout comprises Neoprene.TM..
5. The footwear cover according to claim 2, wherein the panel
flares from a front to a rear relative to an orientation of the
soft shell.
6. The footwear cover according to claim 2, wherein the slit of the
closure mechanism has a length ranging from 9.0 cm to 13.0 cm from
a front end limit to a rear end limit thereof.
7. The footwear cover according to claim 1, wherein the closure
mechanism is a zipper mechanism.
8. The footwear cover according to claim 1, wherein the cutout in
the lateral sub-portion is in a zone covering at least partially
the third to fifth metatarsal bones.
9. The footwear cover according to claim 1, wherein the front
portion completely covers the upper toe region of the worn item of
footwear, and the heel portion completely covers the upper heel
region of the worn item of footwear.
10. The footwear cover according to claim 1, wherein the soft shell
has an ankle and shin portion adapted to complete cover the ankle
and partially cover the shin of a wearer of the worn item of
footwear.
11. A footwear cover comprising: a soft shell adapted to be worn
over a shoe to cover at least partially the worn item of footwear,
the soft shell having a front portion covering at least partially
an upper toe region of the worn item of footwear, a metatarsal
portion covering at least partially an upper metatarsal region of
the worn item of footwear, and a heel portion covering at least
partially an upper heel region of the worn item of footwear; a
cutout in the soft shell, the cutout extending from a front end
limit to a rear end limit thereof, the rear end limit being in the
metatarsal portion, the front end limit being in one of the
metatarsal portion and the front portion; and a closure mechanism
to close/open access to the cutout from an exterior of the footwear
cover.
12. The footwear cover according to claim 11, wherein further
comprising a panel, the closure mechanism being in the panel, the
panel being secured to the soft shell peripherally to the cutout,
with closure mechanism having an openable/closable slit in register
with the cutout.
13. The footwear cover according to claim 12, wherein the panel is
laminated to the soft shell.
14. The footwear cover according to claim 13, wherein the panel is
made of polyurethane and an outer surface of the soft shell around
the cutout comprises Neoprene.TM..
15. The footwear cover according to claim 12, wherein the panel
flares from a front to a rear relative to an orientation of the
soft shell.
16. The footwear cover according to claim 12, wherein the slit of
the closure mechanism has a length ranging from 9.0 cm to 13.0 cm
from a front end limit to a rear end limit thereof.
17. The footwear cover according to claim 11, wherein the closure
mechanism is a zipper mechanism.
18. The footwear cover according to claim 11, wherein the cutout in
the lateral sub-portion is in a zone covering at least partially
the third to fifth metatarsal bones.
19. The footwear cover according to claim 11, wherein the front
portion completely covers the upper toe region of the worn item of
footwear, and the heel portion completely covers the upper heel
region of the worn item of footwear.
20. The footwear cover according to claim 11, wherein the soft
shell has an ankle and shin portion adapted to complete cover the
ankle and partially cover the shin of a wearer of the worn item of
footwear.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of
Canadian Patent Application Number 2,864,552 filed on Sep. 19,
2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to sport shoe covers of the
type worn to protect a cyclist's feet from water and/or cold, for
instance as used in the sport of cycling or cross-country
skiing.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0003] Cycling shoe covers are commonly used by cyclists in given
riding conditions. For example, cycling shoe covers may be made
with a waterproof fabric so as to protect the feet from rain.
Cycling shoe covers may also be used for thermal insulation and
hence keep a cyclist's feet warm during the cycling activity.
Cycling shoe covers are also known for their aerodynamic
properties. Cycling shoe covers allow the cyclist to use cycling
shoes in spite of the weather conditions, as an alternative to
buying other gear such as winter cycling boots.
[0004] Because of these uses, and as drag must be minimized in
cycling, cycling shoe covers are typically tight-fitting so as to
closely conform to the shape of the foot, including the cycling
shoe worn under the cycling shoe cover. This allows the cyclists to
use their cycling shoes in spite of bad weather conditions.
