US20120110870A1 - Closing part for a shoe and corresponding shoe system - Google Patents
Closing part for a shoe and corresponding shoe system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120110870A1 US20120110870A1 US13/319,045 US201013319045A US2012110870A1 US 20120110870 A1 US20120110870 A1 US 20120110870A1 US 201013319045 A US201013319045 A US 201013319045A US 2012110870 A1 US2012110870 A1 US 2012110870A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shoe
- closing
- open area
- closing part
- lateral
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/22—Fastening devices with elastic tightening parts between pairs of eyelets, e.g. clamps, springs, bands
Definitions
- 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.
- the present invention relates to the technical field of shoes.
- 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.
- the present invention also relates to a shoe system comprising:
- the present invention further relates to a method for fabricating a shoe system comprising:
- 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.
- a shoe for protecting the foot, in particular for walking or for any other activity requiring to move in a standing position.
- 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.
- the shoe often comprises a closing system adapted for holding the foot in position, once le latter is inserted in the shoe.
- a closing system adapted for holding the foot in position, once le latter is inserted in the shoe.
- the lace-up system is known, which ensures a good holding of the foot in the shoe.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Another object of the invention is to propose a novel shoe closing part that ensures efficient and convenient closing and opening of the shoe.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the shoe system of FIG. 1 , in closed position;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a closing part and a lateral guide according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlargement of the area A of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an embodiment of the present invention in which the shoe comprises an elastic gore
- FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a shoe closing part and two lateral guides according to the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view showing a particular embodiment of a lateral guide according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic partial perspective front view showing the closing part and the lateral guides of FIG. 6 , in slidingly closed position;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a closing part comprising a stop according to the present invention.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- the closing part 1 is adapted for filling the open area 5 , so as to close said shoe 2 .
- 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 3 A of the upper 3 .
- 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.
- a common material for sport shoes for example leather, fabric or synthetic material.
- the upper 3 could be made of any other material adapted to the protection of the foot and to the practice of walking.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 5 C of said open area 5 .
- the open area 5 is located at the forepart 3 A of the upper 3 .
- 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.
- 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 ).
- 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.
- the open area 5 is preferentially delimited by at least a first and a second lateral edges 5 A, 5 B, to each of which said unitary part 100 is intended to be fastened by means of the first and second sliding connections, respectively.
- said first and second lateral edges 5 A, 5 B correspond to a top delimitation of the first and second quarters 23 of the upper 3 , respectively (cf. FIG. 5 ).
- said unitary part 100 is adapted for being connected to each of said first and second lateral edges 5 A, 5 B, 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.
- the unitary part 100 comprises a first and a second lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B, preferentially substantially identical to each other, forming a female part.
- the first and second lateral edges 5 A, 5 B comprise a first and a second lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, respectively, preferentially substantially identical to each other, forming a male part (cf. FIGS. 3 , 4 , 6 and 10 ).
- the first and second lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B are then preferentially adapted for being fastened to said first and second lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, respectively, by means of the first and second sliding connections, respectively.
- said lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B are adapted for fitting into said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, respectively, such fitting being reversible and said lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B being perfectly independent and separable from said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, in particular by sliding.
- the closing of said shoe 2 thus advantageously consists in a mechanical assembly, through insertion of said grooves 7 A, 7 B onto said guides 6 A, 6 B.
- the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B 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 7 A, 7 B.
- the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B of the unitary part 100 have the shape of a laterally open cylinder forming a female part, whereas the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B have a male cylinder shape, as shown in FIGS. 3 , 4 , 6 and 7 .
- the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B have a partially circular section and slidingly cover the guides 5 A, 5 B of circular section.
- the diameter of said lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B is substantially greater than that of said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, so as to enable the sliding while providing a sufficient friction between said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B and said lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B to ensure the holding of the shoe 2 in closed position.
- the grooves 7 A, 7 B and the guides 6 A, 6 B 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 7 A, 7 B and the guides 6 A, 6 B relative to each other.
- the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B 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 7 A, 7 B.
- a top stop 17 (cf. FIGS. 8 and 9 )
- the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B slide over the guides 6 A, 6 B 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 .
- 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 7 A, 7 B on the guides 6 A, 6 B.
