ADAPTIVE LACING DEVICE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage U.S. patent application of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/071766, filed on August 4, 20121, and claims foreign priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2020 120 710, filed on Aug. 5, 2020, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A lacing device for fixing a shoe to a foot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

It is known to fix shoes to the foot of a wearer by means of a lacing device. Typically, the lacing device can be opened and closed when the shoe is put on and taken off. To close the lacing device, it can, for example, be knotted, buttoned, clamped, velcroed or latched. Such a lacing device is known, for example, from DE 10 2011 014 903 B4. According to this reference, a lace is fixed with the aid of a tensioning device. EP 3 361 900 A1 shows a lacing fastener for shoes, wherein a lace can be pre-tensioned with a pre-tensioning mechanism.

A disadvantage of the known lacing devices is that the degree of lacing is determined when the lacing element is closed or pre-tensioned. However, the appropriate degree of lacing may change depending on the activity of the wearer. For example, when walking slowly or sitting, a low degree of lacing, i.e. light lacing may be preferred, whereas when running or jumping, a high degree of lacing, i.e. tight lacing would be more suitable. The known lacing devices always require manual readjustment to adjust the degree of lacing to the current requirements.

DE 10 2015 219 614 A1 proposes to completely renounce the lacing device and instead equip the upper shoe with materials of different stiffness. Such solutions can increase the wearing comfort. In addition, a comfortable putting on and taking off the shoe is made possible. However, these lacing device-less solutions have the disadvantage that they do not always provide sufficient support and the wearer can unintentionally slip out of the shoe during sudden, rapid movements.

Consequently, there is a desire for a lacing device that eliminates the need for readjustment while reducing the risk of accidentally losing the shoe.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a lacing device for fixing a shoe to a foot.

Accordingly, described is a lacing device for fixing a shoe to a foot, comprising a shoe main body for receiving the foot of a wearer, at least one lacing element for holding the foot in the shoe main body, and at least one adaptor for adjusting the degree of lacing of the lacing element, wherein the adaptor is coupled to the lacing element. In implementations, the adaptor is configured to release or lock the lacing element depending on the speed of a relative movement of the foot of a wearer with respect to the lacing element, which leads to a relative movement of the lacing element with respect to the shoe main body.

The speed-dependent behavior of the adaptor allows the lacing device to yield during slow movements of the foot relative to the shoe (main body) and to block the lacing device during fast, sudden movements. Thus, a shoe equipped with this lacing device is able to adapt the degree of lacing to the requirements of the wearer's current movement profile without the need for additional manual adjustment by the wearer.

When sitting or walking slowly, the lacing device is exposed to slow relative movements of the foot. Thus the adaptor coupled to the lacing element can be deflected from its rest position. For example, the adaptor can perform a stroke or extension movement so that the lacing element can yield to the relative movement of the foot. In this case, the lacing device has a low degree of lacing.

Sporting activities such as running or jumping, on the other hand, can lead to sudden relative movements of the foot in relation to the lacing element. The adaptor coupled to the lacing element locks and can no longer be deflected, so that the lacing element counteracts the relative movement of the foot. In this case, the lacing device has a high degree of lacing.

As a result, a shoe with the present lacing device primarily can provide either a high wearing comfort or a high stabilizing effect depending on the situation. On the one hand, this eliminates the need for manual readjustment. On the other hand, the risk of unintentional slipping out of the shoe is minimized.

In an embodiment, the lacing element and/or the adaptor comprise at least one section arranged proximal, anterior on the shoe main body to interact with the back of the foot. The relative movements that occur between the foot and the upper shoe are generally greatest in the area of the back of the foot. By placing the lacing element in this area, the advantages of the adaptive lacing device fully can be exploited. A low degree of lacing, i.e. a weak lacing in the area of the back of the foot, arouses a high level of wearing comfort for the wearer. Conversely, it is precisely the relative movement between the back of the foot and the upper shoe that contributes significantly to slipping out of the shoe. A high degree of lacing, i.e. a fixed lacing in the area of the back of the foot, can effectively counteract slipping out.

In an embodiment, at least one section of the lacing element and/or the adaptor run from the lateral side anteriorly to the medial side of the shoe main body. This makes it possible to adaptively influence the stroke path of a relative movement between the back of the foot and the upper shoe, which is greatest in the anterior area. The maximum possible stroke path can be provided for slow relative movements. In this way, a high level of wearing comfort or easy putting on and taking off the shoe can be made possible. In the case of fast, sudden movements, on the other hand, the adaptor locks, so that a minimum or no stroke path is provided anteriorly. This allows the shoe to be held firmly on the foot.

