Sports shoe incorporating a gaiter

Abstract

Footwear comprising: - 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. Figure for the abbreviation: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Sports shoe incorporating a gaiter

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

[0002] Prior art footwear with gaiters is known. Gaiters generally prevent the introduction of external elements, such as water or pebbles, inside 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 that would be attached to the shoe at the ankles.

[0003] However, when the shoe is fitted with a gaiter, it becomes less practical to put on such shoes. Indeed, the gaiter is designed to be relatively tight around the wearer's ankle. It is then difficult to access the shoe's opening to insert the foot. It is also complicated to access the shoe's fastening system when it is covered by such a gaiter.

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

[0005] The object of the invention is to remedy these problems and to improve shoes known in the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a shoe having a lightweight, integrated gaiter that minimally interferes with the fitting of the foot and access to the shoe's fastening system.

[0006] The invention provides a shoe adapted to receive a user's foot, the shoe comprising:

[0007] - a sowing

[0008] - a stem comprising: • an envelope composed • of an upper • of a side quarter • of a median district,

[0009] the casing incorporating a shoe opening delimited by a lateral edge, a medial edge, an anterior edge and a posterior edge, the shoe opening having - a posterior subdivision, at the level of the quarters, delimited by a rear portion of said lateral border, a rear portion of said medial border and the posterior border, - an anterior subdivision, extending the posterior subdivision at the level of the vamp, delimited by an anterior portion of said lateral border, an anterior portion of said medial border and the anterior border, • a gaiter connected to the envelope.

[0010] The gaiter consists of a piece connected to the cover - on the perimeter of the posterior subdivision and - at the level of the vamp so as to surround the perimeter of the anterior subdivision.

[0011] The gaiter is designed to surround the ankle and cover part of the user's instep so as to form a top opening.

[0012] The gaiter overlaps itself, without connection, so as to form a lateral or medial slit.

[0013] Thanks to this construction, the gaiter provides good protection for the shoe, preventing external elements from penetrating inside. Furthermore, this construction improves the shoe's aerodynamics, particularly by covering the front subdivision. Indeed, the gaiter can thus conceal a fastening system located at this front subdivision, which could otherwise disrupt the shoe's aerodynamics. Finally, thanks to the gaiter's overlap, this construction facilitates donning the shoe while maintaining access to the fastening system. It also eliminates the need for an additional gaiter closure system that could add weight to the shoe and cause discomfort. This construction thus allows for good integration of the gaiter, resulting in a lightweight and comfortable shoe.Finally, this design reduces the number of components and is therefore particularly simple and economical to manufacture.

[0014] According to 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 fixed at the junction between the outer shell and the sole, on the side of the lateral or medial slit. - The gaiter includes an extension arranged to close the anterior subdivision, inside the envelope. - The extension is fixed on at least one third of the length of the anterior portion of an edge of the shoe opening, from the anterior end of the latter, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit. - The extension is fixed on a maximum of two-thirds of the length of the anterior portion of an edge of the shoe opening, from the anterior end of the latter, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit. - The extension is fixed to the anterior portion of an edge of the shoe opening, on the same side as the lateral or medial slit. - The shoe includes a tightening system connecting the edges of the anterior subdivision, the tightening system being at least partially disposed between the extension and a portion of the gaiter covering part of the vamp. - The shoe includes a layer of foam positioned between part of the tightening system and the extension. - The gaiter is made from a stretchy material.

[0015] 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:

[0016] [Fig-1] Fig.1 is a top view of a shoe without gaiters;

[0017] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a plan view of the pattern of a gaiter for connecting to the shoe of the [Fig.l] in order to obtain a shoe according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a medial view of the shoe according to the invention.

[0019] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a side view of the shoe according to the invention.

[0020] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the cross-section along VV of the [Fig.3].

[0021] In the remainder of this 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 considered to be a configuration in which the sole is placed flat on a horizontal surface.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical or bottom / up direction corresponds to the Z axis.