- each of said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B 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 6 A, 6 B on the upper 3 .
- the tabs 10 are preferably fabricated by single-piece molding or over-molding with said guides 6 A, 6 B, so as to form a part integral with these latter.
- 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 ).
- the tabs 10 are advantageously sewed to at least one of said inner and outer walls 11 , 12 .
- each lateral guide 6 A, 6 B is adapted for being covered, at least in part, with a textile material 14 adapted for allowing the holding of said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B in the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B of the unitary part 100 .
- the textile material 14 around said guides 6 A, 6 B 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 7 A, 7 B over the guide 6 A, 6 B, and on the other hand, the steady holding of the fitting of said groove 7 A, 7 B and guide 6 A, 6 B, 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.
- the guides 6 A, 6 B does not advantageously comprise tabs 9 , insofar as the textile material 14 that covers said guides 6 A, 6 B, 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 6 A, 6 B secured on the shoe 2 , by being sewed to the walls 11 , 12 or by means of a bonding system as mentioned above.
- a bottom portion 16 A of said guides 6 A, 6 B, located at the base 5 C of the open area 5 is entirely covered with the textile material 14 , so that the guides 6 A, 6 B are held in position on the shoe 2 .
- each lateral guide 6 A, 6 B comprises at least one bulge 19 , such as a boss 19 , at its top end 16 B, i.e. the end corresponding to the area of beginning of sliding of the lateral groove 7 A, 7 B over said guide 6 A, 6 B.
- a boss 19 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , whose diameter is substantially greater than that of the guide 6 A, 6 B, is intended to facilitate the insertion of the unitary part 100 into the shoe 2 .
- at least one of the ends 16 A, 16 B of each lateral guide 6 A, 6 B preferentially comprises a chamfer intended to facilitate the insertion of the guide 6 A, 6 B into the corresponding lateral groove 7 A, 7 B.
- a damping means 15 may be introduced under said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, 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.
- the damping means 15 is a synthetic foam pad enveloped within a textile material, preferably substantially identical to that used for said guides 6 A, 6 B.
- the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, 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 6 A, 6 B on the shoe 2 (cf. FIG. 8 ).
- the unitary part 100 has a U-shape (cf. FIGS. 3 , 6 and 8 ), wherein each leg 100 A, 100 B of the U is adapted for being fastened to said upper 3 by means of said first and second sliding connection, respectively.
- the two legs 100 A, 100 B having preferably a substantially square or rectangular cross-section, are connected to each other by a web-forming link bar 100 C, substantially transverse to the axis of extension of said legs 100 A, 100 B, said bar 100 C having also preferably a substantially square or rectangular cross-section.
- these are the legs 100 A, 100 B that are introduced in first onto the guides 6 A, 6 B, according to FIGS. 1 , 3 , 6 and 8 , showing a closing direction following to the arrow 30 A and an opening direction following the arrow 30 B.
- the unitary part 100 is thus used in the reversed-U direction, which simplifies its handling and its insertion onto the lateral guides 5 A, 5 B, to close the open area 5 .
- the U-shape has the interest that it limits the quantity of plastic material required for the fabrication of the closing part 1 .
- the bar 100 C 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.
- 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.
- the unitary part 100 is multi-shape and comprises two lateral legs adapted for being slidingly associated with the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B of the upper 3 .
- 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 .
- each leg 100 A, 100 B 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.
- the orifices 9 are pierced through the whole thickness of each leg 100 A, 100 B, 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 9 A arranged on an inner and outer chamfer 9 B of the orifice 9 , so as to facilitate the sliding of the lace 8 during the lacing up of the shoe 2 .
- 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 7 A, 7 B, over the two lateral guides 5 A, 5 B 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 30 A, 30 B, 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 .
- each lace-bearing part 1 of the invention 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 .
- 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.
- 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 6 A, 6 B, 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.
- the legs 100 A, 100 B of the unitary part 100 have such a flexibility that the user, by means of a slight manual pressure, can slightly bring said legs 100 A, 100 B apart or together to facilitate their insertion onto the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B.
- the unitary part 100 and the guides 6 A, 6 B are fabricated from plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material of the polypropylene type.
