US20030041475A1

US20030041475A1 - Shoe with an adjustable tightening device

Info

Publication number: US20030041475A1
Application number: US09/940,530
Authority: US
Inventors: Kun-Chung Liu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-29
Filing date: 2001-08-29
Publication date: 2003-03-06
Also published as: JP2003102513A

Abstract

A shoe includes a shoe body, a flexible connecting member, and a locking unit. The shoe body has a shoe opening, a vamp, a tongue, and first and second tabs. The first and second tabs are respectively disposed adjacent to lateral sides of the tongue, and are concealed by the tongue. The flexible connecting member has a first portion connected securely to the first tab and a second portion that extends toward the second tab for engaging the same. The locking unit is operable from a releasing position, where the flexible connecting member permits movement of the first and second tabs away from each other, thereby loosening the shoe body, to a locking position, where the flexible connecting member pulls the first and second tabs toward each other, thereby tightening the shoe body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a shoe, more particularly to a shoe with an adjustable tightening device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional shoe 1 is shown to comprise a shoe body 106 and a flexible connecting member 104. The shoe body 106 has a shoe opening 101, and includes a vamp 107, a tongue 105, and first and

second tabs

102, 103. The tongue 105 has a front portion 1051, a rear portion 1052, and an opposite pair of lateral sides 1053. The front portion 1051 is connected to the vamp 107. The rear portion 1052 extends to the shoe opening 101. Each of the lateral sides 1053 extends from the vamp 107 to the shoe opening 101. The first and

second tabs

102, 103 are connected to the vamp 107, are respectively disposed adjacent to the lateral sides 1053 of the tongue 105, and are concealed by the tongue 105. The first and

second tabs

102, 103 have

rear edges

1022, 1032 that define a front edge 1011 of the shoe opening 101, and

inner edges

1021, 1031. The flexible connecting member 104, in the form of an elastic strap, has opposite lateral portions connected to the

inner edges

1021, 1031 of the first and

second tabs

102, 103, respectively.

In use, the first and

second tabs

102, 103 of the conventional shoe 1 are forced to move away from each other when a foot is slipped into or removed from the opening 101 so as to wear or remove the shoe 1. The tongue 105 conceals the flexible connecting member 104 to enhance the appearance of the shoe 1.

