FOOTWEAR ITEM COMPRISING A DEVICE WITH A TUBE FOR STORING INFORMATION OR AN OBJECT

Abstract

The invention relates to a footwear item comprising a device for storing information or an object. The footwear item comprises a sole (1) including a front part (201) and a rear part (101), with a hole (2) being provided in the sole (1) that opens onto the front part (200) or the rear part (100) of the footwear item (0). The invention also comprises: a casing (3, 4) inserted into the hole (2) in the sole (1), said casing (3, 4) comprising a duct (3) designed to be inserted into the hole (2) in the sole (1), said duct (3) comprising an opening (153) and being secured in the hole (2) such that the duct (3) is permanently secured to the sole (1); and a cover (4) hermetically sealing the opening (153) in the duct (3) such that the casing (3, 4) is leak-tight, said cover (4) comprising a tube (5) designed to be inserted into the duct (3) through the opening (153) so as to allow the storage of information or an object.

Claims

1.-25. (canceled)

26. A footwear item with device for storing information or an object, comprising a sole (1), the sole (1) including a front part (201) and a rear part (101), wherein the sole (1) includes a hole (2) that opens onto the front part (200) or the rear part (100) of the footwear item (0), and in that the footwear item (0) comprises a casing (3, 4) inserted into the hole (2) of the sole (1), the casing (3, 4) comprising a duct (3) suitable for insertion into the hole (2) in the sole (1), the duct (3) including an opening (153) and being fixed in the hole (2) in the sole (2) so as to secure the duct (3) to the sole (1) permanently, and the duct (3) being equipped with a cover (4), the cover (4) including a tube (5) suitable for insertion into the duct (3) via the opening (153) and allowing the storage of information or an object, characterized in that the cover (4) hermetically closes the opening (153) of the duct (3) in order to make the casing (3, 4) leak-tight, and in that the duct (3) also comprises an anchoring means (233, 333, 433) integrated in the duct (3), the anchoring means (233) being suitable for fixing the duct (3) in the hole (2) in the sole (1) and for securing the duct (3) to the sole (1) permanently, and in that a) either the opening of the tube is open (245) and the tube (5) is obstructed at the opening by a removable cap (135) making it possible to close and block the information or object disposed in the tube (5), the cap (135) including a cap head (1135) having a diameter slightly larger than the body (2135) of the cap (135) suitable for insertion in said tube (5), b) or the opening of the tube (5) is closed by an end face (145) so as to obtain a closed tube making it possible to close off and block the information or object disposed in the tube (5).

27. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the tube (5) is fixed permanently (105) or removably (205) on the base (104) of the cover (4), the tube (5) being inserted or removed manually into/from the duct (3) at the same time as the cover (4).

28. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the tube (5) is made of a transparent material so as to be able to see the content thereof.

29. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the tube (5) is fixed removably to the base (104) of the cover (4), the fixing comprising a bayonet-based closure system, formed by flat tabs (1255, 255) situated at one end of the tube cooperating with grooves (254, 354) situated in the base (104) of the cover (4), the flat tabs (155, 255) engaging with or disengaging from the grooves (254, 354) in order to fix and separate the tube (5) to/from the cover (4) respectively.

30. The footwear item according to claim 29, wherein the flat tabs (155) are preferably situated on the inner face (215) at one end of the tube, and the corresponding grooves (354) are situated on the outer face of the cover (4).

31. The footwear item according to claim 29, wherein the flat tabs (255) are preferably situated on the outer face (115) at one end of the tube, and the corresponding grooves (254) are situated on the inner face of the cover (4).

32. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the anchoring means (233) includes bumps (233) on the outer face of the duct (3) so as to make it possible to anchor the duct (3) in the hole (2) in the sole (1) so as to secure said parts permanently, the bumps (233) being provided in a half-moon shape, open towards the opening (153) of the duct (3) and solid towards the closed part (353) of the duct (3) so as to facilitate the insertion of the duct (3) into the hole (2) and prevent said duct (3) from then being removed.

33. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the anchoring means (333) includes barbs (333) on the outer face of the duct (3) so as to make it possible to anchor the duct (3) in the hole (2) in the sole (1) so as to secure said parts permanently, the barbs (333) pointing towards the opening (153) of the duct (3) so as to facilitate the insertion of the duct (3) into the hole (2) and prevent said duct (3) from then being removed.