- plastic material preferably a thermoplastic material of the polypropylene type.
- another material could be used for the fabrication of said unitary part 100 and lateral guides 6 A, 6 B.
- the upper 3 comprises a first and a second quarters 23
- 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 .
- said elastic portions 21 form elastic gores 21 A made of an elastic textile material and adapted for improving the comfort of the foot in said shoe 2 .
- These elastic gores 21 A 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 .
- the present invention also relates to a shoe system 40 comprising:
- 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.
- 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.
- the present invention also relates to a method for fabricating a shoe system 40 comprising:
- 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.
- 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 6 A, 6 B in which these latter are molded from a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.
- tabs 10 are advantageously molded integral with or over-molded onto said guides 6 A, 6 B.
- the unitary part 100 and the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B are advantageously fabricated independently from each other and form separate elements that are separable and independent from each other.
- the sizes of said unitary part 100 and lateral guides 6 A, 6 B vary mainly as a function of the models of shoe 2 and of the sizes of these latter.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 5 C of the open area 5 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the user then introduces the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B of the unitary part 100 , on which the lace 8 is laced up and locked or not, into said lateral guides 6 A, 6 B, so as to generate a slide-type mechanical connection between each lateral guide 6 A, 6 B of the upper 3 and each lateral groove 7 A, 7 B of the closing part 1 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the user places the grooves 7 A, 7 B of the unitary part 100 , arranged in a reversed-U direction, just above and opposite the guides 6 A, 6 B, so as they can be inserted and slid into said grooves 7 A, 7 B.
- 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.
- 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 100 A, 100 B 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 7 A, 7 B on each outer side 100 A, 100 B of the part 100 , for a lateral sliding into the guides 6 A, 6 B that are incorporated in the shoe 2 .
- two cylindrical grooves 7 A, 7 B on each outer side 100 A, 100 B of the part 100 , for a lateral sliding into the guides 6 A, 6 B that are incorporated in the shoe 2 .
- 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 6 A, 6 B on the shoe 2 .
- FIG. 2 shows the final position of the lace-bearing part 100 on the shoe 2 .
- the device 1 comprises a lace-bearing central part 100 and lateral guides 6 A, 6 B ( FIG. 6 ).
- FIG. 6 the embodiment according to FIG.
- 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 100 A, 100 B of the part 100 .
- a groove 7 A, 7 B is also machined on each side 100 A, 100 B, over the whole length of the lace-bearing part 100 , for the sliding into the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B secured to the shoe 2 .
- the cylindrical guides 6 A, 6 B whose size is smaller than the diameter of the grooves 7 A, 7 B of the lace-bearing part 100 , are incorporated over the whole length of each side 5 A, 5 B 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 6 A, 6 B, offer better strength and flexibility to the guides 6 A, 6 B on/in the shoe 2 .
- the different elements 6 A, 6 B, 7 A, 7 B, 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 .
- 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 7 A, 7 B, in which slide the lateral guides 6 A, 6 B 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 6 A, 6 B are integral with the shoe 2 .
- the four ends of the lateral grooves 7 A, 7 B of the lace-bearing part 100 are a chamfer.
- the four ends 16 A, 16 B of the two lateral guides 6 A, 6 B of the lace-bearing part 100 are a chamfer to provide better insertion of the guides 6 A, 6 B into the lace-bearing part 100 .
- 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 7 A, 7 B on either outer side 100 A, 100 B of the part 100 for a lateral sliding into the guides 6 A, 6 B that are incorporated in the shoe 2 .
- a simple sliding action sliding direction 30 B, FIG.
- This device 1 is particularly intended for changing the laces 8 of a shoe 2 .
- 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.
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.
Description
- 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.
- More particularly, the present invention relates to the technical field of shoes.
- 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.
- The present invention also relates to a shoe system comprising:
-
- a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper that includes an open area for facilitating the insertion of a foot into said shoe,
- a shoe closing part adapted for closing said open area.
