Sports shoe comprising an elastic inner lining

Abstract

The shoe comprises: - a sole, - an upper comprising: • a vamp with a top opening delimited by a lateral and a medial edge, • an elastic inner lining arranged inside the vamp, around the instep, and forming a continuous layer from the medial to the lateral side, the inner lining being fixed, on each side, to the sole and / or the vamp in an area near the junction between the sole and the vamp, • a fastening system for the vamp partially covering the top opening. The elastic inner lining is also fixed to a portion of the lateral and medial edges of the top opening, below a portion of the fastening system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a shoe comprising an elastic inner lining. Prior art shoes are known that have an upper opening at the instep, closed by a tongue. This tongue is attached to the anterior edge of the upper opening. In one embodiment, the tongue also comprises elastic inner side walls extending inside the upper, attaching at the junction between the upper and the sole. This construction allows the user's instep to be adjusted via the tongue, in order to press the user's foot towards or against the sole. Such a shoe structure offers performance advantages, particularly in terms of foot support and proprioception.

[0002] However, such a shoe design, with or without internal elastic side panels, also has drawbacks. Indeed, in practice, small pebbles or debris can get inside the shoe through the upper lacing opening.

[0003] To overcome this drawback, it is known to add an additional anti-debris panel, separate from the tongue, which is fixed to the peripheral edge of the upper opening.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to remedy this problem and to improve upon shoes known from the prior art.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a shoe with good performance in terms of foot support and proprioception, while also offering good protection against debris.

[0006] Another goal is to simplify the manufacturing of a shoe, particularly by reducing the number of components.

[0007] Another goal is to improve the comfort of tightening a shoe.

[0008] The invention proposes a shoe suitable for receiving a user's foot, the shoe comprising: a sole, an upper comprising: a vamp having a top opening at the instep, the top opening being delimited by an anterior edge, a lateral edge and a medial edge, an elastic inner wall disposed inside the vamp, around the instep, the elastic inner wall forming a continuous layer from the medial side to the lateral side, the elastic inner layer being fixed, on each side, to the sole and / or to the vamp in an area close to the junction between the sole and the vamp, a tightening system for the vamp partially covering the top opening,

[0009] The elastic inner lining is also attached to part of the lateral and medial edges of the upper opening, beneath a section of the closure system. This design allows the upper opening to be sealed with a lining connected at its lateral and medial edges. This localized connection provides enhanced protection for the shoe by preventing external elements from entering at this interface. Furthermore, the elastic inner lining serves a dual purpose: it provides a secure fit around the instep and improves debris resistance. This simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing the shoe, as it eliminates the need for an additional debris-resistant panel.

[0010] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such capsules may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination: The elastic inner lining comprises: a first lateral subdivision extending from a lateral anchor point of the elastic inner lining to the lateral edge of the upper opening; a second medial subdivision extending from the medial anchor point of the elastic inner lining to the medial edge of the upper opening; and a third central subdivision extending between the lateral and medial edges of the upper opening to close the upper opening. The elastic inner lining is attached to the upper and / or the sole by stitching, welding, and / or gluing. The elastic inner lining is attached to the insole, at the interface between the insole and the upper, via a Strobel stitch.The elastic inner lining is attached to the upper: at the anterior edge of the top opening; at the lateral edge of the top opening, for a length greater than 30% of the length of the lateral edge of the top opening, from its anterior edge; at the medial edge of the top opening, for a length greater than 30% of the length of the medial edge of the top opening, from its anterior edge. The elastic inner lining is attached to the upper: at the lateral edge of the top opening, for a length less than 70% of the length of the lateral edge of the top opening, from its anterior edge; at the medial edge of the top opening, for a length less than 70% of the length of the medial edge of the top opening, from its anterior edge.The elastic inner lining is attached to the lateral and medial edges of the upper opening by stitching and / or welding and / or gluing. The upper includes a tab for closing the upper opening, the tab being composed of one or more superimposed layers, one layer of which is formed by a portion of the elastic inner lining. Advantageously, the layers are attached to each other at a portion of the edges of the upper opening. In one embodiment, a layer of the tab is joined edge-to-edge to the upper at a portion of the edges of the upper opening, without overlap between the layer and the upper. The elastic inner lining comprises elastane.

