Sole of a monolithic cycling shoe

Abstract

A monolithic road cycling shoe sole with front and rear cleats designed to cooperate with clipless pedals. On its underside, the monolithic sole comprises a front recess (6) and a rear recess (7) respectively located in front of and behind the pedal contact area (9) and substantially in the center of the width of the sole (2). The rear recess (7) appears on the medial side of said sole (2). The front and rear cleats (4, 5) are arranged in the front and rear recesses (6, 7), respectively, so as not to protrude from the sole (2), thereby allowing the user to walk easily without being hindered by the cleats, unlike conventional road cycling shoes equipped with standard cleats.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The object of the present invention is to provide a monolithic sole for cycling shoes designed to cooperate with a cycle pedal provided with a mounting device called a clipless pedal. The clipless pedal allows a removable mechanical connection with the shoe, especially in the upward phase of a pedal bicycle, to efficiently transmit the force from the shoe to the clipless pedal. The cleat, which is fixed under the sole and provided with connecting means, allows the attachment of the shoe to the clipless pedal and the removal of the shoe from the clipless pedal. Therefore, this cleat is the interfacial part between the clipless pedal and the shoe.

[0002] The aforementioned monolithic sole is made of plastic or composite material and provides great rigidity so as not to deform as much as possible when receiving a pedaling motion.

[0003] The monolithic sole according to the present invention can be used with any device that requires a pedaling motion, but is particularly suitable for road and gravel cycling as well as cycle touring.

Background Art

[0004] Generally, in the modern cycling field where performance is required, the use of clipless pedals has become widespread, and their designs can be divided into two types: road pedals for road cycling and MTB pedals for mountain bikes. These pedals exhibit a similar mode of operation, that is, they have at least one mounting device comprising a generally fixed front part and a movable rear part with an elastic member that tends to push the rear part towards the front part, and thus the two parts form a grip. The mounting device of the clipless pedal is designed to latch onto a fixed cleat under the sole of the shoe, and the cleat is provided with front connecting means and rear connecting means.

[0005] Road cycling and mountain bike pedals, cleats, and shoes differ in several aspects and present different advantages and disadvantages as follows.

[0006] - Clip - less pedals for road use are equipped with a single attachment device and are designed to have a large surface area in contact with the cleat so that pedaling force is transmitted and distributed as well as possible. Cleats for road clip - less pedals are generally made of plastic, are large in size, and have front and rear connecting means for fixing to the pedal, and have protrusions called "walking patches" that protect the connecting means during the walking phase. These are generally fixed under the sole of the shoe by three bolts. Road cycling shoes are equipped with a sole made of plastic or composite material to be as rigid as possible for the purpose of transmitting the pedaling force from the shoe to the pedal in the optimal way. The thickness of the cleat fixed under the sole is such that when contact with the ground during the walking phase occurs on pads that form the "walking patches" of the cleat, they are lightweight and not studded.

[0007] - MTB clip - less pedals have attachment devices on each of their surfaces to make it easier to perform the shoe - attaching operation on steep slopes where users who are off - balance often have very little time to fix the shoe to the pedal. MTB clip - less pedals have a very small contact surface with the cleat to allow the shoe to be attached even when the sole, cleat, or pedal is clogged with impurities (mud, stones, leaves, etc.). MTB cleats are generally made of metal, are small and thin in size, and are generally fixed under the sole of the shoe by two bolts. MTB shoes are equipped with a less rigid sole than road shoes, and the lower surface of which is covered by an anti - slip and wear - resistant coating over substantially the entire surface thereof. The anti - slip coating has recesses in which the cleat is accommodated so as not to contact the ground during the walking phase.

[0008] The drawback of road shoes is that, in the midfoot region, which forms protrusions protruding from the sole, mainly due to the cleats arranged mainly under the sole, it is virtually impossible to walk. Users of these shoes can only walk a few meters. If the user wants to walk a longer distance, or for example, wants to drive their car to reach their cycling location, or again, very simply, wants to wear comfortable shoes when walking as part of their cycle touring activities, they are forced to change to another pair of shoes dedicated to walking. Furthermore, walking in road shoes can be dangerous because of the risk of slipping due to the hard plastic cleats with little adhesion.

