(19)
(11) EP 2 870 892 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
11.07.2018 Bulletin 2018/28

(21) Application number: 14191559.5

(22) Date of filing: 03.11.2014
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A43B 17/18(2006.01)
A43B 3/10(2006.01)

(54)

Open shoe comprising a textile layer and means of fixation

Offener Schuh mit Textilschicht und Befestigungsmittel

Chaussure ouverte comprenant une couche textile et des supports de fixation


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 11.11.2013 US 201361902430 P

(43) Date of publication of application:
13.05.2015 Bulletin 2015/20

(73) Proprietors:
  • Fronhoffs, Alistair
    1082 Berchem Sainte Agathe (BE)
  • Fronhoffs, Jonathan
    1081 Koekelberg (BE)

(72) Inventors:
  • Fronhoffs, Alistair
    1082 Berchem Sainte Agathe (BE)
  • Fronhoffs, Jonathan
    1081 Koekelberg (BE)

(74) Representative: De Groote, Christophe et al
Abyoo sprl Centre Monnet Avenue Jean Monnet, 1
1348 Louvain-la-Neuve
1348 Louvain-la-Neuve (BE)


(56) References cited: : 
WO-A1-02/071880
WO-A1-2014/188083
US-A- 2 368 314
US-A1- 2012 255 101
WO-A1-2012/161576
DE-U1- 8 101 424
US-A1- 2008 092 406
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD



    [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of open shoes. More particularly, the invention relates to a removable textile layer and means for fixing the textile layer to the open shoe.

    DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART



    [0002] Open shoes, like sandals and the like, are currently very widely used. The soles of the open shoes are usually made of plastics, rubbers and/or leather. In warmer climates, people often wish to wear their open shoes without a sock, because it is aesthetically unappealing, thereby trading off the comfort and hygiene of wearing a sock. A lack of breathability at the interface between the foot and the sole is exacerbated by modern synthetic materials. A direct contact between the foot and the upper surface of the sole of an open shoe leaves no rooms for air to circulate under the foot and can cause the foot to sweat considerably. Excessive sweat can soak into the open shoe, speeding up the rate at which the upper surfaces of the open shoes wear out, Moisture from sweat encourages bacteria growth which in turn can also lead to unpleasant odors, even when the sole has been treated with antimicrobial products or systems.

    [0003] A sock allows the absorption of moisture perspired by the foot by creating a space between the foot and the upper surface of the sole. Some flat and topless socks have been used to solve these problems. Generally, these socks are removable and can be re-used after washing. Accordingly, sometimes a flat and topless sock (or removable textile layer) is inserted into a shoe on the upper surface of the sole of the shoe. For example, in document US 2008/092406 A1 it is described that a footwear includes a sole, an upper attached to the sole to define a volume for receiving a foot therein, and a sockliner received in the volume and overlying the sole. The sole includes at least one first fastener element formed therein, and the sockliner includes at least one second fastener element formed therein. The second fastener element is adapted for snap-together fastening with the first fastener element for securing the sockliner to the sole.

    [0004] In document US pat. application pub. n° US 2012/0255101, a flat sock is provided and sticked to the insole, for example by means of adhesives like hook-and-loop fasteners. Hence, the sock is removable and can be replaced after use by a clean sock when needed. The textile after being soiled is washed. Hence, the sock is repeatedly washed and dried. Adhesive fasteners generally do not retain their properties through normal wear and numerous wash and dry cycles.

    [0005] Moreover, the fixing means that allow sticking the sock to the insole may be a discomfort for the wearer when no sock is attached to the sole. The fixing means is in contact with the skin of the foot, thereby rubbing the skin or creating an unpleasant feeling.

    [0006] Hence, there is a need for an open shoe that can receive and fixe a removable textile layer by way of fixing means, said fixing means being unable to rub the skin of the foot when a removable textile layer is not present, said fixing means and textile layer being relatively indifferent to wash and dry cycles. There is also a need for a textile layer for an open shoe that is easily removable and washable.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0007] Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention is an open shoe that comprises a sole, and a covering textile layer shaped to fit on the sole, and means to attach the textile layer to the sole in a removable manner. The present invention provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an open shoe and a removable textile layer, such two combinative elements being attachable to and detachable from each other. The two combinative elements are connected by means of fixation. Those are part on one hand of the removable textile layer and on another hand of the sole of the open shoe. The means of fixation present on the open shoe are not directly in contact with the skin of the foot, even if no removable textile layer is present on the open shoe, allowing wearing the open shoe on its own.