In a further embodiment, the at least one adaptor is coupled to the lacing element such that the adaptor forms an intermediate section of the lacing element, wherein two ends of the adaptor are coupled to a lacing element section, or the adaptor forms an extension of the lacing element, wherein one end of the adaptor is attached to the shoe main body. This can ensure that a relative movement between the back of the foot and the upper shoe is transmitted to the adaptor via the lacing element. In the case of slow relative movements between the back of the foot and the upper shoe, a stroke movement of the lacing element can be provided by the lacing element guiding the adaptor from its rest position so that the adaptor describes an extension movement, for example. With a sufficiently stiff lacing element, the maximum stroke movement of the lacing element is limited substantially by the maximum possible deflection of the adaptor. In the case of fast, sudden relative movements between the back of the foot and the upper shoe, however, the coupling between the lacing element and the adaptor causes the adaptor to deflect so quickly that it locks and does not allow any further deflection. Thus, a stroke movement of the lacing element can be prevented.

In the event that the adaptor forms an intermediate section of the lacing element, the lacing element may be coupled to the adaptor at each of its opposing ends. In this case, the lacing element is interrupted by the adaptor. For the alternative case in which the adaptor forms an extension of the lacing element, the adaptor is coupled to an end section of the lacing element. In turn, the adaptor may be attached to the shoe. For example, the adaptor may be integrated into the upper shoe or the shoe sole. Alternatively, an end of the adaptor opposite the lacing element may be attached to the shoe via an additional stabilizing structure.

In an embodiment, the at least one adaptor is arranged in the line of force of the lacing element. This ensures that a large part of the relative speed resulting from the stroke movement of the lacing element in relation to the foot of the wearer is transferred to the adaptor.

In a further embodiment, the adaptor comprises a restoring element, wherein the restoring element is configured to bring the lacing element into a laced position and to hold it therein. If the adaptor is deflected from its rest position, the restoring element is subject to a prestress. The prestress of the restoring element causes the adaptor to always strive to take its rest position, and to be able to perform a compression movement, for example. The rest position of the adaptor is selected in such a way that the adaptor is always subject to a minimum prestress when a foot is present in the shoe. In this way, it can be ensured that the lacing device is constantly held on the wearer's foot.

The prestress of the restoring element should be selected in such a way that it is possible to put on or take off the shoe. During slow relative movements between the foot and the shoe, only the force exerted by the restoring element acts against the foot. The restoring element may comprise, for example, a compression spring, a tension spring and/or an elastic polymer.

In a further development, the adaptor has a receptacle filled with an active medium, in which at least one active body is received in a relative movable manner, wherein either the active body or the receptacle or both are attached to one end of the lacing element, and the receptacle or the active body is attached to the shoe main body or a further end of the/one lacing element, respectively.

The receptacle and the active body form two components of the adaptor that can move relative to each other. The receptacle contains an active medium through which the active body can move. A part of the active body, also called extraction body, extends into the receptacle and is in contact with the active medium. The active medium, for example, is a Newtonian fluid, a shear thickening fluid or a shear thickening polymer. The relative movement between the receptacle and the active body corresponds essentially to a stroke movement. The adaptor can be configured as a speed-dependent or acceleration-dependent damping element, which enables a sudden increase of the resistance force. Suitable adaptors are shown, for example, in EP 3 238 670 B1, WO 2020/115227 A1, EP 2 854 720 B1, EP 3 145 455 B1, or EP 3 092 980 A1, the subject matter of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Because the lacing element is coupled with the adaptor, it benefits from the adaptive behavior of the adaptor. Depending on the wearer's activity, the adaptor shows an adapted behavior, which eliminates the need for manual readjustment.

In a further embodiment, the lacing element is attached to the shoe main body and/or forms an extension of the shoe main body.

As used herein, the term lacing element includes a lace, a shoelace, a band, a strap, a lug, a buckle, a velcro strap of a velcro fastener, a section of material integrated into the upper shoe having a stiffness differing from the rest of the upper shoe, and other elements intended to provide a lacing effect, i.e. a fixation of a shoe to a foot.

For example, the lacing element can be attached to the shoe main body through receptacles provided on the shoe main body, such as loops, eyelets or openings in the material of the shoe main body. Alternatively, the lacing element can be integrated into the shoe main body in the form of fibers.

Additionally or alternatively, the lacing element may be fixed to the upper shoe at least at one end. Alternatively, the lacing element may form an extension of the shoe, the upper shoe, for example in the form of a lug or a strap. In this way, particularly smooth, i.e. low-profile, surfaces of the upper shoe can be formed. This also results in advantageous design aspects, such as a clear and simple visual design language.

The surfaces of the receptacles can be formed with low friction so that as much kinetic energy as possible reaches the adaptor. Alternatively, the surfaces of the receptacles can also have higher friction values (μ=0.4 to 0.6; according to DIN EN ISO 8295) to support the lacing function of the lacing device.