[0024] The terms "interior" and "internal" refer to the elements directed towards the inside of the shoe, oriented towards the user's foot when it is placed inside the shoe. Conversely, the terms "exterior" and "external" refer to the elements oriented towards the outside of the shoe, exposed to the external environment.

[0025] 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 that covers 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 peripheral edge of the sole. Note that some elements of the shoe may form both part of the sole and part of the upper.

[0026] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate 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.

[0027] In this example, the stem 102 comprises a sheath 2 and a gaiter 3.

[0028] Fig. 1 represents a shoe without a gaiter. Fig. 2 represents the pattern of the gaiter. The following figures illustrate the shoe according to the invention where the two components shown in figures 1 and 2 are assembled.

[0029] The cover 2 consists of an upper 21, a lateral quarter 22L and a medial quarter 22M.

[0030] These components 21, 22L, 22M of the outer shell 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 method known per se, for example, by sewing, gluing, or welding. According to certain embodiments, some components of the outer shell 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 outer shell 2.

[0031] For the purposes of the invention, the upper 21 is the part of the outer shell 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 illustrated, the upper 21 comprises an upper opening 201, at the level of the instep, which will be designated as the anterior subdivision.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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

[0034] - a posterior subdivision 202, corresponding to the upper opening of the the aforementioned quarters, delimited by a rear portion 202L of said lateral edge 20L, a rear portion 202M of said medial edge 20M and the rear edge 20R,

[0035] - a front subdivision 201, corresponding to the upper opening of the aforementioned vamp, the latter extending the posterior subdivision 202 at the level of the vamp 21, delimited by an anterior portion 201L of said lateral border 20L, an anterior portion 20IM of said medial border 20L and the anterior border 20F.

[0036] 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 opening, and in particular, to increase the opening of the posterior subdivision for the passage of the foot. In addition, the anterior subdivision allows for adjusting the tightness of the upper at the instep to ensure a good fit of the shoe around the foot.

[0037] To this end, that is, to ensure that the instep is held securely by the vamp 21, the shoe 100 includes a tightening system 4 that brings together the anterior portions 20IM and 20IL, 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 loops 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 loops 210 designed to receive a portion of a lace 4L.

[0038] The cover 2 is attached to the sole 101. According to a conventional embodiment, the cover 2 is assembled to a mounting first 11, for example, by sewing. This subassembly is then attached to the upper surface of the sole 101, for example, by gluing, via the first mounting. Other methods of attaching the cover to the sole can be considered.

[0039] According to the invention, the stem 102 comprises a gaiter 3 connected to or fixed on the sheath 2.

[0040] The gaiter 3 consists of a piece connected to the cover 2 - on the periphery 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 previous subdivision 201.

[0041] The gaiter 3 thus comprises a support portion 34, extending the quarters 22L, 22M, above the posterior subdivision 202, this support portion being intended to surround the user's ankle once the foot is shod, and a cover portion 35 intended 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 surround 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 respect to 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.

[0042] This configuration 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 tightening system 4 with a smoother surface. Furthermore, it maintains a secure fit even when the tightening system is loosened, for example, if a shoelace knot is undone. Additionally, it keeps the untied shoelace or any loose part of the tightening system in a closed pocket to prevent this free element from swinging around and potentially catching on an object, causing the runner to trip.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The gaiter 3 is preferably a continuous unit piece in order to present a smooth external surface conducive to aerodynamics.

[0045] The insert 3 is preferably made of a waterproof material to ensure the shoe is watertight and to prevent the foot from getting wet. Preferably, the material used is also breathable to allow the foot to ventilate and wick away perspiration.

[0046] The insert 3 can be an elastic textile, in particular woven or knitted.

[0047] The gaiter 3 is advantageously made of a stretchable material to facilitate the deformation of the yoke, in particular to facilitate entry of the foot into the shoe, but also to facilitate access to the fastening system 4. Such a stretchable material is, for example, a material containing elastane or equivalent. Such a material exhibits good elasticity.

