Shoe designed to enhance practice of physical activity

Abstract

To propose improvement of the performance of an outsole, and particularly provide a sole structure having guiding, holding, cushioning and restarting effects by a scalable center of gravity.SOLUTION: A shoe may comprise an upper (5) and a comfort sole (9) attached to an outsole (7), the comfort sole having a radius of curvature at any point of a line from a heel (C) to a toe (D) and interfacing with the outsole (7). The lowest point of the comfort sole (9) and the outsole (7), called the center of gravity or the balance point of the sole or the natural balance point of the shoe, when placed on a substantially horizontal reference plane (H) defines a transition zone (Z1) of the rolling motion of the foot having the maximum radius of the comfort sole and the outsole, and in the center of the gravity is behind a point (B) of the metatarsals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to shoes that may be described as high performance. [Background technology]

[0002] Document US-B1-8 079 159 describes a shoe comprising an upper extending between the toe and heel and attached to an outsole.

[0003] The shoe described in document US-8 079 159 has a modular sole structure which comprises, from bottom to top: an outer layer, called the contact layer or outsole layer, made of an adhesive material such as rubber or similar, intended to provide good grip on the ground and good abrasion resistance; -Shock attenuation by cushioning and / or an intermediate comfort layer made of cushioning material, called the elastic layer - An upper layer called the shell, which is placed directly on top of the comfort layer. It is placed closest to the foot and is assembled directly onto the shoe upper.

[0004] Document US-2011 / 0179669A1 describes a shoe comprising an upper extending between a toe and a heel and attached to an outsole.

[0005] However, improvements are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The aim of the present disclosure is to propose an improvement in the performance of outsoles of the above type, in particular a sole structure having guiding, retaining, cushioning and restarting effects thanks to a scalable centre of gravity.

[0007] One or more goals may be addressed in the shoe claimed in this disclosure, which, according to the introductory description, is characterized in that the comfort sole has a radius of curvature at any point on a heel-to-toe line and is in contact with the outsole, and that the lowest point of the comfort sole and / or outsole, referred to as the center of gravity or natural balance point of the shoe when placed on a substantially horizontal reference plane, is a transition zone of the rolling motion of the foot with the largest sole radius, and the center of gravity is located behind the metatarsal point.

[0008] This sole construction not only provides beneficial results for use in running, but potentially also for walking or other uses.

[0009] The sole may include a shell that includes, consists essentially of, or consists of a bottom shell portion and a side shell portion.

[0010] The mechanical connection of the shell and the comfort sole stabilizes the lines of force. The elevation of the lateral shell provides an additional stabilizing effect due to the compression of the upper, which is in addition to the stabilizing effect associated with bonding the shell to the comfort sole, preventing the arch from pushing up against the foot during static and dynamic phases.

[0011] Of course, the above construction is not limited to application in racing but can also be very beneficial in other fields, in particular walking and other uses.

[0012] According to the objectives sought during the practice of physical activities such as walking, running, etc., the present disclosure allows or prevents excessive deformation of the comfort layer during the impact and flexion phases of the foot.

[0013] Thus, in the example shown, the shoe is specifically intended for racing on rough terrain, having a fairly low upper and a cushioned outsole, but not so low that it compromises the stability of the foot on uneven ground or slopes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] The present disclosure will be easier to understand using the description and the accompanying schematic drawings which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments by way of example. Based on the description and the drawings, a person skilled in the art will be able to deduce other advantageous properties of the shoe.

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side (inner) view of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side (inside) view of one embodiment of the present disclosure including a shell. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side (inside) view of one embodiment of the present disclosure including a shell with a cutout. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side (inside) view of one embodiment of the present disclosure including a shell with a cutout. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a top view of the shell with the notch. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a view of the top of a shell with a cavity throughout the bottom of the shell. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of a shell with a cavity throughout the bottom of the shell, as claimed in one variation. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a top view of a shell having a substantially vertical cavity across the bottom of the shell, as claimed in another variation. [Figure 9] 5 shows two cross sections of one embodiment along section lines F1 and B1 of FIG. [Figure 10] 5 shows two cross sections of one embodiment along section lines F1 and B1 of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of the shoe claimed in the present invention. The shoe is conventionally composed of an upper (5) that receives the user's foot and an outsole placed under the upper. The attachment of the external sole is carried out according to a layered profile composed of several layers that perform different functions. It is conventionally composed of an outsole (7) and a comfort sole (9).