    [0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an open shoe having a removable textile layer to provide a greatly improved and simple alteration of the open shoes of the prior art. Another object of the invention is to provide an open shoe with a removable textile layer increasing walking comfort. A still further object of the invention is to provide an open shoe with a removable textile layer, both connected by means indifferent to wash and dry cycles of the removable textile layer and/or the open shoe. Another object of the invention is to provide an open shoe with a removable textile layer that provides stable and mechanically secure footwear when these components are assembled. Moreover, it is an object of the invention that the fixing means are unnoticeable or nearly unnoticeable when the textile layer is in place. Another object of the invention is the possibility to add further accessories to the open shoe, for example an orthopedic sole or a toecap.

    [0009] Accordingly, in a first embodiment of the invention, an open shoe is provided, the open shoe comprising a sole and a textile layer, the sole comprising at least one first fixing means, the textile layer comprising at least one second fixing means, the at least one first fixing means and the at least one second fixing means being able to cooperate together to removably attach the textile layer to the sole,
    wherein the at least one first fixing means comprises a cavity inside the sole, and wherein the at least one second fixing means comprises a protrusion, said protrusion and said cavity being complementary shaped, said protrusion extending from a bottom surface of said textile layer or from a lateral surface of said textile layer.

    [0010] With an open shoe according to this embodiment, the combination of the sole of the open shoe and the removable textile layer is performed by means that are indifferent to wash and dry cycles. Accordingly, the open shoe and the removable textile layer are reusable without wear of the fixing means. Hence, even after numerous wash and dry cycles, the fixing means are still able to perform with full satisfaction the combination of the sole and the textile layer, thus enabling durable reuse. Moreover, with the open shoe according to this embodiment, it is possible to wear the open shoe without the removable textile layer if needed, for example when a person wants to use the open shoe in water. The inside of the cavity is not in contact with the skin on the bottom of the foot. Hence, the unpleasant feeling when a person wears this type of open shoe when a removable textile layer is not present or is reduced. The textile layer is in fact very easy to insert in the sole and equally easy to remove. The present invention provides an open shoe that can be manufactured easily and cheaply. As a result, the wearer is assured the textile layer will stay in place whether walking, walking in water, or running.

    [0011] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one first fixing means furthermore comprises an opening on an upper surface or on a lateral surface of the sole, said opening being less wide than the cavity's maximum width, said opening linking the cavity to said upper surface or said lateral surface of the sole.

    [0012] The open shoe according to this embodiment has a reduced opening on the upper surface of the sole and/or on the lateral surface of the sole. This opening leads to a stronger link between the fixing means. Moreover, the reduced opening leads to minimize even more the unpleasant feeling when the foot is in contact directly with the sole.

    [0013] In a second embodiment, each first fixing means comprises a unique cavity and a unique opening.

    [0014] The open shoe according to this embodiment is linked to the textile layer on uninterrupted lengths, leading to a more resistant and comfortable shoe. A strong link reduces the movement of the removable textile layer on the sole when the person is walking, thereby improving the walk and reducing risks of slipping or uncoupling.

    [0015] In an alternative or complementary embodiment, at least one first fixing means is disposed on a toe part of the sole, and at least one first fixing means is disposed on the heel part of the sole. Accordingly, the textile layer may have at least one fixing means on a toe part of the textile layer and at least one second fixing means on a heel part of the textile layer. In a preferred embodiment, at least one first fixing means is disposed on an arch part of the sole, and at least one second fixing means is disposed on an arch part of the textile layer.

    [0016] With an open shoe according to this embodiment, the removable textile layer is linked to the sole of the open shoe with a plurality of fixing means, leading to a better distribution of the forces between the sole and the textile layer and a stronger link between them. Hence, the removable textile layer is less susceptible to move on the sole of the open shoe, reducing even more risks of slipping or uncoupling.

    [0017] In a preferred embodiment, the second fixing means comprises a head part, that is woven, sewn, stitched, pressed thermally, ultrasonically welded or bound to the textile layer on the bottom surface of the layer, or on an edge of the layer. Additionally, the protrusion and/or the head part may comprise a material selected from polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyurethane, resins, silicones, or a combination thereof.