34. The footwear item according to claim 33, wherein an inner wall (102) of the hole (2) in the sole includes barbs (202) which point towards the bottom (232) of the hole (2) and which cooperate with barbs (333) on the outer part of the duct (3) for anchoring the duct (3) to the sole (1) and preventing said duct (3) from then being removed.

35. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the anchoring means (433) includes a flexible system (433) at the end of the duct (3) situated in the vicinity of the closed part (353), the flexible system comprising a plurality of elements with a pointed shape (433) for allowing the duct (3) to be anchored in the hole (2) in the sole (1) so as to secure said parts permanently, the pointed flexible elements (433) being suitable for being depressed towards the interior of the duct (3) and facilitating insertion thereof into the hole (2), and for extending out towards the outside of the duct (3) so as to be wedged in the sole (1) and remain blocked there.

36. Footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the anchoring means comprises glue for reinforcing the permanent fixing of the duct (3) and the sole (1).

37. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the cover (4) preferably comprises flexible toric lamellae (114) on the outer face suitable for cooperating with the duct (3), the inner face (143) of the duct being smooth so as to hold the cover (4) on the duct (3) and ensure the tightness of the casing (3, 4).

38. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the cover (4) comprises a first fixing part (214) and the duct (3) comprises a second fixing part (243), the first (214) and second (243) fixing parts being arranged so as to cooperate together, the first fixing part including a first screw thread (214) on the outer face (214) of the cover (4) and the second fixing part (243) including a second screw thread (243) disposed on the inner face on the duct (3) in the vicinity of the opening (153), so as to make it possible to hold the cover (4) on the duct (3) and assure the tightness of the casing (3, 4).

39. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the cover (4) includes a lever-based closing system (134) suitable for cooperating with a duct (3), the inner face of said duct (3) being smooth (143), the closing system (134) comprising a lever (4134) suitable for acting by compression on a toric joint (6134) and a blocking piece (7134) in contact with the opening (153) of the duct (3) and making it possible to block the cover (4) on the duct (3) in a leak-tight manner.

40. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the cover (4) comprises a bayonet-based closing system (144) including two tabs (1144), and the duct (3) including grooves (443) suitable for cooperating with the two tabs (1144), the two tabs (1144) being blocked in the grooves (443) by rotating the cover (4) so as to allow a robust fixing between the cover (4) and the duct (3) and so as to make the casing leak-proof.

41. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the cover (4) comprises a first fixing part (314) and the duct (3) comprises a second fixing part (343), the first (314) and second (343) fixing parts being arranged so as to cooperate together, the first fixing part including a first screw thread (314) on the inner face of the cover (4) and the second fixing part (243) including a second screw thread (343) disposed on the outer face on the duct (3) in the vicinity of the opening (153), so as to make it possible to hold the cover (4) on the duct (3) and assure the tightness of the casing (3, 4).

42. The footwear item according to claim 41, wherein the duct (3) is slightly longer than the hole (132) in the sole (213) and protrudes slightly beyond the exterior of the sole (213) so as to allow the cover (4) with the first inner screw thread (314) to be screwed onto the duct (3) with the second outer screw thread (343).

43. The footwear item according to claim 41, wherein the cover (4) comprises a rim (204) with the first screw thread (314) on the inner face of the cover (4), the diameter of the hole (132) in the sole being slightly larger than the outer diameter (253) at the opening of the duct (153) so as to accommodate the cover (4) during the screwing onto the second screw thread (343) disposed in the outer face on the duct (3).

44. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the cover (4) comprises a means (164) for turning the cover (4) relative to the sole (1), the means (164) for turning the cover (4) comprising a slot (164) provided for insertion of a screwdriver or a coin so as to facilitate the screwing and unscrewing of the cover (4).

45. The footwear item according to claim 26, wherein the duct (3) is elongate and cylindrical in shape (123), the hole (2) in the sole (1) also being of a corresponding cylindrical shape (122), as is also the cover (124) and the tube (125); or the duct (3) is elongate and oval in cross section (223), the hole (2) in the sole (1) also being of a corresponding oval cross section (222), as is also the cover (224) and the tube (225); or the duct (3) is elongate and rectangular in cross section (323), the hole (2) in the sole (1) also being of a corresponding rectangular cross section (322), as is also the cover (324) and the tube (325); or the duct (3) is elongate and octagonal in cross section (423), the hole (2) in the sole (1) also being of a corresponding octagonal cross section (422), as is also the cover (424) and the tube (425).

