SHOELACE COMPRISING A SILICONE BAND

Abstract

A lace (200) for a shoe (C), consisting of an elongate elastic band (2) made entirely of silicone, said band having elastic properties according to which, when at least one segment of said band is selected, said segment having a constant cross-section and a rest length of 5.0 centimetres, when said segment is stretched to a stretched length of 10.0 centimetres and then released, said segment contracts and reaches a first released length of between 5.6 and 7.0 centimetres after a first period of between 0.1 and 1 second after the release, and reaches a second released length of between 5.0 and 5.6 centimetres after a second period of between 15 and 25 seconds after the release. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of sports shoes, and in particular running shoes, to prevent any compression and thus allow good blood circulation while holding the foot comfortably.

Claims

1.-16. (canceled)

17. A shoelace for a shoe, comprising a band which is an elongate elastic band entirely made of silicone, said band having elastic properties according to which, by selecting at least one segment of said band, said segment having a constant cross-section and a length at rest of 5.0 centimeters, when said segment is stretched until reaching a stretched length of 10.0 centimeters and then released, said segment contracts and reaches a first released length comprised between 5.6 and 7.0 centimeters after a first time comprised between 0.1 and 1 second after the release, and reaches a second released length comprised between 5.0 and 5.6 centimeters after a second time comprised between 15 and 25 seconds after the release.

18. The shoelace according to claim 17, wherein the band has a constant cross-section over at least 95% of its length.

19. The shoelace according to claim 18, wherein the band has a constant cross-section over its entire length.

20. The shoelace according to claim 18, wherein the band has a first released length comprised between 6.6 and 7.0 centimeters, and a second released length comprised between 5.3 and 5.6 centimeters.

21. The shoelace according to claim 17, wherein the band has at least three successive elongate sections comprising a central section surrounded by two intermediate sections with the same lengths, the intermediate sections having the same constant cross-section over their entire respective lengths, and the central section having a cross-section constant over its entire length and different from that of the intermediate sections, wherein the central section has a first released length and a second released length greater than respectively the first released length and the second released length of the intermediate sections.

22. The shoelace according to claim 21, wherein the central section has a first released length comprised between 6.2 and 6.6 centimeters and a second released length comprised between 5.4 and 5.6 centimeters, and each intermediate section has a first released length comprised between 5.9 and 6.3 centimeters and a second released length comprised between 5.1 and 5.3 centimeters.

23. The shoelace according to claim 21, wherein the central section has an ellipsoidal cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis, and each intermediate section has a rectangular cross-section having a long-side edge parallel to said major axis and a short-side edge parallel to said minor axis, wherein said minor axis is larger than said short-side edge and said major axis is equivalent to said long-side edge.

24. The shoelace according to claim 21, wherein a ratio between the length of the central section and the length of an intermediate section is comprised between 0.8 and 1.25.

25. The shoelace according to claim 21, wherein the band has two end sections with the same lengths and prolonging the intermediate sections on either side of the central section, the end sections having the same constant cross-section over their entire respective lengths, said cross-section of the end sections being different from the sections of the central section and of the intermediate sections, wherein each end section has a first released length and a second released length respectively smaller than the first released length and the second released length of the intermediate sections.

26. The shoelace according to claim 25, wherein each end section has a first released length comprised between 5.6 and 6.0 centimeters and a second released length comprised between 5.0 and 5.1 centimeters.

27. The shoelace according to claim 23, wherein the end section has a circular cross-section with a given diameter, said diameter being smaller than the major axis of the ellipsoidal cross-section of the central section.

28. The shoelace according to claim 25, wherein a ratio between the length of the end section and the length of a central section is comprised between 0.8 and 1.25.

29. The shoelace according to claim 21, wherein the central section has a first released length comprised between 5.9 and 6.3 centimeters and a second released length comprised between 5.1 and 5.3 centimeters, and each intermediate section has a first released length comprised between 5.6 and 6.0 centimeters and a second released length comprised between 5.0 and 5.1 centimeters.

30. The shoelace according to claim 21, wherein the central section has a rectangular cross-section having a long-side edge and a short-side edge, and each intermediate section has a circular cross-section with a given diameter, said diameter being smaller than said long-side edge.