    [0018] With an open shoe according to this embodiment, the second fixing means is a resistant piece, improving the link between the sole and the textile layer. Because the second fixing means is woven, sewn, stitched, pressed thermally or ultrasonically welded or bound on the lower surface of the textile layer, or on one of its lateral surface, it cannot be in contact with the skin of the foot, and the thickness of the textile layer prevents the wearer of the shoe to feel the fixing means on the bottom surface of his foot.

    [0019] In a more preferred embodiment, the first fixing means is in a first material, said first material being harder than a second material constituting the sole. The first material may be snug fitted inside the sole.

    [0020] With an open shoe according to this embodiment, the first fixing means is in a material more resistant than the sole of the open shoe. Hence, most of the sole can be made in a soft material, thereby improving the comfort of the open shoe, while the first fixing means is in a harder material, improving the link with the second fixing means. The first fixing means occupying a limited surface of the upper surface of the sole of the open shoe, a wearer of an open shoe without a removable sole does not have an unpleasant feeling and the first fixing means does not rub the skin of the foot.

    [0021] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING



    [0022] 

    Fig.1 is a view of an open shoe illustrating the components of the device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig 1a is a lower perspective of this first embodiment while the Fig 1b is an upper perspective of this first embodiment. Fig 1c is a lateral sectional view of this first embodiment.

    Fig.2 is a view of a textile layer according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig2a is a lateral view, Fig2b is a lower view of the textile layer, and the fig 2c is a front view of the textile layer.

    Fig.3 is a view of the second fixing means according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig 3a is a lower perspective of the second fixing means; Fig 3b is a lower view of the second fixing means; fig 3c is a lateral view of a second fixing means.

    Fig.4 is a lateral sectional view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

    Fig. 5 is a lateral sectional view of the invention according to another embodiment.



    [0023] The drawings of the figures are neither drawn to scale nor proportioned. Generally, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION



    [0024] Referring now to the invention with more details, in Fig. 1 through 5 there are shown various views and variations of the open shoe according to the invention. In further details, an open shoe (1) is provided. The open shoe may be a slipper, a sandal and the like. The open shoe comprises a sole (11). The sole may comprise a material selected from rubber, vulcanized rubber, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), EVA foam, polyurethane, elastomers, rubber foam, leather, hide or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the sole is made of polyurethane, elastomers, rubber, rubber foam, EVA, or EVA foam.

    [0025] In one representative embodiment, illustrated on fig. 1, a sole (11) comprises a surface having a peripheral edge defining a toe portion (11c), a heel portion (11d), and an arch portion (11e). The sole (11) comprises an upper surface (11a) and a lower surface (11b). The lower surface (11b) of the sole may be the surface of the first sole in contact with the ground when one uses an open shoe with a single sole. The number of sole present in an open shoe is irrelevant. The sole (11) may comprise a plurality of soles laminated between them to form a single sole. The upper surface (11a) of the sole is the surface in contact with a textile layer (21) or with the skin on the bottom surface of the foot when no textile layer is present. A textile layer (21) is provided. The term textile layer refers to any kind of textile fibers generally used for items of clothing, and especially for socks. Hence, the textile layer may be a topless sock, i.e. a sock with only the bottom part of a sock. Preferably, the textile layer is made at least partially of cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, wool, acrylic or a combination thereof, but other materials can be used. The textile layer (21) is shaped to fit a generic shape of an open shoe, like sandals or flip-flop. The textile layer (21) can be made to be sufficiently wide and long enough to fit any size foot and is offered in a variety of sizes to fit all standard or non-standard open shoe sizes. The textile layer (21) is able to be attached to or detached from the open shoe (1) by means of fixation. The sole (11) and the textile layer (21) may have the same size, but in a preferred embodiment, the width and the length of the textile layer (21) are smaller than the width and the length of the sole (11). The length of a sole (11) is defined as the longest portion of the sole, generally from a heel part to a toe part. The width of a sole is defined as the perpendicular direction relatively to the length of the sole.

