Sports shoe including a gaiter

Abstract

The shoe comprises: - an upper (102) including: • a shell (2) incorporating a shoe opening (20) having a posterior subdivision (202) and an anterior subdivision (201), • a gaiter (3) connected to the shell. The gaiter consists of a panel connected to the shell - around the perimeter of the posterior subdivision (202) and - at the vamp so as to encircle the perimeter of the anterior subdivision (201). The gaiter is designed to encircle the ankle and cover part of the instep of the user so as to form a superior opening (31). The gaiter overlaps itself, without connection, so as to form a lateral (32L) or medial (32M) slit.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shoe comprising a gaiter.

[0002] We know of earlier examples of shoes with gaiters. Gaiters generally prevent external elements, such as water or pebbles, from entering the shoe, between the upper and the wearer's foot. A gaiter extends over the opening of a shoe, much like a sock or sleeve attached to the shoe at the ankles.

[0003] However, when the shoe has a gaiter, putting on such shoes becomes less practical. This is because the gaiter is designed to fit relatively tightly around the wearer's ankle. It then becomes difficult to access the shoe's opening to insert the foot. Accessing the shoe's fastening system is also complicated when it is covered by such a gaiter.

[0004] To address these issues, gaiters are available with an opening closed by a zipper or Velcro® closure system, thus facilitating access to the boot opening and the tightening mechanism. However, these solutions negatively impact the aerodynamics of the shoes, increase their weight, and are not very comfortable, particularly due to the presence of the closure system.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to remedy these problems and improve upon existing prior art footwear. In particular, the invention proposes a shoe with a lightweight, integrated gaiter that minimally interferes with fitting the foot or accessing the shoe's fastening system.

[0006] The invention proposes a shoe suitable for receiving a user's foot, the shoe comprising: a sole and a shaft comprising: a cover composed of a vamp, a lateral quarter, and a medial quarter, the cover incorporating a shoeing opening delimited by a lateral edge, a medial edge, an anterior edge and a posterior edge, the shoeing opening having a posterior subdivision, at the level of the quarters, delimited by a rear portion of said lateral edge, a rear portion of said medial edge and the posterior edge, an anterior subdivision, extending the posterior subdivision at the level of the vamp, delimited by an anterior portion of said lateral edge, an anterior portion of said medial edge and the anterior edge, a gaiter connected to the cover.

[0007] The gaiter consists of a panel connected to the outer layer on the periphery of the posterior subdivision and at the level of the vamp so as to surround the periphery of the anterior subdivision.

[0008] The gaiter is designed to encircle the ankle and cover part of the user's instep so as to form a top opening.

[0009] The gaiter overlaps itself, without connection, so as to form a lateral or medial slit.

[0010] Thanks to its design, the gaiter provides excellent protection for the shoe, preventing external elements from penetrating inside. Furthermore, this design improves the shoe's aerodynamics, particularly by covering the front section. The gaiter can thus conceal a fastening system located at this front section, which could otherwise disrupt the shoe's aerodynamics. Finally, the gaiter's overlapping design makes it easier to put on the shoe while still allowing access to the fastening system. It also eliminates the need for an additional gaiter closure system that could add weight and discomfort. This design allows for seamless integration of the gaiter, resulting in a lightweight and comfortable shoe.Finally, this construction reduces the number of components and is therefore particularly simple and economical to manufacture.

[0011] According to As advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a shoe may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination: The gaiter is attached at the junction between the upper and the sole, on the side of the lateral or medial slit. The gaiter comprises: an extension designed to close the anterior subdivision; and a covering portion intended to cover part of the vamp and the extension. The extension is attached for at least one-third of the length of the anterior portion of an edge of the opening, from its anterior end, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit. The extension is attached for a maximum of two-thirds of the length of the anterior portion of an edge of the opening, from its anterior end, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit. The extension is attached to the anterior portion of an edge of the opening, on the same side as the lateral or medial slit.The shoe includes a fastening system connecting the edges of the front subdivision, the fastening system being at least partially located between the extension and a portion of the gaiter covering part of the upper. The shoe includes a layer of foam located between part of the fastening system and the extension. The gaiter is made of a stretch material.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating, in non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be implemented, and in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a top view of a shoe without gaiters; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a plan view of the pattern for a gaiter to connect to the shoe of the figure 1 in order to obtain a shoe according to the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a medial view of the shoe according to the invention. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a side view of the shoe according to the invention. [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a schematic view of the cross-section along VV of the figure 3 .

