cycling shoe

Abstract

Cycling shoe (20) including: a sole (34); a shoe upper section (36) coupled to the sole (34) to form a foot receiving space (50), wherein the shoe upper section (36) includes first and second attachment sections (58, 60) and a fixing strap (38) having a proximal end (64) attached to a part of the shoe upper section (36), wherein the fixing strap (38) includes third and fourth attachment sections (74, 76), wherein the shoe upper section (36) and the fixing strap (38) optionally maintain either a first state in which the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38) is detachably attached to the first attachment section (58) of the shoe upper section (36) or a second state in which the fourth attachment section (76) of the fixing strap (38) is detachably attached to the second attachment section (60) of the shoe upper section (36), wherein the foot reception space (50) is larger in the second state than in the first state;in which the upper shoe section (36) includes first and second folding parts (52, 54) which are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first attachment section (58) is arranged on the first folding part (52) of the upper shoe section (36), and wherein the second attachment section (60) is arranged on the second folding part (54) of the upper shoe section (36).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a cycling shoe. In particular, the present invention relates to a cycling shoe that has a fixing strap. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Cycling shoes preferably include a cleat structure that attaches to the binding structure of a bicycle pedal. The cleat structure of the cycling shoes may include a cleat that is detachably attached to a cleat engagement section of the binding structure. The cycling shoes may also include one or more Velcro straps used to secure the cycling shoes to the rider's feet.

[0003] There are circumstances where a rider wants to put on their cycling shoes very quickly, while the cleat structure of the shoes is still engaging with the binding structure of the bicycle. For example, in the case of cycling shoes for triathlons, easy entry of the rider's feet into the shoes is desirable. Especially in a triathlon, which consists of three continuous and consecutive events—swimming, cycling, and running—triathletes put on their cycling shoes during the transition from swimming to cycling. However, since the time spent in the transition is included in the overall race time, triathletes cannot afford to waste time putting on their cycling shoes.Consequently, in most cases, triathletes leave their cycling shoes attached to the bicycle pedals in advance, so that they only have to slip their feet into the cycling shoes as a result of cycling.

[0004] The German utility model DE 20 2008 017 627 U1 describes a sports or leisure shoe equipped with lacing devices with at least one tension band that allows tensioning to be carried out on the user's foot both on the instep of the user and at their ankle.

[0005] In light of the above, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure that there is a need for an improved cycling shoe that can be easily attached to the rider's foot. The present disclosure addresses this technical need as well as other needs that will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure. SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect is to provide a cycling shoe that facilitates the easy entry of a rider's foot into the cycling shoe.

[0007] Considering the state of known technology, a cycling shoe is provided that essentially comprises a sole, an upper section, and a fastening strap. The upper section includes first and second attachment points. The fastening strap has a proximal end that is attached to a portion of the upper section. The fastening strap includes third and fourth attachment points. The upper section and the fastening strap optionally maintain either a first state in which the third attachment point of the fastening strap is detachably attached to the first attachment point of the upper section, or a second state in which the fourth attachment point of the fastening strap is detachably attached to the second attachment point of the upper section. The foot compartment is larger in the second state than in the first state.The upper shoe section includes first and second folding parts that are spaced apart from each other, with the first attachment section being arranged on the first folding part of the upper shoe section and the second attachment section being arranged on the second folding part of the upper shoe section.

[0008] In another embodiment, a cycling shoe is provided which essentially comprises a sole, an upper section, and a fastening strap. The upper section includes first and second attachment sections. The fastening strap has a proximal end that is attached to a portion of the upper section. The fastening strap includes third and fourth attachment sections. The upper section and the fastening strap optionally maintain either a first state in which the third attachment section of the fastening strap is detachably attached to the first attachment section of the upper section, or a second state in which the fourth attachment section of the fastening strap is detachably attached to the second attachment section of the upper section. The foot compartment is larger in the second state than in the first state.The fixing strap is attached to the upper part of the shoe in such a way that the third attachment section extends directly out from the first attachment section.