[0011] 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 perspective view of an embodiment of a shoe according to the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a top view of the shoe's construction figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a top view of the unassembled upper of the shoe figure 1 . [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a bottom view of the unassembled upper of the shoe. figure 1 . [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along plane AA of the figure 2 . [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along plane BB of the figure 2 .

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The term "longitudinal" refers to a heel-to-toe direction corresponding to the X-axis, while the term "transverse" refers to a lateral-medial direction (for a right foot) corresponding to the Y-axis and therefore approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical or bottom-up direction corresponds to the Z-axis. A sagittal plane (Ps) is a plane perpendicular to a Y-axis.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In the description, a "shoe" is defined by a "sole" and an "upper." The "sole" is the lower part of the shoe, 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.

[0017] THE figures 1 à 6 illustrate the construction of a shoe 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Shoe 100 is a sports shoe, in particular a trail running shoe. Shoe 100 is a shoe for the right foot. Shoe 100 could be any other type of sports shoe. This shoe 100 is shown in perspective on the figure 1 .

[0018] Shoe 100 includes an upper 2, which sits atop a sole 1.

[0019] Sowing 1 generally includes: a cushioning layer 11, a wear layer 12 covering the lower face of the cushioning layer 11 and intended to come into contact with the ground, and a mounting first 13 covering the upper face of the cushioning layer 11 and intended to face the foot.

[0020] Stem 2 typically includes: an upper 21, a lateral quarter 23L and a medial quarter 23M, and a tongue 3, a tightening system 4.

[0021] Typically, the upper 21 and the quarters 23L, 23M are attached to the insole 13 by a fastening method 51 of the so-called "Strobel" stitch type or equivalent. This sub-assembly, consisting of the upper, quarters, and insole, is then usually glued to the cushioning layer of the sole.

[0022] The upper 21 covers the upper, front, lateral and medial parts of the forefoot.

[0023] In the example described and illustrated, the upper 21 includes a top opening 215 at the instep. The top opening 215 is delimited by an anterior edge 215F, a lateral edge 215L, and a medial edge 215M. The lateral edge 215L and the medial edge 215M extend over a length L215 between the anterior edge 215F and a fitting opening 20 in the upper for inserting the foot into the shoe. This top opening 215 is closed by the tongue 3. The tongue 3 is attached to the upper 21. The tongue 3 is positioned so as to cover the instep of the user's foot when it is inserted into the shoe.

[0024] To ensure the instep is held securely by the upper 21, the shoe 1 includes a tightening system 4. The tightening system 4 of the upper is arranged to partially cover the upper opening. Ilextends from a front edge 4A to the opening 20. Generally, the front edge 4A is positioned approximately halfway along the length of the upper. In this example, the upper has loops 210 at the lateral and medial edges of the upper opening 215, designed to receive a portion of a lace 41. The lace 41 can be a cord, a thread, or a cable. In this embodiment, the fastening system 4 therefore consists of the lace 41, the loops 210, and optionally, a stopper for adjusting the lacing length. In this case, the lower limit 4A is positioned at the level of the lace loop connecting the anterior lateral and medial loops 210 of the tightening system 4. The lateral quarters 23L and medial quarters 23M form the heel socket and cover the rear, lateral and medial parts of the rearfoot.

[0025] The quarters 23L and 23M extend the upper 21 to the rear, forming a continuous wrap-around covering the top and all sides of the foot. The upper edges of the quarters 23L and 23M define the opening 20 for inserting the foot into the shoe.

[0026] The components of the upper 2 mentioned above may be separate parts. Alternatively, some or all of the components may form a single unit, for example, by being produced 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. In some embodiments, certain components of the upper 2 may extend under the foot to form part of the sole 1, or conversely, certain components of the sole 1 may extend upwards from the periphery of the sole to form part of the upper 2.

[0027] According to the invention, the upper comprises an elastic inner wall 5 disposed inside the vamp, around the instep. The elastic inner wall 5 is fixed, on each side, by a fastening means 51, to the sole 1 and / or to the vamp 21 in an area close to the junction between the sole and the vamp.

[0028] The elastic inner wall 5 can be fixed to the upper in an area extending from the junction between the sole and the upper to a height of one centimeter (upwards, along the Z direction) from this junction.