[0048] The gaiter 3 overlaps (or is laid over or superimposed) itself, without a connection, so as to form either a lateral slit 32L or a medial slit 32M. Thus, two embodiments can be envisaged. In a first configuration, illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the gaiter is wound so that it is fixed to the medial side of the upper, thus creating a medial slit 32M. In a second configuration, not illustrated, the gaiter is wound in the opposite direction to that of the first configuration. The winding is therefore carried out so that the gaiter is fixed to the lateral side of the upper, thus creating a lateral slit 32L.

[0049] The slot 32L, 32M is delimited by a free edge 351 of the covering 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 covered part of the gaiter.

[0050] This overlap makes it possible to increase the possibility of spreading the upper edge of the gaiter apart to facilitate putting on the foot or accessing the tightening system 4.

[0051] The gaiter 3 is designed to cover the anterior subdivision 201.

[0052] According to a first configuration, the gaiter 3 is fixed to the upper 21 at the level of the edges 201L, 201M and 20F of the anterior subdivision 201. In this case, we are in a connection of the edge-to-edge type.

[0053] Alternatively, the gaiter can be fixed to the vamp 21 at a distance from the edges 201L, 201M and 20F of the anterior subdivision 201.

[0054] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the gaiter 3 is attached at a junction 36 between the outer shell 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 insert 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, this 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 means of The gaiter 3 is attached (glued, sewn or welded) to the upper 21 at this point. This improves user comfort.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment, the gaiter 3 includes an extension 33 arranged to close the anterior subdivision 201, inside the outer shell 2. This extension 33 thus 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 watertightness in this area. This construction also reduces the number of shoe components by using part of the gaiter to form the tongue. The shoe's manufacture is thus simplified and therefore more economical.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 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 thereof, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

[0057] By being fixed to a minimum length of this anterior portion on the side opposite the slit, the extension 33 provides sufficient support to ensure the tongue remains firmly in position, particularly when putting the shoe on, and thus prevents it from slipping under the upper at the forefoot. Furthermore, this attachment provides slight tension to a portion of the instep for better foot support. In addition, it also improves the shoe's water resistance in this area.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 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 thereof, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

[0059] The fact that it is not fixed to a posterior part of an edge 201L; 201M of the anterior subdivision 201, near the posterior subdivision 202, increases the opening for the passage of the foot. The posterior subdivision 202 can thus be enlarged by a portion of the anterior subdivision 201. This makes it easier to put on the foot thanks to this tongue construction 33, which is not connected to the rear part of the anterior subdivision 201.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Fixing the tab 33 at this level provides benefits similar to those mentioned previously. By being fixed to this anterior portion on the side of the slot, the extension 33 has sufficient hold to ensure good maintenance in position The tongue provides slight tension to part of the instep for better foot support, and also improves the shoe's water resistance at this point.

[0062] As previously stated, 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 located between the extension 33 and the overlapping portion 35 of the gaiter 3 covering 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.

[0063] To further improve comfort, particularly by reducing pressure exerted by the fastening system on the instep, the shoe includes a layer of foam 37 positioned between a portion of the fastening system 4 and the extension 33. For example, for a fastening 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 layer can be sandwiched between the extension 33 and a cover panel 38 attached to the extension 33 by stitching and / or gluing and / or welding, in a connection zone surrounding the foam layer 37. Figure 5 provides a schematic representation of such a construction. In this drawing, the cover panel 38 spans 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 part of the tongue 33, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0064] The tongue 33 may have lace slots to maintain proper relative positioning of the tongue and laces during donning and lacing. This also helps to keep the tongue 33 in place and prevents it from slipping under the upper at the forefoot.

