Sports shoe comprising leg protectors

Abstract

Shoe, comprising an upper (102), the upper comprising: a wrap (2) comprising a donning and doffing opening having a rear portion (202) and a front portion (201); a gaiter (3) connected to the wrap, the gaiter consisting of pieces connected to the wrap at: at the periphery of the rear portion (202), and at the front upper, so as to surround the periphery of the front portion (201); the gaiter being configured to surround the ankle and to wrap a portion of the instep of the user, so as to form an upper opening (31), the gaiter itself being overlapped and unconnected to form a lateral slit (32L) or a medial slit (32M).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shoe that includes leg guards. Background Technology

[0002] Shoes equipped with gaiters are known in the prior art. Gaiters are typically used to prevent external elements (such as water or pebbles) from entering the shoe between the upper and the user's foot. Gaiters extend above the shoe's on / off opening, much like a sock or glove securing the shoe to the ankle. However, when shoes are equipped with gaiters, putting on and taking off such shoes becomes less convenient. Specifically, gaiters are designed to be relatively tight around the user's ankle. It is then difficult to approach the shoe's on / off opening to insert the foot. The tightening system of the shoe also becomes more complex when the shoe is covered by such gaiters.

[0003] To overcome these problems, leg warmers exist with openings that are closed via zippers or Velcro closures, making it easier to access the on / off openings and tightening system. However, these solutions compromise the shoe's aerodynamics, increase its weight, and, particularly, make the shoe less comfortable due to the presence of the closure system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome these problems and improve upon shoes known in the prior art. Specifically, this invention proposes a shoe with lightweight, integrated leg support that barely hinders the putting on and taking off of the shoe or access to the shoe's tensioning system.

[0005] This invention proposes a shoe designed to receive a user's foot, the shoe comprising: - Sole components, - Upper, the upper comprising: - A coating material, said coating material being composed of the following: - Front - Outer posterior fender - Inner rear fender, The covering includes a pull-out opening defined by an outer edge, an inner edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, the pull-out opening having: - A rear section, located at the rear baffle, is defined by the rear portion of the outer edge, the rear portion of the inner edge, and the rear edge itself. - A front section, which extends from the front fender to the rear section, is defined by the front portion of the outer edge, the front portion of the inner edge, and the front edge itself. - Leg guards, which are attached to the covering.

[0006] The leg guards consist of cut pieces that are attached to the covering at the following points: - At the outer edge of the rear section, and - At the front, thus surrounding the outer perimeter of the front section.

[0007] The leg warmers are configured to wrap around the ankle and cover part of the instep of the user, thus forming an upper opening.

[0008] The leg guards overlap but are not connected, thus forming an outer or inner gap.

[0009] This structure ensures excellent protection for the shoe, preventing external elements from entering. Furthermore, it improves the shoe's aerodynamics, particularly by covering the forefoot area. In effect, the leg guard conceals the traction system housed in this forefoot area, which could potentially interfere with aerodynamics. Finally, the overlapping of the leg guards makes putting on and taking off the shoe easier while maintaining proximity to the shoe's traction system. It also eliminates the need for additional closure systems on the leg guards, which could add weight and cause discomfort. This structure achieves perfect integration of the leg guards, providing a lightweight and comfortable shoe. Finally, this structure allows for a reduction in the number of parts, making manufacturing particularly simple and economical.