[0009] In a further embodiment, a cycling shoe is provided which essentially comprises a sole, an upper section, and a fastening strap. The upper section includes first and second attachment sections. The fastening strap has a proximal end that is attached to a part of the upper section. The fastening strap includes third and fourth attachment sections. The upper section and the fastening strap optionally maintain either a first state in which the third attachment section of the fastening strap is detachably attached to the first attachment section of the upper section, or a second state in which the fourth attachment section of the fastening strap is detachably attached to the second attachment section of the upper section. The foot compartment is larger in the second state than in the first state.The fixing strap is attached to the upper part of the shoe in such a way that the third attachment section is spaced apart from the first attachment section.

[0010] Other items, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle shoe will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the attached drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the bicycle shoe. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Regarding the attached drawings, which form part of the original revelations: Fig. Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a bicycle shoe according to a first embodiment, showing a fixing strap which is fastened in a fixed state; Fig. 2 is a top view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap fastened in a fixed state; Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap, loosened in a loosened state; Fig. 4 is a top view of a bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 3, showing the fixing strap, released in the released state; Fig. Figure 5 is a side-view illustration of the bicycle shoe. Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap, loosened in an easy-entry state; Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the bicycle shoe, illustrated in the Fig. 5, which shows the fixing strap, loosened in the easy-entry state; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective front view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap, loosened in the easy-entry state with a closed Velcro fastening of the cycling shoe; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective front view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap, loosened in the easy-entry state with the Velcro fastening of the cycling shoe released; Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged side view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing a second attachment section of the Velcro fastener of the bicycle shoe; Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged top view of a fixing strap of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing a fourth attachment section of the Velcro fastener of the bicycle shoe; Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective rear view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap fastened in the fastened state; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective rear view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap in the released state; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective rear view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the fixing strap loosened in the easy-entry state; Fig. Figure 14 is an enlarged, rear-view drawing of the bicycle shoe, illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing a heel strap that has a notch; Fig. Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in the Fig. 1, showing the heel strap which has the notch; and Fig. Figure 16 is a top view of a bicycle shoe according to a modified embodiment, showing a modified fixing strap of the bicycle shoe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0012] A preferred embodiment will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0013] Firstly, referring to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle shoe 20 according to one embodiment. The bicycle shoe 20 is detachably secured to a bicycle shoe binding structure (not shown) in a conventional manner. Since the bicycle and the shoe binding structure are not essential elements, their description is omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0014] Further referring to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. 15, in which a detailed description of the cycling shoes 20 is now provided. There are two cycling shoes 20. However, the cycling shoes 20 are identical to each other, except that they are mirror images of each other, one for the left foot and one for the right foot. Accordingly, the description of one of the cycling shoes 20 applies equally to the other cycling shoe 20. Therefore, the description is provided for only one of the cycling shoes 20, but applies equally to both cycling shoes 20.

[0015] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cycling shoe 20 comprises an inner side 30, an outer side 32, a sole 34, an upper section 36, and a fastening strap 38. The cycling shoe further comprises a strap ring 40 and a heel strap 42. It should be clear from the drawings and the description that the term "inner side" refers to the right side of a shoe for the left foot and the left side of a shoe for the right foot. In other words, the inner side is the side of the shoe that faces the shoe on the wearer's other foot. Likewise, the term "outer side" refers to the left side of the shoe for the left foot and the right side of the shoe for the right foot. The outer side is the side of the shoe that faces away from the shoe on the other foot. Both the terms "inner" and "inner side" are to be used interchangeably with respect to the present disclosure.Likewise, the terms outside and external side are interchangeable with regard to the description of the present disclosure.

[0016] The sole 34 incorporates a stud mounting section 43 configured to accept a conventional stud structure (not shown). The sole 34 is made of an elastic but relatively rigid polymer or plastic material (with a small degree of elastic flexibility). The stud mounting section 43 also incorporates numerous threaded holes dimensioned to accommodate a variety of fasteners that secure the stud structure to the sole 34. The stud structure, mounted to the sole 34, is detachably attached to the bicycle's shoe binding system. Since the designs of the sole 34 and the stud structure are conventional, further description is omitted for brevity.