    [0026] At least one first fixing means (12) is present. The first fixing means (12) is part of the sole (11). A first fixing means (12) comprises at least a cavity (13). The first fixing means may also comprise an opening (14) that is less wide that the cavity's maximum width. The cavity (13) is disposed inside the sole (11) of the open shoe (1). A first fixing means (11) may be disposed substantially transversally relatively to the sole (11). Alternatively or complementarily, a first fixing means (11) may be disposed substantially longitudinally relatively to the sole (11), for example in the arch portion (11e) of the sole (11). The cavity (13) may have any shape. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity (13) is a cylinder, a cone or a prism. When the first fixing means (12) also comprises an opening (14), the opening (14) is located between the cavity (13) and the upper surface (11a) or between the cavity (13) and the lateral surface of the sole (11). It has to be understood that the cavity (13) does not have an opening on the lower surface of the sole (11). The cavity (13) may be defined as a blind hole. The opening (14) links the cavity to the upper surface (11a) of the sole (11) or to the lateral surface of the sole. The opening (14) has approximately the same length as the cavity (13). The width of the opening (14) is smaller than the maximum width of the cavity (13). For example, when the cavity is a cylinder, the opening's width is less than the cylinder's diameter. It is to be understood that the first fixing means (12) does not overhang the upper surface (11a) of the sole (11) or the lateral surface of the sole (11). Hence, the upper surface (11a) of the sole (11) and the lateral surface of the sole (11) are flat and no protrusion of the first fixing means (12) may rub the skin of the foot, or create an unpleasant feeling on the skin on the bottom of the foot.

    [0027] At least one second fixing means (22) is provided. A representative embodiment of a second fixing means is illustrated on fig. 3. The second fixing means (22) is able to cooperate with the first fixing means (12). The second fixing means (22) is part of the textile layer (21). The second fixing means (22) comprises a protrusion (23). The protrusion (23) is shaped for a suitable interlocking with the cavity (13) of the first fixing means (12). For example, if the cavity (13) is a cylinder, then the protrusion (23) is a cylinder than can be snug fitted inside the cavity (13) when the first fixing means (12) does not comprise an opening (14), or snap fitted inside the cavity (13) when the first fixing means (12) comprises an opening (14), as illustrated on fig. 1c. A second fixing means (22) cooperates with a first fixing means (12) by pushing the protrusion (23) inside a cavity (13); the textile layer (21) is hence attached to the open shoe (1). The removing of the textile layer (21) can be performed by simply pulling out the protrusion (23) from the cavity (13). The textile layer (21) is attachable to the open shoe (1) in such a manner that the textile layer (21) is removable. When a person wears such an open shoe (1), at least a portion of the textile layer (21) is disposed between the open shoe (1) and the person's foot. It has to be understood that the second fixing means (22) does not overhang the upper surface of the textile layer (21).

    [0028] The second fixing means (22) may comprise a material selected from polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second fixing means (22) is made of polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof.

    [0029] The protrusion (23) of the second fixing means (22) is disposed on a lower surface (21a) of the textile layer (21) or on a lateral surface of the textile layer (21), as illustrated on fig 2 and 5 respectively. In a particular embodiment, the second fixing means (22) may comprise a head part (24) woven, sewn, stitched, pressed thermally, ultrasonically welded or bound on the textile layer (21). The head part (24) may be flat, an upper surface of the head part (24) being woven, sewn, stitched, pressed thermally, ultrasonically welded or bound on the lower surface of the textile layer (21), or on an edge of the textile layer, as illustrated on fig. 2. In other words, each second fixing means (21) may be fixed to the textile layer (21) by adhesive bonding or equivalent fixing means like sewing, thermal bonding and the like.

    [0030] In an alternative embodiment, illustrated on fig. 5, the second fixing means (22) may be a rod (27) disposed inside a fold of the textile layer (21), the fold being located on the lower surface (21a) of the textile layer (21) or on a lateral surface of the textile layer (21). The fold may be a made from a folding of an external layer of the textile layer (21). Alternatively, the end of the toe part and/or the end of the heel part of the textile layer (21) may be looped and sewn together around a rod (27). The rod (27) may comprise a material selected from polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod (27) is made of polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof.