[0010] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a shoe may include one or more of the following features, considered in any technically permissible combination: - The leg guard is secured to the joint between the overlay and the sole assembly on the same side as the outer or inner seam. - The leg protector includes an extension arranged to close the front section of the interior of the cover. - The extension is fixed on the side opposite to the outer or inner gap, starting from the front end of the front portion of the edge of the extraction opening, above at least one-third of the length of the front portion of the edge of the extraction opening. - The extension is fixed above at most two-thirds of the length of the front portion of the front portion of the edge of the detachment opening, on the side opposite to the outer or inner gap. - The extension is fixed to the front portion of the edge of the pull-out opening on the same side as the outer or inner gap. - The shoe includes a tensioning system connecting the edges of the front section, the tensioning system being at least partially disposed between the extension and the covering portion of the gaiter's front panel. - The shoe includes a foam layer disposed between a portion of the tensioning system and the extension. - The leg guards are made of a stretchable material. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, which illustrates how the invention can be practiced according to non-limiting embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a top view of shoes without leg guards; Figure 2 It is used to connect to Figure 1 A plan view of the shoe to obtain the style of the leg guards according to the invention; Figure 3 This is an inside view of the shoe according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is an outer view of the shoe according to the present invention; Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A schematic view of the cross-section of VV. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Throughout this instruction manual, terms such as “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “outer,” “inner,” “right,” “left,” “horizontal,” “front,” “rear,” “front,” “back,” “in front of,” and “behind.” These terms should be interpreted relative to the position of the shoe on the user’s foot in a normal posture and in the user’s normal walking direction. A configuration where the sole assembly lies flat on a level surface is considered the normal posture.

[0013] The terms "outer side" and "inner side" are generally understood to mean facing outwards and inwards, respectively. Therefore, the inner side of one foot or shoe faces the inner side of the user's other foot or shoe.

[0014] The term "longitudinal" refers to the heel-toe direction corresponding to the X-axis, while the term "lateral" refers to the inside-outside direction corresponding to the Y-axis (for the left foot), and is therefore essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical or bottom / top direction corresponds to the Z-axis.

[0015] The terms “inner” and “inside” refer to elements that face inwards towards the inside of the shoe, oriented towards the user’s foot when the foot is contained within the shoe. Conversely, the terms “outer” and “outside” refer to elements that face outwards towards the outside of the shoe and are exposed to the external environment.

[0016] In the instructions, "shoe" is defined by the "sole assembly" and the "upper part." The "sole assembly" is the lower part of the shoe located between the foot and the ground. This is the "bottom side" of the shoe. The sole assembly is positioned facing the sole of the foot. The "upper part" is the upper part of the shoe that covers the foot and may cover part of the ankle, except for the "bottom side" of the foot. This is the "top" of the shoe. The upper part is attached to the outer edge of the sole assembly. Note that some elements of the shoe can form part of both the sole assembly and the upper part.

[0017] Figures 1 to 5 The structure of a shoe 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The shoe 100 is an athletic shoe, particularly a running shoe. The shoe 100 is a shoe for the right foot. The shoe 100 can be any other type of athletic shoe. The shoe 100 includes an upper 102 located above a sole assembly 101.

[0018] In this embodiment, the upper 102 includes a cover 2 and leg guards 3.

[0019] Figure 1 The shoes are shown without leg guards. Figure 2 The style of the leg guards is shown. Subsequent illustrations show... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shoe according to the invention, assembled from the two components shown.

[0020] The covering 2 consists of a front panel 21, an outer rear panel 22L, and an inner rear panel 22M.

[0021] These components 21, 22L, 22M of the overlay 2 can be individual parts. Alternatively, some or all of the components can be manufactured using the same process (knitting, weaving, etc.) to form an integral part. Some components may also include multiple parts assembled together in any manner known per se (e.g., by stitching, gluing, or welding). According to some embodiments, some components of the overlay 2 may extend under the foot to form part of the sole assembly 101, or conversely, some components of the sole assembly 101 may extend upward from the periphery of the sole assembly to form part of the overlay 2.

[0022] In the context of this invention, the forefoot 21 is part of the covering 2 that covers the upper, front, outer, and inner portions of the forefoot, i.e., longitudinally extending from the front of the shoe to the rear portion of the instep. In the described and illustrated embodiments, the forefoot 21 includes an upper opening 201 at the instep, which will be referred to as the forefoot section.

