EP4110130B1 - Textile footwear item and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to footwear articles comprising at least one textile slipper, in particular a three-dimensional textile envelope comprising a sole portion, comprising one or more thermofused textile portion(s), as well as a sole element, for example chosen from a midsole element, a wear sole element or a combination thereof.

Prior art

Conventional footwear articles generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a foot-receiving volume within the footwear article to comfortably receive and secure a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower area of the upper, and operatively disposed between the ground, and the upper. In athletic footwear articles, the sole structure may include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole often includes a polymeric foam material that absorbs shock from the ground upon impact to lessen the effects on the foot and leg during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The sole structure may also include a liner positioned within the landing volume and proximate the underside of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear article. Soles are traditionally joined to the uppers using a process called Strobel, in which the various sole elements (inner sole, midsole, and outsole in particular) are glued together. The manufacturing process for a traditional shoe requires dozens of steps and produces a lot of waste from material cuts.

The aim is to simplify the manufacturing processes for footwear, particularly by reducing the number of steps and/or energy and material consumption. This issue is also part of the search for a manufacturing process that can be implemented as close as possible to the place of use of the footwear in order to reduce its carbon impact, facilitate stock management, and allow the personalization of the footwear.

Such modifications are made, in particular, by removing the sewing steps of shaping the initially flat upper in three dimensions. The upper is obtained from the assembly of one or a few pieces, and no longer from multiple pieces sewn together.

WO 2019/234374 A1 thus proposes a first textile slipper formed in three dimensions directly from a textile machine (for example a knitting machine), partially heat-meltable, acting as an upper, then securing this upper to a wear sole. This upper is reinforced by placing a second, three-dimensional, partially heat-meltable textile liner around the first liner, wrapping the junction between the first liner and the outsole to improve resistance to delamination. The manufacturing process is simplified by significantly reducing the number of manufacturing steps. However, this footwear article, comprising an upper resulting from the superposition of two, three or four textile liners, may be too heavy for the practice of certain activities, particularly sports. For example, the standard, standardized weight of footwear articles for the practice of football is around 165 g-200 g.

There is therefore also a need to lighten footwear articles, in particular so that they can adapt to the weights required for the practice of a given sport, while improving their comfort, allowing a wide range of possible functions (reinforcement, cushioning, hard toe, etc.), and this in a localized manner over the volume of the footwear article, while retaining the properties of resistance to abrasion, delamination, flexibility, etc. usually sought.

Statement of the invention

The present invention relates to an article of footwear, and a method of manufacturing such an article, solving the aforementioned problems.

The present invention thus relates to a lightweight article of footwear, in particular for practicing a sport (for example, but not limited to: football, basketball, hiking, running, cycling, etc.), the upper of which can be functionalized in a localized manner, and the manufacturing process of which is simplified.

The present invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to an article of footwear according to claim 1.

Advantageously, the first additional textile part (A) is not a textile slipper, and makes it possible to functionalize the footwear article, for example by functionalizing a portion of the internal face or the external face of the main textile slipper or the junction between the main textile slipper and the sole element. The main textile slipper is preferably in the form of a substantially hollow elongated structure, such as a tube. The first through opening arranged on the sole portion of the main textile slipper is advantageously used to manufacture on the textile loom, in particular the knitting loom, one or more additional textile parts, such as the first additional textile part (A), of unitary textile construction with the main textile slipper. This arrangement makes it possible to save the arrangement of an auxiliary textile slipper and therefore to adjust the mass of the footwear article. In addition, since the additional textile part is of unitary textile construction with the main textile slipper, the method of manufacturing the upper is simplified. The placement of the additional textile part for the thermoforming or thermo-compression step described below is also facilitated.

In one embodiment, the main textile liner, and possibly the auxiliary textile liner described below, each has a generally hollow and elongated shape, in particular substantially tube-shaped, and comprises first and second through openings opening into its interior volume (and comprising the foot-receiving volume). The second through opening preferably forms the opening for introducing the foot into the foot-receiving volume of the footwear article. The first through opening is arranged on the sole portion of the main textile liner, in particular either in the forefoot portion or in the rearfoot portion of the latter or in the intermediate region of the foot (in particular comprising the arch of the foot).

Preferably, in practice, the first additional textile part (A) is first knitted, then one or more other additional textile parts may then be knitted, and finally the main textile slipper is knitted, while being connected to at least the first additional textile part at the first through opening. The first additional textile part (A) is thus preferably knitted at the same time as the main textile slipper, in a single knitting step.

Preferably, the main textile slipper and/or the auxiliary textile slipper and/or the main textile element and/or the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) is/are knitted.

First additional textile part (A)

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) is manufactured at the same time as the main textile slipper on the textile loom, for example a knitting, weaving or braiding loom, preferably a knitting loom.

The first additional textile part (A) is in knitted connection with said first through opening.

The first additional textile part (A) is secured by knitting, along its upper edge, to the edge of the first through opening.

The first additional textile part (A), and optionally the second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) (B, C or D), preferably comprises/comprise first and second textile layers, in particular substantially superimposed. More preferably, the first and second textile layers are secured to each other along at least one of their edges chosen from the upper, lower, lateral and medial edges, in particular along their upper and lower edges. Preferably, the upper edges of the first and second textile layers are secured, in particular by knitting, to the edge of the first or second through opening.

Preferably, the first textile layer and/or the second textile layer of the first additional textile part (A) comprises/comprise (each) one or more textile portion(s) thermofused

The first additional textile part (A) can provide one or more functions as described in this text, and for example form a hard front toe, a rear reinforcement, or even a cushioning zone. Said cushioning zone can be configured to come under the user's foot.

