Gaiter-integrated sports shoes

Abstract

To provide a lightweight shoe with an integrated gaiter that offers minimal interference with foot attachment and access to the shoe's fastening system. [Solution] The shoe comprises an upper (102), the upper includes a cover (2) having a foot opening (20) with a rear section (202) and a front section (201), and a gaiter (3) connected to the cover. The gaiter is made up of panels and is connected to the cover at the vamp so as to surround the periphery of the rear section (202) and the periphery of the front section (201). The gaiter is configured to surround the wearer's ankle and cover part of the instep, forming an upper opening (31). The gaiters overlap without being connected to each other and form slits on the outside (32L) or inside (32M).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to shoes provided with gaiters.

Background Art

[0002] Shoes provided with gaiters (ankle covers) are known from the prior art. Gaiters are typically used to prevent external elements such as water or stones from entering the shoe between the upper and the user's foot. The gaiter extends to cover the foot opening of the shoe, like a sock or sleeve that is fastened to the shoe at the ankle.

[0003] However, when a shoe is equipped with a gaiter, such a shoe is difficult to put on and not very practical. Specifically, the gaiter is intended to be relatively tight around the user's ankle. In that case, it becomes difficult to access the foot opening of the shoe and insert the foot into it. Also, when covered by such a gaiter, it becomes troublesome to access the fastening system of the shoe.

[0004] To overcome these problems, there are gaiters that have an opening closed by a zip or Velcro® closure system and that make it easier to access the fastening system at the opening. However, these solutions impair the aerodynamics of the shoe, increase the weight of the shoe, and are not very comfortable, especially due to the presence of the closure system.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to solve these problems and improve the shoes known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a shoe having a lightweight and integrated gaiter that hardly hinders the wearing of the shoe on the foot and access to the fastening system of the shoe.

[0006] The present invention proposes a shoe configured to accommodate a user's foot, comprising a sole assembly and an upper, the upper comprising a cover, the cover comprising a vamp, an outer quarter, and an inner quarter, the cover comprising a foot opening defined by an outer edge, an inner edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, the foot opening located in the quarter and comprising a rear section defined by the rear portion of the outer edge, the rear portion of the inner edge, and the rear edge, and a front section continuous with the rear section in the vamp and defined by the front portion of the outer edge, the front portion of the inner edge, and the front edge, the shoe comprising a gaiter connected to the cover, the gaiter comprising a panel (fabric member) and connected to the cover at the periphery of the rear section and at the vamp so as to surround the periphery of the front section. The gaiters overlap without being connected to each other and form slits on the outside or inside.

[0007] This structure allows the gaiter to effectively protect the shoe and prevent external elements from entering the shoe. Furthermore, the structure improves the shoe's aerodynamic characteristics, particularly by covering the front section. Specifically, the fastening system can disrupt the shoe's aerodynamics, and the gaiter can conceal the fastening system housed within this front section. In addition, the overlapping configuration of the gaiter makes it easier to put on and take off the shoe while maintaining access to the fastening system. Moreover, there is no need for an additional closing mechanism for the gaiter, which can add weight to the shoe and cause discomfort. Therefore, this structure allows for excellent integration of the gaiter, resulting in a lightweight and comfortable shoe. Finally, this structure allows for a reduction in the number of parts, making manufacturing particularly simple and economical.