In a further embodiment, the adaptor is configured such that when the speed of relative movement of the lacing element with respect to the shoe main body is below a threshold value, the lacing element permits the relative movement of the lacing element, and when the speed of relative movement of the lacing element with respect to the shoe main body exceeds the threshold value, the lacing element inhibits the relative movement of the lacing element with respect to the shoe main body to retain a foot located in the shoe.

The relative movement speed dependent behavior of the adaptor, wherein the behavior of the adaptor depends on exceeding a relative movement speed threshold, reduces the need for manual readjustment by the wearer of the shoe. In the case of slow relative movements between foot and shoe, the lacing device enables a high level of wearing comfort. In the case of fast, sudden relative movements between foot and shoe, on the other hand, the lacing device enables the necessary fixation of the shoe to the foot.

With the pre-setting of the threshold value of the adaptor, the application profile of the shoe can be defined. For example, shoes that are designed for comfort, such as shoes for the daily use, can be equipped with a high threshold value. A blocking of the adaptor and the resulting fixation of the shoe to the foot then only occurs in extreme situations such as sudden changes of direction, faster running, etc. In contrast, in the area of work safety shoes or sports shoes, such as football, rugby, basketball, hiking, skiing or snowboarding shoes, a low preset threshold value may be preferred. Here, it may be desirable to fix the shoe to the foot already at slower relative movements of the foot in relation to the shoe, for example, to avoid unintentional removal of the shoe.

In a further embodiment, the adaptor runs essentially in the longitudinal direction of the shoe and/or is arch-shaped.

In a further embodiment, the lacing element is coupled with at least two adaptors. This makes it possible to distribute the stroke caused by a relative movement between foot and shoe to at least two adaptors. In this way, smaller dimensions of the individual adaptors can be realised. For example, the lacing element can be arranged between two adaptors, wherein a first adaptor is arranged on the lateral side and a second adaptor on the medial side of the shoe main body. Alternatively, two adaptors can be arranged on the same—for example lateral or medial—side of the shoe main body, wherein the adaptors are coupled to the same lacing element section or to different lacing element sections.

In another embodiment, the adaptor is integrated into the lacing element. This enables a low-profile surface of the upper shoe. Furthermore, advantageous design aspects result, such as a clear and simple visual design language.

In a further development, the lacing element comprises a hollow fiber, wherein the hollow fiber forms a receptacle for the adaptor, and wherein the receptacle is filled with an active medium and at least one active body extends partially within the receptacle. As a result, force progressions of forces acting from the foot onto the shoe main body can be absorbed even more precisely by the lacing element or the adaptor in an application-specific manner. This can further improve the wearing comfort as well as the hold of the shoe on the wearer's foot. The hollow fiber can be incorporated into a textile/fabric structure of the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures:

FIG. 1A shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 1B shows schematically a detailed view of the lacing device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 2B shows schematically a detailed view of the lacing device of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 3B shows schematically a detailed top view of the lacing device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 4B shows schematically a detailed view of the adaptor of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C shows schematically a detailed top view of the lacing device of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 5B shows schematically detail view of the lacing device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C shows schematically a top view of the lacing device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 7A shows schematically a lateral side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 7B shows schematically a medial side view of the lacing device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A shows schematically a lateral side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot;

FIG. 8B shows schematically a top view of the lacing device of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A shows schematically a side view of a lacing device for fixing a shoe main body to a foot in a closed position;

FIG. 9B shows schematically a side view of the lacing device of FIG. 9A in an open position; and

FIG. 9C shows schematically a top view of the lacing device of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, embodiments are described based on the figures. Identical, similar or similarly acting elements are provided with identical reference signs in the different figures, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

FIG. 1A schematically shows a lacing device 10 for fixing a shoe main body 20 to a foot. The lacing device 10 has an adaptor 30 by means of which the behavior of the lacing device 10 can be adapted to the current activity of the wearer without the need for manual readjustment.

The shoe main body 20 shown in FIG. 1A comprises an upper shoe 22 and a sole 24. The upper shoe 22 has a lateral reinforcement 26 glued to the upper shoe 22. Alternatively, the reinforcement may be sewn to the upper shoe or formed integrally with the upper shoe.

According to FIG. 1A, the reinforcement is connected to the sole 24 at one end. This makes it possible to transfer forces acting on the reinforcement 26 to the sole and vice versa. Thus, the reinforcement 26 forms a force-transmitting structure.

The end of the reinforcement 26 opposing the sole 24 has lacing element receptacles 28 formed by hole-shaped cut-outs in the reinforcement 26. FIG. 1B shows that another reinforcement element 26′ is arranged on the opposite medial side of the shoe main body, which also has lacing element receptacles 28′. A lacing element 11 runs between the reinforcements 26 and 26′, which connects the reinforcements 26, 26′ to each other and serves to be laced against the back of the foot of a foot received in the shoe main body.