The first additional textile part may at least partially cover the sole portion of the main textile liner, for example in the front portion and/or the rear portion of the sole portion, and/or may at least partially cover the front portion and/or the rear portion and/or the medial portion and/or the lateral portion of the main textile liner. Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the first textile layer and/or the second textile layer of the first additional textile part (A) to the total mass of said first textile layer and/or said second textile layer is greater than or equal to 50%, more preferably greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%.

Preferably, the footwear article in the present text comprises a longitudinal axis L extending substantially between the rear of the article and the front of the latter. The footwear article also comprises a transverse axis T, in particular substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, L and extending between the medial edge and the lateral edge of said footwear article.

Main textile element

The main textile element is preferably of unitary textile construction, more preferably of unitary knitted construction.

The term "main textile element", or main or auxiliary textile slipper, or additional part (A, B, C, or D) of "unitary textile construction, in particular knitted" means that said element, slipper or part is in one piece. The latter may include seams or other joining areas but they serve to shape it and/or finish its edges.

The main textile element may comprise one or more other additional textile part(s), in particular a second and/or a third and/or a fourth additional textile part(s). Preferably, said additional textile part(s) comprises/comprise first and second textile layer(s), in particular substantially superimposed.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) partially cover(s) the inner face and/or the outer face of the main textile slipper.

The first textile layer and/or the second textile layer of the second and/or the third and/or the fourth additional textile part(s) comprises/comprise one or more thermofused textile portion(s).

Main textile slipper, Auxiliary textile slipper (described below)

Preferably, the main textile slipper, and/or the auxiliary textile slipper, is/are (each) a textile envelope, in particular knitted, comprising a sole portion (covering all or part of the underside of the foot of the wearer of the footwear article); a portion lateral (covering all or part of the lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the footwear); a medial portion (covering all or part of the medial side of the foot of the wearer of the footwear); a front portion, in particular in the extension of the lateral, medial and sole portions (covering all or part of the front of the wearer's foot); and a rear portion, in particular in the extension of the medial, lateral and sole parts (intended to cover all or part of the rear of the wearer's foot).

The main textile slipper and/or the auxiliary textile slipper each comprises/comprise an interior volume, in particular corresponding, at least in whole or in part, to the volume for receiving the foot in the footwear article.

The first additional textile part preferably projects outside the main textile slipper, that is to say outside the interior volume of the latter.

The first additional textile part (A) can also be projected into the interior volume of the main textile slipper.

In one embodiment, said at least one first additional textile part (A) comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s), in particular thermobonded to the internal face or the external face of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, the main textile slipper is of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted or woven, in particular knitted.

Thermomelted textile portion(s)

The thermofused textile portion(s) correspond(s) to one or more textile portion(s) comprising one or more thermofused thread(s) in whole or in part (and therefore thermofusible in whole or in part before their fusion).

Thermofused wire(s) and/or Non-thermally fused wire(s)

In this text, textile means that the main textile element and/or the main textile slipper and/or the auxiliary textile slipper and/or the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) (A, B, C, D) comprises/comprise (each) (or is/are made up of) one or more thread(s), in particular one or more threads which are wholly or partly heat-melted (and therefore wholly or partly heat-meltable before their melting) and/or one or more non-heat-melted thread(s), in particular knitted, braided, or woven, preferably knitted.

Said yarn(s) (fully or partially heat-melted, and/or non-heat-melted) may be chosen from one or more monofilament yarn(s), one or more fiber-spun yarn(s), one or more multifilament yarn(s), one or more elongated elements (e.g. a braid, a cable, a ribbon, etc.), or a combination thereof. The yarns may be of the same color or be in different colors.

The monofilament thread(s) preferably has/have a diameter greater than or equal to 0.01 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm.

The multifilament yarn(s) and/or spun yarn(s) of fibers preferably have a count greater than or equal to 10 dtex and less than or equal to 1000 dtex, more preferably greater than or equal to 30 dtex and less than or equal to 500 dtex.

In one embodiment, the textile element, in particular the main textile slipper and/or the part (A, B, C or D), comprises/comprise one or more multifilament yarn(s) whose count is between 300 dtex and 600 dtex (lower and upper limits included), in particular made of polyethylene terephthalate, in particular 468 dtex for 204 filaments.

The multifilament yarn(s) can be one or more textured yarns FDY (Full Drawn Yarn), DTY (Draw Textured Yarn) or POY (Partially Oriented Yarn), or a mixture of these.

The thermofused thread(s), in whole or in part, is/are one or more threads comprising one or more thermofused components, for example a first component having a melting temperature less than or equal to the hot processing temperature of the footwear article, and possibly a second component having a melting or degradation temperature higher than the hot processing temperature of the footwear article. The melting or degradation temperature of the second component or of a non-thermofused material according to the invention is higher than the melting temperature of the first component.

The bi-component yarns may be of the core-coat type, the core comprising/consisting essentially of the second component, and the coat comprising/consisting essentially of the first component.

The thread(s) which are wholly or partly heat-fused may be one or more single-component thread(s) whose melting temperature is less than or equal to the hot processing temperature of the footwear item.

Said single-component thermofused yarn(s) each preferably has a count of between 300 dtex and 900 dtex (inclusive), in particular between 400 dtex and 800 dtex (inclusive), in particular of the order of 600 dtex.

The first component may be chosen from polyurethanes, in particular thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyamides, such as polyamide 6 or 66, polyolefins, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), preferably from polyurethanes.

The first component may be colored, colorless and/or opaque or transparent.

The second component can be chosen from polyolefins, such as high density polyethylene, polyamides, such as polyamide 4-6, polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate.