[0013] In the following description, terms such as "vertical," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "transverse," "lateral," "medial," "right," "left," "horizontal," "anterior," "posterior," "front," "back," "forward," and "rear" will be used. These terms should be interpreted relatively in relation to the position the shoe occupies on the foot of a user in a normal posture and the user's normal direction of travel. A normal posture is defined as a configuration in which the sole is placed flat on a horizontal surface.

[0014] The terms "lateral" and "medial" are conventionally understood to mean facing outwards and inwards, respectively. Thus, the medial side of one foot or shoe faces the medial side of the user's other foot or shoe.

[0015] The term "longitudinal" refers to a heel-to-toe direction corresponding to the X-axis, while the term "transverse" refers to a medial-lateral direction (for a left foot) corresponding to the Y-axis and therefore roughly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical or bottom / up direction corresponds to the Z-axis.

[0016] The terms "interior" and "internal" refer to the elements facing the inside of the shoe, oriented towards the user's foot when it is inside the shoe. Conversely, the terms "exterior" and "external" refer to the elements facing the outside of the shoe, exposed to the external environment.

[0017] In the description, a "shoe" is defined by a "sole" and an "upper." The "sole" is the lower part of the shoe, located between the foot and the ground. It is the "bottom" of the shoe. The sole is positioned opposite the ball of the foot. The "upper" is the upper part of the shoe, covering the foot and possibly part of the ankle, excluding the bottom of the foot. It is the "top" of the shoe. The upper is attached to the outer edge of the sole. Note that some elements of the shoe can form both part of the sole and part of the upper.

[0018] THE figures 1 to 5illustrate the construction of a shoe 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The shoe 100 is a sports shoe, in particular a running shoe. The shoe 100 is a shoe for the right foot. The shoe 100 could be any other type of sports shoe. The shoe 100 comprises an upper 102, which surmounts a sole 101.

[0019] In this example, the stem 102 includes a sheath 2 and a gaiter 3.

[0020] There figure 1 represents a shoe without gaiters. The figure 2 represents the gaiter's design. The following figures illustrate the shoe according to the invention where the two components shown in the Figures 1 And 2 are assembled. The cover 2 consists of an upper 21, a lateral quarter 22L and a medial quarter 22M.

[0021] These components 21, 22L, 22M of the upper 2 may be separate parts. Alternatively, some or all of the components may form a single unit by being, for example, manufactured using the same process (knitting, weaving, etc.). Some components may also comprise several parts assembled together in any known manner, for example, by sewing, gluing, or welding. According to certain embodiments, some components of the upper 2 may extend under the foot to form part of the sole 101, or conversely, some components of the sole 101 may extend upwards from the periphery of the sole to form part of the upper 2. For the purposes of the invention, the vamp 21 is the part of the upper 2 covering the upper, front, lateral, and medial parts of the forefoot, that is, longitudinally, from the front end of the shoe to the rear part of the instep.In the example described and represented, the vamp 21 includes a top opening 201, at the level of the instep, which will be designated as the anterior subdivision.

[0022] According to the invention, the lateral quarters 23L and medial quarters 23M form the heel cup and cover the rear, lateral, and medial parts of the hindfoot. The quarters 23L and 23M extend the upper 21 at the rear thereof to form the continuous envelope 2 covering the top and all sides of the foot. The upper edges of the quarters 23L and 23M define a superior opening 202, which will be referred to as the posterior subdivision, for the insertion of the foot into the shoe 100.