The lacing element 11 is in the form of a lace which is threaded through the lacing element receptacles 28, 28′. In FIG. 1B, two lacing element receptacles 28, 28′ are provided per reinforcement 26, 26′. Alternatively, there may be more or fewer lacing element receptacles per reinforcement. The lacing element is threaded through the lacing element receptacles 28 in such a way that it crosses over in the area between the reinforcements 26, 26′. Alternatively, other known arrangements of the lacing element 11 in the lacing element receptacles 28 can be provided.

An adaptor 30 is disposed between the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 to couple the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 together. Eyelets (not shown) are provided at the opposite ends of the adaptor to allow coupling with the ends 12 or 13 of the lacing element 11. Alternatively, the ends 12 or 13 of the lacing element 11 may be glued, welded, clamped, clipped, riveted or integrally formed with the ends of the adaptor. Depending on the relative speed at which the ends of the lacing element 11 move with respect to the adaptor 30, the behavior of the adaptor 30 changes. In the case of slow relative movements, the adaptor 30 experiences an extension, for example in the form of a stroke movement, through which the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 can move apart. During fast relative movements, on the other hand, the adaptor 30 locks so that the distance between the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing device 11 is fixed.

The relative movements of the lacing element 11 are generally due to relative movements of a foot in relation to the shoe main body 20. During a rolling movement, such as occurs when walking, the back of the foot presses against the upper shoe 22. A relative movement in the form of a stroke movement is caused between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. Conventional lacing devices can be fixed to limit this relative movement. By fixing the lacing device, a degree of lacing is determined. Depending on the activity of the wearer—for example the intensity of a rolling movement—a different degree of lacing can be required. For slow or passive activities of the wearer, a low degree of lacing, i.e. loose lacing, is usually desirable. For active, for example athletic, activities, a high degree of lacing, i.e. tight lacing, is usually preferred. With conventional lacing devices, the degree of lacing can only be adjusted to changing conditions by manual readjustment.

The lacing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is able to adjust the degree of lacing to the current activity of the wearer without the need for manual readjustment, thanks to the adaptor 30 coupled to the lacing element 11. During slow relative movements, a maximum possible stroke distance can be provided between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. The adaptor 30 allows the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 to move apart. In this way, a high level of wearing comfort or easy entry/exit into the shoe can be made possible.

In the case of fast, sudden movements, on the other hand, the adaptor 30 locks so that a minimal or no stroke path is provided anterior between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. The ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 cannot move further apart. The shoe main body 20 can thus be held firmly on the foot.

The adaptor 30 allows a stroke path to be provided or prevented depending on the speed at which the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element move apart. The behavior of the adaptor 30 depends on a preset relative movement speed threshold value. If the relative movement speed of the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 with respect to the adaptor 30 is below the threshold value, the adaptor can be extended so that the ends 12 and 13 can move further apart. If the relative movement speed of the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11 with respect to the adaptor 30 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the adaptor locks and prevents relative movement between the ends 12 and 13 of the lacing element 11. The relative movement speed threshold value of the adaptor 30 in FIG. 1A is 20 mm/s. Alternatively, the relative movement speed threshold value may be a value between 5 and 200 mm/s, for example, 10 and 30 mm/s. The adaptor can be configured as a speed-dependent or an acceleration-dependent damping element, which enables a sudden increase in a resistance force emanating from the adaptor in relation to the lacing element and/or the upper shoe. For example, the adaptor can lock immediately when the force jumps from 4.5 N to 5 N.

The structure of the adaptor 30 is described in more detail in WO 2020/115227 A1. Alternatively, an adaptor as described in EP 3 238 670 B1, EP 2 854 720 B1, EP 3 145 455 B1, and EP 3 092 980 A1 can be used.

The adaptor 30 shown in FIG. 1A can provide a stroke of up to 10 mm. Alternatively, a stroke of between 1 to 80 mm, for example, 5 to 20 mm, may be provided.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an alternative embodiment of a lacing device 10. The shoe main body shown in FIG. 2A is substantially the same as the shoe main body shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B shows a detailed view showing reinforcements 26, 26′ integrated into the upper shoe 22, which are arranged offset on the upper shoe 22. Loop-shaped lacing element receptacles 28 are comprised at the free ends of the reinforcements 26, 26′, each of which extends across the entire width of the reinforcements 26, 26′. Alternatively, the loop-shaped lacing element receptacles can also be narrower or wider than the reinforcements 26, 26′.