The non-thermally melted thread(s), i.e. the thread(s) whose melting or degradation temperature is higher than the maximum hot processing temperature of the footwear article, is/are chosen from a first list (I) of synthetic compounds: polyesters, in particular polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides, such as PA 6, PA 66, PA 4-6, PA 12; polyolefins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PEEK, PEUHMW (very high molecular weight polyethylene); aramids, in particular meta-aramid or para-aramid or a mixture thereof; vinyl acetates; polyacrylics, such as polyacrylonitrile; elastomers; elastanes, or a mixture thereof; and/or a second list of compounds, in particular natural compounds or compounds derived from regenerated natural materials: cotton, viscose, linen, sisal, wool, jute, silk, hemp, and/or a third list of inorganic compounds: carbon, mineral fibers, such as rock fiber, glass.

The thread(s), in particular non-thermal melted thread(s), may also be one or more elastic thread(s).

Elastic thread is understood to mean any thread whose elongation at break is greater than or equal to 200%, in particular greater than or equal to 300%, in particular greater than or equal to 400%. The elastic thread preferably comprises an elastic core, in particular made of elastane, and possibly one or more cover threads, in particular in list I or II cited above. The elongation can be measured using the ASTM D 1578-93 (2016) standard. By definition, the elastic thread is not heat-melted. The elastic thread is therefore in one or more materials whose melting and/or degradation temperature is higher than the maximum hot processing temperature of the footwear.

The knitting machine used to knit the main textile element, and therefore the main textile slipper and the first additional textile part (A), and possibly parts B, C or D, or the auxiliary textile slipper, described below, may be a circular knitting machine, preferably of small diameter, or a flat knitting machine, preferably with reduced needle bed width. It may be a Jacquard knitting machine using the intarsia technique, making it possible in particular to knit together a textile part A, B, C or D with the main textile slipper, and possibly the auxiliary textile slipper.

The main textile element, in particular the main textile slipper and/or the first additional textile part (A) (or part(s) B, C and/or D), may be in a piece knitted with weft stitches or warp stitches, in particular run-resistant, but is preferably in a piece knitted with weft stitches (the stitches are formed in the weft direction).

Sole element

The sole element may be a midsole element or an outsole element or a combination of these.

The outsole element and/or the midsole element and/or the sole element each has/have an internal face, in particular oriented towards the sole portion of the main textile slipper, and an external face oriented towards the outside of the footwear article, in particular coming into contact with the ground in operation in the case of the outsole.

The sole element may be glued, heat-sealed and/or sewn to the sole portion of the main textile slipper, or extruded or injected and (over)molded, or obtained by additive manufacturing, directly onto the sole portion of the main textile slipper.

The sole element is preferably a molded part or a three-dimensional textile part, which is secured in whole or in part to the sole portion of the textile slipper. main during a thermo-compression step allowing the formation of the thermo-fused textile portions. Preferably, one or more thermo-fused textile portion(s) adhere(s) to the inner face of the sole element. More preferably, the thermo-fused portion(s) and the inner face of the sole element comprise the same material, for example polyurethane. This arrangement promotes adhesion during thermo-compression between the thermo-fused portions, in particular the sole portion, and the inner face of the sole element.

The outsole may comprise one or more projections projecting from its external face, in particular intended to come into contact with the ground, said projection(s) may be one or more stud(s), or even a heel pad or a shock-absorbing member.

The sole element may be made of one or more materials chosen from: polyurethanes, in particular thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, silicones, natural or synthetic rubbers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), for example a styrene butadiene rubber, EPDM rubbers (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer), polyamides, or their mixture.

Preferably, the projection(s) projecting from the outer face of the outsole is/are also in the material(s) chosen from those mentioned above.

In this text, the term junction means the region in which the sole element and the main textile slipper are joined.

The main textile element and/or the auxiliary textile slipper may comprise one or more zoning regions, i.e. locally functionalized according to a particular arrangement of threads, and according to the nature and the count of the threads.

Preferably, the footwear article according to the invention is a footwear article for practicing sport, for example (and without limitation): football, basketball, hiking, running, cycling, etc.

In a first variant, the main textile slipper comprises an external face, and the first additional textile part partially envelops the external face of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) projects outside the main textile slipper, and partially envelops the external face of the main textile slipper by being turned against the latter.

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) partially envelops the tip of the foot of the main textile slipper, and partially the lateral and medial portions, and possibly front, of the main textile slipper.

It is possible to cover the main textile slipper more or less depending on the dimensions chosen for the first additional textile part (A), in particular by varying the height of the part (A), that is to say the distance substantially separating its upper and lower edges.

In a second variant, the main textile slipper comprises an inner face, and the first additional textile part partially envelops the inner face of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) projects into the interior volume of the main textile slipper, and partially envelops the internal face of the main textile slipper by being turned against the latter.

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) partially envelops the sole portion, and possibly the tip of the foot and/or the front portion, of the main textile slipper, and partially the lateral and medial portions of the main textile slipper.

In a third variant, the first additional textile part (A) at least partially envelops said sole element, in particular the first additional textile part (A) comprises an intermediate textile portion arranged between the sole portion of the main textile slipper and said sole element.

Advantageously, the resistance to delamination between the sole portion of the main textile liner and the sole element is improved locally without the need to use an additional textile liner covering the entire junction area between the main textile liner and the sole element. The final upper comprising the main textile element is thus lightened.

Preferably, the first additional textile part, also referenced (A) in the remainder of this text, projects from the main textile liner to the outside of the main textile liner.