[0023] In the context of this invention, the outer heel counter 23L and the inner heel counter 23M form a heel seat and cover the rear, outer, and inner portions of the foot. The heel counters 23L and 23M extend the front counter 21 at its rear portion to form a continuous cover 2 that covers the top and all sides of the foot. The upper edges of the heel counters 23L and 23M define an upper opening 202, which will refer to the rear section for inserting the foot into the shoe 100.

[0024] Therefore, the cover includes a put-and-take opening 20 defined by an outer edge 20L, an inner edge 20M, a front edge 20F, and a rear edge 20R, the put-and-take opening having: - Rear section 202, corresponding to the upper opening of the rear side, the rear section is defined by the rear portion 202L of the outer edge 20L, the rear portion 202M of the inner edge 20M and the rear edge 20R. - Front section 201, corresponding to the upper opening of the front panel, extends to rear section 202 at the front panel 21. The front section is defined by the front portion 201L of the outer edge 20L, the front portion 201M of the inner edge 20L, and the front edge 20F.

[0025] The on / off opening 20 allows the foot to be inserted into the shoe. The rear section 202 is designed to allow the foot to pass through and then wrap around the ankle once the shoe is on. However, the front section 201 allows for variations in the size of the on / off opening and, in particular, allows the rear section opening to be enlarged to allow the foot to pass through. Furthermore, the front section allows for adjustment of the tightness of the overlay at the instep to ensure the shoe provides good support around the foot.

[0026] For this purpose, namely to ensure a tight fit of the forefoot 21 around the instep, the shoe 100 includes a tensioning system 4 that allows the forefoot portions 201M and 201L, which define the forefoot section 201, to be brought closer together. This tensioning system significantly improves foot support. In this embodiment, the system consists of laces 41, loops 210, and an adjustment buckle that optionally allows the lace length to be adjusted. In this embodiment, the outer edge 201L and inner edge 201M of the forefoot section 201 can accommodate loops 210 designed to receive a portion of the laces 41.

[0027] The cover 2 is secured to the sole assembly 101. According to a conventional embodiment, the cover 2 is assembled to the insole 11, for example, by sewing. The sub-assembly is then secured to the upper surface of the sole assembly 101 via the insole, for example, by adhesive. Other methods for securing the cover to the sole assembly are conceivable.

[0028] According to the present invention, the upper 102 includes a leg guard 3 that is attached to or fixed to the cover 2.

[0029] Leg protectors 3 consist of cut pieces attached to coverings 2 at the following points: - At the outer perimeter of the rear section 202, at locations 202L, 202M, and 20R, - At the front panel 21, the outer perimeter 201L, 201M and 20F of the front section 201 are thus surrounded.

[0030] The leg guard 3 thus includes: a support portion 34 extending above the rear section 202, the back vamp 22L, 22M, and a covering portion 35 designed to cover the covering 2 at the front vamp 21. This support portion is designed to surround the user's ankle once the shoe has been put on. The support portion 34 includes an upper opening 31 to allow the foot to be inserted into the shoe. The leg guard 3 is configured to surround the ankle and extend forward to cover a portion of the user's instep. The leg guard 3 is constructed such that at the instep, a portion of the leg guard overlaps (or covers, superimposes) relative to another portion of the leg guard. This self-overlapping of the leg guard at the instep is implemented by a "strap" (bandage) or wrapping manner.

[0031] This construction allows for excellent coverage of the on / off opening 20, ensuring a good seal against external elements such as water or pebbles. This construction, particularly by covering the forefoot area 201 and shielding the tensioning system 4 with a smoother surface, also provides good aerodynamics for the running shoe. Furthermore, even when the tensioning system comes loose (e.g., the laces become untied), this allows the foot to be held firmly in place. Additionally, this allows loose laces or loose portions of the tensioning system to be held within closed recesses, preventing this free element from swinging and getting caught on objects, thus avoiding the risk of the runner tripping.

[0032] The leg guards 3 can be attached to the covering 2 by any suitable means, whether at the rear flap 22L or 22M or at the front flap 21. This can be done by stitching and / or gluing and / or welding.