[0017] The underside of the comfort sole, in contact with the outsole, has a substantially convex curvature. The lateral parts of the comfort sole have a radius of curvature at all points on the heel-to-toe line to create an interface with the outsole. When placed on a clearly horizontal reference plane, the lowest point of the comfort sole, called the center of gravity or natural balance point of the shoe, is the transition zone of the rolling motion of the foot with the largest sole radius. The center of gravity is scalable and is located behind the metatarsal points.

[0018] To promote the rolling motion of the foot, an example of a foot is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The sole is divided into several zones (Z). Thus, five zones (Z1-Z5) are represented in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Zone (Z1) is the zone corresponding to the center of gravity. Zone (Z2) is the transition zone toward the heel, whose radius is smaller than that of zone (Z1). Zone (Z3) is the heel impact zone, whose radius is smaller than that of zone (Z2). Zone (Z4) is the area that develops toward the toe of the foot, whose radius is smaller than that of zone (Z1). Zone (Z5) is the final development zone, whose radius is larger than that of zone (Z4).

[0019] In the static phase, a radius of the zone (Z1) is selected that is sufficiently open to know the stability of the flat part. Thus, the part of the comfort layer (9) in the zone (Z1) is crushed by the weight of the user. It is advantageous that the radius of the zone (Z1) is between 350 mm and 3000 mm. Of course, this range of values ​​of the radius of the zone (Z1) is only an indication and the skilled person knows how to select other values ​​of the radius according to need.

[0020] Thanks to a more pronounced inclination of the center of gravity and the zone (Z4) located under the metatarsals, the transition phase between impact and foot roll is immediate and without energy loss. This increases and facilitates the foot roll, resulting in a greater range of motion and an optimized push-off phase. The stride becomes faster and more powerful.

[0021] Of course, it is clear that the above absolute and relative values ​​of the radii are merely a guide. In fact, the envisaged field of application and / or physical activity, as well as different morphologies of potential users, such as foot type and size, weight, stride type, etc., may also influence the selection of the radii of the zones (Z1 to Z5). Thus, a person skilled in the art may envisage several zones, less than 5 or more than 5.

[0022] However, the shoe includes at least three zones: the two zones on either side of the zone (Z1) corresponding to the center of gravity have a radius smaller than the radius of the center of gravity.

[0023] If the shoe contains more than five zones, the radius of each zone other than (Z1) may have equal or different radii as adjacent or non-adjacent zones. Of course, it is essential that the lateral part of the comfort sole has a radius of curvature at all points on the heel-to-toe line, and that zone (Z1) which creates the interface with the outsole and corresponds to the center of gravity has a larger radius than the two adjacent zones.

[0024] Likewise, to promote the rolling motion of the foot and to minimize the transition phase between the initial impact and the center of gravity (A), the point (C) of the outsole and / or comfort sole (9) corresponding to the heel is set back or at the same level as the part of the upper that is rearward or furthest from the center of gravity. This principle, which has the effect of advancing the contact point as far as possible into the zone (A), favors the dynamic phase of walking on flat ground and on inclined surfaces.

[0025] This configuration allows the outsole (7) to advance the initial contact zone as far as possible towards the center of gravity during the natural rolling motion of the foot and remain in contact during the first phase of ground impact, regardless of where the foot is positioned, and throughout all phases of the rolling motion of the foot without creating a second impact.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the shoe may include a shell (13) that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the arch from pushing up the foot in the static and dynamic phases. The shell (13) is positioned on top of the comfort sole and is firmly glued over its entire surface. The shell represents a restraining device between this comfort sole and this center of gravity.

[0027] The comfort sole (9) is made of a material that ensures comfort and keeps the foot in place. It is made of a cushioning material such as rubber or EVA. The comfort sole may be PU (polyurethane) or any other natural or synthetic foam. PU is harder and therefore does not provide comfort as quickly as EVA. However, it is more durable and becomes more flexible over time. Rubber is very soft and very flexible, but is heavier. The cushioning material of the comfort layer may also be a material with elastic or viscoelastic properties, such as an elastomer.