[0009] MTB shoes can overcome this drawback as walking is easier, but the lack of rigidity and the cleats used do not provide the same good transmission of pedaling force and level of comfort as road shoes.

[0010] French Patent No. 3016153 proposes a solution to the raised problem using an assembly composed of shoes and specific cleats in two parts. This solution lies in the sole of the shoe that is elastically stressed across the full width of the shoe in the midfoot region between the front attachment means and the rear attachment means of the cleat. The cleat is divided into two separate parts, namely the front cleat and the rear cleat, and as a result, the elastic region of the sole can maintain the degree of freedom of flexion. Furthermore, since the front and rear cleats are embedded so as not to protrude from the studs of the sole, the cleat does not touch the ground when the user is walking. The advantage of this solution is that the footing obtained with the shoes is close to that of shoes dedicated to walking, which provides an answer to the said problem. However, this solution, on the other hand, includes the following drawbacks.

[0011] - Shoes equipped with such a sole are less rigid than conventional road shoes with a rigid monolithic sole, and therefore less efficient in transmitting force in the pedaling phase.

[0012] - The device for making the sole elastic adds additional weight to the shoe.

[0013] Thus, this solution enables the user to walk while providing the possibility of using a load cycling clipless pedal, but is not efficient for pedaling. Thus, the range of use is rather in the context of commuting cycling in an urban environment. This solution is not suitable for road cycling and cycle touring.

[0014] Thus, in the case of road cycling and cycle touring activities, at present, there are no shoes that enable the user to walk easily, comfortably, and safely during the pedaling phase.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0015]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0016]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0017] The sole of the monolithic cycling shoe according to the present invention provides a solution to the problems caused by walking around with conventional cycling shoes because the cleats do not protrude from the bottom surface of the monolithic sole. Thus, walking is comfortable and safe, and the rigidity and weight remain the same as those of current road cycling shoes. Thus, the shoes equipped with the monolithic sole according to the present invention maintain good performance and comfort in the pedaling phase.

[0018] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by an assembly composed of a rigid monolithic sole of cycling shoes made of plastic or composite material, a front cleat provided with front connecting means designed to cooperate with the front mounting device of a clipless pedal, and a rear cleat provided with rear connecting means designed to cooperate with the rear mounting device of the clipless pedal, the cleat being fixed to the lower surface of the monolithic sole. The assembly, on its lower surface, has the monolithic sole with a front recess located substantially at the center of the width of the sole between the front end of the sole and the contact area with the clipless pedal, and a rear recess positioned substantially at the center of the length and width of the monolithic sole and emerging on at least one of the sides of the monolithic sole, the front and rear recesses being dimensioned to receive respectively the front mounting device and the rear mounting device of the clipless pedal and to receive respectively the front cleat and the rear cleat, whereby they are completely integrated into the depth of the front and rear recesses, which is worthy of note.

[0019] According to another feature of the present invention, - the front cleat is positioned in contact with the rear edge of the front recess, and the connecting means of the front cleat are directed towards the front of the monolithic sole, - the rear cleat is positioned in contact with the front edge of the rear recess, and the connecting means of the rear cleat are directed towards the rear of the monolithic sole, - the front recess and the rear recess each have at least one hole passing through the thickness of the monolithic sole, the hole being designed to cooperate with the fixing parts of the front and rear cleats, - the front edge of the rear recess projects within the rear recess and has a protrusion positioned between the rear cleat and the side of the monolithic sole where the rear recess emerges, the protrusion being designed to push the rear mounting device of the clipless pedal towards the rear of the monolithic sole in the removal scenario of the shoe, - the distance between the rear edge and the front edge of the front recess is dimensioned to allow the front mounting device of the clipless pedal to pass through in the shoe mounting scenario on the pedal, the distance between the lateral edges of the front recess is greater at the front side of the monolithic sole than at the rear side of said monolithic sole; The underside of the monolithic sole is covered with an adhesive, abrasion-resistant coating, except for the front recess, the rear recess and the area in contact with the clipless pedal during the pedaling phase and the phases of putting on and taking off the shoe.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, -A front recess appears at the front end of the sole.

[0021] - the sole comprises two side walls, a front wall covering the toe and a rear wall covering the heel, the assembly forming a single piece.

[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a kit that facilitates the transmission of force between the foot and the pedal during the pedaling phase.

