Boot with improved tightening of upper

Abstract

A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending length-wise from a heel to a front end, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end, the boot having an opening for foot insertion, and including a lateral portion, a medial portion, as well as a tightening device, the tightening device including a first linkage, a second linkage, as well as connections of the linkages to the upper. The first linkage runs from one portion to the other, in the area of the instep. The second linkage passes through an initial sliding connection located on one of the portions, then through a first intermediate sliding connection located on the other portion, then extends along the upper by going around the heel, between the sole and the upper end, so as to arrive at a fixed end connection located on that of the portions which carries the initial connection.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French Patent Application No. 07 07410, filed on Oct. 23, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to an article of footwear, i.e., a boot, and, particularly, a sports boot, and more particularly to a boot adapted for skiing, walking, or any of a plurality of other activities, including sports activities.[0004]Such boots can be used in fields such as cross-country skiing or telemark skiing, walking or running on flat terrain or in mountainous areas, mountaineering, snowboarding, snowshoeing, roller skating, skateboarding, cycling, ball-playing sports, and the like.[0005]2. Description of Background and Other Information[0006]A boot can have a low upper or a high upper. A boot can also be relatively flexible or more rigid. In any case, however, the use...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]In addition, the invention improves foot support in the boot or, in other words, the invention reduces, or even eliminates ill-timed foot displacements in the boot.

[0018]Further, the invention improves putting on and removing the boot, in the sense that it is desirable to facilitate the passage of the foot into or out of the upper.

[0023]The tightening device also enables a better tightening and, therefore, a better support, in the area of the heel.

[0024]An advantage resulting from the above is good foot support. Indeed, movement of the foot within the boot is either eliminated or rendered insignificant. As a result, the transmission of sensory information and steering forces is improved.

[0027]As resulting advantage, it is much easier to put on and remove the boot, because there is increased space for passage of the foot.

[0028]Generally speaking, the boot according to the invention offers greater comfort, whether in static mode or in dynamic mode, i.e., whether the wearer is in motion or not.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, one's performance, especially in sports, is adversely affected.

Moreover, repeated foot movements in the upper can translate into friction that causes injuries to the foot.

However, known boots have been found to provide incomplete foot support.

In addition, putting on or removing such boots is not always easy.

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