[0033] Leg guards 3 are preferably continuous integral pieces to have a streamlined, smooth outer surface.

[0034] The cut piece 3 is preferably made of a waterproof material to ensure the shoe is sealed and prevents the feet from getting wet. Preferably, the material used is also breathable to allow the feet to ventilate and wick away sweat.

[0035] Cut piece 3 can be an elastic textile, especially a woven or knitted textile.

[0036] Advantageously, the leg guards 3 are made of a stretchable material, which allows the panels to deform more easily, making it easier for the foot to fit into the shoe and also making it easier to access the tensioning system 4. Such stretchable materials include, for example, spandex. These materials exhibit good elasticity.

[0037] The leg guards 3 overlap (or wrap around / overlay) themselves without being connected, thus forming either an outer gap 32L or an inner gap 32M. Therefore, two implementation schemes are conceivable: in Figures 3 to 5 In the illustrated first configuration, the leg guard is wrapped to secure it to the inside of the front panel, thus creating an inner gap 32M; in the second configuration (not illustrated), the leg guard is wrapped in the opposite direction to the wrapping in the first configuration. The wrapping is thus performed to secure the leg guard to the outside of the front panel, thereby creating an outer gap 32L.

[0038] The gaps 32L and 32M are defined by the free edge 351 of the covering portion 35 (i.e. the edge of the portion not fixed to the covering 2) and a portion of the covering 2 (which is extended by the covering portion of the leg guard).

[0039] This overlap increases the likelihood of the upper edge of the leg guards shifting away, making it easier to put the shoes on or get close to the tensioning system 4.

[0040] The leg guards 3 are configured to cover the front section 201.

[0041] According to the first configuration, the leg guards 3 are fixed to the front gusset 21 at the edges 201L, 201M and 20F of the front section 201. In this case, it is an edge-to-edge connection.

[0042] Alternatively, the leg guards can be fixed to the front panel 21 at a distance from the edges 201L, 201M and 20F of the front section 201.

[0043] According to such Figures 3 to 5 In one illustrated embodiment, the gaiter 3 is secured to the joint 36 between the overlay 2 and the sole assembly 101 on the same side as the outer seam 32L or the inner seam 32M. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for a larger seam, leading to the possibility of further deformation of the piece 3 to improve foot insertion within the shoe and access to the tensioning system 4. When the seam is on the inner side, this allows for slight compression of the inner portion of the forefoot, providing support for correcting pronation. Conversely, when the seam is on the outer side, this allows for slight compression of the outer portion of the forefoot, providing support for correcting supination. This structure also allows for the avoidance of hard spots or rigid points on the instep due to the fixing means (adhesion, stitching, or welding) used to secure the gaiter 3 to the forefoot 21 at this point. This enhances user comfort.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, the gaiter 3 includes an extension 33 arranged for enclosing a forefoot section 201 within the covering 2. This extension 33 thus forms a tongue positioned between the tensioning system 4 and the instep. This allows for comfort by reducing direct pressure on the instep from the tensioning device, which is then distributed through the tongue. Furthermore, this further enhances the shoe's seal in this area. This structure also allows for a reduction in the number of shoe components by using a portion of the gaiter to form the tongue. Shoe manufacturing is thus simplified and therefore more economical.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed above at least one-third of the length L201L, L201M of the front portion 201L, 201M of the edge 20L, 20M of the detachment opening on the side opposite to the outer or inner gap.

[0046] By securing the extension 33 above its minimum length on the side opposite the gap, the extension 33 has sufficient strength to ensure the tongue remains properly in place, especially when the shoe is being put on, and thus prevents it from slipping under the forefoot. Furthermore, this grip applies slight tension to a portion of the instep for better foot support. Additionally, this also improves the shoe's seal at that point.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed above, on the side opposite to the outer or inner gap, starting from the front end of the front portion 201L, 201M of the edge 20L, 20M of the detachment opening, at a maximum of two-thirds of the length L201L, L201M of the front portion 201L, 201M of the edge 20L, 20M of the detachment opening.