[0017] The upper shoe section 36 includes a toe end 44 (for example, a toe section), a heel end 46 (for example, a heel section), a foot opening 48, an overlap section 52 (for example, a first folding part), and an underlap section 54 (for example, a second folding part). It should also be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the upper shoe section 36 defines, at least in part, the inner side 30 and the outer side 32 of the cycling shoe 20. Consequently, the inner side 30 and the outer side 32 refer to both the cycling shoe 20 and the upper shoe section 36.

[0018] The shoe upper section 36 is made of any one of a variety of materials or combinations of materials, such as leather, leather-like materials, polymer materials, plastic materials, and textile materials. For example, the shoe upper section 36 may include sections made of breathable materials that allow the interior of the cycling shoe 20 to breathe or vent. The different sections of the shoe upper section 36 are sewn together or otherwise fixed. Since the present disclosure is applicable to a variety of different shoe styles, designs, and configurations, the illustrated embodiment shows a basic shoe design made of various textile-based materials that are sewn or stitched together to form the illustrated shape.However, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated form, as can be understood from the following description of the present disclosure. The shoe upper section 36 is fixed to the sole 34 in a conventional manner, such as by stitching, gluing and / or by embedding sections within the sole 34, thereby forming a foot-receiving space 50 of the bicycle shoe 20.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the overlap section 52 of the shoe upper section 36 is essentially an elongated section of the inner side 30 of the shoe upper section 36. In particular, the material forming the inner side 30 of the shoe upper section 36 is sufficiently long to allow the overlap section 52 to extend over the top of the bicycle shoe 20 and to overlap at least a section of the lower flap section 54 while the fixing strap 38 is completely tightened around the rider's foot.

[0020] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the underlap section 54 is essentially an elongated portion of the outer side 32 of the upper section 36 of the shoe, extending upwards from the sole 34. The underlap section 54 may be dimensioned to extend towards and beyond the top of the rider's foot when the rider is wearing the cycling shoe 20. The actual size and length of the underlap section 54 may vary depending on the overall shoe design and is not limited to the proportional dimensions and shape shown.

[0021] How best to in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the lower flap section 54 includes a loop section 57 that wraps around the strap ring 40. In other words, the strap ring 40 is attached to the loop section 57 (for example, a part) of the upper shoe section 36. The loop section 57 is located adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the sole 34 on the outer side 32 of the upper shoe section 36. The loop section 57 is fixed to the outer side 32 of the upper shoe section 36 by means of a sewn hem or embroidery. Alternatively, the loop section 57 and the lower flap section 54 can be formed from a single element or section, with a portion of the loop section 57 partially cut out of the lower flap section 54 and then sewn or embroidered to itself, forming a loop. The loop section 57 encloses a portion of the strap ring 40.The belt ring 40 is a rigid ring-like element, such as a metallic element, which has an overall rectangular shape with a central opening that accommodates the loop section 57 and part of the fixing belt 38, as described in detail below.

[0022] The overlap section 52 and the underlap section 54 are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the bicycle shoe 20, while the rider leaves the bicycle shoe 20 attached to the bicycle in advance, so that the rider can slip his foot into the bicycle shoe 20 as best as possible. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown. As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 to 8, the upper shoe section 36 further includes first and second attachment sections 58 and 60. The first attachment section 58 is located on the overlap section 52 of the upper shoe section 36. The second attachment section 60 is located on the underlap section 54 of the upper shoe section 36. The first and second attachment sections 58 and 60 of the upper shoe section 36 are spaced apart from each other. As is best shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the second attachment section 60 of the shoe upper section 36 is smaller than the first attachment section 58 of the shoe upper section 36. Detailed constructions of the first and second attachment sections 58 and 60 are described in more detail below.

[0023] The fixing strap 38 is configured to secure the shoe upper section 36 to the rider's foot. As best illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4, the fixing strap 38 includes a proximal end 64, a loop section 66 and a free end 68. Furthermore, as is best done in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the fixing strap 38 has first and second surfaces 70 and 72, each with third and fourth attachment sections 74 and 76. Specifically, the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38 is located on the first surface 70 of the fixing strap 38, while the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 is located on the second surface 72 of the fixing strap 38. The second surface 72 of the fixing strap 38 faces the first surface 70 of the fixing strap 38. Consequently, the third and fourth attachment sections 74 and 76 of the fixing strap 38 are spaced apart from each other. As is best illustrated in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 is smaller than the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38. Detailed designs of the third and fourth attachment sections 74 and 76 are described in more detail below.