Preferably, the first additional textile part comprises an intermediate textile portion arranged between the sole portion of the main textile slipper and the sole element, and a wrapping textile portion, in particular in the extension of the intermediate textile portion, partially wrapping the sole element.

If the footwear article did not include an additional first textile part (A), the junction between the sole element and the main textile slipper would include a rigid zone formed from the sole element in contact with a flexible zone formed from the main textile slipper alone, such that the flexible zone of the main textile slipper would be abraded and form a zone of weakness promoting the start of delamination with the sole element.

In the footwear article according to the invention, the junction comprises one or more additional flexible textile layer(s) (including at least the first additional textile part (A)) which extend(s) between the sole portion of the main textile slipper and the sole element, and partially envelop(s) the sole element. This arrangement makes it possible to locally reinforce the main textile slipper, as well as the junction between the main textile slipper and the sole element.

Preferably, when the first additional textile part (A) comprises first and second layers, the second textile layer is partially arranged between the first textile layer and the sole element.

Preferably, the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the first textile layer is less than the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the second textile layer.

Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the second textile layer to the total mass of the second layer is greater than or equal to 50%, more preferably greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%. This arrangement promotes the attachment of the first additional textile part (A) to the sole element since the thermofused textile portions form a bonding zone between the first textile layer and the sole element.

Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the first textile layer to the total mass of the first textile layer is less than or equal to 60%, more preferably less than or equal to 40%, in particular greater than or equal to 30%.

In a fourth variant, said sole element comprises a peripheral edge, and the first additional textile part (A) at least partially covers said peripheral edge.

Preferably, the peripheral edge of the sole element extends, in particular substantially vertically to the footwear article, between the internal and external faces of the sole element.

In particular, the first additional textile part (A) partially covers the peripheral edge via its wrapping textile portion.

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A), in particular its wrapping textile portion, also partially covers the external face of the sole element, more particularly a region adjacent to the peripheral edge arranged on the external face of the sole element.

This arrangement improves resistance to delamination by strengthening the bond between the main textile element and the sole element.

The first additional textile part (A) may partially cover the peripheral edge of the front part of the sole element (in this case the first through opening is in the front part of the sole portion), in particular for an article of footwear for playing football, or partially cover the peripheral edge of the rear part of the sole element, in particular for an article of footwear for playing basketball (in this case the first through opening is in the rear part of the sole portion).

In a fifth variant, the first additional textile part (A) comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s) covering, at least partially, the sole element.

In particular, said thermofused textile portion(s) are secured to the sole element.

Preferably, the intermediate textile portion and/or the wrapping textile portion each comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s).

In a sixth variant, the first additional textile part (A) comprises first and second textile layers, in particular substantially superimposed, and a receiving volume arranged between said first and second layers.

Preferably, the first and second layers are not substantially integral along their surfaces.

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) is a tube comprising lateral and medial through openings arranged between the upper and lower edges of the first and second layers.

In a seventh variant, the main textile slipper comprises a first textile joining portion comprising one or more thermofused textile portion(s), superimposed, at least in part, with the first additional textile portion (A).

Preferably, the first textile joining portion surrounds, substantially totally or partially, the first through opening arranged in the sole portion of the main textile slipper.

The textile joining portion promotes the bonding of the main textile liner with the additional part (A) and absorbs variations in the placement of the first additional textile part (A) during the thermo-compression step.

In an eighth variant, the first textile joining portion comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s) which represent(s) at least 50%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, by mass of the total mass of the first textile joining portion.

The textile joining portion is preferably not visible on the footwear item because it is practically completely heat-fused.

In a ninth variant, the main textile element comprises a second additional textile part (B) comprising one or more thermofused textile portion(s), and at least partially covers the internal face of the main textile slipper, in particular forms an internal hard toe.

In one embodiment, the second additional textile part (B) partially covers the inner face of the front part of the main textile slipper, in particular the inner face of the sole portion and the inner face of the toe of the main textile slipper.

In another embodiment, the second additional textile part (B) partially covers the internal face of the rear part of the main textile slipper, in particular the internal face of the sole portion and possibly of the rear portion, in particular so as to form a counterforce or cushioning.

The second additional textile part (B) may comprise several textile layers, in particular substantially superimposed, in particular first and second superimposed textile layers.

Preferably, the first textile layer and/or the second textile layer each comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s).

Preferably, the second textile layer is arranged substantially between the first textile layer and the inner face of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the first textile layer and/or of the second textile layer to the total mass of the first textile layer and/or of the second textile layer is greater than or equal to 50%, more preferably greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%. In a tenth variant, the second additional textile part (B) comprises first and second textile layers, and a receiving volume arranged between the first and second textile layers.

A damping and/or stiffening element may be placed in said receiving volume. The latter may also remain empty depending on the desired functions.

In an eleventh embodiment, the second additional textile part (B) is connected, at least in part, to the edge of the first through opening.

Preferably, the second part (B) is in knitted connection with the edge of the first through opening.

Preferably, the second part (B) is of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted, with the main textile slipper, in particular knitted.

In a twelfth variant embodiment, the main textile element comprises a third additional textile part (C) comprising one or more thermofused textile portion(s), said third additional textile part (C) is connected, at least in part, with a zone for introducing the foot into a volume for receiving the foot of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, said third additional textile part (C) comprises first and second textile layers.

Preferably, the first and second textile layers comprise a receiving volume arranged between said first and second textile layers, in particular substantially superimposed. The receiving volume may be empty or comprise one or more damping and/or stiffening elements.

In one embodiment, the third additional textile part (C) partially covers the inner face of the rear portion of the main textile liner, and partially the inner face of the lateral and medial portions of the main textile liner, and possibly partially the inner face of the sole portion. The third additional textile part (C) preferably has a tube shape before the fusion of the heat-fusible portions.