[0008] According to advantageous but non-essential embodiments of the present invention, such shoes may have one or more of the following features in any technically permissible combination: The gaiter is secured to the joint between the cover and the bottom assembly on the same side as the outer or inner slit. The gaiter has an extension positioned to block the front compartment inside the cover. The extension is fixed on the side opposite to the outer or inner slit, extending at least one-third of the length of the front section from the front edge of the foot opening. The extension is fixed on the side opposite to the outer or inner slit, extending up to two-thirds of the length of the front section from the front edge of the foot opening. The extension is fixed to the front of the foot opening on the same side as the outer or inner slit. The shoe features a fastening system that connects the edges of the front sections, and this fastening system is at least partially located between the extension and the gaiter covering portion that covers part of the vamp. The shoe features a foam layer positioned between a portion of the fastening system and its extension. The gaiters are made from a stretchable material. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention based on non-limiting embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a top view of a shoe without gaiters. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the pattern of the gaiter connected to the shoe in Figure 1 in order to obtain the shoe according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the inside of a shoe according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of the outer surface of a shoe according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along VV. Embodiments for carrying out the present invention

[0010] Throughout the following explanation, terms such as “vertical,” “upward,” “downward,” “up,” “down,” “sideways,” “outside,” “inside,” “right,” “left,” “horizontal,” “forward,” “backward,” “front,” “rear,” “front part,” and “rear part” will be used. These terms should be interpreted relative to the positional relationship of the shoe when it is fitted to the user’s foot in a normal posture and the user’s normal walking direction. A configuration in which the sole assembly is placed flat on a horizontal surface is considered the normal posture.

[0011] The terms “outside” and “inside” are conventionally understood to mean outward and inward, respectively. Therefore, the inside of one foot or one shoe faces the inside of the wearer’s other foot or other shoe.

[0012] The term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction from heel to toe, which corresponds to the X-axis, and the term "lateral direction" refers to the medial-lateral direction (in the left foot), which corresponds to the Y-axis and is therefore substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical direction, i.e., the up and down direction, corresponds to the Z-axis.

[0013] The terms "inside" and "internal" refer to elements of the shoe that are directed inward, i.e., elements that face the user's foot when it is placed inside the shoe. In contrast, the terms "outside" and "external" refer to elements of the shoe that are directed outward and exposed to the external environment.

[0014] In this specification, “shoe” is defined as being composed of a “sole assembly” and an “upper.” The “sole assembly” refers to the lower part of the shoe located between the foot and the ground. This is the “bottom surface” of the shoe. The sole assembly is positioned opposite the sole of the foot. The “upper” refers to the upper part of the shoe that covers the foot and, possibly part of the ankle, excluding the “bottom surface” of the foot. This is the “top surface” of the shoe. The upper is attached to the periphery of the sole assembly. Note that some elements of a shoe may constitute both part of the sole assembly and part of the upper.

[0015] Figures 1 to 5 show the structure of a shoe 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 100 is a sports shoe, and more particularly a running shoe. The shoe 100 is a shoe for the right foot. The shoe 100 may be other types of sports shoes. The shoe 100 comprises an upper 102, which is positioned above the bottom assembly 101. In this example, the upper 102 includes a cover 2 and a gaiter 3. Figure 1 shows a shoe without gaiters. Figure 2 shows a pattern of gaiters. Subsequent drawings show a shoe according to the present invention, with the two components shown in Figures 1 and 2 assembled.

[0016] The cover 2 consists of a vamp 21, an outer quarter 22L, and an inner quarter 22M. These components 21, 22L, and 22M of the cover 2 may be individual parts. Alternatively, some or all of the components may be manufactured by the same manufacturing method (e.g., knitting, weaving) to form a single unit. Furthermore, some components may consist of multiple parts assembled by any known method, such as sewing, bonding, or welding. According to some embodiments, some components of the cover 2 may extend downwards toward the feet to form part of the bottom assembly 101, and conversely, some components of the bottom assembly 101 may extend upwards toward the periphery of the bottom assembly to form part of the cover 2.

[0017] In the sense of the present invention, the vamp 21 is a portion of the cover 2 that covers the upper, anterior, lateral, and medial parts of the forefoot, and extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe to the rear of the instep. In the examples described and illustrated herein, the vamp 21 has an upper opening 201 located on the instep, which is referred to as the anterior section.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the outer quarter 23L and the inner quarter 23M form a heel sheet and cover the rear, outer, and inner portions of the rear foot. The quarters 23L, 23M extend to the vamp 21 at the rear of the vamp and form a continuous cover 2 that covers the entire upper and side portions of the foot. The upper edges of the quarters 23L, 23M define an upper opening 202, which is referred to as a rear compartment and serves as an opening for inserting the foot into the shoe 100.