[0005] However, while cycling shoe covers are advantageously used
for the conditions mentioned above, they may be considered to be
impractical in that one's shoes are concealed by the cycling shoe
covers. Hence, it is not possible to adjust the tightness of the
shoe lacing system. Moreover, cycling shoe covers may be
uncomfortable as sweat may accumulate in one's shoes as captured by
the cycling shoe covers.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is an aim of the present disclosure to provice a sport
shoe cover that addresses issues associated with the prior art.
[0007] Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a shoe cover comprising: a soft shell
adapted to be worn over a shoe to cover at least partially the worn
shoe, the soft shell having a front portion covering at least
partially an upper toe region of the worn shoe, a metatarsal
portion covering at least partially an upper metatarsal region of
the worn shoe, and a heel portion covering at least partially an
upper heel region of the worn shoe; a cutout in the soft shell, the
cutout having a substantial portion located in a lateral
sub-portion of the metatarsal portion of the upper; and a closure
mechanism to close/open access to the cutout from an exterior of
the shoe cover.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a shoe cover comprising: a soft shell
adapted to be worn over a shoe to cover at least partially the worn
shoe, the soft shell having a front portion covering at least
partially an upper toe region of the worn shoe, a metatarsal
portion covering at least partially an upper metatarsal region of
the worn shoe, and a heel portion covering at least partially an
upper heel region of the worn shoe; a cutout in the soft shell, the
cutout extending from a front end limit to a rear end limit
thereof, the rear end limit being in the metatarsal portion, the
front end limit being in one of the metatarsal portion and the
front portion; and a closure mechanism to close/open access to the
cutout from an exterior of the shoe cover.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cycling shoe cover in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cycling shoe cover of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a first assembly view of the cycling shoe cover of
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a second assembly view of the cycling shoe cover
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing access to a shoe lacing
system; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of the cycling shoe cover of FIG. 1
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring to drawings, more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,
there is shown a cycling shoe cover at 10. While the shoe cover 10
is a cycling shoe cover, a similar shoe cover in accordance with
the present disclosure could be used in other sports. For instance,
a shoe cover in accordance with the present disclosure could be
used for cross-country skiing gaiters, with an opening in the toe
portion of the shoe cover for attachment of the ski shoe or boot
with the binding. However, for simplicity, reference is made
hereinafter, with examples, to a use of the shoe cover 10 with a
cycling shoe A (FIG. 5), although other uses are considered. A
gaiter in included in the definition of shoe cover.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the shoe cover 10 may have a sole 11
and an upper 12. The sole 11 and upper 12 is an integral soft shell
piece made of one or numerous panels. The selection of the main
material for the shoe cover 10 depends on the contemplated use and
specifications of the shoe cover 10. For example, Neoprene.TM. is a
material that is well suited for uses in colder weather, with
different thickness of Neoprene.TM. impacting the insulating
properties of the shoe cover. Another material considered is
expanded PTFE, for water-resistant uses. Other materials given as
example include polymeric waterproof fabrics, etc. The shoe cover
10 may have strategically located patches of specific material. For
example, robust materials such as Kevlar.TM. may be used for the
sole 11, or for the toe region of the shoe cover 10 as the toe
region may require additional abrasion resistance. Reflective
patches may also be used for safety issues, as well as elastics
such as at the shin to have the shin opening conform to the shin,
etc. Moreover, the shoe cover 10 may have a panel constituted of
different layers, having different functions. For example, a fleece
inner layer may be laminated to a Kevlar.TM. outer layer.