[0023] Thus, the outer shell incorporates a shoe opening 20 delimited by a lateral edge 20L, a medial edge 20M, an anterior edge 20F and a posterior edge 20R, the shoe opening presenting A posterior subdivision 202, corresponding to the aforementioned upper opening of the quarters, is delimited by a rear portion 202L of said lateral edge 20L, a rear portion 202M of said medial edge 20M, and the posterior edge 20R. An anterior subdivision 201, corresponding to the aforementioned upper opening of the vamp, extends the posterior subdivision 202 at the level of the vamp 21 and is delimited by an anterior portion 201L of said lateral edge 20L, an anterior portion 201M of said medial edge 20L, and the anterior edge 20F. This opening 20 allows the foot to be inserted into the shoe. The posterior subdivision 202 is designed to allow the foot to pass through and then also to surround the ankle after the shoe is put on. The anterior subdivision 201 allows for a variation in the size of the shoe opening and in particular to increase the opening of the posterior subdivision for the passage of the foot.Furthermore, the front subdivision allows for adjusting the tightness of the upper at the instep to ensure a good fit of the shoe around the foot.

[0024] To achieve this, that is, to ensure the instep is held securely by the vamp 21, the shoe 100 includes a tightening system 4 that brings together the anterior portions 201M and 201L, which define the anterior subdivision 201. This tightening system greatly contributes to proper foot support. In this example, it consists of the lace 41, the eyelets 210, and, optionally, a stopper for adjusting the lacing length. In this example, the lateral 201L and medial 201M edges of the anterior subdivision 201 may have eyelets 210 designed to receive a portion of a lace 41.

[0025] The cover 2 is attached to the sole 101. In a conventional embodiment, the cover 2 is assembled to a mounting insole 11, for example, by sewing. This subassembly is then attached to the upper surface of the sole 101, for example, by gluing, via the mounting insole. Other methods of attaching the cover to the sole can be considered.

[0026] According to the invention, the stem 102 includes a gaiter 3 connected to or fixed on the sheath 2.

[0027] The gaiter 3 consists of a panel connected to the cover 2 on the perimeter 202L, 202M and 20R of the posterior subdivision 202 and at the level of the vamp 21 so as to surround the perimeter 201L, 201M and 20F of the anterior subdivision 201.

[0028] The gaiter 3 thus comprises a support portion 34, extending the quarters 22L, 22M, above the posterior subdivision 202. This support portion is designed to encircle the user's ankle once the foot is shod, and a cover portion 35 designed to cover the outer shell 2 at the level of the vamp 21. The support portion 34 includes a top opening 31 to allow the foot to be inserted into the shoe. The gaiter 3 is designed to encircle the ankle and extend forward to cover part of the user's instep. The gaiter 3 is constructed so as to create, at the instep, an overlap (or covering or superimposition) of one part of the gaiter with another part of the gaiter. This overlapping of the gaiter on itself at the instep is done in the manner of a "strap" (bandage) or a wrap top.

[0029] This design provides good coverage of the opening 20 to ensure the shoe is well sealed against external elements such as water or pebbles. This construction, by covering the anterior subdivision 201, also improves the shoe's aerodynamics by concealing the closure system 4 with a smoother surface. Furthermore, it maintains a secure fit even when the closure system is loosened, for example, if a shoelace knot comes undone. Additionally, it keeps the untied lace or any loose part of the closure system in a closed pocket to prevent it from flapping around and potentially catching on an object, causing the runner to trip.

[0030] The connection of the gaiter 3 with the outer shell 2, whether at the quarters 22L or 22M or at the vamp 21, can be achieved by any suitable means. This can be by sewing and / or gluing and / or welding.

[0031] The gaiter 3 is preferably a continuous unit piece in order to present a smooth external surface conducive to aerodynamics.