[0019] Thus, the cover has a foot insertion opening 20 defined by an outer edge 20L, an inner edge 20M, a front edge 20F, and a rear edge 20R. This foot insertion opening corresponds to the upper opening of the aforementioned quarter and has a rear compartment 202 defined by the rear portion 202L of the outer edge 20L, the rear portion 202M of the inner edge 20M, and the rear edge 20R. It also has a front compartment 201 that corresponds to the upper opening of the aforementioned vamp, is continuous with the rear compartment 202 at the position of the vamp 21, and is defined by the front portion 201L of the outer edge 20L, the front portion 201M of the inner edge 20M, and the front edge 20F.

[0020] This foot insertion opening 20 is for enabling the insertion of the foot into the shoe. The rear compartment 202 is for passing the foot through and also serves to surround the ankle after the shoe is worn. On the other hand, the front compartment 201 enables the change in the size of the foot insertion opening, particularly enabling the expansion of the opening of the rear compartment for passing the foot through. Furthermore, the front compartment enables the adjustment of the tightening of the cover at the instep of the foot, allowing the shoe to provide good support around the foot.

[0021] For this purpose, i.e., to make the vamp 21 adhere closely to the instep of the foot, the shoe 100 includes a fastening system 4 that enables the front portions 201M and 201L defining the front compartment 201 to be brought close to each other. This fastening system greatly contributes to the good support of the foot. In this example, this system is composed of a shoelace 41, a loop 210, and optionally a toggle for enabling the adjustment of the braided length. In this example, loops 210 for passing a part of the shoelace 41 may be provided on the outer edge 201L and the inner edge 201M of the front compartment 201.

[0022] The cover 2 is fixed to the bottom assembly 101. According to a conventional embodiment, the cover 2 is assembled to the insole 11, for example, by sewing. This sub-assembly is then fixed to the upper surface of the bottom assembly 101 via the insole, for example, by adhesion. Other methods of fixing the cover to the bottom assembly can also be envisioned.

[0023] According to the present invention, the upper 102 includes a gaiter 3 connected or fixed to the cover 2. The gaiter 3 is formed from a panel (cloth-like member), and the panel is connected to the cover 2 at the peripheries 202L, 202M, and 20R of the rear section 202 and at the vamp 21 so as to surround the peripheries 201L, 201M, and 20F of the front section 201.

[0024] Thus, the gaiter 3 includes a support portion 34 that extends the quarters 22L, 22M above the rear section 202, and this support portion is configured to surround the user's ankle when the shoe is worn on the foot. It also includes a covering portion 35 for covering the cover 2 at the position of the vamp 21. The support portion 34 has an upper opening 31 for inserting the foot into the shoe.

[0025] The gaiter 3 is configured to surround the ankle and further extend forward to cover a part of the user's instep. The gaiter 3 is configured to form a state in which a part of the gaiter overlaps (covers or superimposes) other parts at the instep. The overlap of the gaiters at the instep is realized in the form of a "strap" (bandage-like) or a wrapping structure.

[0026] This configuration ensures that the foot opening 20 is well covered, providing excellent airtightness of the shoe against external elements such as water and pebbles. Furthermore, by covering the front section 201 in particular, this structure conceals the fastening system 4 with a smoother surface, thus providing the shoe with good aerodynamic properties. In addition, even if the fastening system loosens, for example, due to a shoelace knot coming undone, the foot can still be held securely. Moreover, loose shoelaces and loose parts of the fastening system can be held within the closed pocket, preventing these free parts from swinging around and getting caught on objects, thus preventing the runner from tripping.