31. The shoelace according to claim 29, wherein the ratio between the length of the central section and the length of an end section is comprised between 2.4 and 3.75.

32. The shoelace according to claim 30, wherein the ratio between the length of the central section and the length of an end section is comprised between 2.4 and 3.75.

33. The shoelace according to claim 17, wherein the silicone material of the band has a Shore hardness A comprised between 50 and 90.

34. The shoelace according to claim 33, wherein the silicone material of the band has a Shore hardness A comprised between 65 and 75.

35. A shoe equipped with a shoelace according to claim 17.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear upon reading the detailed description hereinafter, of two non-restrictive embodiments, made with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe equipped with a first shoelace in accordance with the invention;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first shoelace of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a cross-section of the first shoelace of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe equipped with a second shoelace in accordance with the invention;

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the second shoelace of FIG. 4;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the second shoelace of FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0052] FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a cross-section of the second shoelace of FIGS. 4 to 6, according to the sectional plane A-A visible in FIG. 6 cutting the second shoelace in a first end section;

[0053] FIG. 7B is a schematic view of a cross-section of the second shoelace of FIGS. 4 to 6, according to the sectional plane B-B visible in FIG. 6 cutting the second shoelace in a first intermediate section;

[0054] FIG. 7C is a schematic view of a cross-section of the second shoelace of FIGS. 4 to 6, according to the sectional plane C-C visible in FIG. 6 cutting the second shoelace in the central section;

[0055] FIG. 7D is a schematic view of a cross-section of the second shoelace of FIGS. 4 to 6, according to the sectional plane D-D visible in FIG. 6 cutting the second shoelace in a second intermediate section;

[0056] FIG. 7E is a schematic view of a cross-section of the second shoelace of FIGS. 4 to 6, according to the sectional plane E-E visible in FIG. 6 cutting the second shoelace in a second end section;

[0057] FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of the area F of FIG. 6;

[0058] FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of the area G of FIG. 6;

[0059] FIGS. 10A to 10D illustrate the steps of measurement of the elastic return properties performed on a shoelace segment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] With reference to FIG. 1, a shoe C is equipped with a first shoelace 100 in accordance with the invention, this first shoelace 100 being constituted by a band 1 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0061] This elongate elastic band 1 is entirely made of silicone, and has a constant cross-section over substantially its entire length. This band 1 has a total length comprised between 700 millimeters and 1500 millimeters, in particular between 900 and 1200 millimeters.

[0062] With reference to FIG. 3, the cross-section of this band 1 is substantially rectangular and has a long-side edge GC, comprised between 5 and 12 millimeters, and a short-side edge PC, comprised between 2 and 4 millimeters.

[0063] This band 1 may be obtained by injection of a silicone material, or even by molding.

[0064] Optionally, the ends 10 of the band 1 are beveled, in order to facilitate the passage through the lacing orifices provided on the shoe C.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 4, a shoe C is equipped with a second shoelace 200 in accordance with the invention, this second shoelace 200 being constituted by a band 2 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0066] This elongate elastic band 2 is entirely made of silicone, and has at least five successive elongate sections comprising: [0067] a section called central section 20; [0068] two sections called intermediate sections 21 which surround the central section 20, in other words extending on either side (to the right and to the left) of the central section 20; and [0069] two sections called end sections 22 which prolong the intermediate sections 21 on either side of the central section 20.

[0070] Thus, the band 2 successively presents, from the right to the left or vice versa, a first end section 22, followed by a first intermediate section 21, followed by the central section 20, followed by a second intermediate section 21, followed by a second end section 22. This band 2 may be obtained by molding of a silicone material.

[0071] The total length LT of this band 2 is comprised between 700 millimeters and 1500 millimeters, in particular between 900 and 1200 millimeters.

[0072] The central section 20 has: [0073] a length L0 comprised between 160 and 240 millimeters, and in particular between 180 and 220 millimeters; and [0074] a constant cross-section (visible in FIG. 7C) over its entire length L0, this cross-section being substantially ellipsoidal and having a major axis G0 and a minor axis P0.