[0032] Panel 3 is preferably made of a waterproof material to ensure the shoe is watertight and prevent the foot from getting wet. Ideally, the material used is also breathable to allow the foot to ventilate and wick away perspiration.

[0033] The insert 3 can be an elastic textile, in particular woven or knitted.

[0034] The gaiter 3 is advantageously made of a stretchable material to facilitate the deformation of the panel, particularly to make it easier to put the foot in the shoe, but also to facilitate access to the fastening system 4. Such a stretchable material is, for example, a material containing elastane or an equivalent. This type of material offers good elasticity.

[0035] The gaiter 3 overlaps (or covers or is superimposed) on itself, without a connection, so as to form either a lateral slit 32L or a medial slit 32M. Thus, two embodiments can be considered. In a first configuration, illustrated in the figures 3 to 5The gaiter is wrapped so that it is fixed to the medial side of the upper, creating a medial slit 32M. In a second configuration, not shown, the gaiter is wrapped in the opposite direction to the first configuration. The wrapping is therefore done so that the gaiter is fixed to the lateral side of the upper, creating a lateral slit 32L.

[0036] The slot 32L, 32M is delimited by a free edge 351 of the overlap portion 35, that is to say the edge of this potion which is not fixed on the envelope 2, and by a part of the envelope 2 extending into a part covered by the gaiter.

[0037] This overlap increases the possibility of spreading the upper edge of the gaiter apart to facilitate putting the foot on or accessing the tightening system 4.

[0038] Gaiter 3 is designed to cover the anterior subdivision 201.

[0039] According to a first configuration, the gaiter 3 is fixed to the vamp 21 at the level of the edges 201L, 201M and 20F of the anterior subdivision 201. In this case, we are in a edge-to-edge type connection.

[0040] Alternatively, the gaiter can be attached to the vamp 21 away from the edges 201L, 201M and 20F of the anterior subdivision 201.

[0041] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in the figures 3 to 5The gaiter 3 is attached at a junction 36 between the upper 2 and the sole 101, on the side of the lateral slit 32L or medial slit 32M. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for a larger slit, which in turn allows for greater deformation of the panel 3 to improve foot entry into the shoe and access to the fastening system 4. When the slit is medial, this provides slight compression on the medial part of the forefoot, offering support to correct pronation. Conversely, when the slit is lateral, it provides slight compression on the lateral part of the forefoot, offering support to correct supination. This construction also prevents a hard or rigid point at the instep resulting from the method of attachment (glue, stitching, or welding) of the gaiter 3 to the upper 21 at this point.This improves user comfort.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment, the gaiter 3 includes an extension 33 arranged to close the anterior subdivision 201 and intended to be covered by a portion of the covering portion 35. Thus, the covering portion 35 is designed to cover a portion of the vamp 21 and the extension 33. In this example, the extension 33 is attached to at least an anterior portion 201L, 201M of an edge 20L, 20M of the opening 20, on the inner side of the outer shell 2. Thus, the extension is substantially inside the outer shell 2. This extension 33 then forms a shoe tongue intended to be interposed between the fastening system 4 and the instep. This provides comfort by reducing the direct pressure of the fastening means on the instep, the pressure being distributed via the tongue. Furthermore, this further enhances the shoe's waterproofing in this area.This construction also reduces the number of shoe components by using part of the gaiter to make the tongue. This simplifies the shoe's manufacturing process and makes it more economical.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed over at least one third of the length L201L, L201M of the anterior portion 201L, 201M of an edge 20L, 20M of the shoe opening, from the anterior end thereof, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

[0044] By attaching to a minimum length of this anterior portion on the side opposite the slit, extension 33 provides sufficient support to ensure the tongue remains firmly in place, particularly when putting the shoe on, preventing it from slipping under the upper at the forefoot. Furthermore, this attachment provides slight tension to a portion of the instep for improved foot support. In addition, it also enhances the shoe's water resistance in this area.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed over a maximum of two-thirds of the length L201L, L201M of the anterior portion 201L, 201M of an edge 20L, 20M of the shoe opening, from the anterior end thereof, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

[0046] The fact that it is not fixed to a posterior portion of an edge 201L; 201M of the anterior subdivision 201, near the posterior subdivision 202, increases the opening for the foot to pass through. The posterior subdivision 202 can thus be enlarged by a portion of the anterior subdivision 201. This construction of a tongue 33 not connected to the rear portion of the anterior subdivision 201 therefore facilitates putting on the shoe.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed on the anterior portion 201L, 201M of an edge of the shoe opening, on the same side as the lateral or medial slit.