[0017] While the shoe cover 10 is described as having a sole 11, it
is considered to have a large opening at the bottom periphery of
the upper 12 instead of a sole as in FIG. 2. In such a case, straps
11A are used to attach the shoe cover 10 to an undersurface of the
cycling shoe A. The straps 11A may have complementary Velcro.TM.
patches. Accordingly, the underside of the shoe A is exposed, such
that a cycling shoe cleat B is also exposed for engagement with an
automatic pedal. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a front tab 11B may
extend across the toe region to conceal an underside of the front
of the cycling shoe A. The front tab 11B may consist of a rubber
tarpoline, to provide adequate elasticity for the front of the shoe
cover 10 to conform to the front of the shoe A. A peripheral
elastic 12A may delimit the bottom periphery of the large opening
of the upper 12. The peripheral elastic 12A may be a Kevlar.TM.
bias, for example, or any other suitable elastic.
[0018] Other configurations are considered, such as a full sole 11
with cutouts for the cycling shoe cleat B projecting from the
undersurface of the cycling shoe A to be exposed for being used
with automatic pedals. Cutouts may also be provided in the heel
region, so as to allow a walking cycling to walk on his/her shoe
heels. If the shoe cover 10 is used for other sporting activities,
appropriate cutouts are made as a function of the sport shoe
configuration.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the upper 12 is generally
divided in a foot portion 13 and an ankle and shin portion 14. The
foot portion 13 of the upper 12 generally protects the shoe/foot,
whereas the ankle and shin portion 14 covers the ankle and at least
a portion of the shin of the user. The shoe cover 10 may have a
front closure mechanism 15 as shown in FIG. 1. The front closure 15
may be a zipper-like or Velcro-like closure mechanism by which the
front of the shoe cover 10 may be closed/opened for the foot and
shoe to be inserted and removed from the shoe cover 10.
Alternatively, the closure mechanism 15 may be a rear closure,
although not shown. As another embodiment, the shoe cover 10 may
not have any closure mechanism, and rely instead on the elasticity
of the fabric for a foot to be inserted at the opening at the ankle
and shin portion 14. Although not shown, a strap may be provided to
overlap the end of the closure mechanism and add additional closure
integrity to the shoe cover 10.
[0020] The upper 12, and more particularly the foot portion 13, may
be generally separated in three areas, namely a front portion 20, a
metatarsal portion 21 and a heel portion 22. Without being limited
to a rigid boundary, and as loosely shown in the Figs., the front
portion generally covers the toes of the cyclist, whereas the
metatarsal portion covers the mid-portion of the foot, including
the region encompassing the metatarsal bones of the wearer's foot,
while the heel portion 22 protects and surrounds the heel of the
wearer. The metatarsal portion 21 may be separated in an outer (or
lateral) sub-portion 21A and an inner (or medial) sub-portion 21B.
The outer sub-portion 21A generally goes from the second metatarsal
bone to the side of the fifth metatarsal bone and is thus laterally
positioned, whereas the inner sub-portion 21B goes from the second
metatarsal bone to the first metatarsal bone and is medially
positioned.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 1, an access patch 30 is provided in
the metatarsal portion 21. The access patch 30 has a panel 30A in
which a slit 31 is defined. The slit 31 has a front end limit 31A
and a rear end limit 31B. The slit 31 may be part of a closure
mechanism 32, so as to be opened/closed. In the illustrated
embodiment, the closure mechanism 32 is a zipper fastener system,
although other closure mechanism could be used as well, such as
slider zip fasteners, Velcro.TM. closing mechanism, foldover flaps
with buttons, magnets, etc. The slit 31 is mostly, if not
completely, positioned in the outer sub-portion 21A. In a more
particular embodiment, the slit 31 is in register with the shoe
region covering the third to fifth metatarsal bones. In another
particular embodiment, the rear end limit 31B is in the outer
sub-portion 21A, and the front end limit 31A is also in outer
sub-portion 21A or extends to a rear region of the front portion of
the upper 12.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, the slit 31 is shown as being opened.