[0075] The major axis G0 is comprised between 3.5 and 7.0 millimeters, and in particular between 4.0 and 5.0 millimeters, and the minor axis P0 is comprised between 2.5 and 3.5 millimeters, and in particular between 3.0 and 3.5 millimeters.

[0076] The two intermediate sections 21 have: [0077] the same length L1 comprised between 160 and 240 millimeters, and in particular between 180 and 220 millimeters; [0078] the same cross-section (visible in FIGS. 7B and 7D) constant over their entire respective lengths L1, this cross-section being substantially rectangular and having a long-side edge G1 parallel to the major axis G0 and a short-side edge P1 parallel to the minor axis P0.

[0079] The long-side edge G1 is comprised between 3.5 and 7.0 millimeters, and in particular between 4.0 and 5.0 millimeters, and the short-side edge P1 is comprised between 1.5 and 3.0 millimeters, and in particular between 2.0 and 2.5 millimeters; the long-side edge G1 being substantially equivalent, or even equal, to the major axis G0, and the short-side edge P1 being smaller than the minor axis P0.

[0080] In the example given hereinabove, the length L1 of an intermediate section 21 is equivalent to the length L0 of the central section 20, but it is possible that these lengths are different. In general, it is possible that the ratio between the length L0 and the length L1 is comprised between 0.8 and 1.25.

[0081] The two end sections 22 have: [0082] the same length L2 comprised between 180 and 270 millimeters, and in particular between 200 and 250 millimeters; [0083] the same cross-section (visible in FIGS. 7A and 7E) constant over their entire respective lengths L2, this cross-section being substantially circular with a diameter D2.

[0084] The diameter D2 is smaller than the major axis G0 and is comprised between 3.0 and 5.0 millimeters, in particular between 3.5 and 4.5 millimeters.

[0085] In the example given hereinabove, the length L2 of an end section 22 is greater than the length L0 of the central section 20, but it is possible to consider that these lengths are equivalent. In general, it is possible to consider that the ratio between the length L0 and the length L2 is comprised between 0.8 and 1.25.

[0086] It should also be noted that the central section 20 does not have the same cross-section as the two intermediate sections 21 and as the two end sections 22, and the two intermediate sections 21 do not have the same cross-section as the two end sections 22.

[0087] As is visible in FIG. 8, each end section 22 may be prolonged by a ending 23 with a cylindrical section, the diameter of which, in particular comprised between 2.5 and 3.0 millimeters, is smaller than the diameter D2 of the end section 22, and the length L3 of which is comprised between 10 and 30 millimeters, in particular about 20 millimeters; a truncated-cone shaped portion 24 extending between the end section 22 and the ending 23 so as to ensure a regular reduction of diameter. The ending 23 is intended to facilitate the passage through the lacing orifices provided on the shoe C.

[0088] Pyramidal portions 25 are also provided between the intermediate sections 21 and, at one side, the central section 20 and, at the other side, the corresponding end section 22, thereby reinforcing the interfacing areas between the intermediate sections 21 and the adjacent sections 20, 22.

[0089] The following description relates to the elastic return properties of the two silicone-made bands 1, 2.

[0090] In particular, it is advantageous for the invention that the used silicone material has the following characteristics: [0091] a Shore hardness A (according to standard NF ISO 7619-1) comprised between 65 and 75; [0092] a tensile breakage strength (according to standard NF ISO 37) comprised between 7 and 9 MPa, and preferably 80; [0093] a tensile breakage elongation (according to standard NF ISO 37) comprised between 400 and 600%, and preferably 500%; [0094] a type C tear strength (according to standard NF ISO 34-1) comprised between 30 and 40 kN/m, and preferably 35 kN/m; and [0095] a density (according to standard NF ISO 2781) comprised between 1.14 and 1.24, and preferably between 1.18 and 1.20.