[0029] The elastic inner lining 5 can be attached under the foot, at the level of the sole, preferably near the junction between the sole and the upper, up to approximately one centimeter (transversely, towards the center of the sole, along the Y direction) from this junction. Alternatively, the elastic inner lining 5 could be attached in a more central area of ​​the sole. The elastic inner lining 5 can be attached to the sole 1 and / or the upper 21 by a fastening method 51 such as stitching, welding, and / or gluing. In this example, the elastic inner lining 5 is attached to the insole 13, at the interface between the insole 13 and the upper 21, via the so-called "Strobel" stitch. Thus, this stitch allows the simultaneous assembly of the insole 13, the upper 21, and the elastic inner lining 5.

[0030] The elastic inner wall 5 thus extends from a lateral edge of the insole, covers the instep, to attach itself to the medial edge of the insole.

[0031] Thanks to this construction, and in particular the elasticity of the internal elastic wall 5, a slight force is exerted on the instep, pressing the user's foot against the sole and towards the back of the upper. This connection between the foot and the shoe improves foot support and proprioception.

[0032] The elastic inner lining 5 is preferably a textile panel (in particular woven, non-woven, or knitted). For example, the elastic inner lining 5 may contain elastane or Lycra®. This type of material has particularly suitable elasticity for this purpose. The elastic inner lining 5 is therefore stretchable enough to exert sufficient pressure while maintaining a degree of comfort.

[0033] According to the invention, the elastic inner wall 5 is also fixed, by a fastening means 50, to a part of the lateral 215L and medial 215M edges of the upper opening 215, below a part of the tightening system 4. This is therefore the case when the elastic inner wall 5 is fixed to at least a part of the lateral 215L and medial 215M edges located between the anterior limit 4A and the shoe opening 20. Of course, the elastic inner wall 5 can also be fixed to an edge of the upper opening which is not covered by the tightening system.

[0034] The upper opening 215 is generally U-shaped, leading to the opening for the footbed 20. In this example, the upper opening extends over approximately the rear half of the vamp. Here, the fastening system 4 extends along the entire length L215 of the upper opening 215. In this case, the anterior limit 4A of the fastening system corresponds approximately to the anterior edge 215F of the upper opening, and the rear limit of the fastening system is located at the level of the opening for the footbed 20. Alternatively, the upper opening can extend further forward, beyond the anterior limit 4A of the fastening system 4.

[0035] According to the illustrated embodiment, the elastic inner wall 5 forms a continuous layer, which is superimposed on the upper, inside it, from the medial to the lateral side, and arranged so as to cover the instep. Thus, the elastic inner wall 5 comprises: a first lateral subdivision 5L extending from the lateral anchorage 51 of the elastic inner wall to the lateral edge 215L of the upper opening 215, a second medial subdivision 5M extending from the medial anchorage 51 of the elastic inner wall to the medial edge 215M of the upper opening 215, and a third central subdivision 5C extending between the lateral edge 215L and the medial edge 215M of the upper opening 215. This third subdivision does not overlap the vamp and closes the upper opening 215. This subdivision will form the tongue 3 or a part of it.

[0036] The elastic inner wall 5 is superimposed on the vamp 21, within the latter, in the sense that, on the one hand, the first lateral subdivision 5L of the elastic inner wall 5 is superimposed on the interior of a portion of a lateral wall of the vamp 21 and, on the other hand, the second medial subdivision 5M of the elastic inner wall 5 is superimposed on the interior of a portion of a medial wall of the vamp 21. This construction is clearly illustrated in the figures 5 et 6 According to one embodiment, the elastic inner wall 5 is fixed, by a fastening means 50, to the upper 21: at the level of the anterior border 215A of the upper opening, at the level of the lateral border 215L of the upper opening, over a length L5 greater than 30%, preferably greater than 50%, of the length L215 of the lateral border 215L of the upper opening 215, from the anterior border 215A of the latter, at the level of the medial border 215M of the upper opening, over a length L5 greater than 30%, preferably greater than 50%, of the length L215 of the medial border 215M of the upper opening 215, from the anterior border 215A of the latter.

[0037] In the case where the upper opening extends further forward than the clamping system, it is preferable that the minimum length of the elastic inner wall fixing be sufficient so that the elastic inner wall is also fixed to the lateral and medial edges of the upper opening below the anterior part of the clamping system 4, over at least 30% of the length of the clamping system.