[0023] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a kit comprising a clipless pedal and an assembly according to one of the aforementioned configurations, wherein the front and rear recesses respectively receive the front and rear mounting devices of the clipless pedal, the clipless pedal being arranged between the front and rear mounting devices and having a support area facing the rotation shaft of the clipless pedal, the contact area pressing against the support area.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for fastening an assembly according to one of the above configurations to a clipless pedal to form a connection that improves the transmission of forces when pedaling.

[0025] A method for securing an assembly according to any one of the preceding configurations using a clipless pedal, the clipless pedal having a support area disposed between a front mounting device and a rear mounting device and facing a rotation shaft of the clipless pedal, the method comprising: - providing an assembly and a clipless pedal; - Fixing the front cleat to the front mounting device; - Fixing the rear cleat to the rear mounting device, and it is notable in that the midfoot bone region of the sole directly presses on the support region of the clipless pedal.

[0026] Other advantages and features are given for illustrative purposes only and will become more clearly apparent from the following description of specific embodiments and implementation manners of the present invention represented in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Figure 1 shows a road cycling shoe 1 comprising a monolithic sole 2 according to the present invention, with a front cleat 4 and a rear cleat 5, and the assembly being attached to a clip-less pedal 3.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the monolithic sole 2 according to the present invention is made of plastic or composite material, and its rigidity is such that it does not deform as much as possible when receiving the force applied by the user when performing a pedaling motion. The aforementioned monolithic sole 2 has on its lower surface, - a front recess 6 located between the contact area 9 between the front end of the monolithic sole 2 and the clip-less pedal 3 and being substantially centered within the width of the monolithic sole 2, and - a rear recess 7 clearly positioned at the center of the length and width of the aforementioned monolithic sole 2 and appearing on the inner side surface of the monolithic sole 2. The inner side is the side that is located on the same side as the bicycle pedal system when the user is pedaling.

[0030] Therefore, the front recess 6 is located in the area of the phalanges of the foot, and the rear recess 7 is located in the area of the instep. The aforementioned front and rear recesses 6, 7 are dimensioned to receive the front mounting device 10 and the rear mounting device 11 of the clipless pedal 3 respectively, and to receive the front cleat 4 and the rear cleat 5 respectively, whereby they are completely integrated within the depth of the front and rear recesses 6, 7. Therefore, the front and rear cleats 4, 5 do not protrude from the monolithic sole 2, which means that the user can walk without the cleats 4, 5 interfering with the movement of the sole on the ground.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, the area 9 located in the midfoot bone area between the front and rear recesses 6, 7 is smooth and is dedicated to direct contact with the upper surface of the clipless pedal 3 in order to directly transmit the force from the shoe 1 to the clipless pedal 3, thereby improving the performance in the pedaling phase. Another advantage of this direct contact is that the distance between the monolithic sole 2 and the clipless pedal 3 is consequently 0, which is a feature (referred to as "bio-position") required to enhance the performance during pedaling.

[0032] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the front cleat 4 is arranged in contact with the rear edge 12 of the front recess 6 and is directed forward of the monolithic sole 2 by the front connecting means 14. The rear cleat 5 is arranged in contact with the front edge 13 of the rear recess 7 and is directed rearward of the monolithic sole 2 by the rear connecting means 15.

[0033] The front recess 6 comprises a hole passing through the monolithic sole 2 designed to receive the fixing means 16 for fixing the front cleat 4. The rear recess 7 comprises two holes passing through the monolithic sole 2 designed to receive the fixing means 16 for fixing the rear cleat 5. The fixing means 16 is inserted into a nut provided inside the shoe 1 or sunk into the material of the monolithic sole 2.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, the front edge of the rear recess 7 is provided with a protrusion 8 that projects into the rear recess 7. The protrusion 8 is located between the rear cleat 5 and the side surface of the monolithic sole 2 where the rear recess 7 appears. The protrusion 8 is designed to push the rear mounting device 11 of the clipless pedal 3 towards the rear of the monolithic sole 2 when the rotational movement of the shoe 1 is towards the outside of the bicycle.

[0035] The rear recess 7 appears on the inner side surface of the monolithic sole so that the rear mounting device 11 of the clipless pedal 3 can pass through during the removal phase of the shoe 1 (explained in the following paragraphs).