[0027] The gaiter 3 can be attached to the cover 2 by any suitable means at any position on the quarter 22L or 22M, or on the vamp 21. This may include sewing, and / or gluing, and / or welding. In order to obtain an aerodynamically smooth outer surface, the gaiter 3 is preferably an integral panel such as a continuous fabric-like member. Panel 3 is preferably made of a waterproof material to ensure the shoe is airtight and prevent the feet from getting wet. Furthermore, the material used is preferably breathable to allow for ventilation of the feet and release of sweat. Panel 3 may be made of an elastic fiber material, and may be a woven or knitted fabric in particular. It is advantageous for gaiter 3 to be made of a stretchable material in order to facilitate panel deformation, particularly to make it easier to insert the foot into the shoe, and to facilitate access to the fastening system 4. Examples of such stretchable materials include materials containing elastane. This type of material exhibits good elasticity.

[0028] The gaiters 3 are configured to overlap (cover or superimpose) themselves without being connected to each other, thereby forming either an outer slit (cut) 32L or an inner slit (cut) 32M. Thus, two embodiments can be considered. In the first configuration shown in Figures 3 to 5, the gaiters are wrapped so as to be secured to the inside of the vamp, thereby forming the inner slit 32M. In the second configuration, not shown, the gaiters are wrapped in the opposite direction to that of the first configuration. In this case, the gaiters are wrapped so as to be secured to the outside of the vamp, thereby forming the outer slit 32L.

[0029] Slits 32L and 32M are defined by the free edge 351 of the covering portion 35, that is, the edge of the portion not fixed to the cover 2, and a portion of the cover 2 extended by the covered portion of the gaiter. This overlapping structure allows for a greater gap between the upper edges of the gaiter, making it easier to insert the foot into the shoe and also facilitating access to the fastening system 4. The gaiter 3 is configured to cover the front section 201.

[0030] According to the first configuration, the gaiter 3 is secured to the vamp 21 at the edges 201L, 201M, and 20F of the forward section 201. In this case, the edges are connected to each other. Alternatively, the gaiter may be secured to the vamp 21 at a position spaced apart from the edges 201L, 201M, and 20F of the forward section 201.

[0031] According to one embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the gaiter 3 is fastened at the joint 36 between the cover 2 and the bottom assembly 101 on the same side as the outer slit 32L or the inner slit 32M. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it allows for the formation of larger slits. As a result, the panel (fabric member) 3 can be further deformed, improving foot insertion and access to the fastening system 4. When the slit is on the inside, it is possible to slightly compress the medial portion of the forefoot, providing support that corrects foot pronation. Conversely, when the slit is on the outside, it is possible to slightly compress the lateral portion of the forefoot, providing support that corrects foot supination.

[0032] Furthermore, this structure avoids the creation of hard or rigid points on the instep due to the fastening means (adhesion, sewing, or welding) used to secure the gaiter 3 to the vamp 21 in that position. This improves the user's comfort.

[0033] In one advantageous embodiment, the gaiter 3 includes an extension 33 positioned inside the cover 2 to close the front section 201. This extension 33 forms a shoe tongue, which is configured to be interposed between the fastening system 4 and the instep of the foot. This reduces the pressure that the fastening means exerts directly on the instep of the foot, and the pressure is distributed through the tongue, thereby improving comfort. Furthermore, the airtightness of the shoe in this area is further enhanced. In addition, this structure allows for a reduction in the number of shoe components by utilizing part of the gaiter as the tongue. As a result, shoe manufacturing is simplified and more economical.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed from its front end on the side opposite to the outer slit or inner slit, over a length of at least one-third of the length L201L, L201M of the front portions 201L, 201M of the edge portions 20L, 20M of the foot insertion opening. The extension 33, fixed to the minimum length of the front portion on the opposite side of the slit, has sufficient strength to hold the tongue in the correct position. In particular, it prevents the tongue from sliding under the vamp in the forefoot when putting on the shoe. Furthermore, this gripping force applies a slight tension to a part of the instep, improving foot support. It also improves the airtightness of the shoe in this area.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed on the side opposite to the outer or inner slit, over a range from the front end of the foot insertion opening to the front portion 201L, 20M of the edge 20L, 20M, up to a maximum of two-thirds of the length L201L, L201M.