[0028] In figures 1 to 4, the comfort sole is placed in front of line (F) to bring the initial impact phase as close as possible to the centre of gravity (A), favouring the strike zone and the natural rolling motion of the foot. Line (F) is a line perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane (H) on which the shoe is placed. Line (F) passes through point (J) in the heel zone, which is the furthest from the centre of gravity (A).

[0029] As mentioned above, the lower part of the comfort sole (9) adjacent to the outsole (7) has a radius of curvature at any point on the heel-to-toe line, creating continuity on either side of the center of gravity (A). This configuration ensures that the outsole (7) always remains in contact with the ground during the first phase of impact, throughout the phases of the foot's roll motion, regardless of where the foot is positioned, without creating a second impact, thanks to the mechanical connection that stabilizes the force lines with the shell (13) and the comfort sole (9).

[0030] The outsole (7) is made of synthetic or natural materials that provide the necessary properties for an outsole, such as adhesion and abrasion resistance. The nature of the material used for the outsole is not limited to the usual materials in the footwear sector. It is selected depending on the envisaged use of the footwear, the nature of the ground, the adhesion and the desired abrasion resistance, etc.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the shoe may include a sufficiently rigid shell (13) arranged between the upper (5) and the comfort sole (9). The shell (13) is positioned on top of the comfort sole (9) and is firmly glued over its entire surface. The shell (13), which represents a constraint device between this comfort sole and this centre of gravity, makes it possible to prevent the arch of the foot from being pushed towards the top of the foot in static and dynamic phases. The shell (13) thus promotes stability of the centre of gravity and the rolling movement of the foot by gradually collapsing the arch without deforming it.

[0032] The molded shell (13) with the last shape of the shoe reduces impact and energy loss during the support phase. It positions the body correctly and effortlessly for optimal stride execution.

[0033] The shell (13) also helps to promote the collapse of the center of gravity without deforming the arch, in addition, it provides torsional and bending stiffness to the upper, counteracting the displacement of the foot during impact between the heel of the shoe and the ground, contributing to the stability of the support and increasing the bending stiffness of the comfort sole.

[0034] The shell (13) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of shell sides rising towards the shell bottom and the upper (5). The rising shell sides allow for an additional stabilizing effect to be obtained by compression of the upper, which is in addition to the stabilizing effect associated with the attachment of the shell (13) to the comfort sole.

[0035] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the shell sides form a lip around the shell bottom for greater stiffness in the flex zone.

[0036] The shell is also asymmetrical to help hold the foot: in the lateral zone, the shell lateral part is higher and longer towards the toes to favour arch stabilisation.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the notches are arranged opposite each other on a substantially transverse line (V10, V11) in order to hold the foot intact while allowing the foot to roll. The substantially transverse line (V10) is perpendicular to a substantially longitudinal line (L10) passing through the heel (C1) and a point (M) located at the height of the toes. The substantially transverse line (V11) is perpendicular to a substantially longitudinal line (L11) passing through a point (N) located outside the heel and point (M) toward the front and inner edge of the shell.

[0038] Of course, the number of notches is variable; they are not necessarily an even number and are not perfectly opposed.

[0039] The shell sides are also bonded to the surfaces that contact the outsole. The shell (13) also provides longitudinal and lateral torsional and bending stiffness to the upper.

[0040] Preferred manufacturing materials for the shell are loaded or unloaded polyurethanes (PUR, TPU), loaded or unloaded polyamides (PA), polyethylene (PE) and generally all loaded or unloaded synthetic materials.

[0041] Composite materials, for example based on glass / carbon fibres and synthetic resins, are also an option.

[0042] Also contemplated is the use of metallic materials such as aluminum alloys, or natural materials such as bamboo or other wood fibres.

[0043] For each shell, the thickness will be a function of the desired elasticity and Young's modulus of the material selected.

[0044] Depending on the desired application, the shell and comfort sole may have similar stiffness or different stiffness, in the latter case one may choose the shell (13) to be stiffer than the comfort sole (9) or vice versa.