[0038] Thanks to these aforementioned conditions, the shoe is better insulated, particularly against the introduction of gravel and debris. Indeed, unlike traditional shoe constructions where the transverse edges of the tongue are not fixed to the upper, this construction prevents, or at least reduces, the penetration of external elements at the interface between the tongue and the transverse edges of the upper opening.

[0039] The seal is most effective when the elastic inner wall 5 is fixed along a considerable length of the lateral 215L and medial 215M edges of the upper opening 215. However, when the elastic inner wall 5 is connected at the rear portion 31, near the opening 20, to the lateral 215L and medial 215M edges of the upper opening 215, this hinders the shoe's fit. Indeed, the mobility of the rear portion 31 of the tongue 3 will be reduced, and it will not be possible to enlarge the opening 20 by moving the rear portion 31 away from the tongue 3 to facilitate putting the foot into the shoe. Therefore, it is preferable not to fix the elastic inner wall 5 along the entire length L215 of the upper opening 215, and in particular at the level of the posterior part 31 of the tongue 3.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the elastic inner wall 5 is fixed, by a fastening means 50, to the upper 21: at the level of the lateral edge 215L of the upper opening, over a length L5 less than 70% of the length L215 of the lateral edge 215L of the upper opening 215, from the anterior edge 215F of the latter, at the level of the medial edge 215M of the upper opening, over a length L5 less than 70% of the length L215 of the medial edge 215M of the upper opening 215, from the anterior edge 215F of the latter.

[0041] In other words, at least 30% of the elastic inner wall 5 is not fixed to the transverse edges 215L, 215M, of the upper opening 215, from the shoe opening 20.

[0042] This construction provides mobility to the rear part 31 of the tongue 3 in order to facilitate putting on the shoes.

[0043] At the edges of the upper opening 215, the fastening means 50 of the elastic inner wall 5 to the upper 21 can be a stitch and / or a weld and / or a bond. Thus, the fastening means 50 is irremovable without the aid of tools.

[0044] As previously seen, the fastening means 50 is the same for connecting the inner wall 5 to the lateral edge 215L of the upper opening 215 of the vamp 21 and for connecting the inner wall 5 to the medial edge 215M of the upper opening 215 of the vamp 21.

[0045] As previously stated, the stem 2 includes a tab 3 intended to close the upper opening 215. The tab 3 is composed of one or more superimposed layers, one layer of which is formed by a part 5C of the elastic inner wall 5.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the tongue 3 comprises only one layer, the third central subdivision 5C of the elastic inner wall 5.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the tongue 3 comprises several overlapping layers. The third central subdivision 5C of the elastic inner wall 5 forms one of these constituent layers of the tongue 3.

[0048] This latter embodiment is illustrated in the figures 1 à 6 Here, the tongue 3 includes an additional layer 32 superimposed on the third central subdivision 5C. In this example, this additional layer 32 is a composite of an outer textile panel 321 with an intermediate foam panel 322. The composite can be achieved by simple bonding. Alternatively, the tongue 3 can comprise three layers: an outer textile layer 321, an intermediate foam layer 322, and an inner layer corresponding to the third central subdivision 5C.

[0049] The third central subdivision 5C is extensible and allows for good adaptation to the morphology of the instep.

[0050] The intermediate layer of 322 foam provides comfort by reducing local pressures resulting from the components of the 4-way clamping system.

[0051] The outer textile layer 321 protects the tongue and, in particular, the foam. This layer can be made of a material that is wear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, waterproof, etc.

[0052] According to one variant, no part of the elastic inner wall 5 is located at the upper opening 215. Thus, the tongue does not include a layer made up of part of the elastic inner wall 5. In this case, the elastic wall 5 consists only of a first lateral subdivision 5L and a first medial subdivision 5M.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the layers 5C, 32, 321, 322 are fixed together at a part of the edges 215L, 215M, 215A of the upper opening 215.

[0054] Advantageously, the same fastening method 50 is used to attach layers 5C, 32, 321, and 322 to the upper 21 at the edges 215L, 215M, and 215A of the top opening 215. This fastening method 50 can be a seam, for example, a standard zigzag seam or a tight zigzag seam of the "bartack" type. These zigzag seams allow for a construction where at least one layer of the tongue is joined edge-to-edge with the upper at a portion of the edges of the top opening, without overlap between the layer and the upper. This avoids localized bulk that can generate localized pressure when tightening the upper, causing discomfort. Any other suitable fastening method can be considered. Similarly, a combination of fastening methods 50 is possible.