46. A method for producing a footwear item (0) with a device for storing information or an object, the method comprising: providing a footwear item (0) comprising a sole (1), the sole (1) comprising a front part (201) and a rear part (101), forming a hole (2) that opens onto the front part (200) or the rear part (100) of the footwear item (0), providing a casing (3, 4) comprising a duct (3) including an opening (153), the duct (3) being equipped with a cover (4) hermetically closing the opening (153) of the duct (3) in order to make the casing (3, 4) leak-tight, the casing (3, 4) being dimensioned such that is suitable for insertion into the hole (2), the cover (4) including a tube (5) suitable for insertion into the duct (3) via the opening (153) and allowing the storage of information or an object, inserting the duct (3) into the hole (2) and fixing the duct (3) to the sole (1) in order to secure the duct (3) and the sole (1) permanently, the duct (3) also comprising an anchoring means (233, 333, 433) integrated in the duct (3), the anchoring means (233) being suitable for fixing the duct (3) in the hole (2) in the sole (1) and for securing the duct (3) to the sole (1) permanently, fixing the tube (5) to the cover (4) permanently (105) or removably (205), wherein: a) either the opening of the tube is open (245) and the tube (5) is obstructed at the opening by a removable cap (135) making it possible to close and block the information or object disposed in the tube (5), the cap (135) including a cap head (1135) having a diameter slightly larger than the body (2135) of the cap (135) suitable for insertion in said tube (5), b) or the opening of the tube (5) is closed by an end face (145) so as to obtain a closed tube making it possible to close off and block the information or object disposed in the tube (5), and fixing the cover (4) on the duct (3).

47. The production method according to claim 46, further comprising: fixing the cover (4) including the tube (5) to the duct (3), and then inserting the casing (3, 4) into the hole (2) such that the cover (4) closes the duct (3) and the mouth of the hole (3).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0080] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from reading the following detailed description. Also, in order to provide a clearer understanding of the invention, several preferred embodiments will be described hereinafter by way of example, with reference in particular to the accompanying figures, in which

[0081] FIG. 1 shows a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0082] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0083] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0084] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0085] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0086] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0088] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0089] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0090] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0091] FIG. 11 shows a side view of a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0092] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0093] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0094] FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0095] FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a rear part of a footwear item in one embodiment of the invention,

[0096] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a duct in one embodiment of the invention,

[0097] FIG. 17 shows a side view of a duct in one embodiment of the invention,

[0098] FIG. 18 shows a side view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0099] FIG. 19 shows a side view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0100] FIG. 20 shows a plan view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0101] FIG. 21 shows a side view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0102] FIG. 22 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item, a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0103] FIG. 23 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item, a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0104] FIG. 24 shows a side view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0105] FIG. 25 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item, a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0106] FIG. 26 shows a side view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0107] FIG. 27 shows a side view of a rear part of a footwear item, a duct and a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0108] FIG. 28 shows a plan view of a cover in one embodiment of the invention,

[0109] FIG. 29 shows a view of a cover with tube in one embodiment of the invention,

[0110] FIG. 30 shows a view of a cover with tube in another embodiment of the invention,

[0111] FIG. 31 a-d shows a view of a cover with tube in one embodiment of the invention,

[0112] FIG. 32 shows a view of a cover with tube in one embodiment of the invention,

[0113] FIG. 33 shows a view of a cover with tube in one embodiment of the invention,

[0114] FIG. 34 a-d shows a view of a cover with tube in one embodiment of the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0115] The present invention is described on the basis of particular embodiments and with reference to the figures, however the invention is not limited thereto. The drawings or figures described are merely schematic and are not limiting. FIG. 1 shows a footwear item (0) in one embodiment of the invention.

[0116] The footwear item (0) comprises a sole (1), the rear part (101) of which is visible in FIG. 1. The rear part (101) of the sole is intended to support the heel of a user of the footwear item. The rear part (101) of the sole preferably comprises a heel. The sole (1) also comprises a front part (201), which is intended to support in particular the toes of a user. The rear part (101) of the sole (1) is preferably thicker than the front part (201) of the sole.