    [0031] The first fixing means (12) may be disposed anywhere on the sole (11). In a preferred embodiment, at least one first front fixing means (12) is disposed on a toe portion (11c) of the sole (11) and at least one first rear fixing means (12) is disposed on the heel portion (11d) of the sole (11), as illustrated on fig. 1b. Complementarily, the textile layer (21) may comprise a second front fixing means (22) on its toe portion and a second rear fixing means (22) on its heel portion. In a more preferred embodiment, at least one first arch fixing means (12) is disposed on an arch portion of the sole (11). The arch portion is the portion of the sole between the toe portion and the heel portion. Complementarily, the textile layer (21) may comprise at least one second arch fixing means (22) on its arch portion.

    [0032] In a preferred embodiment, when a first fixing means (12) is substantially transversal relatively to the sole (11), the length of the cavity (13) may represent at least 20% of the width of the sole (11), more preferentially at least 30%, still more preferentially at least 50%. Alternatively or complementarily, when a first fixing means (12) is substantially longitudinal relatively to the sole (11), the length of the cavity (13) may represent at least 10% of the length of the sole (11), more preferentially at least 20%, still more preferentially at least 30%. The width and the length that have to be considered are the width and the length of the sole where the cavity is located. In a preferred embodiment, the opening's width (14) is less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm, and still more preferably less than 3 mm. Complementarily, the length of the cavity (13) and the length of the opening (13) are longer than 2 cm, preferably longer than 3 cm, and still more preferably longer than 4 cm.

    [0033] In a particular embodiment, the sole (11) comprises one first front fixing means (12) on its toe portion and one first rear fixing means (12) on its heel portion, and the textile layer (21) comprises one second front fixing means (22) on its toe portion and one second rear fixing means (22) on its heel portion. Additionally, the sole (11) also comprises one first arch fixing means (12) on its arch portion and the textile layer (21) comprises one second arch fixing means (22) on its arch portion.

    [0034] In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the at least one first fixing means (12) is surrounded by a first material. The cavity (13) and the opening (14) are made directly inside the sole (11) and a first material different from the second material constituting the sole (11) is injected, bi-injected, overmolded, coated, or glued around the opening (14) in order to strengthen the surrounding of the opening. The first material is fixed, for example by way of gluing or coating on the upper surface (11a) of the sole (11). The first material is harder than a second material constituting the sole. The second material may be polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof. The hardness of the materials may be determined by norm ISO 48. When the hardness of a component of the open shoe has to be determined, a durometer-Shore hardness test according to the previous norm may be used.

    [0035] In a preferred embodiment, the first fixing means (12) is made in a first material different from the second material constituting the sole (11). For example, a cavity (13) and an opening (14) are made in a piece made of polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof. The piece fits snuggly inside the sole (11) in a manner that the opening (14) is located on the upper surface (11a) of the sole (11), in the same way as if the cavity and the opening were in the sole of the upper shoe. The first material is harder than the second material. The hardness of the materials may be determined by performing a durometer-Shore hardness test according to norm ISO 48.

    [0036] The first fixing means (12) may have a unique cavity (13) and a unique opening (14) all along its length. Alternatively, a plurality of cavities (13) and a plurality of corresponding openings (14) may be present all along the length of the first fixing means (12). Complementarily, the protrusion (23) may be a unique protrusion all along its length or the protrusion (23) may comprise a plurality of protrusions.

    [0037] In a preferred embodiment, further accessories are provided. In one embodiment, a toecap is provided. The toecap comprises a second fixing means (22). Then, the sole (11) may comprise at least two first front fixing means (12) in its toe part, one for the textile layer (21) and one for the toecap. Alternatively, or complementary, an orthopedic insole may be provided inside the textile layer. Alternatively, the orthopedic sole may replace the textile layer (21).

    [0038] In a preferred embodiment, the open shoe according to any one of the previous embodiment is a sandal. In a still more preferred embodiment of the invention, the textile layer is a topless sock, i.e. a sock with only the bottom part of a sock.

    [0039] Another aspect of the invention concerns a method to make an open shoe (1). Accordingly, it is disclosed a method to make an open shoe (1) able to receive a removable textile layer (21), said method comprising the steps of:
    1. a) Providing an open shoe (1) with a sole (11),
    2. b) Forming a first fixing means (12) on the open shoe (1) by forming at least one cavity (13) inside the sole (11) of the open shoe (1) and by forming at least one opening (14) between the at least one cavity (13) and an upper surface (11a) of the sole (11) of the open shoe (1),
    3. c) Providing a textile layer (21) with at least one second fixing means (22) attached to the textile layer (11) on its lower surface or on one edge of said textile layer (11), said second fixing means (22) comprising a protrusion (23) able to cooperate with the at least one cavity (13) of the first fixing means (12).