FIG. 2B further shows a lacing element 11 extending through the lacing element receptacles 28 and attached to the shoe main body 20 at a first end 12. The lacing element 11 extends from the fixed end 12 from the medial side 25 of the shoe main body to the lateral side 21 of the shoe main body and is deflected to the other lateral/medial side 21, 25 of the shoe main body each time it leaves the lacing element receptacles 28. A second end of the lacing element 11 is coupled to an adaptive adaptor 30, of the type described above, which is laterally integrated into the sole 24. Alternatively, the adaptor may be externally attached to the sole, for example by an adhesive bond. The orientation of the adaptor 30 is fixed. Alternatively, the adaptor may be movably attached to the shoe main body. For example, the adaptor may be attached to the shoe main body by means of an eyelet or a swivel joint in order to track pivoting movements caused by the lacing element.

Just as in the device according to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a relative movement between the foot and the upper shoe 22, results in a relative movement of the lacing element 11 with respect to the upper shoe. Since the first end 12 of the lacing element is attached to the upper shoe 22, a relative movement of the first end 12 of the lacing device 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22 is not possible.

The second end 13 of the lacing device 11 is coupled to the adaptor 30 and can deflect the adaptor 30 from its rest position in the event of slow relative movement with respect to the upper shoe 22. This allows the lacing element 11 a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This allows for increased wearing comfort as well as easier putting on and taking off the shoe. In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the second end 13 of the lacing element 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptor 30 locks so that the lacing element 11 is fixed at both ends 12 and 13 and does not allow any stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. Thereby, the shoe is kept firmly on the foot.

The second end 13 of the lacing element 11 is coupled to the adaptor 30 via an eyelet of the adaptor (not shown). Alternatively, the second end 13 of the lacing element 11 can also be glued, welded, clamped, clipped, riveted or integrally formed with one end of the adaptor.

FIG. 3A shows an alternative embodiment of the lacing device 10. The shoe main body 20 is essentially the same as in FIG. 1A. Only the differences will be discussed below. The lacing device 10 comprises a lacing element 11 and two separate lacing strips 14 which extend from the lateral side 21 anteriorly to the medial side 25 of the shoe main body 20, as shown in FIG. 3B. The two lacing strips 14 are made of a flexible material, such as polyurethane, polyester and/or polyamide, and are arranged distally from the lacing element 11.

The lacing strips 14 are attached at their respective ends to the lateral side 21 respectively medial side 25 of the upper shoe 22. In particular, the lacing strips 14 are attached on the lateral side 21 to a reinforcement 27 anchored in the sole 24, as shown in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the lacing strips may be directly attached to the material of the lateral upper shoe. The elastic property of the lacing strips 14 can compensate for relative movement of the back of the foot with respect to the upper shoe 22. This allows the upper shoe 22 to be held against the back of the foot, wherein the resilience of the lacing strips 14 has a positive effect on the wearing comfort.

The lacing element 11 comprises a band which compared to the lacing strips 14 is of tensile stiffness, fixed medially to the upper shoe 22 at a first end and coupled to an adaptive adaptor 30 of the type described hereinbefore at a second end 13. The adaptor 30 is attached in a lateral visible manner to the upper shoe 22. FIG. 3A shows that the adaptor 30 is disposed between the lateral side of the upper shoe 22 and the reinforcement 27. A viewing window 271 is integrated into the reinforcement 27, through which the adaptor 30 is visible to the outside. Alternatively, the adaptor may be attached to or integrated into the sole. In a further embodiment, the adaptor may be invisibly attached to or integrated into the shoe main body. In a further embodiment, a viewing window is provided on the shoe main body through which the adaptor attached to or integrated in the shoe main body is visible.

The second end 13 of the lacing element 11, which is coupled to the adaptor 30, can deflect the adaptor 30 from its rest position in the event of a slow relative movement with respect to the upper shoe 22. Thereby, the lacing element 11 allows a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This permits an increased wearing comfort as well as easier putting on and taking off the shoe. In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the lacing element 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptor 30 locks so that the lacing element 11 is fixed at both ends and does not allow a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This allows the shoe to be held firmly on the wearer's foot.

FIG. 4A shows another embodiment of an adaptive lacing device 10. The shoe main body 20 is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 1A. The lacing device 10 comprises three separate, band-shaped lacing elements 11, which run from the lateral side anteriorly to the medial side of the shoe main body 20. The lacing elements 11 are substantially rigid and are each fixed at a first end 12 to the shoe main body by an optional reinforcement 26, as shown in FIG. 4C. The reinforcement 26 may, for example, be anchored in the sole (not shown). Alternatively, the first ends 12 of the lacing elements 11 may be directly attached to the medial side of the shoe main body. At a second end 13, the lacing elements 11 each have loops 16, as shown in FIG. 4A.