[0024] The fixing strap 38 secures the cycling shoe 20 to the rider's foot. The fixing strap 38 extends from the overlap section 52 of the shoe upper section 36. In particular, the proximal end 64 is located on the inner side 30 of the shoe upper section 36 at the overlap section 52, as best shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the proximal end 64 being closer to the foot opening 48 of the upper shoe section 36 than the toe end 44. The proximal end 64 is fixed to the upper shoe section 36 by sewing or embroidery. The proximal end 64 lies over the top of the cycling shoe 20 and a section of the overlap section 52 near the foot opening 48. The proximal end 64 of the fixing strap 38 is attached to the overlap section 52 of the upper shoe section 36.

[0025] How best to in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first attachment section 58 of the upper shoe section 36 forms at least part of the proximal end 64 of the fastening strap 38. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first attachment section 58 extends from the proximal end 64 to the loop section 66. The first attachment section 58 includes a first material 78 of a hook-and-loop fastener material on the first surface 70 of the fastening strap 38. The third attachment section 74 of the fastening strap 38 is arranged between the loop section 66 and the free end 68 of the fastening strap 38. The third attachment section 74 includes a second material 80 of a hook and loop fastener material on the first surface 70 of the fixing strap 38. In other words, the fixing strap 38 is attached to the upper shoe section 36, so that the third attachment section 74 extends directly from the first attachment section 58 along the fixing strap 38.The first attachment section 58 of the upper shoe section 36 is detachably attached to the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38. In particular, the first attachment section 58 of the upper shoe section 36 and the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38 form a hook and loop fastener 84, as shown in the . Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the first material 78 of the hook-and-loop fastener material has tiny hooks, while the second material 80 of the hook-and-loop fastener material has tiny loops. In the illustrated embodiment, the first attachment section 58 includes the first material 78, while the third attachment section 74 includes the second material 80. Alternatively, the first attachment section 58 can include the second material 80 (i.e., loops), and the third attachment section 74 can include the first material 78 (i.e., tiny hooks).

[0026] How best to Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the second attachment section 60 is arranged on the edge section of the underlap section 54 of the shoe upper section 36. The second attachment section 60 incorporates the second material 80 of the hook and loop fastener material on an outer surface of the underlap section 54. The second attachment section 60 is arranged relative to the underlap section 54 such that the second attachment section 60 lies over the overlap section 52, while the first attachment section 58 is attached to the third attachment section 54. The second material 80 of the second attachment section 60 is securely fixed to the underlap section 54 by means of a sewn hem or embroidery. As is best shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the fourth attachment section 76 is attached to the second surface 72 of the fixing strap 38, which is firmly coupled to the overlap section 52. The fourth attachment section 76 includes the first material 78 of the hook and loop fastener material in a longitudinal central section of the fixing strap 38 on the second surface 72 of the fixing strap 38. As best shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the fourth attachment section 76 is arranged relative to the fixing strap 38 such that the fourth attachment section 76 is positioned on the upper side of the bicycle shoe 20, while the first attachment section 58 is attached to the third attachment section 74. The first material 78 of the fourth attachment section 76 is securely fixed to the fixing strap 38 by means of a sewn hem or embroidery. As is best shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the second attachment section 60 of the upper shoe section 36 is detachably attachable to the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38. In particular, the second attachment section 60 of the upper shoe section 36 and the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 form a hook-and-loop fastener 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the second attachment section 60 includes the second material 80, while the fourth attachment section 76 includes the first material 78. Alternatively, the second attachment section 60 can include the first material 78 (i.e., tiny hooks), and the fourth attachment section 76 can include the second material 80 (i.e., loops).