- The present invention further relates to a method for fabricating a shoe system comprising:
-
- 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,
- a step of fabricating or providing a shoe closing part adapted for closing said open area.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Another object of the invention is to propose a novel shoe closing part that ensures efficient and convenient closing and opening of the shoe.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a shoe system comprising:
-
- a shoe, which shoe comprises at least an upper that includes an open area for facilitating the insertion of a foot into said shoe,
- a shoe closing part adapted for closing said open area,
- 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.
- The objects assigned to the invention are further achieved by means of a method for fabricating a shoe system comprising:
-
- 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,
- a step of fabricating or providing a shoe closing part adapted for closing said open area and comprising a unitary part,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
-
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; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the shoe system ofFIG. 1 , in closed position; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a closing part and a lateral guide according to the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlargement of the area A ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an embodiment of the present invention in which the shoe comprises an elastic gore; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a shoe closing part and two lateral guides according to the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic partial view showing a particular embodiment of a lateral guide according to the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic partial perspective front view showing the closing part and the lateral guides ofFIG. 6 , in slidingly closed position; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a closing part comprising a stop according to the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view showing an enlargement of the area B ofFIG. 6 , related to a lateral groove according to the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic partial view showing an enlargement of the area C ofFIG. 6 , related to a lateral guide according to the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the area D ofFIG. 1 of a lateral guide according to the present invention. - 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 theshoe 2 and adapted for enveloping the foot, and a bottom assembly 4 forming the bottom portion of theshoe 2, intended to come into contact with the ground. Preferably, the upper 3 includes a first and asecond quarters 23, intended to be joined to form an envelope around the foot. The upper 3 comprises anopen area 5 for facilitating the insertion of a human foot into saidshoe 2. The closing part 1 is adapted for closing saidopen area 5. In other words, the closing part 1 is adapted for filling theopen area 5, so as to close saidshoe 2. Preferably, theopen area 5 is located between the twoquarters 23 of the upper 3, on the front and the top of the latter, as shown inFIG. 1 , preferentially from theforepart 3A of the upper 3. - 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 theshoe 2 preferentially forms an envelope comprising at least a first layer, delimited by anouter wall 12 and an oppositeinner 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 andouter walls walls inner wall 11 is intended to be in contact with the foot, whereas theouter wall 12 is intended to be oriented toward the outside. - 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 saidopen area 5. Preferably, theopen area 5 is located at theforepart 3A of the upper 3. - 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. Saidunitary 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 saidopen area 5, respectively. - 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 theshoe 2, in particular in order to ensure the holding of the foot in position in saidshoe 2. Said first and second sliding connections are advantageously provided on either side of said open areas, respectively, at eachquarter 23 of the upper 3, i.e. each on a different side of theopen area 5 with respect to an axis of main extension (XX′) of said shoe 2 (cf.FIG. 2 ). - 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 theunitary 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 theshoe 2 to each other are reversible connections. It is therefore possible, at any time, to change the position of theunitary part 100 with respect to the upper 3, in particular to fasten or unfasten saidunitary part 100 to or from saidshoe 2, it being understood that, once fastened to theshoe 2, thepart 100 keeps its degree of freedom in translation with respect to saidshoe 2. - The
open area 5 is preferentially delimited by at least a first and a second lateral edges 5A, 5B, to each of which saidunitary 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 andsecond quarters 23 of the upper 3, respectively (cf.FIG. 5 ). - 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. - Preferably, the
unitary part 100 comprises a first and a secondlateral grooves FIGS. 3 , 4, 6 and 10). The first and secondlateral grooves - In other words, said