An arch-shaped adaptor 30 of the type described above is arranged laterally on the upper shoe 22. A detailed view of the adaptor 30 is shown in FIG. 4B. The adaptor comprises a receptacle 32, the free end of which is attached to the sole 24. Further, the adaptor 30 comprises an active body 34 which is received partially slidable in the receptacle 32. A majority of the active body extends outside of the receptacle 32 and rests laterally against the upper shoe on a flexible support 36. The support 36 is made of polyamide. Alternatively, the support may be coated with polyester, leather, synthetic leather and the like. Alternatively, a flexible sheath may be provided on the upper shoe to receive or guide the active body. The free end of the active body 34 is attached to the sole 24. The part extending in an arch shape from the adaptor can also be an extension, for example, made of a rigid plastic, which extends from the active body of the adaptor. In this way, adaptors with geometries as shown in FIG. 1A can be used.

The loops 16 of the lacing elements 11 embrace a central section of the active body 34. The arch shape of the adaptor 30 allows a stroke movement originating from the lacing elements 11 to be transferred into a stroke movement between the receptacle 32 and the active body 34.

In the event of a slow relative movement of the lacing elements 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22 the second ends 13 of the lacing elements 11, which are coupled to the active body 34 via the loops 16, can move the active body 34 partially out of the receptacle 32. Thereby, the lacing elements 11 allow a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This allows an increased wearing comfort as well as a simplified putting on and taking off the shoe. In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the lacing elements 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptor 30 locks so that the lacing elements 11 are fixed at both ends and do not allow a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. Thereby, the shoe can be held firmly on the wearer's foot.

The number of lacing elements can vary depending on the application of the shoe. Also, in an alternative embodiment, the lacing elements can be coupled to the receptacle instead of the active body. Alternatively, a second arch-shaped adaptor can be arranged medially on the shoe main body, which is coupled to the first ends of the lacing elements.

FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of an adaptive lacing device 10. The shoe main body 20 comprises a sole 24 and a closed upper shoe 22. The upper shoe 22 is entirely or partially made of a flexible material, such as elastane, and can be put on or taken off in a similar way to a sock. Gripping aids 29 are provided in the area of the entry opening 23 to facilitate putting on and taking off the shoe.

The lacing device 10 comprises a band-shaped lacing element 11 which runs in an eight-shaped manner around the shoe main body and embraces the heel, back and sole areas. The lacing element is stiff. A detailed view of the lacing element 11 is shown in FIG. 5B. From a first end 12, the lacing element 11 extends from the lateral side 21 anteriorly, proximally across the back of the foot to the medial side 25 of the shoe base 20, as shown in FIG. 5C. From the medial side, the lacing element 11 extends anteriorly, distally, i.e. over the sole area back to the lateral side 21 of the shoe main body 20. From there, it again extends over the back of the foot with a slightly posterior orientation onto the medial side 25. From the medial side, the lacing element 11 extends posteriorly around the heel area back to the lateral side to a second end 13.

The two ends 12 and 13 of the band-shaped lacing element 11 are coupled together via an adaptor 30, of the type described hereinbefore, so that the lacing device 10 describes a complete eight. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the adaptor 30 is arranged on the lateral side 21 of the shoe main body.

Thanks to the adaptor 30 coupled to the lacing element 11 the lacing device 10 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is able to adjust the degree of lacing to the current activity of the wearer without the need for manual readjustment. During slow relative movements, a maximum possible stroke path can be provided between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. The adaptor 30 allows the ends 12 and 13 of the lace element 11 to move apart. In this way, a high level of wearing comfort or easy entry/exit into the shoe can be made possible.

In the case of fast, sudden movements, on the other hand, the adaptor 30 locks so that a minimal or no stroke path is provided between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. The ends 12 and 13 of the lace element 11 cannot move further apart. The shoe main body 20 can thus be held firmly on the wearer's foot.

For further details with regard to the adaptor 30, reference is made to the explanations of FIGS. 1A and 1B made hereinbefore.

The eight-shaped configuration is only shown exemplary. Other designs are also possible, for example providing for multiple grasping of the sole and/or heel area. In addition, the arrangement of the adaptor is not limited to the lateral side of the shoe main body. The adaptor can also be arranged in the area of the back of the foot, on the medial side of the shoe main body or in the sole area. The band-shaped lacing element is made of a polyamide. Alternatively, it can also be made of natural fiber, polyester or other polymer-based materials.