[0048] The fact that the extension is not fixed to the edge 201L of the front section 201; the fact that it is adjacent to the rear portion of the rear section 202 allows for an increase in the opening for foot passage. The rear section 202 can thus be enlarged through a portion of the front section 201. This tongue structure 33, which is not connected within the rear portion of the front section 201, therefore makes the shoe easier to put on.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed to the front portion 201L, 201M of the edge of the detachment opening on the same side as the outer or inner gap.

[0050] Securing the tongue 33 at this point provides similar advantages as described above. By securing it to the forefoot portion on the same side as the gap, the extension 33 has sufficient strength to ensure the tongue remains accurately in place, applies slight tension to a portion of the instep for better foot support, and also improves the shoe's seal at this point.

[0051] As previously stated, the shoe includes a tensioning system 4 connecting the edges of the forefoot section. Advantageously, the extension or tongue 33 is arranged such that the tensioning system 4 is at least partially disposed between the extension 33 and a covering portion 35 of a portion of the covering forefoot 21 of the gaiter 3. The covering portion 35 thereby conceals the tensioning system 4 and provides the aforementioned advantages in terms of aerodynamics, retaining the tensioning system within a recess, and maintaining tension when the tensioning system is released. The extension or tongue 33 enhances comfort by reducing the pressure exerted by the tensioning system on the instep.

[0052] To further enhance comfort, particularly reducing the pressure exerted on the instep by the tensioning system, the shoe includes a foam layer 37 disposed between a portion of the tensioning system 4 and the extension 33. For example, in a tensioning system consisting of laces, the foam may be located below where the laces will form a tension knot. To secure the foam layer 37 to the tongue 33, the tongue may be closed between the extension 33 and the covering piece 38 in the connection area surrounding the foam layer 37 by stitching and / or gluing and / or welding. Figure 5 This structure is illustrated schematically. In the figure, the covering piece 38 covers the width of the tongue 33. The foam layer 37 and the covering piece 38 can be narrower than the width of the tongue 33 and only cover the middle portion of the tongue 33 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown).

[0053] The tongue 33 may have a slit for the laces to pass through, so as to maintain a good relative positioning of the tongue and laces when putting on and lacing the shoe. This also allows the tongue 33 to be kept in place and prevents it from slipping under the forefoot.

[0054] In the structure described above, the leg guard 3 is a separate component of the covering 2, secured by any suitable means (sewing and / or gluing and / or welding). According to an alternative embodiment, the leg guard and the covering form an integral component. In this case, the leg guard is an extension (part of the covering). The connection between the cut piece and the covering may arise from the structure of the integral component or may be a combination of structural connections and other securing means (such as sewing and / or gluing and / or welding). This integral component may be a textile formed by weaving or knitting.

[0055] The solution described above enables easy donning and doffing as well as convenient strapping. Specifically, the leg warmer 3 achieves these advantages by wrapping around the user's ankle and overlapping at the front of the cover 2.

[0056] When putting on shoes, the user will move the upper portion of the gaiters 33 away from the overlapping area of ​​the gaiters 33 to enlarge the upper opening of the gaiters 31, which is located above the rear section 202. The larger opening will make it easier for the user to insert their foot into the shoe.

[0057] Once the foot is inside the shoe, the user can easily access the tightening system 4 by removing the free edge 351 of the covering portion 35, which is designed to cover a portion of the forefoot 21, thereby widening the outer gap 32L or the inner gap 32M. The user can push a portion of the covering portion 35 forward to allow access to the lacing system 4. Once tightened, the user can replace the gaiters to cover the instep and tightening system. By using a stretchable material, the elasticity of the panel 3 causes the gaiters 3 to naturally return to this position where the gaiters cover the instep.