[0027] The fixing strap 38 is firmly attached to the overlap section 52 of the upper shoe section 36. The fixing strap 38 is fed to and extends through the strap ring 40, so that the loop section 66 of the fixing strap 38 normally contacts the strap ring 40. When the free end 68 of the fixing strap 38 is pulled away from the outer side 32 of the cycling shoe 20 towards the inner side 30 of the cycling shoe 20, after it has extended through the strap ring 40, the loop section 66 acts with the strap ring 40 to pull the outer side 32 and the inner side 30 of the upper shoe section 36 towards each other. Furthermore, the overlap section 52 is pulled over a large portion of the lower flap section 54.When the third attachment section 74 comes into contact with the first attachment section 58, the first and second materials 78 and 80 of the hook and loop fastener materials secure the fixing strap 38 in a tightened direction, which tightens the upper shoe section 36 to the rider's foot. Explicitly, as is best described in the... Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the fixing strap 38 extends through the strap ring 40 and loops back towards the overlap section 52 of the upper shoe section 36 when the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38 is attached to the first attachment section 58 of the upper shoe section 36. As a result, the overlap section 52 and the underlap section 54 of the upper shoe section 36 overlap when the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38 is attached to the first attachment section 58 of the upper shoe section 36. In this case, the upper shoe section 36 and the fixing strap 38 remain upright in a tightened state (for example, a first state) in which the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap 38 is detachably attached to the first attachment section 58 of the upper shoe section 36.While the tightened state is maintained, the size of the foot compartment 50 is reduced such that the size of the foot compartment 50 is essentially the same as the size of the driver's foot.

[0028] How best to in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the third attachment section 74 of the fixing strap is detached from the first attachment section 58 of the shoe upper 36 when the free end 68 of the fixing strap 38 is pulled from the inner side 30 of the bicycle shoe 20 towards the outer side 32 of the bicycle shoe 20. In this case, the shoe upper 36 and the fixing strap 38 remain in a detached state, in which the fixing strap 38 is detached from the shoe upper 36. As is best done in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, simply loosening the fixing strap 38 from the upper part of the shoe 36 does not change the size of the foot intake space 50 relative to the size of the foot intake space 50 in the tightened state.

[0029] How best to in the Fig. As shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 13, the fixing strap 38 is loosened relative to the strap ring 40 by pulling the fixing strap 38 towards the inner side 30 of the shoe upper section 36. As is best done in the Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the fixing strap 38 includes an enlarged section 90 at its free end 68. The enlarged section 90 is wider than the central opening of the strap ring 40. With this enlarged section 90, once the fixing strap 38 is fed into and extends through the strap ring 40, it is prevented from detaching the fixing strap 38 from the strap ring 40, even when the fixing strap 38 is pulled towards the inner side 30 of the upper shoe section 36, as shown in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 illustrates this. In particular, this enlarged section 90 maintains the position of the fixing strap 38 relative to the strap ring 40. The enlarged section 90 further features a notch 92 on one edge of the enlarged section 90. When the fixing strap 38 is pulled until the strap ring 40 engages with the notch 92 of the enlarged section 90 of the fixing strap 38, the position of the fixing strap 38 relative to the strap ring 40 can continue to be maintained. In particular, the engagement of the notch 92 and the strap ring 40 prevents the fixing strap 38 from moving relative to the strap ring 40 in either longitudinal direction.While the fixing strap 38 is loosened so that the enlarged section 90 or the notch 92 engages with the strap ring 40, the second and fourth mounting sections 60 and 76 are arranged such that they face each other. However, as is best done in . Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the lower flap section 54 tends to tilt or bend back towards the overlap section 52 due to its elasticity, while the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 is released from the second attachment section 60 of the upper shoe section 36. In this case, the size of the foot-accommodating space 50 increases relative to both the tightened and loosened states.