[0048] Attaching the tongue 33 at this point provides benefits similar to those mentioned previously. By being fixed to this anterior portion on the side of the slit, the extension 33 offers sufficient support to ensure the tongue remains in position, provides slight tension to part of the instep for better foot support, and also improves the shoe's water resistance in this area.

[0049] As previously mentioned, the shoe includes a fastening system 4 connecting the edges of the anterior subdivision. Advantageously, the extension or tongue 33 is arranged so that the fastening system 4 is at least partially positioned between the extension 33 and the overlapping portion 35 of the gaiter 3, which covers part of the upper 21. The overlapping portion 35 thus conceals the fastening system 4 and provides the aforementioned advantages regarding aerodynamics, keeping the fastening system in a pocket, and maintaining a tight fit even if the fastening system is loosened. The extension or tongue 33 provides comfort by reducing the pressure exerted by the fastening system on the instep.

[0050] To further improve comfort, particularly by reducing pressure exerted by the closure system on the instep, the shoe includes a layer of foam 37 positioned between a portion of the closure system 4 and the extension 33. For example, in a closure system consisting of a lace, the foam can be located under the point where the lace is tied. To attach the foam layer 37 to the tongue 33, the tongue can be sandwiched between the extension 33 and a cover panel 38 attached to the extension 33 by stitching, gluing, and / or welding, within a connection zone surrounding the foam layer 37. figure 5gives a schematic representation of such a construction. In this drawing, the cover panel 38 covers the width of the tongue 33. The foam layer 37 and the cover panel 38 may be narrower than the width of the tongue 33, and cover only a middle portion of the tongue 33, as shown in the figure 2 .

[0051] The tongue 33 may feature lace slots to ensure proper positioning of the tongue and laces during putting on and lacing. This also helps to keep the tongue 33 in place and prevents it from slipping under the upper at the forefoot.

[0052] In the constructions described above, the gaiter 3 is a separate component, attached to the outer shell 2 by any suitable means, such as sewing, gluing, and / or welding. Alternatively, the gaiter and the outer shell form a single unit. The gaiter is then an extension, a part of the outer shell. In this case, the connection between the gaiter and the outer shell may result from the construction of this single unit or may be a combination of a construction connection and other fastening methods such as sewing, gluing, and / or welding. Such a single unit may be a woven or knitted textile.

[0053] The solutions described above allow for easy donning and lacing. Indeed, the arrangement of the gaiter 3 on the outer shell 2, in a configuration surrounding the user's ankle and overlapping at the instep, in the manner of a "wrap-around" construction, provides these benefits.

[0054] For putting on the boot, the user will spread apart the upper part of the gaiter 33, at the level of its overlap area, in order to enlarge the upper opening 31 of the gaiter, located above the posterior subdivision 202. With a larger opening, the user will have more ease in inserting their foot into the boot.

[0055] Once the foot is in the shoe, the user can also easily access the lacing system 4 by pulling back the free edge 351 of the overlapping portion 35 designed to cover part of the upper 21, thus widening the lateral 32L or medial 32M slot. The user can push forward part of the overlapping portion 35 to clear access to the lacing system 4. Once tightened, the user can reposition the gaiter to cover the instep and the lacing system. By using a stretchable material, the elasticity of the panel 3 allows the gaiter 3 to naturally return to this position, covering the instep.