    [0040] The method may comprise additional steps. For example, a step of providing a toecap (30) comprising a second fixing means (22) may be present. A step of providing an orthopedic sole may also be present. The method may also comprise the following steps in replacement of step b):
    • make a receptacle inside the sole (11)
    • provide at least one first fixing means (12) in a piece made of polymers, thermoplastics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, resins, silicones or a combination thereof, said at least one first fixing means (12) comprising a cavity (13) and an opening (14),
    • snuggly fit the at least one first fixing means (12) inside the receptacle, in a manner that the opening (14) of the at least one first fixing means (12) is disposed on the upper surface (11a) of the sole (1).


    [0041] Unless it is otherwise clear to the contrary from the context, it is intended that all references to "a" and "an" and subsequent corresponding references to "the" referring back to the antecedent basis denoted by "a" or "an" are to be read broadly in the sense of "at least one." Similarly, unless it is otherwise clear to the contrary from the context, the word "or," when used with respect to alternative named elements is intended to be read broadly to mean, in the alternative, any one of the named elements, any subset of the named elements or all of the named elements.

    [0042] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results obtained. It should be understood that the aforementioned embodiments are for exemplary purposes only and are merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments that can represent applications of the principles of the invention.

    [0043] The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the scope of the following claims.


    Claims

    1. An open shoe (1), comprising a sole (11) and a textile layer (21), said textile layer (21) being disposed between the open shoe (1) and a wearer's foot, the sole (11) comprising at least one first front fixing means (12) and one first rear fixing means (12), the textile layer (21) comprising at least one front second fixing means (22) and at least one rear second fixing means (22), the first front fixing means (12) and the first rear fixing means (12) being able to cooperate with respectively the second front fixing means (22) and the second rear fixing means (22) to removably attach the textile layer (21) to the sole (11),
    the first fixing means (12) comprise a cavity (14) inside the sole (11),
    the second fixing means (22) comprise a protrusion (23), said protrusion (23) and said cavity (14) being complementary shaped, said protrusion (23) extending from a bottom surface (21a) of said textile layer (21) or from a lateral surface of said textile layer (21),
    wherein the cavity (14) is a cylinder, a cone or a prism,
    and wherein the at least one first front fixing means (12) is disposed on a toe portion of the sole (11) substantially transversally relatively to the sole (11),
    and wherein the at least one first rear fixing means (12) is disposed on a heel portion of the sole (11) substantially transversally relatively to the sole (11),
    the cavities (14) lengths representing at least 20% of a width of the sole (11).
     
    2. The open shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one first fixing means furthermore comprises an opening on an upper surface or on a lateral surface of the sole, said opening being less wide than the cavity's maximum width, said opening linking the cavity to said upper surface or said lateral surface of the sole.
     
    3. The open shoe according to anyone of the previous claim, wherein the at least one second fixing means comprises at least one second rear fixing means disposed on a heel portion of the bottom surface of the textile layer or on the lateral surface of the heel portion of the textile layer, and at least one second front fixing means disposed on a toe portion of the bottom surface of the textile layer or on the lateral surface of the toe portion of the textile layer.
     
    4. The open shoe according to anyone of the previous claim, wherein the at least one second fixing means comprises a second arch fixing means disposed on an arch portion of the bottom surface of the textile layer.
     
    5. The open shoe according to anyone of claims 2 to 4, wherein the opening of the at least one fixing means is surrounded by a first material, said first material being harder than a second material constituting the sole.
     
    6. The open shoe according to anyone of the previous claim, wherein the at least one first fixing means is in a first material, said first material being harder than a second material constituting the sole, and said first material being snug fitted or snap fitted inside the sole.
     
    7. The open shoe according to anyone of the previous claim furthermore comprising a toecap, wherein the toecap comprises at least one second fixing means.
     
    8. The open shoe according to anyone of the previous claim, wherein each second fixing means furthermore comprises a head part that is woven, sewn, glued, stitched, pressed thermally, ultrasonically welded or bound to the textile layer on the bottom surface of the textile layer or on the lateral surface of the textile layer.
     