Although the conventional shoe 1 is easy to wear and remove, the use of the shoe 1 is very limited due to configuration of the flexible connecting member 104. That is, when a relatively wide foot is slipped into the shoe 1, the shoe 1 will be very tight in view of an insufficient length of the flexible connecting member 104. On the other hand, when a relatively narrow foot is slipped into the shoe 1, the shoe 1 will be very loose in view of an excess length of the flexible connecting member 104.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a shoe with an adjustable tightening device that is capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Accordingly, the shoe of this invention comprises a shoe body, a flexible connecting member, and a locking unit. The shoe body has a shoe opening, and includes a vamp, a tongue, and first and second tabs. The tongue has a front portion, a rear portion, and an opposite pair of lateral sides. The front portion is connected to the vamp. The rear portion extends to the shoe opening. Each of the lateral sides extends from the vamp to the shoe opening. The first and second tabs are connected to the vamp, are respectively disposed adjacent to the lateral sides of the tongue, and are concealed by the tongue. The first and second tabs have rear and inner edges. The rear edges define a front edge of the shoe opening. The inner edges are spaced apart from each other to form a slot therebetween. The slot extends to the shoe opening. The flexible connecting member spans the slot, and has first and second portions. The first portion is connected securely to the first tab. The second portion is opposite to the first portion, and extends toward the second tab for engaging the second tab. The locking unit is associated with the flexible connecting member, and is operable from a releasing position to a locking position. In the releasing position, the flexible connecting member permits movement of the first and second tabs away from each other so as to widen the slot and enlarge the shoe opening, thereby loosening the shoe body. In the locking position, the flexible connecting member pulls the first and second tabs toward each other so as to constrict the slot and narrow the shoe opening, thereby tightening the shoe body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: [0009]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional shoe; [0010]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the present invention; [0011]
FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view illustrating how operation of a locking unit of the first preferred embodiment permits loosening of the shoe of FIG. 2; [0012]
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view illustrating how operation of the locking unit permits tightening of the shoe of FIG. 2; [0013]
FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view illustrating how a flexible connecting member of the first preferred embodiment can be adjusted for user comfort; [0014]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the present invention; [0015]
FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the shoe of FIG. 6 in a tightened state; and [0016]
FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the shoe of FIG. 6 in a loosened state.[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure. [0018]
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first preferred embodiment of a [0019] shoe 200 according to the present invention comprises a shoe body 201, a flexible connecting member 100, and a locking unit 203. The shoe body 201 has a shoe opening 210, and includes a vamp 202, a tongue 240, and first and second tabs 220, 230. The tongue 240 has a front portion 241, a rear portion 242, and an opposite pair of lateral sides 243. The front portion 241 is connected to the vamp 202. The rear portion 242 extends to the shoe opening 210. Each of the lateral sides 243 extends from the vamp 202 to the shoe opening 210. The first and second tabs 220, 230 are connected to the vamp 202, are respectively disposed adjacent to the lateral sides 243 of the tongue 240, and are concealed by the tongue 240. The first and second tabs 220, 230 have rear and inner edges 221, 231, 222, 232. The rear edges 221, 231 define a front edge of the shoe opening 210. The inner edges 222, 232 are spaced apart from each other to form a slot 205 therebetween. The slot 205 extends to the shoe opening 210. The second tab 230 is further formed with a strap hole 250.
In this embodiment, the flexible connecting [0020] member 100 is a flat elastic woven strap made from nylon, spans the slot 205, and has first and second portions 101, 102. The first portion 101 is connected securely to the first tab 220, such as by sewing. The second portion 102 is opposite to the first portion 101, extends through the strap hole 250 on the second tab 230, and is movable relative to the second tab 230.
The [0021] locking unit 203 includes a hook fastener 22 and a plurality of loop fasteners 21 for engaging removably the hook fastener 22. The loop fasteners 21 are sewn on the first tab 220 and the first portion 101 of the flexible connecting member 100. The hook fastener 22 is sewn on the second portion 102 of the flexible connecting member 100. The second portion 102 of the flexible connecting member 100 is folded after passing through the strap hole 250 to engage the second portion 102 of the flexible connecting member 100 with the second tab 230 and to permit the hook fastener 22 to engage removably and selectively the loop fasteners 21. The locking unit 203 is operable from a releasing position to a locking position. In the releasing position, the flexible connecting member 100 permits movement of the first and second tabs 220, 230 away from each other so as to widen the slot 205 and enlarge the shoe opening 210, thereby loosening the shoe body 201, as shown in FIG. 3. In the locking position, the flexible connecting member 100 pulls the first and second tabs 220, 230 toward each other so as to constrict the slot 205 and narrow the shoe opening 210, thereby tightening the shoe body 201.