[0117] The rear part (101) of the sole (1) comprises a hole (2) which opens towards the rear of the footwear item (0). The hole (2) is preferably situated in the heel of the footwear item (0).

[0118] As can be seen in FIG. 7, the footwear item (0) comprises a duct (3) which can be inserted manually into the hole (2). The duct (3) also comprises a cover (4) closing the opening (153) of the duct (3). The duct (3) and the cover (4) together form a leak-tight casing (3, 4).

[0119] The casing (3 and 4) has a first face, turned towards the mouth (153) of the hole when the casing is in place inside the hole (2), and a second face, opposite the first face, for closing the casing.

[0120] The casing (3 and 4) is preferably cylindrical, in which case the casing preferably has a diameter between 0.5 and 2.0 cm, more preferably between 1.0 and 1.5 cm.

[0121] The casing (3 and 4) preferably has a length between 1.0 and 10.0 cm, more preferably between 3.0 and 7.0 cm, even more preferably between 4.0 and 6.0 cm.

[0122] The hole (2) is preferably substantially parallel to the inner side of the sole and the duct (3) is preferably also installed so as to be substantially parallel to the inner side of the sole, such that the casing (3 and 4) points towards the rear in a substantially horizontal direction when the footwear item is placed flat on the ground.

[0123] The footwear item (0) can be a footwear item with a flat heel, with a heel, with a high heel, or with additional soles.

[0124] FIGS. 7 to 11 show a cover (4) intended to close the mouth (153) of the hole, moreover in an entirely leak-tight manner, so as to prevent water or dirt from entering the duct (3).

[0125] The cover (4) has a first face, turned towards the rear when the cover (4) is in place over the mouth (153) of the hole, and a second face, opposite the first face, and thus facing the first face of the casing when the cover (4) closes the hole in which the casing is inserted. The first face and the second face of the cover (4) are separated by a length of the cover.

[0126] Technical Description of the Duct, and Fixing Thereof:

[0127] As can be seen in FIG. 7, the duct (3) also comprises a cover (4) closing the opening of the duct (153) so as to form a leak-tight casing. The cover (4) is designed to close the opening in a leak-tight manner.

[0128] The duct (3) can be provided in different shapes: cylindrical (123), oval (223), rectangular (323), octagonal (423), and can be provided in different sizes.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 8, if the duct (3) is elongate and cylindrical in shape (123), the hole (2) in the sole (1) will also be of a corresponding cylindrical shape (122), as will also the cover (124) and the tube (125). In accordance with one embodiment of the invention (not shown), the duct (3) and the tube are conical in shape, and the hole (2) in the sole (1) will also be of a corresponding conical (122) shape.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 9, if the duct (3) is elongate and oval (223) in cross section, the hole (2) in the sole (1) will also be of a corresponding cylindrical cross section (222), as will also the cover (224) and the tube (225).

[0131] As shown in FIG. 10, if the duct (3) is elongate and rectangular (323) in cross section, the hole (2) in the sole (1) will also be of a corresponding rectangular cross section (322), as will also the cover (324) and the tube (325).

[0132] As shown in FIG. 11, if the duct (3) is elongate and octagonal (423) in cross section, the hole (2) in the sole (1) will also be of a corresponding octagonal cross section (422), as will also the cover (424) and the tube (425).

[0133] The duct (3) and also the cover (4) can be made on the basis of any sort of impermeable (metal, aluminium, stainless steel, any sort of plastic, carbon, rubber, etc.).

[0134] The duct (3) is preferably smooth on the inner face (143) so as to allow the tube incorporating the objects to be easily inserted and removed.

[0135] The duct (3) is fixed permanently in the sole (1) of the footwear item by anchoring means.

[0136] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12, the outer face of the duct comprises bumps (233) so as to form a means for anchoring the duct (3) in the hole (112, 212) of the sole (1) and so as to make it possible to fix the duct (3) to the sole (1) so as to secure them permanently. These bumps (233) of half-moon shape are open towards the opening of the duct (153) and solid towards the closed part of the duct (353). When the duct (3) is inserted into the hole (2), said duct slides easily as far as the bottom of the hole.

[0137] The bumps (233) then block the duct (3) in the hole (2) and prevent it from being removed, such that the duct (3) is permanently joined to the sole (2).

[0138] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the hold of the duct (3) in the hole (2) of the sole (1) can be further reinforced advantageously by glue.