[0065] In the constructions described above, the gaiter 3 is a separate component, attached to the casing 2 by any suitable means, such as sewing, gluing, and / or welding. Alternatively, the gaiter and the casing form a single unit. The gaiter is then an extension, a part of the casing. In this case, the connection between the gaiter and the casing 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 textile produced by weaving or knitting.

[0066] The solutions described above allow for easy donning and easy 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" type construction, makes it possible to obtain these benefits.

[0067] For putting on the shoe, 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 his foot into the shoe.

[0068] 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 cover 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 cover 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 insert 3 causes the gaiter 3 to naturally return to this position, covering the instep.

[0069] This overlapping, wrap-around or "wrap-around" gaiter construction offers the following advantages in particular:

[0070] - it allows for lacing coverage, improving aerodynamics,

[0071] - it allows for a lighter construction of a shoe equipped with a gaiter, the weight reduction being particularly improved by the fact that there is no need for a specific gaiter closure system,

[0072] - it makes it possible to reduce the number of components of the shoe because the the tongue is formed by a part of the gaiter and there is no need for a gaiter closure system, the manufacture is then simpler and more economical,

[0073] - it makes it easier to put on a shoe equipped with a gaiter,

[0074] - it facilitates access to the shoe's tightening system,

[0075] - it allows for wrapping of the foot and ankle offering an effect proprioceptive.

[0076] 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

[0077] 100. Shoe

[0078] 101. Sole

[0079] 11. First assembly

[0080] 102. Stem

[0081] 2. Envelope

[0082] 20. Shoe opening

[0083] 20F. Anterior edge

[0084] 20L. Side edge

[0085] 20R. Posterior edge

[0086] 20M. Medial edge

[0087] 201. Anterior subdivision

[0088] 201L. Anterior portion of the lateral border 20L

[0089] 20IM. Anterior portion of the medial border 20M

[0090] 202. Posterior subdivision

[0091] 202L. Posterior portion of the lateral edge 20L

[0092] 202M. Posterior portion of the medial border 20M

[0093] 21. Upper

[0094] 210. Passerby

[0095] 22L. Side quarter

[0096] 22M. Median Quarter

[0097] 3. Gaiter

[0098] 31. Top opening

[0099] 32L. Side slot

[0100] 32M. Medial cleft

[0101] 33. Extension or tab

[0102] 34. Retaining portion

[0103] 35. Cover portion

[0104] 351. Free edge

[0105] 36. Junction between the sowing 101 and the envelope 2

[0106] 37. Foam layer

[0107] 38. Cover panel

[0108] 4. Clamping system

[0109] 41. Lace

Claims

1. Demands Shoe (100) suitable for receiving a user's foot, the shoe comprising: - a sole (101) - a rod (102) comprising: • an envelope (2) composed • of an upper (21) • of a side quarter (22L) • of a median district (22M), the outer 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 an anterior portion (20IL) of said lateral edge, an anterior portion (20IM) of said medial edge and the anterior edge, • a gaiter (3) connected to the envelope, characterized in that The gaiter consists of a panel connected to the outer shell. - on the periphery (202L, 202M and 20R) of the posterior subdivision (202) and - at the level of the vamp so as to surround the perimeter (20IL, 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 superior 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 the level of a junction (36) between the upper and the sole, on the side of the lateral or medial slit.

3. Shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gaiter includes an extension (33) arranged to close the anterior subdivision, inside the outer shell.

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 (20IL, 20IM) of an edge (20L, 20M) of the shoe opening, from the anterior end thereof, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

5. Shoe (100) according to any 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 (20IL, 201M) of an edge (20L, 20M) of the shoe opening, from the anterior end thereof, on the side opposite the lateral or medial slit.

6. Shoe (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the 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. Shoe (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a tightening system (4) connecting the edges of the anterior subdivision, the tightening system being at least partially disposed between the extension and a covering portion (35) of the gaiter covering a part of the upper.

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

9. Shoe (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the gaiter is made of a stretchable material.

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