lateral grooves lateral grooves shoe 2 thus advantageously consists in a mechanical assembly, through insertion of saidgrooves guides - 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 thelateral grooves - Advantageously, the
lateral grooves 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 inFIGS. 3 , 4, 6 and 7. In other words, thelateral grooves guides 5A, 5B of circular section. Advantageously, the diameter of saidlateral grooves lateral grooves shoe 2 in closed position. - As an alternative, it is also perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the present invention, that the
grooves guides grooves guides - Advantageously, the
lateral grooves FIGS. 8 and 9 ), in the top portion of saidgroove lateral grooves guides top stop 17 that defines the end of the sliding and the desired position of the closing part 1 on theshoe 2. Advantageously, thetop 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 thelateral grooves guides - 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 theinner wall 11 and theouter wall 12 of the upper 3. Thetabs 10 provide, at least in part, the securing and holding of theguides tabs 10 are preferably fabricated by single-piece molding or over-molding with saidguides - Preferably, said
tabs 10 are intended to be secured between said inner andouter walls neoprene gel 13 and/or atextile adhesive 13 that is arranged between thetab 10 and saidwalls FIG. 12 ). As an alternative, thetabs 10 are advantageously sewed to at least one of said inner andouter walls - Preferably, each
lateral guide textile material 14 adapted for allowing the holding of said lateral guides 6A, 6B in thelateral grooves unitary part 100. Thetextile material 14 around saidguides lateral groove guide groove shoe 2, in particular when the shoe is put on (insertion of the foot into the shoe 2) or during walking. - In such particular embodiment, it is possible that the
guides tabs 9, insofar as thetextile material 14 that covers saidguides outer walls shoe 2, so as to hold saidguides shoe 2, by being sewed to thewalls bottom portion 16A of said guides 6A, 6B, located at the base 5C of theopen area 5, is entirely covered with thetextile material 14, so that theguides shoe 2. - Preferably, each
lateral guide bulge 19, such as aboss 19, at itstop end 16B, i.e. the end corresponding to the area of beginning of sliding of thelateral groove guide boss 19, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , whose diameter is substantially greater than that of theguide unitary part 100 into theshoe 2. Besides, at least one of theends lateral guide guide lateral groove - 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 saidunitary 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. - 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 ). - In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
unitary part 100 has a U-shape (cf.FIGS. 3 , 6 and 8), wherein eachleg legs link bar 100C, substantially transverse to the axis of extension of saidlegs bar 100C having also preferably a substantially square or rectangular cross-section. - Advantageously, these are the
legs guides FIGS. 1 , 3, 6 and 8, showing a closing direction following to thearrow 30A and an opening direction following thearrow 30B. Theunitary 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 theopen 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. - 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. - 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 thepart 100 to be fastened to the upper 3 by means of said first and second sliding connections, provided on either side of theopen area 5, respectively. Preferably, theunitary 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. - The closing part 1 comprises at least one
lace 8 adapted for being fastened to theunitary 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 onelace 8 is added and locked. It is conceivable thatseveral laces 8, of different nature, size and color, could be advantageously laced onto theunitary part 100. - In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each
leg unitary part 100 comprises at least oneorifice 9, preferably at least sixorifices 9, in which said at least onelace 8 is intended to be introduced. - Advantageously, the
orifices 9 are pierced through the whole thickness of eachleg FIGS. 3 , 6, 8 and 9). Theorifices 9 have preferentially each a diameter substantially comprised between 5 and 30 mm, preferably substantially equal to 10 mm. Saidorifices 9 preferentially each comprise at least onegroove 9A arranged on an inner andouter chamfer 9B of theorifice 9, so as to facilitate the sliding of thelace 8 during the lacing up of theshoe 2. - Preferably, the
unitary part 100 is pre-laced, before being introduced into theopen 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 theshoe 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 itslateral grooves lateral guides 5A, 5B of the upper 3, which makes it possible, on the one hand, both to close and open theshoe 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 theunitary part 100 in one of the directions indicated inFIG. 1 by thearrows shoe 2, can then easily open and close theshoe 2. - 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/hershoe 2. - 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 theunitary part 100, for example plastic strips (not shown), secured by means of a “clip” or hook system in theorifices 9, so as to form strips substantially perpendicular to thelegs 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 theshoe 2. - Furthermore, in an embodiment alternative or complementary to the above, the