[0139] The duct (3) can be fixed, for example to the sole (1), by another adhesive fixing means, cement, soldering, or by other fusing techniques.

[0140] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the outer face of the duct comprises barbs (fins) (333) so as to form a means for anchoring the duct (3) in the hole (112, 212) of the sole (1) and so as to make it possible to fix the duct (3) to the sole (1) so as to secure them permanently. These barbs (333) are suitable for preventing the duct (3) from being removed from the hole (2) after having been inserted thereinto.

[0141] As can be seen in FIG. 14, the inner wall (102) of the hole (2) in the sole can be smooth, and only the outer part of the duct (3) contains barbs (333).

[0142] As can be seen in FIG. 15, in accordance with another embodiment, the inner wall (202) of the hole (2) contains the same barbs (202), which cooperate with barbs (333) on the outer part of the duct (3) so as to anchor and fix the duct (3) to the sole (1) and so as to secure them permanently.

[0143] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the hold in the hole (2) of the sole (1) can be further reinforced advantageously by glue.

[0144] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16, the duct (3) comprises, at the end situated in the vicinity of the bottom of the hole (232), a flexible system formed of a plurality of elements of pointed shape (433), preferably four elements (433). As the duct is inserted into the hole (2), the pointed elements (433), which are flexible, can be depressed inwardly so as to facilitate the insertion thereof into the hole (2). By then inserting a cylinder (not shown) into the duct (3), during the manufacture of the footwear item, the various pointed elements (433) extend outwardly and are wedged in the sole (1) so as to remain blocked there and thus fix the duct (3) to the sole (1), these parts being secured permanently.

[0145] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the hold in the hole (2) of the sole (1) can be further reinforced advantageously by glue.

[0146] The anchoring means of the duct (3) in the presented embodiments can be combined with one another.

[0147] The hold in the hole of the sole (1) as further reinforced by glue.

[0148] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 17, the duct is smooth (133) and is fixed in the hole (2) of the sole (1) thanks to the glue. The duct (3) and the sole (1) are secured permanently solely by glue.

[0149] Description and Fixing of the Cover to the Duct:

[0150] FIGS. 18 to 27 show the cover (4) hermetically closing the mouth of the duct (3) so as to allow robust fixing between the cover (4) and the duct (3) and so as to make the casing leak-tight.

[0151] The cover (4) preferably comprises a first fixing part, and the duct (3) comprises a second fixing part, the first and second fixing parts being arranged so as to cooperate together.

[0152] This makes it possible to obtain a robust and leak-tight fixing between the cover (4) and the duct (3).

[0153] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 18, the cover (4) comprises flexible toric lamellae (114) on the outer face, suitable for cooperating with a duct (3), the inner face of said duct (3) being smooth (143).

[0154] The cover (4) comprises flexible toric lamellae (114) on the outer face. By inserting the cover (4) into the duct (3) until the opening of the duct (153) contacts the base of the cover (104), the lamellae (114) can be folded slightly, thus creating a resistance which makes removal of the cover (4) difficult for a child whilst ensuring the tightness of the casing.

[0155] In order to remove the cover (4), it is suffice for the person to pull strongly on it by means of a grip (414) situated on the base of the cover (104).

[0156] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 21, the cover (4) is formed by a lever-based closing system (134), suitable for cooperating with a duct (3), the inner face of said duct being smooth (143).

[0157] This system (134) comprises a pin (1134) connected between a plate (2134), at the lower base (3134), and a lever (4134), at the head of the rod (5134). An O-ring (6134) made of rubber and a blocking piece (7134) in contact with the opening of the duct (153) are positioned between these two parts. When the closing system (134) is in contact with the opening of the duct (153) and therefore the body of the part (8134) is introduced into the duct (3), by pivoting the lever (4134) through 90 degrees relative to the duct 93), the pad (2134) approaches the blocking piece (7134) and thus compresses the rubber O-ring (6134). The diameter of said O-ring increases and thus tightly blocks the lever-based closing system (134) in the duct (3).

[0158] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 22, the cover (4) comprises a first screw thread on the outer face (214) and the duct (3) comprises a second screw thread on the inner face around the mouth (243) of the duct, so as to correspond to the first screw thread when the cover (4) closes the opening of the duct (153).