    9. The open shoe according to anyone of the previous claim, wherein each second fixing means is a rod disposed inside a fold on the lower surface of the textile layer or inside a fold on the lateral surface of the textile layer.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Offener Schuh (1), umfassend eine Sohle (11) und eine Textilschicht (21), wobei die genannte Textilschicht (21) zwischen dem offenen Schuh (1) und einem Fuß eines Trägers angeordnet ist, wobei die Sohle (11) wenigstens ein erstes vorderes Befestigungsmittel (12) und ein erstes hinteres Befestigungsmittel (12) umfasst, wobei die Textilschicht (21) wenigstens ein vorderes zweites Befestigungsmittel (22) und wenigstens ein hinteres zweites Befestigungsmittel (22) umfasst, wobei das erste vordere Befestigungsmittel (12) und das erste hintere Befestigungsmittel (12) in der Lage sind, jeweils mit dem zweiten vorderen Befestigungsmittel (22) und dem zweiten hinteren Befestigungsmittel (22) zusammenzuwirken, um die Textilschicht (21) abnehmbar an der Sohle (11) zu befestigen,
    das erste Befestigungsmittel (12) umfasst eine Ausnehmung (14) innerhalb der Sohle (11),
    das zweite Befestigungsmittel (22) umfasst einen Vorsprung (23), wobei der genannte Vorsprung (23) und die genannte Ausnehmung (14) komplementär geformt sind, wobei der genannte Vorsprung (23) sich von einer Bodenfläche (21a) der genannten Textilschicht (21) oder von einer lateralen Fläche der genannten Textilschicht (21) erstreckt,
    wobei die genannte Ausnehmung (14) ein Zylinder, ein Konus oder ein Prisma ist,
    und wobei das wenigstens eine erste vordere Befestigungsmittel (12) an einem im Wesentlichen relativ zur Sohle querverlaufenden Zehenabschnitt der Sohle (11) angeordnet ist,
    und wobei das wenigstens eine erste hintere Befestigungsmittel (12) an einem im Wesentlichen zur Sohle (11) querverlaufenden Fersenabschnitt der Sohle (11) angeordnet ist,
    wobei die Längen der Ausnehmungen (14) wenigstens 20 % einer Breite der Sohle (11) darstellen.
     
    2. Offener Schuh gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das wenigstens eine Befestigungsmittel weiterhin eine Öffnung auf einer oberen Fläche oder auf einer lateralen Fläche der Sohle umfasst, wobei die genannte Öffnung weniger breit ist als die maximale Breite der Ausnehmung, wobei die genannte Öffnung die Ausnehmung mit der genannten oberen Fläche oder der genannten lateralen Fläche der Sohle verbindet.
     
    3. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das wenigstens eine zweite Befestigungsmittel wenigstens ein zweites hinteres Befestigungsmittel, das auf einem Fersenabschnitt der Bodenfläche der Textilschicht oder auf der lateralen Fläche des Fersenabschnitts der Textilschicht angeordnet ist, und wenigstens ein zweites vorderes Befestigungsmittel, das auf einem Fersenabschnitt der Bodenfläche der Textilschicht oder auf der lateralen Fläche des Zehenabschnitts der Textilschicht angeordnet ist, umfasst.
     
    4. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das wenigstens eine zweite Befestigungsmittel ein zweites, bogenförmiges Befestigungsmittel umfasst, das auf einem bogenförmigen Abschnitt der Bodenfläche der Textilschicht angeordnet ist.
     
    5. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei die Öffnung des wenigstens einen Befestigungsmittels von einem ersten Material umgeben ist, wobei das erste Material härter ist als ein zweites, die Sohle bildendes Material.
     
    6. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das wenigstens eine Befestigungsmittel aus einem ersten Material besteht, wobei das genannte erste Material härter ist als ein zweites, die Sohle bildendes Material, und das genannte erste Material anliegend oder in die Sohle eingreifend ist.
     
    7. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, weiterhin umfassend eine Schuhspitze, wobei die Schuhspitze wenigstens ein zweites Befestigungsmittel umfasst.
     
    8. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, wobei jedes zweite Befestigungsmittel weiterhin einen Kopfteil umfasst, der auf die Textilschicht auf der Bodenschicht der Textilschicht oder auf eine laterale Fläche der Textilschicht gewebt, genäht, geklebt, abgesteppt, wärmegepresst, per Ultraschall gelötet oder abgebunden ist.
     