In use, the [0022] second portion 102 of the flexible connecting member 100 is extended through the strap hole 250 on the second tab 230, and is folded to bring the hook fastener 22 into engagement with the loop fastener 21 on the first tab 220, as shown in FIG. 4. Under this condition, the first and second tabs 220, 230 are pulled toward each other, thereby tightening the shoe body 201. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the hook fastener 22 can be brought to engage with any of the other loop fasteners 21 to suit the width of the foot of the user.
To loosen the [0023] shoe body 201, the second portion 102 of the flexible connecting member 100 is pulled away from the first portion 101. At this time, the hook fastener 22 separates from the loop fastener 21, thereby permitting the second tab 230 to move away from the first tab 220 relative to the second portion 102 of the flexible connecting member 100 in order to loosen the shoe body 201, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
After the necessary adjustment has been made, the foot of the user could now be directly slipped into or removed from the [0024] opening 210 of the shoe 200. Thus, the shoe 200 is not only easy to wear and remove, but can be easily adjusted as well to comfortably fit the foot of the user.
It should be noted that a flat non-elastic woven strap can also be used for the flexible connecting [0025] member 100 in this embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. [0026] 6 to 8, the second preferred embodiment of a shoe 200′ according to the present invention is shown to be substantially similar to that of the first preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the flexible connecting member 100′ is an elastic woven lace having a circular cross-section. The first portion 101′ of the flexible connecting member 100′0 is formed as two parallel lace sections 103′ having first and second ends 1031′, 1032′. The first ends 1031′ of the parallel lace sections 103′ are sewn securely to the first tab 220. The second portion 102′ of the flexible connecting member 100′ is formed as a curved lace section 1021′ that interconnects the second ends 1032′ of the parallel lace sections 103′ so as to form a loop.
The [0027] locking unit 203′, in this embodiment, includes a casing 21′ and a wheel member 22′. The casing 21′ has a bottom wall 212′, a top wall 211′, and opposite lateral walls 213′. The bottom wall 212′ has a rivet hole 218′, and is riveted to the second tab 230 by a rivet 30′ that passes through the rivet hole 218′ and another rivet hole 250′ in the second tab 230, thereby securing the bottom wall 212′ on the second tab 230. The top wall 211′ is spaced apart vertically from the bottom wall 212′, and is formed with a guide slot 217′ that extends in a transverse direction generally transverse to the inner edge 232 of the second tab 230. The opposite lateral walls 213′ interconnect opposite lateral edges 2123′, 2113′ of the bottom and top walls 212′, 211′. The bottom, top and lateral walls 212′, 211′, 213′ configure the casing 21′ with a receiving space 214′ that widens gradually in the transverse direction away from the inner edge 232 of the second tab 230. The receiving space 214′ has a narrow open end 216′ and a wide open end 215′ respectively proximate and distal to the inner edge 232 of the second tab 230. The wide open end 215′ is wider than the narrow open end 216′. The wheel member 22′ is disposed in the receiving space 214′, has a toothed periphery 221′, and is provided with a guide pin 223′ that extends into and that is slidable along the guide slot 217′. The parallel lace sections 103′ extend through the casing 21′ from the narrow open end 216′ to the wide open end 215′. Each of the parallel lace sections 103′ is disposed between the toothed periphery 221′ of the wheel member 22′ and a respective one of the lateral walls 213′ of the casing 21′. The curved lace section 102′ is disposed outwardly of the casing 21. The wheel member 22′ further has a pull tab 225′ that extends radially from a bottom surface 224′ of the wheel member 22′ and outwardly of the casing 21′ via the wide open end 215′. The pull tab 225′ is operated so as to move the wheel member 22′ in the receiving space 214′ along the transverse direction and the guide pin 223′ along the guide slot 217′, thereby disposing the locking unit 203′ in a selected one of the releasing and locking positions. In the locking position, the wheel member 22′ forces the parallel lace sections 103′ against the lateral walls 213′ of the casing 21′ so as to arrest movement of the first and second tabs 220, 230 away from each other.
In use, the [0028] pull tab 225′ is operated to move the wheel member 22′ to a first position, where the wheel member 22′ is proximate to the narrow open end 216′ of the casing 21′. The parallel lace sections 103′ are forced against the lateral walls 213′ of the casing 21′ by the wheel member 22′, thereby arresting movement of the first and second tabs 220, 230 away from each other, and there by tightening the shoe 200′, as best illustrated in FIG. 7.
Referring to FIG. 8, the [0029] pull tab 225′ is operated to move the wheel member 22′ to a second position, where the wheel member 22′ is proximate to the wide open end 215′ of the casing 21′. At this time, the parallel lace sections 103′ are free to move between the lateral walls 213′ of the casing 21′ and the wheel member 22′, and the first and second tabs 220, 230 are permitted to move away from each other, thereby facilitating wear or removal of the shoe 200.
In this embodiment, with the [0030] wheel member 22′ disposed in the second position, the tightness of the shoe 200′ can be adjusted to fit the width of the foot of the user. Thereafter, the wheel member 22′ is moved to the first position to tighten the shoe 200′. Thus, the shoe 200′ is not only easy to wear and remove, but can be easily adjusted as well to comfortably fit the foot of the user.
A non-elastic woven lace having a circular cross-section can also be used for the flexible connecting [0031] member 100′ in this embodiment.
While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. [0032]