[0159] The first screw thread (214) screws into the second screw thread (243) when the cover (4) is screwed to the opening (243) and this screwing makes it possible to obtain a leak-tight fixing, which is easy to open for an adult but is relatively difficult to open for a child.

[0160] The cover (4) preferably comprises a means (164) for turning the cover (4) relative to the sole (1). This makes the screwing and unscrewing easier. The means (164) for turning the cover relative to the sole comprises a slot (164) intended for the insertion of a coin or a screwdriver.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 23, the fixing comprises a bayonet-based closing system (144). The end of the duct (3) contains grooves (443).

[0162] The cover comprises two lugs (1144). By coupling the duct (3) and the cover (4) woth bayonet-based closing system (144), the two lugs (1144) are in contact with the grooves (443). By pivoting the cover, the two lugs (1144) are blocked in the grooves (443) so as to allow robust fixing between the cover (4) and the duct (3) and for making the casing leak-tight.

[0163] The cover (4), in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, preferably comprises a means for turning the cover (4) relative to the sole (1). This makes the screwing and unscrewing easier. The means for turning the cover relative to the sole comprises a slot intended for the insertion of a coin or a screwdriver (164).

[0164] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the cover (4) comprises a rim (204) with a first screw thread on the inner face (314), and the duct (213) comprises a second screw thread disposed around the opening on the outer face (343), so as to correspond to the first screw thread when the cover (4) closes the opening of the duct (153), with the duct being slightly longer than the hole in the sole and protruding slightly beyond the outside of the sole (213).

[0165] This screwing makes it possible to obtain a robust and leak-tight fixing, which is easy to open for an adult, but relatively difficult to open for a child.

[0166] The cover (4), in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, preferably comprises a means for turning the cover (4) relative to the sole (1). This makes the screwing and unscrewing easier. The means for turning the cover relative to the sole comprises a slot (164) intended for the insertion of a coin or a screwdriver.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 26-28, the duct (3) is fully inserted into the sole (113). At the opening of the duct (153), the diameter of the hole (132) in the sole is slightly larger than the outer diameter (253) of the hole of the duct so as to accommodate the cover (4) during the screwing.

[0168] The cover (4) comprises a rim (204) with a first screw thread on the inner face of the cover (314), and the duct (113) comprises a second screw thread disposed around the mouth of the duct on the outer face (343), so as to correspond to the first screw thread when the cover closes the opening of the duct (153).

[0169] This screwing makes it possible to obtain a robust and leak-tight fixing, which is easy to open for an adult, but relatively difficult to open for a child.

[0170] The cover (4), in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, preferably comprises a means (164) for turning the cover (4) relative to the sole (1). This makes the screwing and unscrewing easier. The means (164) for turning the cover relative to the sole comprises a slot intended for the insertion of a coin or a screwdriver.

[0171] The base of the cover (104) which contains the slot advantageously has a diameter of 3 mm larger than that of the body of the cover.

[0172] When the cover (4) is screwed to the duct (3), the base of the cover (104) is in contact with the sole (1) and thus prevents any dirt or liquid from penetrating between the sole (1) and the duct (3).

[0173] Technical Description of the Tube:

[0174] In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 7, 18, 19 and 21 to 34, the tube (5) is of elongate form and is suitable for insertion into the duct (3) by being fixed on the base (104) of the cover (4).

[0175] The tube (5) is preferably inserted into the hole (2) so as to be removable. It is easier to insert documents or objects into the tube (5), and to remove documents or objects therefrom, when said tube is held in the hand.

[0176] So as to be able to insert and fix the tube (5) more easily into the hole (2) in the sole, this hole (2) is associated with a duct (3) that is preferably sealed on one side and open on the other.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 29 to 34, the tube (5) inserted into the duct (3) can be fixed permanently (105) or removably (205) on the base of the cover (104). It can thus be inserted and removed manually from the duct (3) at the same time as the cover (4). The tube (5) and the base of the cover (104) can also be formed in one piece.

[0178] When the cover (4) is fixed on the duct (3), the tube (5) fills the inner part of the duct (3) from one end to the other. The duct (3) and the tube (5) preferably have a length between 1.0 and 10.0 cm, more preferably between 3.0 and 7.0 cm, even more preferably between 4.0 and 6.0 cm.

[0179] The tube (5) can be made of different materials, such as metal, aluminium, stainless steel, carbon, or a rigid plastics material. The tube (5) preferably can be made of a transparent material so as to be able to see the content thereof.