    9. Offener Schuh gemäß irgendeinem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, wobei jedes zweite Befestigungsmittel ein innerhalb einer Falte auf der unteren Fläche der Textilschicht oder innerhalb einer Falte auf der lateralen Fläche der Textilschicht angeordneter Stift ist.
     


    Revendications

    1. Chaussure ouverte (1), comprenant une semelle (11) et une couche textile (21), ladite couche textile (21) étant disposée entre la chaussure ouverte (1) et un pied de l'utilisateur, la semelle (11) comprenant au moins un premier moyen de fixation avant (12) et un premier moyen de fixation arrière (12), la couche textile (21) comprenant au moins un second moyen de fixation avant (22) et au moins un second moyen de fixation arrière (22), le premier moyen de fixation avant (12) et le premier moyen de fixation arrière (12) étant capables de coopérer avec respectivement le second moyen de fixation avant (22) et le second moyen de fixation arrière (22) afin d'attacher de façon détachable la couche textile (21) à la semelle (11), le premier moyen de fixation (12) présente une cavité (14) à l'intérieur de la semelle (11), le second moyen de fixation (22) comporte une saillie (23), ladite saillie (23) et ladite cavité (14) étant de forme complémentaire, ladite saillie (23) s'étendant à partir d'une surface inférieure (21a) de ladite couche textile (21) ou à partir d'une surface latérale de ladite couche textile (21),
    dans laquelle la cavité (14) est un cylindre, un cône ou un prisme,
    et dans laquelle ledit au moins un premier moyen de fixation avant (12) est disposé sur une partie d'orteils de la semelle (11) sensiblement transversalement par rapport à la semelle (11),
    et dans laquelle ledit au moins un premier moyen de fixation arrière (12) est disposé sur une partie de talon de la semelle (11) sensiblement transversalement par rapport à la semelle (11),
    les longueurs des cavités (14) représentant au moins 20 % d'une largeur de la semelle (11).
     
    2. Chaussure ouverte selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit au moins un premier moyen de fixation comporte en outre une ouverture sur une surface supérieure ou sur une surface latérale de la semelle, ladite ouverture étant moins large que la largeur maximale de la cavité, ladite ouverture reliant la cavité à ladite surface supérieure ou à ladite surface latérale de la semelle.
     
    3. Chaussure ouverte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit au moins un second moyen de fixation comprend au moins un second moyen de fixation arrière qui est disposé sur une partie de talon de la surface inférieure de la couche textile ou sur la surface latérale de la partie de talon de la couche textile, et au moins un second moyen de fixation avant qui est disposé sur une partie d'orteils de la surface inférieure de la couche textile ou sur la surface latérale de la partie d'orteils de la couche textile.
     
    4. Chaussure ouverte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit au moins un second moyen de fixation comprend un second moyen de fixation de voûte plantaire qui est disposé sur une partie de voûte plantaire de la surface inférieure de la couche textile.
     
    5. Chaussure ouverte (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, dans laquelle l'ouverture dudit au moins un moyen de fixation est entourée par un premier matériau, ledit premier matériau étant plus dur qu'un second matériau qui constitue la semelle.
     
    6. Chaussure ouverte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit au moins un premier moyen de fixation est constitué d'un premier matériau, ledit premier matériau étant plus dur qu'un second matériau qui constitue la semelle, et ledit premier matériau étant ajusté serré ou encliqueté à l'intérieur de la semelle.
     
    7. Chaussure ouverte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un embout de protection, dans laquelle l'embout de protection comprend au moins un second moyen de fixation.
     
    8. Chaussure ouverte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle chacun desdits seconds moyens de fixation comprend en outre une partie de tête qui est tissée, cousue, collée, piquée, pressée thermiquement, soudée aux ultrasons ou liée à la couche textile sur la surface inférieure de la couche textile ou sur la surface latérale de la couche textile.
     
    9. Chaussure ouverte selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle chacun desdits seconds moyens de fixation est une tige qui est disposée à l'intérieur d'un pli sur la surface inférieure de la couche textile ou à l'intérieur d'un pli sur la surface latérale de la couche textile.
     




    Drawing

















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description