It is observed that, because of the positioning of the slit 31 in
the outer sub-portion 21A, the user of the shoe cover 10 has access
to components of a shoe lacing system C. In FIG. 5 the shoe lacing
system C is shown as being a Boa.TM. lacing system, with dials
thereof being adjacent to slit 31, such that one's fingers can
rotate the dials. The slit 31 could equally be used for accessing
ratchet-type lacing systems or Velcro.TM. straps, among other
common cycling lacing systems. Although the expression "lacing" is
used, the shoe lacing systems C may not actually have laces.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the panel 30A of the access patch 30 is
shown as having an irregular shape with a fin 33. The panel 30A of
the access patch 30 may be made of a material that has a greater
elasticity than that of the soft shell fabric of the upper 12. For
example, the panel 30A may consist of polyurethane, while the
exposed surface of the soft shell shoe cover 10 is Neoprene.TM..
The elasticity is desired so as to open up the slit 31 in the
manner shown in FIG. 5, and give access to the lacing system C.
Because of the presence of a fin 33, additional elasticity is
provided. Stated differently, the panel 30A has a flaring shape in
a direction of the rear end limit 31B.
[0024] The slit 31 may have any appropriate length. However, a
length ranging between 9.0 cm and 13.0 cm (i.e., from 3.5'' to
5.1'') may be sufficient to provide suitable access to the lacing
system and to enable ventilation through the open slit 31. The
length is bound by the front end limit 31A and the rear end limit
31B.
[0025] Referring concurrently to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is
illustrated a sequence of steps by which the access patch 30 is
added to a softshell shoe cover to form the shoe cover 10. As shown
in FIG. 3, the shoe cover must have an elongated cutout 40 that
will be in register with the slit 31. Accordingly, when access is
provided to the lacing system as in FIG. 5, the user passes his/her
fingers through the slit 31 and the panel of the upper 12 at the
elongated cutout 40. According to an embodiment, the elongated
cutout 40 results from a die cut.
[0026] The access patch 30 is fabricated when the closure mechanism
32 is glued (e.g., laminated) to the access patch panel 30A. The
closure mechanism 32 therefore includes tape surrounding the slit
31, with a slider moving between the front end limit 31A and the
rear end limit 31B to open/close the slit. The access patch panel
30A has an elongated opening 30B of appropriate size pre-cut in it,
for the closure mechanism 32 to be secured about the periphery of
the elongated opening 30B. In embodiment, a lamination process is
used in such a way that the joint between the closure mechanism 32
and the access patch panel 30A is waterproof.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, the resulting access patch 30 may then
be laminated onto the soft shell Neoprene.TM., with polyurethane
(panel 30A) being compatible with the Neoprene.TM. for lamination.
Additional fixation methods are considered, such as stitching,
ultrasound welding, etc., so long as the shoe cover 10 does not
lose its desired properties (e.g., waterproofness, water
resistance, windproofness). Other methods are considered as well
for the fabrication of the shoe cover 10 of the present
disclosure.
[0028] Moreover, while the use of a zipper fastener constitutes an
embodiment of the present disclosure, other configurations are
considered. For example, the closure mechanism 32 may be secured
directly to the soft shell of the upper 12, instead of using the
access patch panel 30A, with the closure mechanism 32 closing the
elongated cutout 40. Alternatively, the closure mechanism 32 may be
a foldable flap covering a simple slit in the soft shell material
of the upper 12 instead of the cutout 40, with the foldable flap
using Velcro.TM. or like means to releasably attach to the soft
shell 12 while covering the elongated opening 40. In such a case,
the cutout 40 need not be elongated, although the cutout 40 may be
a slit. In any event, the cutout or slit is a closeable vent. For
example, if the user of the shoe cover 10 desires ventilation, the
closure mechanism 32 is used to open the slit 31 (in the embodiment
with the slit 31), thereby creating an opening allowing the
interior of the shoe cover to "breathe", for instance by allowing
perspiration and excess humidity to exhaust.
[0029] Reference is repeatedly made to a shoe cover. It should
however be clear that the cover 10 is intended to cover any
appropriate type of footwear, such as boots, booties, cleats, or
any other appropriate item of footwear.
* * * * *