[0036] According to the example of FIG. 7, in the removal phase of the shoe from the pedaling position, the user rotates the foot and the heel moves towards the outside of the bicycle (the movement represented by the large arrow). During this movement, the rear mounting device 11 of the clipless pedal 3 moves within the rear recess 7 of the monolithic sole 2. When this movement relative to the monolithic sole 2 occurs, the rear mounting device 11 contacts the protrusion 8, and the protrusion 8 pushes the rear mounting device 11 towards the rear of the monolithic sole 2 (the movement represented by the small arrow). When the rear mounting device 11 is pre-stressed by an elastic member, the movement of the elastic member generates a force that resists the removal of the shoe 1. During this first phase, the shoe 1 remains attached to the clipless pedal 3, and by following the rotational movement of the foot, the shoe 1 is removed when the rear mounting device 11 escapes from the rear cleat 5. When the front mounting device 10 is removed from the rear cleat 5, the rear mounting device 11 naturally separates from the front cleat 4.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the distance between the trailing edge 12 and the leading edge of the front recess 6 is dimensioned to allow the front mounting device 10 of the clipless pedal 3 to pass in the mounting aspect of the shoe 1 of the pedal 3 (as described in the following paragraphs). The distance between the lateral edges of the front recess 6 is greater at the front than at the rear. Thus, the front recess 6 forms a channel that is narrower at the rear to facilitate the engagement and guidance of the front mounting device 10 in the mounting aspect of the shoe 1 of the clipless pedal 3.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 8, the mounting operation is performed by the relative movement of the shoe 1 with respect to the clipless pedal 3 from the rear to the front of the pedal (in the direction indicated by the arrow), while maintaining contact between the bottom surface of the monolithic sole 2 and the surface of the clipless pedal 3 where the front and rear mounting devices 10, 11 are located, until the front connecting means 14 of the front cleat 4 engages the front mounting device 10. Subsequently, by the downward movement of the heel (indicated by the small arrow), the rear cleat 5 is inserted into the rear mounting device 11 of the clipless pedal 3.

[0039] FIG. 9 shows that the front and rear recesses 6, 7 respectively form a front bulge 17 and a rear bulge 18 on the upper surface of the monolithic sole 2. The rear bulge 18 is located at the level of the natural recess of the user's instep, and the front bulge 17 is located at the natural recess of the user's phalanges. Thereby, the contact between the foot and the front and rear bulges 17, 18 does not cause any inconvenience and thus maintains the comfort of the user.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 10, the monolithic sole 2 according to the present invention is partially covered by a rubber or similar type of adhesive and wear-resistant coating 19. The areas where the monolithic sole 2 presses the clipless pedal 3 in the pedaling aspect and the mounting and removal aspects of the shoe 1 are protected by the coating 19.

[0041] In another embodiment, the thickness of the monolithic sole 2 is such that its upper surface is smooth. The front and rear recesses 6, 7 are sunk into the thickness of the monolithic sole 2 and thus the bulges 17, 18 do not exist in this embodiment.

[0042] In a different embodiment, the protrusion 8 is integrated with the rear cleat 5, the rear connecting means 15, and the protrusion 8, thus forming a single part.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the rear recess does not appear and stops near the inner side surface of the monolithic sole 2, and the distance between the two lateral edges of the rear recess 7 is such as to allow the shoe to be removed.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the front recess 6 appears at the front end of the sole.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the monolithic sole 2 according to the invention comprises two side walls 20, a front wall 21 that entirely or partially covers the toe, and a rear wall 22 that entirely or partially covers the heel, and the assembly is a single part.

[0046] The other embodiments mentioned can combine or replace the specific features described in the main embodiment.

[0047] The described invention is particularly well-suited for competitive cycling on tarmac and gravel, including cycle touring.

[0048] As shown above, the sole, assembly, and shoe that may be associated with a clipless pedal are mainly intended for cycling on tarmac or gravel. The sole needs to be rigid so as to transmit as efficiently as possible the force exerted by the cyclist on the pedal. Thus, the sole is more rigid than an equivalent sole found on a mountain bike (MTB) except for cross-country shoes.