FIG. 6 shows a lacing device 10 with a shoe main body 20 which is substantially similar to the shoe main body of FIG. 5A. Hereinafter, only the differences compared to the embodiment in FIG. 5A are described. The lacing device 10 comprises a plurality of fibrous lacing elements 11, 11′. The fibrous lacing elements are incorporated into the material of the upper shoe 22 in such a way that they can move longitudinally relative to the upper shoe 22. Longitudinal direction here means the extension along the fiber of a lacing element 11, 11′, i.e. from a first end 12, 12′ of a lacing element 11, 11′ to a second end of the lacing element 11, 11′. The material of the upper shoe is a synthetic leather on a textile fabric basis, optionally with PVC or PU coating. The material of the upper shoe can also be made of natural fiber, polyester or other polymer-based materials.

As shown in FIG. 6, three lacing elements 11 run almost parallel from a heel area of the shoe main body 20 over the lateral side, further over the area of the back of the foot to the medial side and finally back posterior to the heel area. In the heel area, the ends of the lacing elements 11 are attached to a reinforcement 27.

Three further lacing elements 11′ run almost parallel from the middle, lateral sole area over the area of the back of the foot to the medial side and end at the middle, medial sole area. In the lateral and medial sole area, the ends of the lacing elements 11′ are attached to reinforcements 27′, for example glued, sewn, hooked in, etc.

The first ends 12, 12′ of the lacing elements 11, 11′ on the lateral side lead to the receptacles 32 and 32′, respectively, which are embedded in the reinforcements 27 and 27′, respectively. The lacing elements 11, 11′ function as active bodies and together with the receptacles 32, 32′ each form an adaptor 30, 30′ of the type described hereinbefore (cf. FIG. 1A).

The lacing elements 11, 11′, which together with the receptacles 32, 32′ form the adaptors 30, 30′, can be partially moved out of the receptacles 32, 32′ in the event of a slow relative movement of the back of the foot with respect to the upper shoe 22. This allows a stroke path of the lacing elements 11, 11′ between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This enables for increased comfort as well as easier putting on and taking off the shoe. In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the lacing elements 11, 11′ with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptors 30, 30′ lock so that the lacing elements 11, 11′ are fixed at both ends and do not allow a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This allows the shoe to be held firmly on the wearer's foot.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a lacing device 10 with a shoe main body 20, which is essentially similar to the shoe main body in FIG. 6. The course and arrangement of the lacing elements 11, 11′ substantially corresponds to the course and arrangement of FIG. 6. In contrast to the lacing device in FIG. 6, in FIGS. 7A and 7B the adaptors 30 are integrated into the lacing elements 11, 11′. As can be seen from the partial section in FIG. 7A, the lacing elements 11, 11′ comprise hollow fibers, the hollow fibers forming the receptacles 32 of the adaptors 30. The basic principle of the adaptors corresponds to that of the adaptors in FIG. 1A. Accordingly, the receptacles 32 are filled with an active medium and each comprise an active body 34, which extends in the form of fibers within the receptacle 32.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the receptacles 32 are embedded in the reinforcements 27 in the heel area in the area of a first end of the lacing elements 11 on the lateral side of the shoe main body 20. From there they extend across the back of the foot to the medial side where they finally terminate with the receiving end 33 as shown in FIG. 7B. Similarly, the receptacles of the three other lacing elements 11′ extend almost parallel from a first end 12′ at the middle lateral sole area over the area of the back of the foot to the medial side. The lacing elements 11′ also comprise receptacles and active bodies (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 7B, the active bodies 34 are embedded in the reinforcements 27 in the heel area in the area of a second end 13 of the lacing elements 11 on the medial side of the shoe main body 20. From there, they extend across the area of the back of the foot to the lateral side where they finally terminate with the end of active body 35 as shown in FIG. 7A.

In the event of a slow relative movement of the back of a foot with respect to the upper shoe 22, the lacing elements 11, 11′, which enclose the receptacles 32 and the active bodies 34 and thus simultaneously form the adaptors 30, cause the active bodies 34 to be partially moved out of the receptacles 32. As a result, the lacing elements 11, 11′ allow a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This enables for increased wearing comfort and easier putting on and taking off the shoe. In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the lacing elements 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptors 30 lock so that the receptacles 32 and the active bodies 34 are fixed against each other and as a result do not allow any stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This allows the shoe to be held firmly on the wearer's foot.

Alternatively, the receiving ends may extend posteriorly to the second ends at the heel area and substantially coincide with the fixed end of the active bodies.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a lacing device 10 with a shoe main body 20 that is substantially similar to the shoe main body of FIG. 5A. Hereinafter, only the differences from the embodiment in FIG. 5A are described. The upper shoe 22 comprises areas of different stiffness. In the area of the back of the foot between the lateral side 21 and medial side 25 of the upper shoe 22 there is an intermediate section, which has a lower stiffness than the material of the lateral side 21 and medial side 25 of the upper shoe 22. This intermediate section forms an elastic lacing element 11 and allows the shoe to be put on or taken off in a similar way to a sock. The stiffness of the material of the lateral side 21 and medial side 25 of the upper shoe 22 is at least twice higher than the stiffness of the material of the intermediate section.