unitary part 100, comprising or not alace 8, is advantageously covered, at least in part, with a covering made of decorative plates (not shown), secured to the upper or directly to thepart 100, for example at theorifices 9, by means of a “clip”, hook and/or “scratch” system. - 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 theopen area 5 or during the use. Therefore, theunitary part 100 is made, as the lateral guides 6A, 6B, of a material substantially rigid, substantially deprived of any flaccidity. Theunitary 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, thelegs unitary part 100 have such a flexibility that the user, by means of a slight manual pressure, can slightly bring saidlegs - Advantageously, the
unitary part 100 and theguides unitary part 100 and lateral guides 6A, 6B. - Preferably, the upper 3 comprises a first and a
second quarters 23, and saidshoe 2 comprises, under each of saidquarters 23, a first and a secondelastic portions 21, respectively, adapted for reducing the stresses applied by the closing part 1. Advantageously, as illustrated inFIG. 5 , saidelastic portions 21 formelastic gores 21A made of an elastic textile material and adapted for improving the comfort of the foot in saidshoe 2. Theseelastic gores 21A, thanks to theiropening 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. - The present invention also relates to a
shoe system 40 comprising: -
- a
shoe 2, which shoe comprises at least an upper 3 that includes anopen area 5 intended to facilitate the insertion of a foot into saidshoe 2, - a closing part 1 of a
shoe 2 adapted for closing saidopen area 5,
- a
- 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 saidopen area 5, respectively. - The
closing system 40 of the present invention, shown inFIGS. 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 theshoe 2, to simply and conveniently customize and modify the aestheticism of theshoe 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. - The present invention also relates to 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 anopen area 5 for facilitating the insertion of a foot into saidshoe 2, - a step of fabricating or providing a closing part 1 of a
shoe 2 adapted for closing saidopen area 5 and comprising aunitary 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 saidunitary part 100 and said upper 3.
- a step of fabricating or providing a
- Advantageously, the
unitary part 100 is provided with at least a first and a secondlateral grooves grooves open area 5 and thus theshoe 2. - 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. - 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 saidguides - 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 saidunitary part 100 and lateral guides 6A, 6B vary mainly as a function of the models ofshoe 2 and of the sizes of these latter. - 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 saidshoe 2. The closing method comprises a step of closing theopen area 5 by means of a closing part 1. - 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 saidopen area 5, respectively. The closing step comprises a sub-step of sliding in which theunitary part 100 is slid with respect to said upper 3 by means of said first and second sliding connections. - In practice, the user takes hold of the
unitary part 100, which is preferably already laced up with at least onelace 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 theopen area 5, as shown inFIG. 1 . The user then introduces thelateral grooves unitary part 100, on which thelace 8 is laced up and locked or not, into said lateral guides 6A, 6B, so as to generate a slide-type mechanical connection between eachlateral guide lateral groove FIG. 1 . In other words, the user places thegrooves unitary part 100, arranged in a reversed-U direction, just above and opposite theguides grooves - The user then pushes the
unitary part 100 along saidguides stops 17 arranged in saidgrooves shoe 2 in closed position. - If the user thereafter wishes to change the lace-bearing
unitary part 100 or if he/she wants to open theshoe 2, he/she just has to remove theunitary part 100 by pulling the bar 1C forming the web of the U-shape of the latter. - 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 theshoe 2, without a particular effort. - The present invention relates to a device 1 for facilitating the changing of the
lace 8 of atraditional 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 havingorifices 9 on the two lateral ends 100A, 100B by which alace 8 is introduced and locked so as to form only a single part. Such pre-lacedcentral part 100 that makes it possible to change the laces rapidly and without effort consists of twocylindrical grooves outer side part 100, for a lateral sliding into theguides shoe 2. According to particular embodiments: -
- the lace-bearing
part 100 and theguides - 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, - the twelve
orifices 9 of the lace-bearingpart 100 may be modified for the insertion ofseveral laces 8 or ofthicker laces 8, - the
lateral grooves part 100 may be modified in order to facilitate the sliding thereof.