[0180] The tube (5) can be fixed removably (205) to the inner face of the cover (154) so as to be able to be detached if desired.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 31 and 34, the removable fixing comprises a bayonet-type closing system, with bayonets (155, 255) situated on the inner face (215) or on the outer face (115) of the tube (5) depending on whether the groove openings (preferably approximately 0.5 mm tall) are oriented towards the outer face (354) of the cover or towards the inner face (254) of the cover, respectively.

[0182] For example, if the grooves (254) are open towards the inner face of the cover, one end of the tube comprises two flat lugs (255) situated outside the tube. By coupling the tube and the cover, the two flat lugs (255) are positioned between the grooves (254).

[0183] By pivoting the tube in one direction, the two lugs (255) are accommodated and blocked beneath the grooves (254).

[0184] As can be seen in FIG. 30, the tube (5) can be obstructed at its other end by a removable cap (135) so as to close and block the information or objects disposed in the tube (5). The head of this cap (1135) preferably has a diameter slightly larger than its body (2135) so as to be easily removed from the tube (5). This removable cap (135) is suitable for sealing the opening of the open tube (245).

[0185] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 29, the tube with removable fixing (205) can also be closed by an end face (145) at the opening of the tube so as to obtain a closed tube (145).

TABLE-US-00001 Summary Part Specification Reference Figure(s) Footwear 0 1, 7 item: rear of the footwear item 100 1 to 6 front of the footwear item 200  1 outer side of the footwear 300 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 item Sole base: 1 1, 7 rear part 101 1, 14, 15 front part 201  1 tail of the sole 301  4 tail of the sole in the 401  3 form of a beading heel cup of the footwear 501 3, 5, 6 item anterior part Hole: 2 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 14, 15 smooth 102 7, 14 barbs 202 15 horizontal 112  1 slanted 212  1 round 122  8 oval 222  9 rectangular 322 10 octagonal 422 11 hole diameter larger than 132 27, 28 opening hole bottom 232  1 Duct: 3 7, 12 to 17, 22 fully inserted 113 27 slightly outside the sole 213 25 round 123  8 oval 223  9 rectangular 323 10 octagonal 423 11 outer finish of the duct smooth 133 17 bumps 233 12 barbs 333 13, 14, 15 4 pointed elements 433 16 totally smooth interior 143 12, 13, 16, 17 interior with screw thread 243 22 at the end screw thread externally at 343 25, 27 the end groove end 443 23 duct opening 153 7, 12, 13, 16, 17, 22, 25, 27 duct diameter 253 27, 28 obstructed part of the duct 353 12, 13, 16, 17 Cover: 4 7, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 base of the cover 104 18, 19, 21, 26, 29 to 34 rim of the cover 204 24, 26, 29, 30, 31, 34 toric lamellae 114 18 outer screw thread 214 19, 22, 32, 33 inner screw thread 314 24, 26 cover grip 414 18, 19, 32, 33 round 124  8 oval 224  9 rectangular 324 10 octagonal 424 11 lever-based closing system 134 21 pin 1134 21 pad 2134 21 lower base 3134 21 lever 4134 21 bar head 5134 21 toric joint 6134 21 blocking part 7134 21 body of the part 8134 21 bayonet-type closing system 144 23 two lugs 1144 23 inner face of the cover 154 24, 26, 31, 34 slides, opening towards the 254 31 interior slides, opening towards the 354 34 exterior slot for insertion of a 164 20, 22, 27 screwdriver Tube: 5 7, 18, 19, 21 to 27, 29 to 34 tube with fixed fixing 105 tube with removably fixing 205 29, 3 cover-tube connection 305 18, 19, 21, 32, 33, 34 exterior bayonet-based tube 115 31 fixing interior bayonet-based tube 215 34 fixing round tube 125  8 oval tube 225  9 rectangular tube 325 10 octagonal tube 425 11 removable tube cap 135 30 cap head 1135 30 cap body 2135 30 closed tube 145 29, 32 open tube 245 30, 33 tube with inner lugs 155 34 tube with outer lugs 255 31

[0186] The present invention is not in any way limited to the embodiment described by way of example and shown in the drawings. Numerous modifications of the details, shapes and dimensions could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments which are purely illustrative and should not be considered limiting. The reference numbers in the claims do not limit the scope thereof.