[0036] Because the extension is not fixed to the rear portion of the edges 201L, 201M of the front compartment 201 near the rear compartment 202, it is possible to enlarge the opening for putting the foot through. Therefore, it can be extended by a portion of the front compartment 201. This tongue structure 33, which is not connected at the rear of the front compartment 201, facilitates putting on the shoe.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the extension 33 is fixed to the front portion 201L, 201M of the edge of the foot insertion opening on the same side as the outer or inner slit. Fixing the tongue (extension) 33 in this position provides the same advantages as described above. By being fixed to this front portion on the same side as the slit, the extension 33 has sufficient strength to reliably hold the tongue in the correct position, provides slight tension to a part of the instep to enhance foot support, and also improves the airtightness of the shoe in this area.

[0038] As mentioned above, the shoe is equipped with a fastening system 4 that connects the edges of the front sections. Preferably, the extension, or tongue 33, is provided such that the fastening system 4 is at least partially positioned between the extension 33 and the covering portion 35 of the gaiter 3 that covers a part of the vamp 21. Thus, the covering portion 35 conceals the fastening system 4, providing the aforementioned advantages in terms of improved aerodynamics, the ability to keep the fastening system in a pocket, and the ability to maintain a tight seal even when the fastening system is released. The extension, or tongue 33, improves comfort by reducing the pressure applied to the instep by the fastening system.

[0039] To further enhance comfort and, in particular, reduce the pressure on the instep of the foot due to the fastening system, the shoe is equipped with a foam layer 37 positioned between a portion of the fastening system 4 and the extension 33. For example, if the fastening system consists of shoelaces, the foam may be positioned below where the shoelaces form the knot for fastening. To secure the foam layer 37 to the tongue 33, the foam layer 37 can be sandwiched between the extension 33 and a covering panel 38, which is fixed to the extension 33 by sewing and / or adhesive and / or welding, in the joining area surrounding the foam layer 37. Figure 5 schematically shows such a structure. In this figure, the covering fabric member 38 covers the entire width of the tongue 33. The foam layer 37 and the covering fabric member 38 may be narrower than the width of the tongue 33, and may be configured to cover only the central portion of the tongue 33, as shown in Figure 2. The tongue 33 may be provided with slits for threading shoelaces in order to maintain a good relative position between the tongue and the shoelaces when putting on the shoe and when fastening the laces. This also makes it possible to hold the tongue 33 in place and prevent it from sliding under the vamp in the forefoot area.

[0040] In the configuration described above, the gaiter 3 is a separate component that is fixed to the cover 2 by any suitable means such as sewing and / or bonding and / or welding. An alternative configuration involves the gaiter and cover forming a single integrated component. In this case, the gaiter becomes an extension of the cover, i.e., part of the cover. The connection between the panel and the cover may be achieved by the structure of the integrated component itself, or by a combination of structural integrity and other fastening means such as sewing and / or bonding and / or welding. Such an integrated component can be made of a woven or knitted fabric.

[0041] The above configuration makes it easier to put on shoes and fasten the laces. Specifically, these advantages are achieved by positioning the gaiter 3 on the cover 2, surrounding the user's ankle, and creating a wrap-around structure that overlaps at the vamp.

[0042] When worn, the user widens the top of the gaiter outward in the overlapping area to enlarge the upper opening 31 of the gaiter located above the rear compartment 202. The larger opening makes it easier for the user to put their foot into the shoe.