Preferably, the second layer is arranged between the first layer and the inner face of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the second textile layer to the total mass of the second textile layer is greater than or equal to 50%, in particular greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%.

Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the first textile layer to the total mass of the first textile layer is less than or equal to 50%, in particular less than or equal to 40%, in particular less than or equal to 20%.

In a thirteenth variant, the main textile element comprises a second textile joining portion extending, in whole or in part, between the main textile slipper and the third additional textile portion (C).

Preferably, the second textile joining portion comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s), in particular the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) to the total mass of the second textile joining portion is greater than or equal to 50%, in particular greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%.

Preferably, the third part (C) is of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted, with the main textile slipper, in particular knitted.

Preferably, the second joining portion surrounds, at least partially, the area where the foot is introduced into the main textile slipper, in particular corresponding to the second introduction opening.

During the manufacture of the footwear article, the third additional textile part (C) is folded against the internal face of the main textile liner, and the second joining portion, at the level of the opening for introducing the foot, makes it possible to obtain an aesthetic finish. The width of this second joining portion makes it possible to absorb any problems of superposition of the third additional textile part (C) with the main textile liner during the step of hot implementation of the footwear article, in particular thermo-compression described below.

In a fourteenth variant, the main textile element comprises a fourth additional textile portion (D) comprising one or more thermofused textile portion(s), covering, at least in part, the internal face or the external face of a heel region of the main textile slipper, in particular the fourth additional textile portion (D) is connected to the area for introducing the foot into a receiving volume of the main textile slipper.

In one embodiment, the fourth part (D) comprises carbon fibers forming an area arranged in operation under the user's heel, and partially covering the inner face or the outer face of the main textile liner. This area forms a recovery plate.

Preferably, the fourth additional textile part partially covers the inner face of the rear portion of the main textile liner, and possibly partially the lateral and medial parts of the main textile liner, or even partially the inner face of the sole portion of the main textile liner.

Preferably, the fourth additional textile part (D) is in knitted connection with the opening for introducing the foot into the receiving volume of the footwear article, in particular in knitted connection with the second opening of the main textile slipper.

Preferably, the fourth part (D) is of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted, with the main textile slipper, in particular knitted.

In one embodiment, the fourth additional textile part (D) comprises first and second textile layers, in particular substantially superimposed.

Preferably, the fourth additional textile part (D) extends substantially over the entire height of the rear portion of the main textile shoe.

Preferably, the second layer of the fourth part (D) is arranged between the first layer and the inner face of the main textile slipper, and optionally further partially between the inner face of the main textile slipper and the third additional textile part (C). Preferably, the ratio of the mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) of the first textile layer and/or the second textile layer to the total mass of the first textile layer and/or the second textile layer is greater than or equal to 50%, in particular greater than or equal to 80%, in particular greater than or equal to 90%.

In a sub-variant embodiment, the fourth additional textile portion (D) comprises first and second textile layers, and a receiving volume arranged between said first and second layers.

The receiving volume may be empty or include one or more damping and/or stiffening elements.

In a fifteenth variant, the footwear article comprises a functional part, notably chosen from a foam, a film, a textile part, a label, for example an RFID label, or a combination of these, arranged in one or more receiving volume(s) chosen from the receiving volume(s) of the first, second, third and fourth additional textile portions (A, B, C, D).

In one variant, the footwear article comprises a set of fibers and/or filaments, in particular textile stuffing, arranged in one or more receiving volume(s) chosen from the receiving volume(s) of the first, second, third and fourth additional textile portions (A, B, C, D).

In one embodiment, said set of fibers and/or filaments comprises a first polymer P1 and a second polymer P2.

Preferably, the polymers P1 and P2 have melting or glass transition temperatures T1 and T2 respectively, preferably T1 is greater than T2, more preferably T1 is greater than or equal to T2 +10°C or +20°C (T1 ≥ T2 +10°C or +20°C). Said fibers may be chopped fibers, for example from chopped filaments and/or yarns comprising said chopped filaments.

Said fibers and/or filaments may be two-component and comprise the coextruded polymers P1 and P2, for example by being arranged in a core-mantle type configuration, the polymer P1 optionally being at the core.

Alternatively, said set of fibers may comprise fibers and/or filaments comprising the polymer P1, in particular not comprising the polymer P2, and fibers and/or filaments comprising the polymer P2, in particular not comprising the polymer P1.

The second polymer P2 preferably has a thermal shrinkage (%) greater than the thermal shrinkage (%) of the first polymer P1.

Thermal shrinkage means the dimensional shrinkage of the polymer material P1 or P2 under the effect of heating, in particular at the thermoforming or thermo-compression temperature.

Preferably T1 and/or T2 are higher than the thermoforming or thermo-compression temperature during the manufacturing process of the footwear article and/or the sole structure.

The fibers and/or filaments, comprising the polymer materials P1 and P2, partially deform during thermoforming or thermocompression, and swell, which increases the volume of the entire set of fibers and/or filaments.

The fibers and/or filaments of said assembly may be at least partially thermofused. In this case, preferably T2 is less than or equal to the thermoforming or thermocompression temperature.

In a variant, the first additional textile part comprises first and second textile layers secured to each other according to one or more textile securing zone(s), in particular knitted, delimiting channels between said first and second textile layers.

The channel(s) may extend longitudinally, i.e. along the longitudinal axis L of the footwear item, and/or transversely, i.e. along the transverse axis of the shoe.

In one embodiment, the first additional textile part (A) is folded against the internal face or the external face of the main textile liner, in particular against its sole portion at least in part, and optionally against one or more portion(s) chosen from said main textile liner among a lateral portion, a medial portion, a front portion and a rear portion.