[0030] On the other hand, how best to in the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 13 shows that when the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 is detachably attached to the second attachment section 60 of the shoe upper section 36, the overlap section 52 and the underlap section 54 of the shoe upper section 36 are oriented upright, which further increases the size of the foot compartment 50. In particular, the underlap section 54 is oriented upright such that it extends along the fixing strap 38. Specifically, the underlap section 54 is / is pulled towards the fixing strap 38, while the fourth attachment section 56 of the fixing strap 38 is / is attached to the second attachment section 60 of the shoe upper section 36. In this case, the upper shoe section 36 and the fixing strap 38 maintain an easy-entry state (for example, a second state) in which the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 is detachably attached to the second attachment section 60 of the upper shoe section 36.While the easy-entry state is maintained, the size of the foot catching area 50 is increased relative to the size of the foot catching area 50 in the tightened or loosened state. Consequently, the rider can easily slip their foot into the cycling shoe 20 after cycling. In other words, the foot catching area 50 is larger in the easy-entry state (see figure). Fig. 13) as in the tightened state (see Fig. 11) or in the dissolved state (see Fig. 12). In particular, how best to do this in the Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the overlap section 52 and the underlap section 54 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the bicycle shoe 20, while the fourth attachment section 76 of the fixing strap 38 is detachably attached to the second attachment section 60 of the upper shoe section 36, which allows the rider to easily slip his foot into the foot pocket 50 of the bicycle shoe 20.

[0031] Furthermore, after the rider slips their foot into the foot pocket 50 while maintaining the light-entry state, the free end 68 of the securing strap 38 is pulled towards the outer side 32 of the cycling shoe 20, thereby releasing the hook-and-loop fastener 86 between the second and fourth attachment sections 60 and 76. In particular, the sizes of the second and fourth attachment sections 60 and 76 are relatively small compared to the sizes of the first and second attachment sections 58 and 74. Consequently, the hook-and-loop fastener 86 can be easily released by a tensile or shearing force generated simply by pulling the free end 68 of the securing strap 38, which is applied to the hook-and-loop fastener 86 along an intersection of the second and fourth attachment sections 60 and 76.In other words, the second and fourth attachment sections 60 and 76 are dimensioned such that the hook-and-loop fastener 86 holds the overlap section 54 upright against the elasticity of the underlap section 54, which bends the underlap section 54 away from the fixing strap 38. Furthermore, when the free end 68 of the fixing strap 38 is pulled from the outer side 32 of the cycling shoe 20 towards the inner side 30 of the cycling shoe 20, the third attachment section 74 is brought into contact with the first attachment section 58, which tightens the upper part 36 of the shoe on the rider's foot. Consequently, the rider can easily secure the cycling shoe 20 to their foot while riding the bicycle.

[0032] How best to in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the heel strap 42 is attached to the heel end 46 of the cycling shoe 20. The heel strap 42 is made of a flexible material such as leather, leather-like materials, polymer materials, plastic materials, and textile materials. The heel strap 42 is stitched or otherwise fixed to the heel end 46 of the cycling shoe 20. Alternatively, the heel strap 42 is integral with the heel end 46. The heel strap 42 has a pair of notches 96. The notches 96 are formed on both broad edges of the heel strap 42. As is best shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 15, an elastic band 98 is configured in the notches 96 to be hooked into them. Specifically, one part of the elastic band 98 is hooked around the heel strap 42, so that the elastic band 98 extends through the notches 96 of the heel strap 42, while the other end of the elastic band 98 is hooked onto a part of the bicycle frame while the rider leaves the cycling shoe 20 attached to the bicycle pedal. The elastic band 98 maintains a rotational direction of the cycling shoe 20 around a pedal axle of the bicycle pedal, thus preventing the cycling shoe 20 from rotating upside down while the rider leaves the cycling shoe 20 attached to the bicycle pedal before riding the bicycle. Consequently, the rider can easily slip their foot into the cycling shoe 20 using this heel strap 42.After the rider has slipped his foot into the cycling shoe 20 and starts pedaling, the elastic band 98 stretches and tears, since the elastic band 98 is made of a synthetic rubber cord or a thin cord.

[0033] Referring to the Fig. In section 16, a modified bicycle shoe 120 will now be explained in more detail. Given the similarities between bicycle shoes 20 and 120, the parts of bicycle shoe 120 that are identical to the parts of bicycle shoe 20 will be given the same reference numbers, except that the reference number "100" will be added. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, the descriptions of the parts of bicycle shoe 120 that are identical to the parts of bicycle shoe 20 can be omitted.