[0045] According to Figures 9 and 10, the shell and shell side portion are in contact with the heel at the top of the cross section in Figures 9 and 10 (F1 F2). Cross section B1 B2 in Figure 9 shows that the cutout at the front of the foot does not have the shell side portion.

[0046] In another embodiment, the shell (13) is recessed in different areas of the bottom of the shell (Figures 6-8). These openings facilitate the collapse of the comfort sole (9) during support phases or on uneven surfaces. They also limit the weight of the shell.

[0047] Thus, FIG. 6 shows an opening located at the heel.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows several openings located along the inner edge.

[0049] The openings according to Figures 6 and 7 may or may not be circular. A person skilled in the art will be able to select an appropriate shape of the opening according to the desired properties of the shell and / or manufacturing requirements.

[0050] In FIG. 8, several longitudinal openings are shown, which extend approximately between the heel and the toe. The number of longitudinal openings is of course not limited to the four shown in the figure. They may be distributed symmetrically or asymmetrically and have various lengths. They may be straight or curved. The longitudinal openings may also be disconnected. In this case, the different longitudinal sections of the openings may be aligned or not aligned.

[0051] While the present invention has been described with respect to particular preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments shown and described are not limiting in nature, and that variations other than those described and shown may be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A shoe, The shoe comprises an upper (5) attached to an outsole (7) and a comfort sole (9), The comfort sole has a radius of curvature at any point on a line from the heel (C) to the toe (D) and is in contact with the outsole (7); A shoe in which the lowest point of the comfort sole (9) and outsole (7), referred to as the centre of gravity or the balance point of the sole or the natural balance point of the shoe, when placed on a substantially horizontal reference plane (H), defines a transition zone (Z1) of the rolling movement of the foot with a maximum radius of the comfort sole and the outsole, said centre of gravity being behind the metatarsal point (B).

2. 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the radius of curvature at any point of the line from the heel (C) to the toe (D) of the comfort sole and the outsole is divided into several zones (Z) having different radii of curvature.

3. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the radius of curvature at any point on the line from the heel (C) to the toe (D) of the comfort sole and the outsole includes five zones (Z1) to (Z5) having different radii of curvature.

4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein the zones (Z1 to Z5) include a zone (Z1) corresponding to the center of gravity having the maximum radius of the comfort sole, a zone (Z2) which is a transition zone toward the heel and has a radius smaller than that of zone (Z1), a zone (Z3) which is an impact zone of the heel and has a radius smaller than that of zone (Z2), a zone (Z4) which is a roll motion zone extending toward the tip of the foot and has a radius smaller than that of zone (Z1), and a zone (Z5) which is a final roll motion zone and has a radius larger than that of zone (Z4).

5. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a shell (13) which also participates in facilitating the collapse of the centre of gravity whilst minimising deformation of the arch.

6. The shoe of claim 5 , wherein the shell includes a shell side portion forming a rim around at least a portion of the shell bottom.

7. The shoe of claim 5 , wherein the side shell includes a notch formed therein.

8. 8. The shoe according to claim 7, wherein the cutouts are disposed substantially opposite each other on a substantially transverse line (V10, V11).

9. 9. The shoe according to claim 8, wherein the substantially horizontal line (V10) is perpendicular to a substantially vertical line (L10) passing through the heel (C1) and a point (M) located at the level of the toe, and the substantially horizontal line (V11) is perpendicular to a substantially vertical line (L11) passing through the heel and a point (N) located on the front side of the shell, outside the point (M).

10. The shoe of claim 6 , wherein one or more openings are disposed through the shell bottom.

11. The shoe of claim 10 , wherein the one or more openings include an opening disposed through the bottom of the shell at or adjacent the heel.

12. The shoe of claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the one or more openings are disposed in the shell bottom along an outer contour of the foot.

13. The shoe of claim 10 , wherein the one or more openings include one or more substantially vertical openings disposed in the shell bottom between the heel and the toe.

14. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a lower part of the comfort sole (9), adjacent to the outsole (7), has a radius of curvature at any point on the heel-to-toe line to create a bilateral continuity with the centre of gravity (A) so that the outsole (7) remains in contact with the ground during the initial phase of impact and the entire phase of the rolling movement of the foot, without generating a second impact, regardless of where the foot is positioned.

15. A method for making a shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images