[0049] Today, almost all cycling shoes for road racing and amateur enthusiasts are formed by a rigid sole that defines on its surface three or more holes, which are holes for fixing a triangular cleat, also called delta cleat. This configuration makes it possible to have a monolithic sole that is rigid enough to ensure good power transmission. The cleat projects and fits from the lower surface of the sole and fits onto the pedal.

[0050] Unfortunately, this configuration is not optimal. To increase the efficiency of power transmission between the cyclist and the pedal system, it is particularly advantageous to make the distance between the foot and the axis of rotation of the pedal as small as possible so that the maximum amount of power is transmitted during the rotation of the pedal.

[0051] Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to modify the configuration of the prior art sole to obtain a thin sole that is rigid enough for use in road cycling at the same time.

[0052] An alternative embodiment of the sole is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,893,420, which proposes using a single triangular cleat disposed within a cavity recessed inside the sole. However, it is clear that this embodiment is difficult to implement and does not achieve the desired advantages.

[0053] In conventional road cycling shoes, to ensure accurate fixing of the triangular cleat to the sole, the nut actually sinks into the thickness of the sole under the midfoot bone region so that the thickness of the sole is generally 6 mm or more. Since U.S. Patent No. 4,893,420 uses the conventional integration of the cleat fixing nut, this results in the thickness of the sole facing the midfoot bone region of the foot being substantially equal to the thickness of the conventional shoes, and the sole being thick throughout around the cleat. This integration may be interesting for cycle touring where the user can walk as usual, but it cannot improve the efficiency of power transmission between the foot and the pedal system.

[0054] Moreover, the higher the rigidity of the sole, the more difficult it is for the shoe to bend, and the triangular cleats forming the front and rear cleats are particularly slippery, increasing the risk of a person falling and thus making walking difficult. In conventional shoes, the cleat fitted under the midfoot bone region of the foot forms the main contact point between the ground and the cyclist, and as a result, when the user walks, it forms a pivot point where the plastic cleat can slide. To reduce the risk of falling, it is a common practice to integrate studs under the sole.

[0055] As described above, to improve the force transmission between the cyclist and the pedal, it is preferable to reduce the thickness of the interface between the foot and the pedal, specifically between the rotational axis of the pedal and the midfoot bone region of the foot, as much as possible.

[0056] The sole has a lower surface designed to press against the upper surface of the pedal. The sole has an upper surface designed to receive the cyclist's foot on the opposite side of the lower surface. The upper surface can be covered by one or more comfort layers. The sole also has opposing inner and outer surfaces.

[0057] The sole defines a first cavity called a front recess 6 designed to receive the front cleat 4. The sole defines a second cavity called a rear recess 7 designed to receive the rear cleat 5. The front cleat 4 and the rear cleat 5 can be made of a metal or polymer material or a composite material.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9, it is particularly advantageous that the surface pressing the pedal is formed by the sole. The midfoot bone region 9 of the cleat presses against the upper surface of the pedal so as to form a contact region ensuring good power transmission. It is particularly advantageous that the curvature of the sole is the same as or substantially the same as the curvature of the upper surface of the pedal, having a wide pressing area between the sole and the pedal, thereby enhancing the force transmission.

[0059] The prior art configuration allows the pedal to be fixed to the sole by one or more fixed cleats that separate the sole and the pedal, while the illustrated configuration allows the midfoot bone region of the sole to directly press on the pedal, i.e., there is no force applied by the foot to the pedal that passes through the cleat during the downward phase of pedaling.

[0060] The midfoot bone region 9 of the sole is located between the front recess 6 and the rear recess 7. The midfoot bone region preferably lacks any fixing means and, for example, does not have nuts commonly found in prior art soles. It is then possible to form a midfoot bone region with a thickness thinner than that of the prior art, for example less than 4 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

[0061] Preferably, the front recess 6 and the rear recess 7 are separated by the midfoot bone region 9 of the sole designed to be arranged to face the midfoot bone of the user's foot, and the midfoot bone region forms the contact region 9 with the clip-less pedal 3. The midfoot bone region has no fixing means for the front cleat 4 and the rear cleat 7, and the thickness of the midfoot bone region is 4 mm or less.

[0062] Preferably, the midfoot bone region is formed with a constant thickness.

[0063] In order to have a thin and rigid midfoot bone region, it is particularly advantageous to shift the front cleat and the rear cleat relative to their conventionally used positions. It is advantageous to shift the front cleat forward towards the front of the foot until it faces the phalanges. It is advantageous to shift the rear cleat backward towards the rear of the foot so that it faces the instep.

[0064] Since it is possible to shorten the distance between the foot and the pedal, it is particularly advantageous to press on the midfoot bone region 9 instead of pressing on the cleat attached protruding from the sole. However, it is also advantageous to select a sole configuration that allows the thin thickness and light weight of the sole to be maintained.

[0065] It is advantageous to provide the first cavity or front recess 6 so as to face the phalanges and form a first protrusion on the upper surface of the sole. The first protrusion faces the phalanges, that is, it is arranged in a region where the foot can lightly press in the force transmission aspect.

[0066] It is also advantageous to provide the second cavity or rear recess 7 so as to face the instep. Here too, when a second protrusion connected to the second cavity is formed on the upper surface of the sole, the second protrusion occupies a part of the recess formed by the instep. The second cavity appears only on the inner surface of the sole.

[0067] The protrusions related to integrating the crete into the thickness of the sole are formed in appropriate regions of the sole.

[0068] In order to reduce the height of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion, it is advantageous to form an upper wall of a cavity having a thickness smaller than the adjacent thickness of the sole around the recess. Since the upper wall of the cavity does not play a major role in the mechanical strength of the related crete, the thickness of the upper wall can be at least 30% smaller than the thickness of the sole around the recess. It is even more advantageous to reduce the thickness to at least one half.

[0069] Preferably, the sole is rigid, that is, it does not deform when walking while wearing shoes provided with the sole.

[0070] In order to maintain the rigid sole and lightweight, it is preferable that the sole is not perforated over its entire width so as to prevent the deformation of the sole from reducing the force transmission.

[0071] In order to ensure good force transmission during pedaling, it is advantageous that the region located under the heel presents ribs that enhance rigidity.

[0072] In this structure, the sole is separated from the upper surface of the pedal only by the insole, and, where applicable, is separated from the upper surface of the pedal only by several comfort layers arranged on the upper surface of the insole. The proposed configuration makes it possible to form a midfoot bone region having a thickness of less than 4 mm, i.e., a thickness substantially thinner than the conventional thickness of the nut for performing the fixation of the cleat.

[0073] In an advantageous configuration, the midfoot bone region 9 may, if necessary, be covered by a reinforcing layer designed to protect the midfoot bone region 9 when the user walks on the sole. The reinforcing layer can extend from the front cleat to the rear cleat. The reinforcing layer can also improve the slipperiness of the midfoot bone region with respect to the pedal. It is also possible to directly integrate the reinforcing layer into the sole, for example by insert molding. Advantageously, the thickness of the reinforcing layer is less than 1 mm.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9, it is particularly advantageous for the bottom surface of the sole 2 to be curved or substantially flat. By "curved" is meant that the lower surface of the sole curves upward from the midfoot bone region to the front tip of the sole.

[0075] Also, it is preferable that the bottom surface of the front cleat is in the same plane as the lower surface of the sole or the thickness of the sole is slightly recessed. It is also advantageous that the bottom surface of the rear cleat is inside the sole, i.e., the rear cleat projects outside the rear recess from the lower surface of the sole or is even embedded.

[0076] The front cleat is fixed in the sole by a fixing system, for example a screw. The front cleat preferably presses against the side surface of the first cavity, i.e., in the width direction of the sole, without necessarily pressing against the bottom wall.

[0077] This configuration is mechanically stronger than a cleat that is fitted to project on the sole.

[0078] The rear cleat is fixed within the sole by a fixing system, for example by screws. It is preferable that the rear cleat presses against the side of the first cavity.

[0079] In the illustrated configuration, the front and rear cleats utilize the sides of the cavity to increase the strength imparted by the sole, thereby ensuring improved shear strength when a separation operation between the sole and the pedal is performed.

[0080] In this way, a part of the pedal is inserted into the thickness of the sole. When the thickness of the sole is thin, the front recess and / or the rear recess may be higher in height than the thickness of the sole. In this particular case, the lower surface of the sole within the front and / or rear recesses is located in a plane above the plane defined by the upper surface of the sole around the associated protrusion. In other words, the midfoot region exhibits a thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface below the depth of the rear recess. The protrusion reinforces the sole.

[0081] A part of the thickness of the protrusion can be compensated for by one or more comfort layers disposed on the upper surface of the sole to separate the foot from the sole.

[0082] As described above, it is advantageous for the sole to be monolithic, i.e., formed as a single piece. It is also advantageous for the sole to comprise only the front cavity and the rear cavity.

[0083] In the different illustrated embodiments, by integrating the front and rear cleats into the thickness of the sole, it becomes possible to obtain a midfoot region without inserts, cleats or other protruding parts. The midfoot region of the sole is preferably flat or planar in order to enable the formation of a larger contact area with the pedal.

[0084] In one embodiment, the sole is entirely made of a composite material, for example carbon fiber. It is also possible to provide a molded sole.

[0085] The sole can be provided with adjustment means for the front cleat along the longitudinal axis of the sole so as to move the front cleat towards the front tip of the sole or towards the heel of the sole. The sole can be provided with adjustment means for the rear cleat along the longitudinal axis of the sole so as to move the rear cleat towards the front tip of the sole or towards the heel of the sole.

[0086] The sole cooperates with a pedal called a clip - less pedal which is provided with front and rear attachment devices 10, 11 designed to cooperate with the front cleat 4 and the rear cleat 5 respectively. The pedal has a body having a rotating shaft designed to be fixed to a bicycle. The body rotates about the rotating shaft.

[0087] The body defines a support surface for receiving the mid - metatarsal region 9. During pedaling, the mid - metatarsal region 9 presses on the support surface that rotates the pedal system. The front attachment device and the rear attachment device are separated by the support surface and the rotating shaft.

[0088] Preferably, the mid - metatarsal region of the sole presses on the support surface and the front part of the sole presses on the front part of the body. It is also advantageous for the rear part of the sole to press on the rear part of the body.

[0089] Advantageously, the body defines a cradle with front and rear attachment devices 10, 11 attached in a protruding manner. The body is preferably curved with the same or substantially the same curvature as the curvature of the front part of the sole. In this way, when the sole presses on the pedal, it has a wider support surface than conventional configurations, facilitating the transmission of a large force to the rotating shaft and thus to the pedal system.

[0090] The illustrated configuration makes it possible to form a sole that is rigid and at the same time thin and light. For example, when a force of 25 N is applied at a distance of 170 mm from the mid - metatarsal region facing the rotating shaft of the pedal, a displacement of 10 mm or less occurs and the mid - metatarsal region 9 is embedded. The force and displacement are applied and measured at 170 mm in the direction of the heel to represent the pedaling force.

[0091] The assembly formed by the clipless pedal and the sole and the front and rear cleats forms a kit that enhances the transmission of pedaling force.

[0092] The front recess 6 and the rear recess 7 receive the front mounting device 10 and the rear mounting device 11 of the clipless pedal 3, respectively. The clipless pedal is disposed between the front mounting device 10 and the rear mounting device 11, has a support area facing the rotating shaft of the clipless pedal 3, and the contact area 9 presses against the support area.

[0093] The specific configuration of the sole with the front and rear cleats enhances the efficiency of fixing to the clipless pedal. The fixing kinematics remains conventional to facilitate acceptance by the general public. The method providing the assembly and the clipless pedal, fixing the front cleat to the front mounting device, fixing the rear cleat to the rear mounting device, and including that the midfoot bone region of the sole directly presses against the support area of the clipless pedal.

Claims

1. A rigid monolithic sole (2) of a cycling shoe (1) made of plastic or composite material, A front cleat (4) comprising front connecting means (14) designed to cooperate with a front mounting device (10) of a clipless pedal (3), A rear cleat (5) comprising rear connecting means (15) designed to cooperate with a rear mounting device (11) of the clipless pedal (3), An assembly consisting of, Wherein the front cleat (4) and the rear cleat (5) are fixed to the lower surface of the monolithic sole (2), On its lower surface, the monolithic sole (2) comprises a front recess (6), an intermediate region (9), and a rear recess (7), The intermediate region (9) is the region between the front recess (6) and the rear recess (7), The front recess (6) is located between the front end of the monolithic sole (2) and the intermediate region (9), and substantially at the center of the width of the monolithic sole (2), The rear recess (7) is positioned substantially at the center of the length and width of the monolithic sole (2) and is present on at least one of the sides, The front recess (6) and the rear recess (7) are dimensioned to receive the front mounting device (10) and the rear mounting device (11) of the clipless pedal (3) respectively, and to receive the front cleat (4) and the rear cleat (5) respectively, whereby the front cleat (4) and the rear cleat (5) are integrated into the depth of the front recess and the rear recess (6, 7), The front recess (6) is designed to face the phalanges of the user's foot, The rear recess (7) is designed to face the instep of the user's foot, The intermediate region (9) is the midfoot bone region, and the midfoot bone region is a contact region designed to contact the clipless pedal (3), The rigid monolithic sole (2) is configured not to deform during walking, The front cleat (4) and the rear cleat (5) do not protrude in a direction corresponding to the thickness from the bottom surface of the midfoot bone region of the monolithic sole (2), The front mounting device (10) and the rear mounting device (11) are separated by the midfoot bone region, The midfoot bone region has no means for fixing the front cleat (4) and the rear cleat (5), Assembly.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the front cleat (4) contacts the trailing edge (12) of the front recess (6), and the front connecting means (14) of the front cleat (4) are directed forward of the monolithic sole (2).

3. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the rear cleat (5) contacts the leading edge (13) of the rear recess (7), and the rear connecting means (15) of the rear cleat (5) are directed rearward of the monolithic sole (2).

4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the front recess (6) and the rear recess (7) comprises at least one hole passing through the thickness of the monolithic sole (2), and the hole is designed to cooperate with a fixing part (16).

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the leading edge of the rear recess (7) projects within the rear recess (7) and has a protrusion (8) located between the rear cleat (5) and the side surface of the monolithic sole (2) where the rear recess (7) appears, and the protrusion (8) is designed to push the rear mounting device (11) of the clip - less pedal (3) rearward of the monolithic sole (2) in the removal aspect of the cycling shoe (1).

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lower surface of the monolithic sole (2) is covered by a non - slip wear - resistant coating (19) except for the regions in contact with the front recess (6), the rear recess (7), and the clip - less pedal (3) during the pedaling aspect and the attachment and removal aspects of the cycling shoe (1), and the wear - resistant coating (19) projects from the bottom surface of the monolithic sole (2).

7. The front concave portion (6) and the rear concave portion (7) are separated by the intermediate region (9) of the monolithic sole designed to face the metatarsal bones of the user's foot, the metatarsal bone region forms the intermediate region (9) with the clip-less pedal (3), the metatarsal bone region is provided without the fixing means (16) of the front cleat (6) and the rear cleat (7), and the metatarsal bone region has a thickness of 4 mm or less. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The bottom surface of the front cleat (4) and the bottom surface of the rear cleat (5) are in the same plane as the lower surface of the monolithic sole or within the thickness of the monolithic sole, and the front cleat (4) and the rear cleat (5) are separated by the metatarsal bone region of the monolithic sole designed to face the metatarsal bones of the user's foot. The metatarsal bone region forms the intermediate region (9) with the clip-less pedal (3). The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The front concave portion (6) and the rear concave portion (7) form a first protrusion and a second protrusion on the upper surface of the monolithic sole respectively. The first protrusion is designed to face the phalanges of the user's foot, and the second protrusion is designed to face the instep of the user's foot. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The metatarsal bone region exhibits a thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface below the depth of the rear concave portion (7). The assembly according to claim 9.

11. A kit comprising a clip-less pedal and the assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the front concave portion (6) and the rear concave portion (7) respectively receive the front mounting device (10) and the rear mounting device (11) of the clip-less pedal (3), the clip-less pedal is disposed between the front mounting device (10) and the rear mounting device (11), has a support region facing the rotating shaft of the clip-less pedal (3), and the intermediate region (9) presses the support region. Kit.

12. A method for fixing the assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, having a clip-less pedal (3) disposed between a front mounting device (10) and a rear mounting device (11) and having a support region facing the rotating shaft of the clip-less pedal (3). Providing the assembly and the clip-less pedal (3). Fixing the front cleat (4) to the front mounting device (10). Fixing the rear cleat (5) to the rear mounting device (11), wherein the intermediate region (9) of the monolithic sole (2) directly presses the support region of the clip-less pedal (3).

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