[0055] Apart from the perimeter of the upper opening 215, the constituent layers of the tongue can be assembled by any appropriate means.

[0056] The invention reduces the number of shoe components by using a single part for two functions. Manufacturing such a shoe is thus simplified and therefore more economical.

[0057] 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. REFERENCES

[0058] 100. Shoe 1. Sole 11. Cushioning layer 12. Wear layer 13. Insole 2. Upper 20. Opening 21. Valsalva 210. Loop 215. Notch 215A. Front edge 215L. Lateral edge 215M. Medial edge L215. Length 23L. Lateral quarter 23M. Medial quarter 3. Tongue 31. Back part 32. Additional layer 321. Outer panel 322. Middle panel 4. Closure system 4A. Front limit 41. Lace 5. Elastic inner wall 5L. First lateral subdivision 5M. Second medial subdivision 5C. Third central subdivision 50. Fastening means 51. Fastening means

Claims

1. Footwear (100) suitable for receiving a user's foot, the footwear comprising: - a sole (1), - an upper (2) comprising: • a vamp (21) having a top opening (215) at the instep, the top opening being delimited by an anterior edge (215A), a lateral edge (215L) and a medial edge (215M), • an elastic inner lining (5) disposed inside the vamp, around the instep, the elastic inner lining forming a continuous layer from the medial side to the lateral side, the elastic inner layer being fixed, on each side, to the sole and / or to the vamp in an area close to the junction between the sole and the vamp, • a fastening system (4) for the vamp partially covering the top opening, characterized in that the elastic inner wall is also fixed on a part of the lateral (215L) and medial (215M) edges of the upper opening, below a part of the clamping system (4).

2. Shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The elastic inner wall (5) comprises: - a first lateral subdivision (5L) extending from a lateral anchorage (51) of the elastic inner wall to the lateral edge (215L) of the superior opening (215), - a second medial subdivision (5M) extending from the medial anchorage (51) of the elastic inner wall to the medial edge (215M) of the superior opening (215), and - a third central subdivision (5C) extending between the lateral edge (215L) and the medial edge (215M) of the superior opening (215) so as to close the superior opening (215).

3. Footwear (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic inner wall (5) is fixed to the upper and / or the sole by sewing and / or welding and / or gluing.

4. Footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe elastic inner wall (5) is fixed to the insole (13), at the interface between the insole (13) and the upper (21), via a so-called "strobel" seam.

5. Footwear (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The elastic inner wall is fixed to the vamp: - at the anterior edge (215A) of the upper opening, - at the lateral edge (215L) of the upper opening, over a length (L5) greater than 30% of the length (L215) of the lateral edge (215L) of the upper opening, from the anterior edge of the latter, - at the medial edge (215M) of the upper opening, over a length (L5) greater than 30% of the length (L215) of the medial edge (215M) of the upper opening, from the anterior edge of the latter.

6. Shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatThe elastic inner wall is fixed to the vamp: - at the level of the lateral edge (215L) of the upper opening, over a length (L5) less than 70% of the length (L215) of the lateral edge (215L) of the upper opening, from the anterior edge of the latter, - at the level of the medial edge (215M) of the upper opening, over a length (L5) less than 70% of the length (L215) of the medial edge (215M) of the upper opening, from the anterior edge of the latter.

7. Footwear (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that The elastic inner wall (5) is fixed to the lateral (215L) and medial (215M) edges of the upper opening (215) of the vamp by stitching and / or welding and / or gluing.

8. Footwear (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe stem (2) includes a tab (3) intended to close the upper opening, the tab being composed of one or more superimposed layers (5C, 32, 321, 322) of which one layer is formed by a part (5C) of the elastic inner wall (5).

9. Shoe (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the layers (5C, 32, 321, 322) are fixed together at a part of the edges (215L, 215M, 215A) of the upper opening.

10. Footwear (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that a layer of the tongue (3) is assembled edge to edge with the upper (21), at the level of a part of the edges (215L, 215M, 215A) of the upper opening, without overlap between the layer and the upper.

11. Footwear (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic inner wall (5) comprises elastane.

Images