[0043] After inserting the foot into the shoe, the user can open the free edge 351 of the covering portion 35, which is provided to cover a part of the vamp 21, outward, thereby widening the outer slit 32L or the inner slit 32M and providing easy access to the fastening system 4. The user can also push a portion of the covering portion 35 forward to access the fastening system 4.

[0044] After the fastening operation is complete, the user can return the gaiter to its original position, covering the instep and fastening system. By using an elastic material, the elasticity of the panel (fabric member) 3 causes the gaiter 3 to naturally return to the position that covers the instep.

[0045] Such overlapping, covering, or wrap-around structures of gators have the following advantages in particular. • The shoelaces can be covered, improving aerodynamic performance. • This allows for a lightweight construction in gaiter-equipped shoes, and further weight reduction is achieved because there is no need to provide a dedicated closure mechanism for the gaiter. • Because the tongue is formed from part of the gaiter, and a separate closure mechanism for the gaiter is not required, the number of shoe components can be reduced, resulting in simpler and lower-cost manufacturing. • Makes it easier to wear shoes with gaiters. • Provides easier access to the shoe fastening system. • The foot and ankle can be covered in a manner that produces a proprioceptive effect.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. These embodiments can also be combined. The present invention extends to all embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0047] This application claims the interests of French patent application FR2415040, filed on 20 December 2024, the disclosures thereof being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0048] (Explanation of reference symbols) 100: Shoes 101: Bottom Assembly 11: Insole 102: Upper 2: Cover 20: Foot opening 20F: Leading edge 20L: Outer edge 20R: Trailing edge 20M: Inner edge 201: Forward Section 201L: Front of the outer edge 20L 201M: Front part of the inner edge 20M 202: Rear compartment 202L: Rear of the outer edge 20L 202M: Rear of the inner edge 20M 21: Vamp 210: Loop 22L: Outer quarter 22M: Inner Quarter 3: Gator 31: Upper opening 32L: External slits 32M: Inner slit 33: Extension or tongue 34: Support part 35: Covering part 351: Free Connection 36: Joint between bottom assembly 101 and cover 2 37: Form Layer 38: Covered panel 4: Fastening System 41: Shoelaces

Claims

1. A shoe (100) configured to accommodate the user's foot, the shoe is It comprises a bottom assembly (101) and an upper (102), The upper includes a cover (2), which comprises a vamp (21), an outer quarter (22L), and an inner quarter (22M). The cover has a foot opening (20) defined by an outer edge (20L), an inner edge (20M), a front edge (20F), and a rear edge (20R), the foot opening being located in the quarter and having a rear section (202) defined by the rear part of the outer edge (202L), the rear part of the inner edge (202M), and the rear edge, and a front section (201) that is continuous with the rear section in the vamp and defined by the front part of the outer edge (201L), the front part of the inner edge (201M), and the front edge, The shoe is equipped with a gaiter (3) connected to the cover, The gaiter is composed of panels connected to the cover at the vamp so as to surround the peripheral edges (202L, 202M, 20R) of the rear section (202) and the peripheral edges (201L, 201M, 20F) of the front section (201). The gaiter is configured to surround the user's ankle and form an upper opening (31) that covers a portion of the instep. The gaiters overlap without being connected to each other, and the shoe is characterized by having slits formed on the outside (32L) or inside (32M).

2. The shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gaiter is fixed to the joint (36) between the cover and the bottom assembly on the same side as the outer or inner slit.

3. The shoe (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gaiter has an extension (33) positioned inside the cover to close the front compartment.

4. The shoe (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the extension is fixed from the front end of the front portion over at least one-third of the length (L201L, L201M) of the front portion (201L, 201M) of the edge (20L, 20M) of the foot opening, on the side opposite to the outer or inner slit.

5. The shoe (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a fastening system (4) for connecting the edges of the front sections, wherein the fastening system is at least partially disposed between the extension and the covering portion (35) of the gaiter that covers a part of the vamp.

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