When the shoe is put on or taken off, or when a wearer's unrolls his foot, the elastic lacing element 11 undergoes a stretching, causing the latter to describe a relative movement with respect to the lateral side 21 and medial side 25 of the upper shoe 22.

An adaptor 30 of the type described hereinbefore (cf. FIG. 1A) is arranged laterally on the upper shoe 22. One end of the adaptor 30, for example a receptacle is attached, for example glued, to the lateral part of the upper shoe 22. The other end of the adaptor 30, for example an active body, is attached to the flexible lacing element 11 by means of a loop 16 integrated into the lacing element 11. This allows relative movements between the lateral side 21 of the upper shoe 22 and the flexible lacing element 11 to be at least partially transmitted to the adaptor 30.

In the event of a slow relative movement of the back of a foot with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptor 30 can be deflected, i.e. the active body can be partially pulled out of the receptacle. As a result, the lacing element 11 allows a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This enables increased wearing comfort as well as easier putting on and taking off the shoe.

In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the lacing element 11 with respect to the lateral side 21 of the upper shoe 22, the adaptor 30 locks so that the possible relative movement of the lacing element 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22 is restricted and only a comparatively small stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22 is permitted. Thereby, the shoe can be held more firmly on the wearer's foot.

FIG. 9A shows a further embodiment of a lacing device 10 with a shoe main body 20, which substantially corresponds to the shoe main body of FIG. 5A. Only the differences from the embodiment in FIG. 5A are described below. A lug-shaped lacing element 11 extends from the medial side 25 of the shoe main body 20 over the area of the back of the foot onto the lateral side 21, as shown in FIG. 9C. The lug-shaped lacing element 11 has a substantially triangular shape, with one side of the lacing element 11 medially attached to the shoe main body 20 and the other two sides being exposed. The two free sides of the lace element 11 converge at one end 12 and can be folded over the area of the back of the foot of the shoe main body 20, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C. In the closed position, the end 12 of the lace element 11 is on the lateral side 21 of the shoe main body.

An adaptor 30 is attached to the lateral side 21 of the shoe main body 20, which can be coupled to the lacing element 11 via a clip connection 17. FIG. 9A shows the adaptor 30 and the lacing element 11 in the coupled state, FIG. 9B shows the adaptor 30 and the lacing element 11 in the uncoupled state. FIG. 9B shows a clip projection 18 arranged at the end 12 of the lacing element 11 and a clip receptacle 19 arranged on the adaptor 30, which together provide a releasable clip connection between the adaptor 30 and the lacing element 11.

In the coupled state shown in FIG. 9A, the free end 12 of the lug-shaped lacing device 11 can deflect the adaptor 30 from its rest position in the event of a slow relative movement of the back of a foot with respect to the upper shoe 22. As a result, the lacing element 11 allows a stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This enables for increased wearing comfort and easier putting on and taking off the shoe. In the event of a rapid, sudden relative movement of the lacing element 11 with respect to the upper shoe 22, the adaptor 30 locks so that the lacing element 11 is fixed both at the medial side and at the free end 12 and does not allow any stroke path between the back of the foot and the upper shoe 22. This holds the shoe firmly to the wearer's foot.

The lacing element 11 is attached medially to the upper shoe 22. Alternatively, the lacing element can also be attached medially to the shoe sole. The adaptor 30 additionally can be integrated into a reinforcement in the heel area of the shoe main body.

Alternatively, the lug-shaped lacing element can also be band-shaped and extend, for example, over the area of the back of the foot from the medial to the lateral side of the shoe main body.

In the foregoing embodiments, a relative movement of the back of the foot with respect to the upper shoe implies that the foot of a wearer is within the shoe main body.

To the extent applicable, all of the individual features illustrated in the embodiments may be combined and/or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 10 lacing device
  • 11 lacing element
  • 11′ lacing element
  • 12 end
  • 12′ end
  • 13 end
  • 14 lacing strip
  • 16 loop
  • 17 clip connection
  • 18 clip projection
  • 19 clip receptacle
  • 20 shoe main body
  • 21 lateral side
  • 22 upper shoe
  • 23 entry opening
  • 24 sole
  • 25 medial side
  • 26 reinforcement
  • 27 reinforcement
  • 27′ reinforcement
  • 271 viewing window
  • 28 lacing element receptacle
  • 28′ lacing element receptacle
  • 29 gripper
  • 30 adaptor
  • 30′ adaptor
  • 32 receptacle
  • 32′ receptacle
  • 33 receptacle end
  • 34 active body
  • 35 end of active body
  • 36 base