Claims

I claim:

1. A shoe comprising:

a shoe body having a shoe opening, said shoe body including a vamp, a tongue, and first and second tabs, said tongue having a front portion connected to said vamp and a rear portion extending to said shoe opening, said tongue further having an opposite pair of lateral sides that extend from said vamp to said shoe opening;

said first and second tabs being connected to said vamp, being respectively disposed adjacent to said lateral sides of said tongue, and being concealed by said tongue, said first and second tabs having rear edges that define a front edge of said shoe opening and further having inner edges that are spaced apart from each other to form a slot therebetween, said slot extending to said shoe opening;

a flexible connecting member spanning said slot and having a first portion connected securely to said first tab, and a second portion opposite to said first portion and extending toward said second tab for engaging said second tab; and

a locking unit associated with said flexible connecting member and operable from a releasing position, where said flexible connecting member permits movement of said first and second tabs away from each other to widen said slot and enlarge said shoe opening for loosening said shoe body, to a locking position, where said flexible connecting member pulls said first and second tabs toward each other to constrict said slot and narrow said shoe opening for tightening said shoe body.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein said flexible connecting member is a strap.

3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein said strap is an elastic woven strap.

4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein said elastic woven strap is made from nylon.

5. The shoe of claim 2, wherein said strap is a non-elastic woven strap.

6. The shoe of claim 2, wherein:

said second tab is formed with a strap hole that permits said second portion of said flexible connecting member to extend therethrough; and

said locking unit includes a hook fastener and a loop fastener for engaging removably said hook fastener.

7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein:

one of said hook and loop fasteners is provided on said first tab and said first portion of said flexible connecting member,

the other of said hook and loop fasteners being provided on said second portion of said flexible connecting member,

said second portion of said flexible connecting member being folded after passing through said strap hole to engage said second portion of said flexible connecting member with said second tab, and to permit said hook fastener to engage said loop fastener so as to dispose said locking unit in the locking position.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein said first portion of said flexible connecting member is formed as two parallel lace sections having first and second ends, said first ends of said parallel lace sections being fastened securely to said first tab, said second portion of said flexible connecting member being formed as a curved lace section that interconnects said second ends of said parallel lace sections so as to form a loop.

9. The shoe of claim 8, wherein said flexible connecting member is an elastic woven lace having a circular cross-section.

10. The shoe of claim 8, wherein said flexible connecting member is a non-elastic woven lace having a circular cross-section.

11. The shoe of claim 8, wherein said locking unit includes:

a casing having a bottom wall fastened to said second tab, a top wall spaced apart vertically from said bottom wall and formed with a guide slot that extends in a transverse direction generally transverse to said inner edge of said second tab, and opposite lateral walls that interconnect opposite lateral edges of said bottom and top walls;

said bottom, top and lateral walls configuring said casing with a receiving space that widens gradually in the transverse direction away from said inner edge of said second tab and that has a narrow open end and a wide open end respectively proximate and distal to said inner edge of said second tab, said wide open end being wider than said narrow open end; and

a wheel member disposed in said receiving space, said wheel member having a toothed periphery, and being provided with a guide pin that extends into and that is slidable along said guide slot;

said parallel lace sections extending through said casing from said narrow open end to said wide open end such that each of said parallel lace sections is disposed between said toothed periphery of said wheel member and a respective one of said lateral walls of said casing and such that said curved lace section is disposed outwardly of said casing;

said wheel member being movable in said receiving space along the transverse direction to dispose said locking unit in the locking position, where said wheel member forces said parallel lace sections against said lateral walls of said casing so as to arrest movement of said first and second tabs away from each other.

12. The shoe of claim 11, wherein said wheel member further has a pull tab that extends radially therefrom and outwardly of said casing via said wide open end, said pull tab being operable so as to move said wheel member in said receiving space and said guide pin along said guide slot, thereby disposing said locking unit in a selected one of the releasing and locking positions.

13. The shoe of claim 11 wherein said locking unit further includes a rivet for riveting said bottom wall of said casing to said second tab.