The first additional textile part (A) may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the rear and front edges of the sole portion and in the transverse direction T between the lateral and medial edges of the sole portion.

The first additional textile part (A) can alternatively extend in the longitudinal direction L so as to cover only the rear or front portion of the main shoe, and extend in the transverse direction T between the lateral and medial edges of the sole portion.

In the latter two cases, the channel(s) extend over the entire length or width of the first additional textile part A.

The channel(s) may include in their receiving volume(s) a set of fibers and/or filaments as defined in this text, or a functional part as defined in this text.

In a sixteenth embodiment, the footwear article comprises an auxiliary textile slipper, comprising one or more thermofused textile portion(s), the auxiliary textile slipper is arranged on the main textile slipper and the sole element so as to cover, at least in part, the main textile slipper, the sole element and the junction between the textile slipper and the sole element.

This arrangement makes it possible to obtain an upper for the footwear article comprising the auxiliary textile slipper and the main textile element.

The connection with the sole element of the upper and the mechanical reinforcement of the upper are significantly improved.

Preferably, the auxiliary textile liner partially covers the outer face of the sole element.

In one embodiment, the rear and/or sole and/or lateral and/or medial portion(s) of the auxiliary textile slipper comprises/comprise one or more thermofused textile portion(s), in particular said thermofused portion(s) represents at least 50% by mass, more particularly at least 70% by mass, in particular at least 90% by mass, of the total mass of said rear and/or sole and/or lateral and/or medial portion(s).

In one embodiment, the thermofused textile portion(s) represent(s) at least 60% by mass, at least 80% by mass of the total mass of the auxiliary textile slipper.

Preferably, the front portion of the auxiliary textile slipper comprises one or more thermofused textile portion(s), and the ratio of the total mass of the thermofused textile portion(s) to the total mass of the front portion is less than or equal to 20%, in particular less than or equal to 10%.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary textile liner is of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted or woven, in particular knitted. In particular, the auxiliary textile liner and the main textile liner are two independent textile pieces.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary textile liner and the main textile liner are of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted, for example in a single textile piece, in particular knitted. Said textile piece may have a generally L-shaped or U-shaped shape. Preferably, the auxiliary textile liner and the main textile liner are in textile connection, in particular knitted, at their openings for introducing the foot into their respective interior volumes.

In a sub-variant, the auxiliary textile slipper covers, at least in part, the first additional textile part (A), in particular the portion of the first additional textile part (A) covering at least in part the peripheral edge, and possibly the external face, of the sole element.

In a seventeenth variant, the edges of the first through opening are not joined.

In an eighteenth variant, the auxiliary textile slipper comprises a through opening whose edges are secured to each other, in particular arranged on a portion of the sole of the auxiliary textile slipper.

The auxiliary textile slipper preferably has a hollow elongated structure comprising first and second through openings opening into the foot receiving volume of the auxiliary textile slipper.

Preferably, the second through opening corresponds substantially to the second through opening of the main textile slipper.

In a nineteenth embodiment, the footwear article comprises at least one textile viewing window at least partly heat-fused, in particular comprising one or more transparent or opaque thread(s) at least partly heat-fused.

The main textile element and/or the main textile slipper and/or the auxiliary textile slipper and/or the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) and/or at least one textile sole element according to the invention may each comprise one or more textile viewing window(s) at least partly heat-fused.

For example, the auxiliary textile slipper comprises a textile viewing window at least partly heat-fused arranged substantially in its sole portion opposite the first through opening of the main textile slipper. The first through opening is therefore visible from the outside of the footwear article through said window.

The variant embodiments, definitions, embodiments, with reference to the first and/or second aspect(s) of the invention may be combined with each other, independently of each other, unless otherwise specified.

Generally, the first additional textile part (A) may be the second additional textile part (B) or the third additional textile part (C) or the fourth textile part (D), and thus comprise/exhibit one or more characteristics of part (B) or (C) or (D) selected independently of each other.

The present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a method of manufacturing an article of footwear, according to claim 23.

Preferably, the method comprises a thermoforming step or a thermocompression step, which step comprises step (ii) and/or step (iii).

Preferably, steps (ii) and (iii) are carried out concomitantly.

The thermo-compression stage or thermoforming stage allows the stiffening and fixing of the three-dimensional shape of the main textile slipper.

During the thermo-compression step, an inflatable flexible envelope or inflatable preform, in particular having a substantially foot-shaped shape, is placed in the foot-receiving volume of the main textile slipper, then the assembly comprising the main textile element, possibly an auxiliary textile slipper, the sole element, is arranged in a mold in two or more parts. Once the mold is closed, the inflatable envelope is inflated to press the main textile slipper against the internal walls of the mold, and the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) against the internal face and/or the external face of the main textile slipper and/or the sole element and/or the internal walls of the mold that it (they) covers. Heat is applied concomitantly to melt the thermofusible portions and obtain thermofused portions. The assembly is then cooled, preferably the inflatable envelope being kept in the inflated state during cooling.

It is possible to apply this thermo-compression step to the textile element, and possibly the auxiliary textile liner, already secured to a sole element. In this case, if the sole portion of the main textile liner and/or the auxiliary textile liner includes/include thermofused textile portions, the latter reinforce the bond with the sole element.

It is also possible to apply this thermo-compression step to the textile element, and possibly the auxiliary textile slipper, without a sole element. The sole element is then secured (by gluing, heat-sealing, sewing or any other equivalent technique known to those skilled in the art) to the resulting thermo-compressed upper.