[0096] With reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D, in order to characterize the elastic return properties of a band B (whether it is the band 1 or the band 2), a measurement test is implemented, and which consists in: [0097] as illustrated in FIG. 10A, selecting a segment SE of the considered band B, where the segment SE has a constant cross-section and a length at rest LR of 5.0 centimeters (it is thus possible to select a segment on the band 1, or a segment of the central section 20 of the band 2, or a segment of any of the intermediate sections 21 of the band 2, or a segment of any of the end sections 22 of the band 2); [0098] as illustrated in FIG. 10A, clamping a side of the segment SE by means of a clamping tool OS, such as a vise or a jaw, and placing a mark MA at 5.0 centimeters, the segment SE being at rest; [0099] as illustrated in FIG. 10B, grasping manually or by means of a tool the other side of the segment SE, just behind the mark MA, and stretching this segment SE by pulling on (as drawn by the arrow TI) at a stretching speed comprised between 1.2 and 1.6 centimeters per second, until reaching a stretched length LE of 10.0 centimeters; [0100] as illustrated in FIG. 10C, at the instant t0 releasing the segment SE which then contracts (as drawn by the arrow CO) and, at the instant t0+t1 (t1=first time after release) measuring the length LR1 of the segment SE, called first released length; [0101] as illustrated in FIG. 10D, at the instant t0+t2 (t2=second time after release, where t2>t1) measuring the length LR2 of the segment SE, called second released length.

[0102] As example, the first time t1 is comprised between 0.1 and 1 second, and the second time t2 is comprised between 15 and 25 seconds.

[0103] In the tests carried out with the bands 1, 2, t1 is set to 1 second and t2 is set to 22 seconds.

[0104] As regards the first shoelace 100, the band 1 has a first released length LR1 comprised between 6.6 and 7.0 centimeters, and a second released length LR2 comprised between 5.3 and 5.7 centimeters.

[0105] As regards the second shoelace 200, the geometric and dimensional differences of their cross-sections between the sections 20, 21, 22 of the band 2 is reflected in differences of the elastic return properties wherein: [0106] the central section 20 has a first released length LR1 comprised between 6.2 and 6.6 centimeters and a second released length LR2 comprised between 5.4 and 5.6 centimeters; [0107] each intermediate section 21 has a first released length comprised between 5.9 and 6.3 centimeters and a second released length comprised between 5.1 and 5.3 centimeters; [0108] each end section 22 has a first released length LR1 comprised between 5.6 and 6.0 centimeters and a second released length LR2 comprised between 5.0 and 5.1 centimeters.

[0109] In general, the band 2 is shaped so that the central section 20 has a first released length LR1 and a second released length LR2 respectively greater than the first released length LR1 and the second released length LR2 of the intermediate sections 21, and each end section 22 has a first released length LR1 and a second released length LR2 respectively smaller than the first released length LR1 and the second released length LR2 of the intermediate sections 21.

[0110] In other words, the central section 20 has the greatest released lengths, whereas the end sections 22 have the smallest released lengths, the intermediate sections 21 having intermediate released lengths.

[0111] As is visible in FIG. 4, when in place on the shoe C, once laced, the central section 20 is positioned at the start (or at the bottom) of the lacing area, then the two intermediate sections 21 continue the lacing at the instep, and finally the end sections 22 terminate the lacing at the top portion of the instep (at the ankle) and serve to form the closure loop of the shoelace 200.

[0112] Thus, each section 20, 21, 22 has its own elasticity to confer optimum comfort and holding, though without compressing the foot, even after swelling, where the central section 10 (the most firm) allows tightening the shoelace firmly at the toes, the intermediate sections 21 for a stable lacing without tension at the instep in order to offer a good vein return and a good holding, and the end sections 22 (more flexible) for a firm but non-compressive tightening at the ankle.

[0113] Of course, the implementation examples mentioned hereinabove are not restrictive and other improvements and details may be added to the shoelace according to the invention, without departing from the scope of the invention where for example other shapes of the cross-sections and/or other dimensions may be considered for example.

[0114] As example, it is possible to consider having a band with three sections, rather than five sections, comprising: [0115] a central section whose shape and dimensions of the cross-section, and therefore the elastic properties, are similar to those of the previously described intermediate section 21; and [0116] two end sections with the same lengths and whose shapes and dimensions of the cross-section, and therefore the elastic properties, are similar to those of the previously described end sections 22, these end sections surrounding the central section.

[0117] In this embodiment with three sections (without counting the possible endings 23 and/or pyramidal portions 25), the ratio between the length of the central section and the length of an end section is comprised between 2.4 and 3.75.