[0056] This overlapping, wrap-around or "wrap-around" gaiter construction offers the following advantages: It allows for the lacing to be covered, improving aerodynamics; it enables a lighter construction for a shoe equipped with a gaiter, the weight reduction being particularly enhanced by the fact that there is no need for a specific gaiter closure system; it reduces the number of shoe components because the tongue is formed from part of the gaiter and there is no need for a separate gaiter closure system, thus simplifying and reducing manufacturing costs; it facilitates putting on a shoe equipped with a gaiter; it facilitates access to the shoe's tightening system; and it provides a wrap-around design for the foot and ankle, offering a proprioceptive effect. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is also possible to combine these embodiments. The invention extends to all embodiments covered by the appended claims. NOMENCLATURE

[0057] 100. Shoe 101. Sole 11. Insole 102. Upper 2. Cover 20. Opening 20F. Front edge 20L. Side edge 20R. Back edge 20M. Medial edge 201. Front subdivision 201L. Front portion of the side edge 20L 201M. Front portion of the medial edge 20M 202. Back subdivision 202L. Back portion of the side edge 20L 202M. Back portion of the medial edge 20M 21. Instep 210. Loop 22L. Side panel 22M. Medial panel 3. Gaiter 31. Top opening 32L. Side slit 32M. 33. Medial slit 34. Extension or tongue 35. Retaining portion 35. Cover portion 36. Free edge 37. Junction between sole 101 and cover 2 38. Foam layer 4. Cover panel 4. Tightening system 41. Lace

Claims

1. Footwear (100) suitable for receiving a user's foot, the footwear comprising: - a sole (101) - an upper (102) comprising: • a shell (2) composed of: ∘ a vamp (21) ∘ a lateral quarter (22L) ∘ a medial quarter (22M), the shell incorporating a shoe opening (20) delimited by a lateral edge (20L), a medial edge (20M), an anterior edge (20F) and a posterior edge (20R), the shoe opening having: - a posterior subdivision (202), at the level of the quarters, delimited by a rear portion (202L) of said lateral edge, a rear portion (202M) of said medial edge and the posterior edge, - an anterior subdivision (201), extending the posterior subdivision at the level of the vamp, delimited by a portion anterior (201L) of said lateral edge, an anterior portion (201M) of said medial edge and the anterior edge, • a gaiter (3) connected to the envelope, characterized in thatThe gaiter consists of a piece connected to the outer shell - on the perimeter (202L, 202M and 20R) of the posterior subdivision (202) and - at the level of the vamp so as to surround the perimeter (201L, 201M and 20F) of the anterior subdivision (201), the gaiter being designed to surround the ankle and cover part of the instep of the user so as to form a top opening (31), the gaiter overlapping itself, without connection, so as to form a lateral (32L) or medial (32M) slit.

2. Shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gaiter is fixed at a junction (36) between the outer shell and the sole, on the side of the lateral or medial slit.

3. Footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatThe gaiter comprises: - an extension (33) arranged to close the anterior subdivision and, - a covering portion (35) intended to cover part of the vamp (21) and the extension (33).

4. Shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the extension is fixed on at least one third of the length (L201L, L201M) of the anterior portion (201L, 201M) of an edge (20L, 20M) of the shoe opening, from the anterior end of the latter, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

5. Footwear (100) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the extension is fixed on a maximum of two-thirds of the length (L201L, L201M) of the anterior portion (201L, 201M) of an edge (20L, 20M) of the shoe opening, from the anterior end of the latter, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

6. Footwear (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in thatthe extension is fixed on the anterior portion (201L, 201M) of an edge of the shoe opening, on the same side as the lateral or medial slit.

7. Footwear (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that It includes a fastening system (4) connecting the edges of the anterior subdivision, the fastening system being at least partially disposed between the extension and a covering portion (35) of the gaiter covering part of the upper.

8. Shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that It includes a layer of foam (37) disposed between a part of the clamping system and the extension.

9. Footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that The gaiter is made from a stretchy material.

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