Preferably, the footwear article comprises an upper comprising the main textile element, possibly provided with other additional textile parts (B and/or C and/or D), and possibly also with an auxiliary textile slipper.

The upper comprises thermofused textile portions and flexible non-thermally fused textile portions.

All of the alternative embodiments, including one to eighteen, as well as the preferred embodiments, arrangements and definitions, according to a first aspect of the invention may be combined, independently, with each other, and with the alternative embodiments with reference to the second aspect of the invention.

Preferably, in the present text, the expression thermofusible is used for an element before its thermofusion in reference to the manufacturing process of a sole structure or a footwear article, and the expression thermofused is used for this same element after its thermofusion in reference to the sole structure or the footwear article obtained.

Description of the drawings

• [Fig.1] la figure 1 illustre de manière schématique, vue en perspective et de côté, un premier exemple d'élément textile principal selon l'invention;
• [Fig.2] la figure 2 illustre de manière schématique, vue de dessous, l'élément textile principal représenté à la figure 1;
• [Fig.3] la figure 3 représente de manière schématique, vue de dessous, l'élément textile principal représenté aux figures 1 et 2, ainsi qu'une première partie textile additionnelle (A), et une seconde partie textile additionnelle (B);
• [Fig.4] la figure 4 représente de manière schématique, vue de dessous, l'élément textile principal représenté aux figures 1 et 2, ainsi que la première partie textile additionnelle (A) et la seconde partie textile additionnelle (B);
• [Fig.5] la figure 5 représente de manière schématique, vue de côté, l'élément textile principal de la figure 1, disposé sur une préforme, comprenant la première partie textile additionnelle (A) venant s'engager avec un élément de semelle;
• [Fig.6] la figure 6 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, l'élément textile principal de la figure 1, disposé sur une préforme, comprenant la première partie textile additionnelle (A) engagée avec un élément de semelle;
• [Fig.7] la figure 7 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, un premier exemple de chausson textile auxiliaire disposé sur l'élément textile principal représenté sur les figures 1 à 6;
• [Fig.8] la figure 8 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, le chausson textile auxiliaire de la figure 7 légèrement replié pour faire apparaître le chausson textile principal;
• [Fig.9] la figure 9 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, l'ensemble comprenant le premier exemple d'élément textile principal, l'élément de semelle et le chausson textile auxiliaire de la figure 7;
• [Fig.10] la figure 10 illustre de manière schématique, vue de dessous, l'ensemble de la figure 8;
• [Fig.11] la figure 11 illustre de manière schématique, l'article chaussant obtenu à partir de l'ensemble thermo-compressé représenté sur les figures 7 à 10;
• [Fig.12] la figure 12 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, un second exemple d'élément textile principal comprenant en outre des troisième et quatrième parties textiles additionnelles (C, D) selon l'invention;
• [Fig.13] la figure 13 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, l'élément textile principal de la figure 12 comprenant les troisième et quatrième parties textiles additionnelles (C, D) sorties à l'extérieur du volume de réception du pied du chausson textile principal;
• [Fig.14] la figure 14 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, les troisième et quatrième partions textiles additionnelles (C, D) de la figure 13;
• [Fig.15] la figure 15 illustre de manière schématique, vue de dessous, un troisième exemple d'un élément textile principal selon l'invention;
• [Fig.16] la figure 16 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, un quatrième exemple d'un élément textile principal selon l'invention;
• [Fig.17] la figure 17 illustre de manière schématique, vue de côté, un cinquième exemple d'un élément textile principal.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 schematically illustrates, seen in perspective and from the side, a first example of a main textile element according to the invention;
• [ Fig.2 ] there figure 2 schematically illustrates, seen from below, the main textile element represented in the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig.3 ] there figure 3 schematically represents, seen from below, the main textile element shown in Figures 1 and 2 , as well as a first additional textile part (A), and a second additional textile part (B);
• [ Fig.4 ] there figure 4 schematically represents, seen from below, the main textile element shown in Figures 1 and 2 , as well as the first additional textile part (A) and the second additional textile part (B);
• [ Fig.5 ] there Figure 5 schematically represents, seen from the side, the main textile element of the figure 1 , arranged on a preform, comprising the first additional textile part (A) engaging with a sole element;
• [ Fig.6 ] there figure 6 schematically illustrates, from the side, the main textile element of the figure 1 , arranged on a preform, comprising the first additional textile part (A) engaged with a sole element;
• [ Fig.7 ] there figure 7 schematically illustrates, seen from the side, a first example of an auxiliary textile slipper placed on the main textile element shown in the figures 1 to 6 ;
• [ Fig.8 ] there figure 8 schematically illustrates, from the side, the auxiliary textile slipper of the figure 7 slightly folded back to reveal the main textile slipper;
• [ Fig.9 ] there figure 9 schematically illustrates, from the side, the assembly comprising the first example of the main textile element, the sole element and the auxiliary textile slipper of the figure 7 ;
• [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 schematically illustrates, seen from below, the whole of the figure 8 ;
• [ Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 schematically illustrates the footwear item obtained from the thermo-compressed assembly shown in the figures 7 to 10 ;
• [ Fig. 12 ] there figure 12 schematically illustrates, seen from the side, a second example of a main textile element further comprising third and fourth additional textile parts (C, D) according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 13 ] there figure 13 schematically illustrates, from the side, the main textile element of the figure 12 comprising the third and fourth additional textile parts (C, D) extending outside the foot receiving volume of the main textile slipper;
• [ Fig. 14 ] there figure 14 schematically illustrates, seen from the side, the third and fourth additional textile partitions (C, D) of the figure 13 ;
• [ Fig. 15 ] there figure 15 schematically illustrates, seen from below, a third example of a main textile element according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 16 ] there figure 16 schematically illustrates, seen from the side, a fourth example of a main textile element according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 17 ] there figure 17 schematically illustrates, seen from the side, a fifth example of a main textile element.