- the lace-bearing
- 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-bearingpart 100 of theshoe 2.FIG. 12 shows the description of the position of theguides shoe 2.FIG. 2 shows the final position of the lace-bearingpart 100 on theshoe 2. With reference to these drawings, the device 1 comprises a lace-bearingcentral part 100 and lateral guides 6A, 6B (FIG. 6 ). In the embodiment according toFIG. 1 , the lace-bearingpart 100 consists of twelve 10 mm-diameter orifices 9, pierced through the whole thickness thereof and separated equally on eachsymmetrical side part 100. Agroove side part 100, for the sliding into the lateral guides 6A, 6B secured to theshoe 2. In the embodiment according toFIG. 12 , the cylindrical guides 6A, 6B, whose size is smaller than the diameter of thegrooves part 100, are incorporated over the whole length of eachside 5A, 5B of the upright of theshoe 2, between theinner fabric 11 and theouter fabric 12, held and secured by means of a neoprene gel provided for that purpose (FIG. 12 ). The sixtabs 10 molded by groups of three tabs to the cylindrical portion, on each of theguides guides shoe 2. By way of non-limitative example, thedifferent elements shoe 2. This device 1 according to the invention is particularly intended for changing thelace 8 of ashoe 2. - The invention relates to a device 1 for rapidly lacing up a
shoe 2 comprising a lace-bearingpart 100 having two lateralcylindrical grooves shoe 2. The lace-bearingpart 100 consists of alace 8 locked so as to form a single part. The lateral guides 6A, 6B are integral with theshoe 2. The four ends of thelateral grooves part 100 are a chamfer. The four ends 16A, 16B of the twolateral guides part 100 are a chamfer to provide better insertion of theguides part 100. - 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 ashoe 2. It consists of a lace-bearingpart 100 having twocylindrical grooves outer side part 100 for a lateral sliding into theguides shoe 2. When the user wants to change thelaces 8 of theshoes 2, he/she removes the deteriorated/damaged lace-bearingpart 100 through a simple sliding action (slidingdirection 30B,FIG. 1 ), and introduces a new lace-bearingpart 100 into theguides shoe 2 through a small vertical pushingaction 30A up to thestop 17 of theshoe 2. This device 1 according to the invention is particularly intended for changing thelaces 8 of ashoe 2. - 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.
Claims (20)
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.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR0902202A FR2945186B1 (en) | 2009-05-07 | 2009-05-07 | LACET HOLDER DEVICE FOR RAPID CHANGE OF LACET ON SHOES |
FR0902202 | 2009-05-07 | ||
PCT/FR2010/050891 WO2010128264A1 (en) | 2009-05-07 | 2010-05-07 | Closing part for a shoe and corresponding shoe system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120110870A1 true US20120110870A1 (en) | 2012-05-10 |
Family
ID=41403895
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/319,045 Abandoned US20120110870A1 (en) | 2009-05-07 | 2010-05-07 | Closing part for a shoe and corresponding shoe system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120110870A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2427073A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2945186B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010128264A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150296922A1 (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2015-10-22 | Nike, Inc. | Article of Footwear with Dynamic Support |
US20160219983A1 (en) * | 2015-01-29 | 2016-08-04 | Nike, Incorporated | Lace Engaging Structures And Other Features For Articles Of Footwear And Other Foot-Receiving Devices |
WO2020222257A1 (en) * | 2019-04-30 | 2020-11-05 | Somaiya Vidyavihar | Footwear closure system |
US11147345B2 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2021-10-19 | Nike, Inc. | Quick-pull shoe closure |
US20220304418A1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-09-29 | Vijay Kaila | Modular, customizable footwear system with interchangeable components |
US11583035B2 (en) * | 2016-10-25 | 2023-02-21 | Under Armour, Inc. | Article of footwear with dynamic tensioning system |
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US11206892B2 (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2021-12-28 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with dynamic support |
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US20210219651A1 (en) * | 2014-04-22 | 2021-07-22 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with dynamic support |
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US20160219983A1 (en) * | 2015-01-29 | 2016-08-04 | Nike, Incorporated | Lace Engaging Structures And Other Features For Articles Of Footwear And Other Foot-Receiving Devices |
US11583035B2 (en) * | 2016-10-25 | 2023-02-21 | Under Armour, Inc. | Article of footwear with dynamic tensioning system |
US11147345B2 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2021-10-19 | Nike, Inc. | Quick-pull shoe closure |
WO2020222257A1 (en) * | 2019-04-30 | 2020-11-05 | Somaiya Vidyavihar | Footwear closure system |
US20220304418A1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-09-29 | Vijay Kaila | Modular, customizable footwear system with interchangeable components |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2427073A1 (en) | 2012-03-14 |
FR2945186B1 (en) | 2011-09-09 |
WO2010128264A1 (en) | 2010-11-11 |
FR2945186A1 (en) | 2010-11-12 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |