SPORTS SHOE CONFIGURED TO BE CONNECTED TO A SPORTS APPARATUS

- SALOMON S.A.S.

Sports shoe configured to cooperate alternately with a first binding type and a second binding type, these bindings each enabling the rotation of the shoe about a transverse axis, the shoe comprising a sole provided with: a first element for connecting with the first binding type, the first connecting element comprising a guide member, in the form of a metal bar, the guide member including a free length capable of interacting with the first binding type; and a second element for connecting with the second binding type, the second connecting element including interfaces, in an area of the front lateral and medial edges, respectively, of the sole assembly. The sports shoe further including either the first and second connecting elements forming a unitary part, or the first and second connecting elements being two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR 2308605, filed Aug. 9, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a sports shoe intended to be mechanically connected to a sports apparatus, particularly a gliding apparatus. The invention relates more particularly to a shoe which, once connected to the sports apparatus, enables a rotation about a transverse axis, in the area of the front of the sole.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in a multidisciplinary use among the following activities: cross-country skiing, ski touring, road skiing or snowshoeing, and cycling.

2. Background Information

In all the above-mentioned disciplines, the shoe is connected to the sports apparatus so as to enable the rotation of the shoe about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sports apparatus. The binding enabling this connection is typically specific to each of these practices. Thus, a shoe designed for one of these activities, meaning a shoe to be compatible with a binding type specific to this activity, is rarely compatible with another binding type designed for a different activity. For example, for cross-country skiing, the width of the ski is relatively narrow, thus requiring a binding with guiding over a short length, on the order of 2.0 cm to 3.0 cm. For ski touring or backcountry skiing, the width of the ski is greater, which enables a binding with guiding over a greater span, on the order of 6.0 cm to 7.0 cm, to be used. This has the advantage of significantly increasing the pivoting precision and torsional stability of the shoe. In this case, due to the difference in the binding types, the user will not be able to use the same pair of shoes to practice the two disciplines.

The Patent Document EP3108944 describes a shoe construction on which various removable interfaces, each designed for a binding type of a specific sports apparatus, can be fixed. Here, the interfaces are fixed to the sole, in the same location. Switching to another practice requires changing the interface. The Patent Document EP3935984 describes a shoe construction on which two different removable interfaces, each designed for a binding type of a specific gliding apparatus, can be fixed. Here, the interfaces, independent of one another, are fixed to the sole, in the area of two separate locations. The document proposes only fixing the interface adapted to the appropriate binding, depending on the desired practice.

SUMMARY

The invention proposes an improved sports shoe.

The invention proposes a shoe compatible with two binding types without the need to add or change an interfacing part.

The invention also proposes a shoe compatible with two binding types, with a reduced number of assembled parts.

The invention further proposes a shoe in which the interfaces with two respective binding types are directly interconnected.

To this end, the invention relates to a sports shoe intended to cooperate alternately with a first binding type and a second binding type so as to connect the shoe to a sports apparatus, these bindings each enabling the rotation of the shoe about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sports apparatus, the shoe comprising a sole assembly provided with:

    • a first element for connecting to the first binding type, the first connecting element comprising a guide member, in the form of a metal bar, defining a first axis of rotation of the shoe and extending along a transverse direction over at least a portion of the width of the sole assembly, the guide member comprising a free length capable of interacting with the first binding type;
    • a second element for connecting to the second binding type, the second connecting element comprising interfaces, in the area of the front lateral and medial edges, respectively, of the sole assembly, defining a second axis of rotation of the shoe.

The Sports Shoe Features

    • either the first and second connecting elements form a unitary part, or
    • the first and second connecting elements are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

Thus, because the first and second connecting elements form a unitary part or are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface, it is possible to obtain a shoe provided simultaneously with the two connecting elements with precise arrangement between these two components. This enables a multidisciplinary use without any manipulation on the shoe. The user can therefore use the same pair of shoes, alternating a first binding type and a second binding type, depending on the desired discipline to be practiced, which provides greater ease of use. Furthermore, this construction makes it possible to reduce the number of parts to be assembled to produce a shoe compatible with various binding types. This also enables a more precise arrangement between the first and second connecting elements. It is then possible to use the two connecting elements for a binding type to function properly. Thus, a connecting element can be used to position the shoe in relation to the binding so as to facilitate the connection of the hooking elements of the binding to the other connecting element. A connecting element can also be used to actuate the mechanism of the binding so as to ensure the connection of the hooking elements of the binding to the other connecting element. The relative precision between the two connecting elements also makes it possible to immobilize the rotation of the shoe when each connecting element cooperates simultaneously with the respective hooking elements of the binding.

Optionally, the invention may have any of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination:

    • The first and second connecting elements are overmolded on the same support.
    • The first connecting element and/or second connecting element is/are overmolded in a plastic matrix, using an injection process.
    • The first and second connecting elements are arranged in a pad removably attached to a body of the sole assembly.
    • A connecting element, distinct from the other connecting element, is at least partially interposed between a lower surface of a component of the sole assembly and the other connecting element.
    • The guide member is a transverse shaft.
    • The interfaces of the second connecting element respectively form
      • a first lateral recess arranged in the area of the front lateral edge of the sole assembly,
      • a second medial recess arranged in the area of the front medial edge of the sole assembly, the first and second recesses being aligned along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sole assembly.
    • The first axis of rotation is closer to the lower surface of the sole assembly than the second axis of rotation.
    • The first connecting element comprises an actuation generator which is offset downward by a distance between four and fifteen millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation, along the longitudinal direction, this distance preferably being between ten and twelve millimeters.
    • The distance between the second axis of rotation and the front end of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction, is between 10 and 20 millimeters.
    • The first axis of rotation is offset rearward in relation to the second axis of rotation by a distance between 0 and 70 millimeters.
    • The first axis of rotation is offset rearward in relation to the front end of the sole assembly by a distance greater than five millimeters.
    • The free length of the guide member is housed in a lower recess of the sole assembly or of the removable pad of the sole assembly located in the front portion of the sole assembly so as to allow access to the metal bar from beneath the sole assembly in order to enable the connection between the guide member and the first binding type.
    • The free length of the metal bar is only arranged between the lateral edges of the sole assembly, without any lateral extension beyond the lateral and medial edges of the sole assembly.
    • The connecting member is affixed to the sole assembly so that there is no degree of mobility between the connecting member and an element of the sole assembly when the shoe is assembled and not connected to the first binding type.
    • The shoe is intended for cross-country skiing, ski touring, or road skiing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be carried out, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom front perspective view of a shoe for the right foot according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the sole assembly of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view, lateral side, of the sole assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a sole assembly of a shoe according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the sole assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of components of a sole assembly of a shoe according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of assembled components of the sole assembly according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of components of a sole assembly of a shoe according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of assembled components of the sole assembly according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of components of a sole assembly of a shoe according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of assembled components of the sole assembly according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of components of a sole assembly of a shoe according to a variant of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of assembled components of the sole assembly according to the variant of the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a component of the sole assembly according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a component of the sole assembly according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view of the detail XVIII of FIG. 3 illustrating a first arrangement of components of the sole assembly.

FIG. 19 is a view of the detail XVIII of FIG. 3 illustrating a second arrangement of components of the sole assembly.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of components of a sole assembly of a shoe according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the sole assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a transverse cross-sectional view along the line XXII-XXII of FIG. 20.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following of the description uses terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “back”, “forward”, “rearward”, “anterior”, “posterior”. These terms should be considered as relative terms in relation to the position of the shoe on the foot of a user in normal posture, and the normal direction of advancement of a user. The terms “lateral” and “medial” are conventionally understood as facing outward and inward, respectively. Thus, the medial side of one foot or shoe is turned towards the medial side of the other foot or shoe of the user. The term “longitudinal” refers to a heel-to-toe direction, while the term “transverse” refers to a lateral-medial direction which, therefore, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

One will also use a reference point, of which the rearward/forward direction corresponds to the X axis, the transverse or right/left direction corresponds to the Y axis, and the vertical or bottom/top direction corresponds to the Z axis.

In the description, the “shoe” is defined by a “sole assembly” and an “upper”. The “sole assembly” is the lower portion of the shoe between the foot and the ground. The “upper” is the upper portion of the shoe enveloping the foot and possibly a portion of the ankle. The upper is affixed to the peripheral edge of the sole assembly. It should be noted that certain elements of the shoe can form both a portion of the sole assembly and a portion of the upper.

In the description, reference is made to an “integral” part, meaning a single part made integrally with continuity of material. Reference is also made to a “unitary” part, meaning that the part is either “integral”, or comprised of elements affixed non-detachably to one another, for example by overmolding an insert in a matrix, or by assembling components by fitting, crimping, bonding, welding, etc.

FIG. 1 describes a sports shoe 1 for the right foot according to the invention. Conventionally, the shoe 1 comprises an upper 2 and a sole assembly 3. The upper 2 is conventional and will not be described in detail. It is connected to the peripheral edge of the sole assembly 3 in a conventional manner.

The invention relates more specifically to various embodiments of the sole assembly 3. These embodiments are divided into two main categories, a first sole assembly category comprising a unitary body 33a and a second sole assembly category comprising a removable pad 34b fixed on a body 33b. All these sole assemblies integrate at least two connecting elements 31, 32 with two different respective binding types for a sports apparatus. Various constructions of these connecting elements, which can be applied indifferently to the first or the second sole assembly category mentioned above, will be described later.

The sole assembly 3 is demarcated vertically, along the vertical direction Z, by a lower surface 3D, intended to be in contact with the ground or a sports apparatus, and an upper surface 3U, opposite the lower surface, and intended to face the underside of the foot. The sole assembly 3 is demarcated longitudinally, along the longitudinal direction X, by a front edge 3F and a rear edge 3R. The sole assembly 3 is demarcated transversely, along the transverse direction Y, by a medial edge 3M and a lateral edge 3L.

In its front portion, the sole assembly carries a first connecting element 31, or simply first connector 31, comprising a guide member 311 defining a first axis of rotation Y1 of the shoe. Within the meaning of the invention, this means that the guide member 311 is continuously affixed to the sole assembly of the shoe, either in the area of the main body 33a or in the area of the removable pad 34b, even when the shoe is no longer connected to the first binding type. In other words, this affixation means that there is no degree of mobility between the connecting member 311 and the main body 33a or the removable pad 34b when the shoe is assembled and not connected to the first binding type. The guide member 311 extends along a transverse direction Y over at least a portion of the width W3 of the sole assembly. According to an embodiment, the connection guide member 311 is a metal bar. Advantageously, the bar 311 is a cylindrical shaft with a diameter between 3.5 and 6.0 millimeters. Its free length, capable of interacting with the binding, is between 30 and 50 millimeters. In this example, the metal bar free length is housed in a lower recess of the sole assembly or of the removable pad of the sole assembly located in the front portion of the sole assembly so as to allow access to the metal bar from beneath the sole assembly in order to enable the connection between the guide member 311 and the first binding type. Advantageously, the free length of metal bar is only arranged between the lateral edges 3L and 3M of the sole assembly 3, without any lateral extension beyond the lateral 3L and medial 3M edges of the sole assembly. In this example, the metal bar is offset rearward in relation to the front edge 3F of the sole assembly, preferably by a distance greater than five millimeters along the longitudinal direction X. According to an embodiment, the guide member 311 is arranged flush with or set back from the lower surface 3D of the sole assembly. Alternatively, the guide member 311 can be positioned in front of the sole assembly, in the area of the front edge 3F. The Patent Document FR2626448 illustrates examples of embodiments of this guide member 311. The guide member 311 is capable of cooperating with a first binding type carried by a sports apparatus such as a ski, for example a cross-country ski or a touring ski, or such as a snowshoe. For this type of practice, this cooperation makes it possible to affix the shoe to the sports apparatus while enabling the rotation of the shoe in relation to the sports apparatus, about an axis Y1 transverse to the shoe, positioned in the area of the front of the shoe. The mechanism of this first binding type alternately enables the shoe to be affixed to and separated from the sports apparatus. Such a mechanism is described, for example, in the Patent Document FR2638974. This first binding type generally comprises one or more hooks or jaws intended to hook the metal bar 311.

The first connecting element 31 forms a unitary part thus comprising the guide member 311 and a support for retaining the guide member 311 in position in the sole assembly or in a removable pad of the sole assembly. The support may be comprised of the bent ends 3113 of the bar forming the guide member, these bent ends being overmolded in a plastic matrix, by an injection process. The matrix may be the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b. To ensure good grip in the matrix, the bent ends 3113 may comprise appropriate hooking means such as reliefs, recesses, etc. The support is thus formed by the bent ends 3113 and the plastic matrix. In an alternative solution, these bent ends are non-detachably assembled to a hooking element 312 separate from the guide member 311, for example by fitting, crimping, gluing, welding, etc. The hooking element 312 is then overmolded in a plastic matrix, by an injection process. The matrix can be the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b. The hooking element 312 is intended to ensure the fastening and retention of the guide member 311 in the matrix, during overmolding. The hooking element thus comprises means enabling such fastening. These means can be through holes, reliefs, recesses, surface roughness, etc. The support is thus formed by the bent ends 3113, the hooking element 312, and the plastic matrix. According to another example, the first connecting element 31 comprises a guide member and a hooking element jointly forming an integral part, manufactured in a single piece, overmolded in a plastic matrix by injection. The matrix can be the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b. The support is thus formed by the hooking element 312 and the plastic matrix. Other solutions for supporting the guide member can be envisioned.

In its front portion, the sole assembly comprises a second connecting element 32, or simply second connector 32, defining a second axis of rotation Y2 of the shoe. The second connecting element 32 comprises interfaces 32L, 32M arranged in the area of the lateral 3L and medial 3M front edges, respectively, of the sole assembly 3. These interfaces 32L, 32M are aligned along a transverse direction Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the sole assembly, so as to define the second axis of rotation Y2 of the shoe. These interfaces 32L, 32M are designed to cooperate with hooking elements of a second binding type carried by a sports apparatus such as a ski, for example, a cross-country ski or a touring ski, or such as a snowshoe. For this type of practice, this cooperation makes it possible to affix the shoe to the sports apparatus while enabling the rotation of the shoe in relation to the sports apparatus, about an axis Y2 transverse to the shoe, positioned in the area of the front of the shoe. The mechanism of this second binding type alternately enables the shoe to be affixed to and separated from the sports apparatus.

According to a first example embodiment, the interfaces 32L, 32M are lateral recesses, arranged on either side of the sole assembly, in the area of the front lateral 3L and medial 3M edges, respectively, of the sole assembly 3. Thus, these lateral recesses open out onto the surfaces defining the lateral 3L and medial 3M edges, respectively, of the sole assembly 3. These lateral recesses are intended to receive lateral and medial pins, respectively, of the mechanism of the second binding type. The pins can be cylindrical, semi-spherical, or conical. These pins form the hooking elements of the binding. Thus, the two pins of the mechanism define the transverse axis of rotation Y2 of the shoe when they are engaged with the lateral recesses 32L, 32M of the sole assembly. Such a system is described, for example, in the Patent Documents EP0199098 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,036.

According to a second exemplary embodiment, the interfaces 32L, 32M are two lateral pins extending transversely, along a transverse direction Y, from the surfaces defining the lateral 3L and medial 3M edges, respectively, of the sole assembly 3. The pins may be cylindrical or conical. These lateral pins are intended to cooperate with the lateral and medial recesses, respectively, of the mechanism of the second binding type. These recesses form the hooking elements of the binding. Thus, the two recesses of the mechanism define the transverse axis of rotation Y2 of the shoe when they are engaged with the lateral pins 32L, 32M of the sole assembly. The pins may be retractable in order to retreat within the sole assembly. Such a system is described, for example, in the Patent Documents DE3141425 or DE102009059968.

The second connection element 32 is a unitary part therefore comprising the interfaces 32L, 32M, arranged on either side, respectively, of the front portion of the sole assembly and a rigid connecting member 321, connecting the interfaces 32L, 32M to enable the retention and positioning of the interfaces 32L, 32M in the sole assembly or in a removable pad of the sole assembly, and in particular the alignment between the interfaces 32L, 32M. Advantageously, the interfaces 32L, 32M and the connecting member 321 form an integral part, made in a single piece. This integral part can be overmolded in a plastic matrix, by an injection process. The matrix can be the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b. To ensure good cohesion between the matrix and the connecting member 321, the latter integrates appropriate hooking means as described above (holes, reliefs, recesses, roughness, etc.).

The first connecting element 31 and the second connecting element 32 can be interconnected to form a unitary part. They can thus share the same support/connecting member and/or the same matrix.

The invention is characterized in that the first 31 and second 32 connecting elements are arranged in relation to one another by a direct connection, either by forming a unitary subassembly or by being assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface. This means that the placement of one connecting element in relation to the other is precise.

This precise arrangement between these two connecting elements makes it possible to envision the use of the two connecting elements during connection with a binding type. For example, a connecting element can enable the positioning of the shoe in relation to the other connecting element and/or can actuate the mechanism of the binding. Furthermore, in the case in which these two elements then form a unitary subassembly, this construction makes it possible to reduce the number of parts to be assembled because the two connecting elements can be interconnected. Another advantage is in obtaining a shoe directly compatible with a plurality of binding types without having to modify the shoe by adding or changing an interface part.

The first 31 and second 32 connecting elements are not assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface when the first connecting element 31 is detachably fixed to a component and when the second connecting element 31 is detachably fixed to the same component. Indeed, in this case, the first 31 and second 32 connecting elements do not have a direct but an indirect relationship with one another, via the common component, the arrangement between the parts is then less precise.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first connecting element 31 comprises a first insert 310 forming a unitary part comprised of a guide member 311, or simply guide 311, provided with bent ends 3113 and a hooking element 312 on which the bent ends 3113 are non-detachably affixed by any suitable means (fitting, welding, gluing, etc.). In this example, the guide member 311 is produced by a shaft comprising a rectilinear transverse portion. Furthermore, each bent end 3113 of the guide member 311 is tightly fitted into a cylinder 3121 provided in the hooking element 312. Furthermore, the second connecting element 32 comprises a second insert 320 forming an integral unitary part comprised of interfaces 32L, 32M connected by a connecting member 321. In this example, the first 310 and second 320 inserts are separate parts, without direct contact between these two components. These two inserts 310, 320 are then overmolded in a common plastic matrix forming the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b. To ensure good cohesion between the inserts and the matrix, the hooking element 312, or simply and the connecting member 321 integrate appropriate hooking means as described above (holes, reliefs, recesses, roughness, etc.).

The first connecting element 31 comprises the first insert 310 and the matrix 33a, 341b. The second connecting element 32 comprises the second insert 320 and the matrix 33a, 341b. Thus, the two connecting elements 31, 32 share the same common matrix 33a, 341b.

In this example, the two inserts 310, 320 are made of metal and the body 33a, 341b is made of plastic. To produce the subassembly integrating the two connecting elements 31, 32, the two inserts 310, 320 are positioned in a mold, independently of each other. The body 33a, 341b is then injected to affix the two inserts 310, 320 directly to each other. It is the positioning of the two inserts in the mold that makes it possible to obtain a precise arrangement between the two connecting elements.

According to a variant, not shown, of the first embodiment, the first insert 310 does not include a separate hooking element 312. In this case, the fastening of the insert is directly carried out by the guide member 311, and more particularly by its bent ends 3113.

The second embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, is similar to the first embodiment. except that the two inserts 310 and 320 are directly interconnected to form a unitary subassembly defining a connecting insert 30. Thus, the hooking element 312 of the first insert 310 is directly affixed to the connecting member 321 of the second insert 320, by any appropriate means. In this example, rivets 302 are used. However, other connecting means can be envisioned, such as welding, gluing, etc., for example. Once the two inserts have been preassembled together to form the connecting insert 30, this unitary subassembly 30 is positioned in the mold. The body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b is then injected to affix the connecting insert 30 to the matrix forming the body 33, 341b. Here, it is the connecting insert 30 that makes it possible to obtain a precise arrangement between these two connecting elements.

The third embodiment is a variant of the second embodiment. Here, the hooking element 312 of the first insert 310 and the connecting member 321 of the second insert 320 are not separate components but form an integral unitary part defining a common support 301. The guide member 311 is then affixed to the common support 301 integrating the interfaces 32L, 32M to form a connecting insert 30. This unitary subassembly 30 comprised of the common support 301 and the guide member 311 is then overmolded in a plastic matrix forming the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable skate 34b.

According to a first example of this third embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the guide member 311 is provided with bent ends 3113 intended to be tightly fitted into a cylinder 3121 provided in the common support 301.

According to a second example of this third embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the common support 301 comprises two lateral flanges 3011 each incorporating a through bore 3012. The axes of these bores 3012 are aligned along a transverse direction Y corresponding to the first axis of rotation Y1 of the shoe. These bores 3012 are intended to receive a rectilinear shaft 311 forming the guide member.

According to a fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 16, the guide member 311 and the interfaces 32L, 32M form an integral unitary part defining a connecting insert 30b. Advantageously, this connecting insert 30b comprises adaptations to enable the hooking of this component in a matrix. The connection insert 30b is then overmolded in a plastic matrix forming the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b.

The fifth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 17, is a variant of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is specific in that the guide member 311 and the interfaces 32L, 32M, defining a connecting insert 30b, are arranged so that the axes of rotation Y1 and Y2 are coaxial. The connecting insert 30b may comprise adaptations to enable the hooking of this component in a matrix. The connecting insert 30b is then overmolded in a plastic matrix forming the body 33a of the unitary sole assembly or the body 341b of the removable pad 34b.

In all these examples, the two connecting elements 31, 32 share the same common matrix 33a, 341b and sometimes other components. In these examples, the two connecting elements 31, 32 are therefore not two separate components but form a unitary part.

According to these embodiments, this unitary part is non-dismountable, i.e., cannot be dismounted without damaging the subassembly.

According to these embodiments, the guide member 311 and the interfaces 32L, 32M are made of metal. The integral unitary parts 30b, 301 described above can be obtained by injection, casting, sintering, or stamping.

According to the preceding embodiments, the sole assembly 3 can form a single integral unitary part or an assembly of a body 33b and an attached pad 34b. In the first case, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the integral unitary part comprises a body 33a in which the guide member 311 and its support 3113, 312, the interfaces 32L, 32M and its connecting member 321 are overmolded. In the second case, illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, it is the body 341b of the pad 34b which integrates the guide member 311 and its support 3113, 312, the interfaces 32L, 32M and its connecting member 321. The pad 34b is fixed to the body 33b of the sole assembly by any suitable means. Preferably, the pad 34b is removably mounted, which allows replacement in the event of deterioration/wear or of a need for compatibility with other binding types.

According to an alternative embodiment, the two connecting elements 31, 32 are separate components but are assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface, in order to obtain precise positioning between the guide member 311 and the interfaces 32L, 32M.

According to a sixth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22, the sole assembly 3 is comprised of at least three components, including a plate 33c, a second insert 320c, and a pad 34c.

The plate 33c is intended to be positioned opposite the underside of the foot. Medial and/or lateral and/or posterior and/or anterior vertical walls may extend upward from the peripheral edge of the plate. The plate may be made of plastic or of a composite material, for example based on carbon. The plate comprises a substantially horizontal lower surface 33cD.

The second insert 320c comprises the interfaces 32L, 32M and the connecting member 321. In this example, the second insert 320c is an integral unitary part made of ×metal. The connecting member 321 is in the form of a plate, having a thickness E321, demarcated by an upper surface 321U and a lower surface 321D. The second insert 320c is designed to be fixed on the lower surface 33cD of the plate 33c, in the area of the front portion of the sole assembly 3. It is preferably assembled removably to the plate by an appropriate means, such as screws 35, for example. In this example, the upper surface 321U is substantially horizontal. It is intended to face the lower surface of the plate 33c, once the second insert 320c is assembled to the plate. The second insert 320c forms the second connecting element 32.

The pad 34c is a part separate from the second insert 320c. It comprises a first insert 310c comprised of the guide member 311 and possibly a hooking element 312, on the one hand, and a matrix forming the body 341c of the pad 34c, on the other hand. The first insert 310c is preferably overmolded to the body 341c of the pad. The pad 34c is designed to be fixed to the lower surface 33cD of the plate 33c. It is preferably assembled removably to the plate by an appropriate means, such as screws 35, for example. In this example, the body 341c of the pad comprises a substantially horizontal upper surface 341U intended to face the plate 33c, once the pad 34c is assembled to the plate. The upper surface 341U comprises a recess 342 sized and arranged to receive a portion of the connecting member 321 of the insert 320c. The recess 342 is demarcated by an interface surface 342U set back from the upper surface 341U, having a depth E342 corresponding to the thickness E321 of the connecting member 321. The interface surface 342U is substantially parallel to the upper surface 341U. The pad 34c forms the first connecting element 31.

According to this embodiment, the second insert 320c is designed to at least partially be inserted between the pad 34c and the plate 33c, by being housed at least partially in the recess 342. Once these components are assembled, the interface surface 342U of the recess 342 comes into contact with at least a portion of the lower surface 321D of the connecting member 321. The upper surface 321U of the connecting member 321 comes into contact with the lower surface 33cD of the plate 33c. Furthermore, the upper surface 341U of the body 341c of the pad 34c will also be in contact with the lower surface 33cD of the plate 33c. This assembly therefore makes it possible to have direct contact between the interface surface 342U of the recess 342 and at least a portion of the lower surface 321D of the connecting member 321. In other words, this makes it possible to have a direct common contact surface between the first and second connecting elements 31, 32. Thus, precise positioning is obtained between the two connecting elements.

Advantageously, the same fixing means 35 are used to fix the pad 34c and the second insert 320c on the plate 33c. For example, the same screws 35 can be used.

According to a variant, the second insert 320c is fixed non-detachably on the plate 33c, for example by gluing, welding, etc. In this case, the pad 34c is attached to the subassembly by any suitable fixing means, so that there is a direct common contact surface between the pad 34c and the second insert 320c.

Other alternative solutions can be envisioned since the first and second connecting elements are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first connecting element 31 is designed and arranged so that it can interact with an actuator of the hooking elements of the second binding type in order to ensure cooperation between the hooking elements (pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type and the second connecting element 31, when the user lowers the front of the shoe. This advantage can be obtained due to this construction enabling precise positioning between the two connecting elements due to the direct dimensional relationship between these two connecting elements. A second binding type with such an actuator is illustrated for example in the Patent Document EP0199098.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first connecting element 31 is designed and arranged, particularly with respect to the second connecting element 32, so that it can cooperate with the second binding type in order to position the first connecting element 31 opposite the hooking elements (for example, pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type. This longitudinal indexing can be obtained due to this construction enabling precise positioning between the two connecting elements due to the direct dimensional relationship between these two connecting elements. A second binding type with longitudinal indexing is illustrated for example in the Patent Document EP2319596.

In the preceding embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first axis of rotation Y1 may advantageously be closer to the lower surface 3D of the sole assembly than the second axis of rotation Y2. The first axis of rotation Y1 may thus be offset downward by a distance Z12 between two and twelve millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction Z.

Positioning the guide member 311 lower than the interfaces 32L, 32M makes it possible to facilitate the two functionalities described above, namely, the longitudinal positioning of the first connecting element 31 opposite the hooking elements (pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type, and the actuation of the mechanism of the second binding type. For the longitudinal positioning, the guide member, by being lower, may be cleared in order to more easily cooperate with a component of the second binding type without risk of interference with a lower portion of the shoe. For the actuation, the guide member, by being lower, can constitute a sufficiently low and clear contact zone to cooperate with a component of the mechanism of the second binding type without risk of interference with a lower portion of the shoe.

To ensure actuation of the mechanism of the second binding type, the first connecting element 31 can comprise, for example, an actuation generator 3112 in the form of a contact line extending along a transverse direction Y. The actuation generator 3112 is offset downward by a distance Z3112 between four and fifteen millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction Z. In the case in which the guide member 311 of the first connecting element 31 is a shaft, the generator 3112 can be the lowest generator of the cylinder forming the shaft 31 along a vertical direction Z.

In the preceding embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first axis of rotation Y1 may advantageously be positioned longitudinally in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, in a specific interval in order to facilitate the actuation of the second binding type via the guide member 311. The interval may be demarcated by

    • a first rear limit LRY1 where the first axis of rotation Y1 is offset rearward by a distance X12 of 70 millimeters in relation to the first axis of rotation Y1, along the longitudinal direction X and,
    • a second front limit LFY1 where the first axis of rotation Y1 is offset forward by a distance X12 of 10 millimeters in relation to the first axis of rotation Y1, along the longitudinal direction X.

It may be advantageous to offset the first axis of rotation Y1 rearward in order to bring the pivot point close to the metatarsal zones of the foot. Ideally, it is preferable for the axis to be between the front end of the metatarsals and the front end of the foot, and as close as possible to the metatarsals to improve the effectiveness of the thrust on the sports apparatus. The front end of the metatarsals is located approximately 60 to 80 millimeters from the front end of the foot.

In the preceding embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the distance X2 between the second axis of rotation Y2 and the front end 3F of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction X, is preferably between 10 and 20 millimeters. The more forward the second axis of rotation Y2 is positioned, the more facilitated the amplitude of rotation will be when the shoe is engaged with the second binding type, without risk of interference between the binding and another portion of the shoe. Moreover, advantageously, the distance Z2 between the second axis of rotation Y2 and the lower surface 3D of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction Z, is preferably between 10 and 17 millimeters.

Furthermore, the positioning of the guide member 311 further forward than that of the interfaces 32L, 32M makes it possible to further clear the guide member from the shoe. This can thus facilitate the use of the guide member in order to obtain the longitudinal positioning of the first connecting element 31 opposite the hooking elements (pin or recess) of the mechanism of the second binding type. Indeed, the guide member is then close to the front end of the shoe, which more easily enables cooperation with a component of the second binding type without risk of interference with a front portion of the shoe. Moreover, it is more ergonomic for the user to have the longitudinal indexing quickly when he/she brings the shoe close to the binding; this reduces the doubt of having missed the indexing when putting on the shoe.

To ensure this longitudinal positioning, the first connecting element 31 may comprise, for example, an indexing generator 3111 in the form of a contact line extending along a transverse direction Y. In the case in which the guide member 311 of the first connecting element 31 is a shaft, the indexing generator 3111 may be the generator of the cylinder forming the shaft 31 furthest forward along a vertical direction X. This may be another generator of the cylinder, depending on the design of the second binding type.

According to an embodiment, the guide member 311 is positioned longitudinally in relation to the interfaces 32L, 32M so that the longitudinal position of the actuation generator 3112 is included in an interval demarcated by a first rear position LRY1, where the actuation generator 3112 is offset rearward by two millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction X, and a second front position LFY1, where the actuation generator 3112 is offset forward by five millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, the guide member 311 is positioned vertically in relation to the interfaces 32L, 32M so that the actuation generator 3112 is offset downward by a distance Z3112 between 10 and 12 millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation Y2, along the longitudinal direction Z. Respecting these dimensional constraints makes it possible to conform to the recommendations required for the use of a large majority of commercially available ski touring bindings and more particularly to have the “step-in” function of these models. Thus, this makes it possible to design a shoe that is compatible, without any adjustment, with the above-mentioned commercially available ski touring bindings.

According to an embodiment, the guide member 311 is positioned behind the axis of rotation Y2, beyond the limit LRY1. In this case, this construction probably requires an adapted design of the compatible ski touring bindings if it is desired to maintain a “step-in” function via the guide member 311, namely the automatic actuation of the mechanism of the binding during shoe-fitting. Alternatively, the “step-in” function can be achieved by a component of the shoe other than the guide member 311.

Furthermore, the second connecting element 32 can be used to immobilize the rotation of the front of the shoe when the shoe is engaged with the first binding type via the first connecting element 31. Thus, the first binding type can comprise an immobilization means intended to cooperate with the second connecting element 32 to ensure this blocking. This immobilization means can be similar to the mechanism of the second binding type. This immobilization can be useful if the user wishes to restrict the mobility of the shoe, for example during the descent phase, in order to have better control over the gliding apparatus. This angular blocking can be obtained due to this construction enabling precise positioning between the two connecting elements due to the direct dimensional relationship between these two connecting elements.

To ensure this immobilization, the first Y1 and second Y2 axes of rotation must be positioned precisely in relation to one another. The dimensioning between the two axes can advantageously be that defined above.

The invention is not limited to the few embodiments described above by way of examples but aims to protect any equivalent configuration. It is thus possible to combine these embodiments.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to all the embodiments covered by the appended claims.

Further, at least because the various configurations and details of the invention are disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use the invention as described and shown, such as for simplicity or efficiency, for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.

REFERENCES 1. Shoe 2. Upper 3. Sole assembly 30. Connecting insert 301. Common support 3011. Lateral flange 3012. Through bore 302. Rivet 31. First connecting element 310. First insert 311. Guide member 3111. Indexing generator 3112. Actuation generator 3113. Bent ends 312. Hooking element 3121. Cylinder 32. Second connecting element 320. Second insert 32L. Lateral interface 32M. Medial interface 321. Connecting member 321U. Upper surface 321D. Lower surface 33a. Body of the unitary sole assembly 33b. Body of the sole assembly 34b. Pad 341b. Body 33c. Plate 33cD. Lower surface 34c. Pad 341c. Body 341U. Upper surface 342. Recess 342U. Interface surface

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A sports shoe configured to cooperate alternately with a first binding type and a second binding type so as to connect the shoe to a sports apparatus, said bindings each enabling rotation of the shoe about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the sports apparatus, the sports shoe comprising a sole assembly comprising:

a first connector configured to connect with the first binding type, the first connector comprising a guide, in the form of a metal bar, defining a first axis of rotation of the shoe and extending along a transverse direction over at least a portion of the width of the sole assembly, the guide comprising a free length capable of interacting with the first binding type;
a second connector configured to connect the second binding type, the second connector comprising interfaces in an area of the front lateral and medial edges, respectively, of the sole assembly, defining a second axis of rotation of the sports shoe; and either the first and second connectors form a unitary part; or the first and second connectors are two separate components assembled directly to one another along a common contact surface.

17. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first and second connectors had been overmolded to a same support.

18. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first connect and/or the second connector is/are had been overmolded in a plastic matrix by an injection process.

19. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first and second connectors are provided in a pad attached removably to a body of the sole assembly.

20. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

one of the first and second connectors, distinct from another of the first and second connectors, is at least partially interposed between a lower surface of a component of the sole assembly and the another connector.

21. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the interfaces of the second connecting element respectively form: a first lateral recess arranged in an area of the front lateral edge of the sole assembly; a second medial recess arranged in an area of the front medial edge of the sole assembly;
the first and second recesses are aligned along an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the sole assembly.

22. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first axis of rotation is closer to a lower surface of the sole assembly than the second axis of rotation.

23. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first connector comprises an actuation generator that is offset downward by a distance between four and fifteen millimeters in relation to the second axis of rotation, along the longitudinal direction.

24. The sports shoe according to claim 23, wherein:

said distance is between ten and twelve millimeters.

25. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

a distance between the second axis of rotation and a front end of the sole assembly, along a horizontal direction, is between 10 and 20 millimeters.

26. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first axis of rotation is offset rearward in relation to the second axis of rotation by a distance between 0 and 70 millimeters.

27. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the first axis of rotation is offset rearward in relation to a front end of the sole assembly by a distance greater than five millimeters.

28. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

a free length of the guide is housed in a lower recess of the sole assembly or of the removable pad of the sole assembly located in a front portion of the sole assembly so as to allow access to the metal bar from beneath the sole assembly, in order to enable a connection between the guide and the first binding type.

29. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

a free length of the metal bar is only arranged between the lateral edges of the sole assembly without any lateral extension beyond the lateral and medial edges of the sole assembly.

30. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

guide is affixed to the sole assembly so that there is no degree of mobility between the guide and an element of the sole assembly when the shoe is assembled and not connected to the first binding type.

31. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the sports shoe is configured for any of cross-country skiing, ski touring, and road skiing.
Patent History
Publication number: 20250049174
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 7, 2024
Publication Date: Feb 13, 2025
Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S. (Epagny Metz-Tessy)
Inventors: Philippe MIETTE (Annecy Le Vieux), Bruno BERTHET (Seynod)
Application Number: 18/797,227
Classifications
International Classification: A43B 13/14 (20060101); A43B 5/04 (20060101); A63C 9/00 (20060101);