[0058] This overlapping, covering, or wrapping structure of leg guards has particular advantages: - It allows the shoelaces to be wrapped, which improves aerodynamic performance. - This allows for a lightweight structure in shoes equipped with gaiters, improving lightweight design, especially since the gaiters no longer require a specific sealing system. Because the tongue is formed from part of the gaiter and the gaiter does not require a closure system, it allows for a reduction in the number of shoe components, making manufacturing simpler and more economical. - It makes it easier to put on shoes equipped with leg guards. - It makes the shoe's lacing system easier to access. - It allows the foot and ankle to be wrapped in a way that provides a proprioceptive effect.

[0059] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Combinations of these embodiments are also possible. This invention extends to all embodiments covered by the claims.

[0060] Figure Labels 100. Shoes 101. Sole Components 11. Insole 102. Shoe upper 2. Covering material 20. Dressing / Dressing opening 20F. Front edge 20L. Outer edge 20R. Rear edge 20M. Inner edge 201. Front Section 201L. Front portion of the outer edge 20L 201M. Front portion of the inner edge 20M 202. Rear Section 202L. Rear portion of the outer edge 20L. 202M. Rear part of the inner edge 20M 21. Front Helper 210. Ring 22L. Outer rear fender 22M. Inner back panel 3. Leg protectors 31. Open at the top 32L. Outer gap 32M. Inner gap 33. Extension or tongue 34. Supporting components 35. Covered portion 351. The Edge of Freedom 36. The junction between the sole assembly 101 and the cover 2 37. Foam layer 38. Covering cut pieces 4. Tensioning system 41. Shoelaces

Claims

1. A shoe (100), said shoe being designed to receive a user's foot, said shoe comprising: - Sole assembly (101) - Upper (102), the upper comprising: - Covering material (2), said covering material being composed of the following: - Front bang (21), - Outer rear fender (22L) - Inner rear panel (22M). The covering includes a don-and-take opening (20) defined by an outer edge (20L), an inner edge (20M), a front edge (20F), and a rear edge (20R), the don-and-take opening having: - A rear section (202), located at the rear side, is defined by the rear portion of the outer edge (202L), the rear portion of the inner edge (202M), and the rear edge itself. - A front section (201), which extends the rear section at the front edge and is defined by the front portion of the side edge (201L), the front portion of the inner edge (201M), and the front edge. - Leg guards (3), the leg guards being connected to the covering, Its features are, The leg guards consist of cut pieces attached to the covering at the following locations: - At the periphery (202L, 202M, 20R) of the rear section (202), and - The front panel, thereby surrounding the periphery (201L, 201M, 20F) of the front section (201). The leg guards are configured to surround the ankle and cover part of the user's instep, thus forming an upper opening (31). The leg guards overlap but are not connected to form an outer gap (32L) or an inner gap (32M).

2. The shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leg guard is secured on the same side as the outer or inner slit at the junction (36) between the cover and the sole assembly.

3. The shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leg guard includes an extension (33) arranged to close the front section of the interior of the cover.

4. The shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The extension is fixed on the side opposite to the outer or inner gap, starting from the front end of the front portion (201L, 201M) of the edge (20L, 20M) of the detachment opening, above at least one-third of the length (L201L, L201M) of the front portion (201L, 201M) of the edge (20L, 20M) of the detachment opening.

5. The shoe (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension is fixed on the side opposite to the outer or inner gap, starting from the front end of the front portion (201L, 201M) of the edge (20L, 20M) of the detachment opening, above at most two-thirds of the length (L201L, L201M) of the front portion (201L, 201M) of the edge (20L, 20M) of the detachment opening.

6. The shoe (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The extension is fixed to the front portion (201L, 201M) of the edge of the detachment opening on the same side as the outer or inner slit.

7. The shoe (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shoe includes a tensioning system (4) connecting the edges of the front section, the tensioning system being at least partially disposed between the extension and the covering portion (35) of the leg guard that covers a portion of the front.

8. The shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The shoe includes a foam layer (37) disposed between a portion of the tensioning system and the extension.

9. The shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leg guards are made of a stretchable material.

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