[0034] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, on the bicycle shoe 20, the third attachment section 74 extends directly from the first attachment section 58 along the fixing strap 38. On the other hand, best seen in Fig.As shown in Figure 16, a fixing strap 138 can be attached to a shoe upper section 136 such that a modified third attachment section 174 of the fixing strap 138 is spaced apart from a modified first attachment section 158 of the shoe upper section 136 along the fixing strap 38. In other words, the first and third attachment sections 158 and 174 can be smaller and arranged at spaced positions on a first surface 170 of the fixing strap 138. In this case, the first and third attachment sections 158 and 174 can also be stitched or otherwise fixed to the fixing strap 138. With this arrangement, the hook and loop fastener materials for the first and third attachment sections 158 and 174 become smaller, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the bicycle shoe 120.

[0035] For the purposes of understanding the scope of the present invention, the terms "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unspecified features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps. The foregoing may also apply to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "include," "exist," and their derivatives. Similarly, the terms "part," "section," "element," or "link," when used in the singular, may also have an ambiguous meaning, referring to a single element or a plurality of elements.

[0036] While only one preferred embodiment has been selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the preceding descriptions of the embodiment according to the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Cycling shoe (20) comprising: a sole (34); a shoe upper section (36) coupled to the sole (34) to form a foot receiving space (50), wherein the shoe upper section (36) includes first and second attachment sections (58, 60) and a fixing strap (38) having a proximal end (64) attached to a part of the shoe upper section (36), wherein the fixing strap (38) includes third and fourth attachment sections (74, 76), wherein the shoe upper section (36) and the fixing strap (38) optionally maintain either a first state in which the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38) is detachably attached to the first attachment section (58) of the shoe upper section (36) or a second state in which the fourth attachment section (76) of the fixing strap (38) is detachably attached to the second attachment section (60) of the shoe upper section (36), wherein the foot reception space (50) is larger in the second state than in the first state;in which the upper shoe section (36) includes first and second folding parts (52, 54) which are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first attachment section (58) is arranged on the first folding part (52) of the upper shoe section (36), and wherein the second attachment section (60) is arranged on the second folding part (54) of the upper shoe section (36). [2] Bicycle shoe (20) according to claim 1, in which the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38) is arranged on a first surface (70) of the fixing strap (38), and the fourth attachment section (76) of the fixing strap (38) is arranged on a second surface (72) of the fixing strap (38), wherein the second surface (72) of the fixing strap (38) is opposite the first surface (70) of the fixing strap (38). [3] Bicycle shoe (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing strap (38) extends from the first folding part (52) of the upper part of the shoe (36). [4] Bicycle shoe (20) according to claim 3, further comprising a strap ring (40) attached to a part of the shoe upper section (36), wherein the fixing strap (38) extends through the strap ring (40) and loops back in the direction of the first folding part (52) of the shoe upper section (36) when the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38) is attached to the first attachment section (58) of the shoe upper section (36). [5] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second folding parts (52, 54) of the upper shoe section (36) overlap each other when the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38) is attached to the first attachment section (58) of the upper shoe section (36). [6] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second folding parts (52, 54) of the upper shoe section (36) are aligned upright when the fourth attachment section (76) of the fixing strap (38) is attached to the second attachment section (60) of the upper shoe section (36). [7] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first and second attachment sections (58, 60) of the upper part of the shoe (36) and / or the third and fourth attachment sections (74, 76) of the fixing strap (38) are spaced apart from each other. [8] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second attachment section (60) of the upper shoe section (36) is smaller than the first attachment section (58) of the upper shoe section (36) and / or the fourth attachment section (76) of the fixing strap (38) is smaller than the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38). [9] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first attachment section (58) of the upper part of the shoe (36) and the third attachment section (74) of the fixing strap (38) form a hook and loop fastener attachment (84). [10] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second attachment section (60) of the upper part of the shoe (36) and the fourth attachment section (76) of the fixing strap (38) form a hook and loop fastener attachment (86). [11] Bicycle shoe (20) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a heel strap (42) attached to a heel section of the bicycle shoe (20), wherein the heel strap (42) has a notch (96) in which an elastic band (98) can hook.

Images