Description of the embodiments

There figure 1 represents a first example of a main textile element 100 according to the invention arranged on a preform 10 and comprising a main textile liner 200 and a first additional textile part (A) 300. The first additional textile part (A) comprises an intermediate textile portion 320 and a wrapping textile portion 330. The main textile liner 200 comprises a sole portion 205, a medial portion 210, a lateral portion, a rear portion 215 and a front portion 220, and a through opening 225 for inserting the foot into the interior volume of the main textile liner 200 corresponding to the foot-receiving volume of the footwear article 700. The main textile element 100 may comprise a temporary elastic textile piece 110 making it possible to maintain the lateral and medial edges of the groove portion 218 of the main textile liner 200 at a substantially constant distance, in particular during the step hot shaping.

The main textile liner 200 has a hollow elongated shape and comprises a first through opening 235 opening into the interior volume of the main textile liner 200 and arranged in the front part 206 of the sole portion 205, as well as a second through opening corresponding to the foot insertion opening 225.

The first additional textile part (A) 200 is connected, in particular knitted, with the first through opening 235, in particular with the edge of the opening 235, and projects outside the main textile slipper 200 from the edge of the first through opening 235.

The main textile slipper 200 preferably comprises a first textile joining portion 230, in particular comprising one or more at least partially heat-meltable thread(s). The first textile joining portion 230 partially borders the periphery of the first through opening 235. Preferably, the first joining portion 230 is arranged in the front part 206 of the sole portion 205, and is made of at least partially heat-meltable threads, in particular monofilament and single-component heat-meltable threads.

The main textile liner 200 also includes a partially annular textile region 240 disposed around the foot insertion opening 225.

The main textile element 100 is in a knitted piece of unitary knitted construction. The annular region 240 is preferably in n*p rib knit, for example in 1*1 rib, and optionally comprises one or more elastic thread(s).

Preferably, the first additional textile part (A) 300 is knitted, and is of unitary textile (knitted) construction with the knitted main textile element 100. The first part (A) 300 comprises first and second textile layers 340, 350 substantially superimposed and comprising one or more at least partially thermofusible thread(s). The first textile layer 340 comprises less than 50% by mass, in particular less than 20% by mass mass of at least partially heat-meltable thread(s) relative to its total mass. The second textile layer 350 comprises more than 80% by mass, in particular is made up of, at least partially heat-meltable thread(s) relative to its total mass.

The main textile element 100 comprises a second additional textile part (B) 400 visible on the Figures 3 and 4 in a position extended from the interior volume of the main textile slipper 200 through the first through opening 235. This second additional textile part (B) 400 is preferably knitted, and is in knitted connection with the first opening 235 so that it is of unitary knitted construction with the main textile slipper 200.

In operation, this second additional textile part (B) 400 is folded into the interior volume of the main textile liner 200, and arranged against the internal face of the main textile liner 200, and partly covers the lateral 212 and medial 210 portions in the front portion 206 of the main textile liner 200, and partly the front portion 215 of the main textile liner 200. The second additional textile part (B) 400 preferably comprises first and second textile layer(s) 410, 420 substantially superimposed, and comprising one or more at least partially heat-meltable yarn(s). In particular, the first and second textile layers 410, 420 are made of single-component monofilament heat-meltable yarns. A receiving volume is arranged between the first and second layers 410, 420 and configured to receive a functional part, such as a damping or stiffening element. In this specific example, the receiving volume of the second additional part (B) is empty. The two layers 410, 420 make it possible to locally increase the thickness of the second additional textile part (B) 400. The second additional textile part (B) 400 provides the hard end function once the at least partially thermofusible threads have melted, thus forming thermofused textile portions.

THE Figures 5 and 6 represent the main textile element 100 arranged on a rigid preform 10 (useful only for representation purposes) and connected to a sole element 500, in this specific example a wear sole 510, in particular comprising multiple studs 520 projecting from the external face 515 of the wear sole 510. The sole portion 205 of the main textile liner 200 is arranged against the internal face 516 of the sole element 500, and the first additional textile part (A) 300 partially envelops the peripheral edge 517 of the sole element 500. The peripheral edge 517 extends between the internal face 516 and the external face 515 of the sole element 500, and is preferably substantially vertical. In particular, the first additional textile part (A) 300 comprises an intermediate textile portion 320 arranged between the sole portion 205 of the main textile liner 200 and the inner face 516 of the sole element 500, and a wrapping portion 330, in the extension of the intermediate portion 320, and partially covering the peripheral edge 517 and partially the outer face 515 of the sole element. The junction 20 between the main textile liner 200 and the sole element 500 is thus reinforced locally, partially, in the front portion 220 of the main textile liner 200, and in this specific example partially in the lateral 212 and medial 210 portions. This junction 20 thus comprises multiple textile thicknesses: the first and second textile layers 410,420 of the second additional textile part (B) 400, the main textile liner 200, and the first and second textile layers 340,350 of the first additional textile part (A) 300. The junction 20 between the main textile liner 200 and the sole element 500 is thus reinforced, in particular locally by the first additional textile part (A) 300. The resistance to abrasion and wear of the main textile liner 200 and the resistance to delamination of the main textile liner 200 of the sole element 500 will be improved when the at least partially thermofusible threads are melted.

It is also possible to cover the main textile element 100 and the sole element 500 with an auxiliary textile textile liner 600 shown in particular in the figures 7 to 10 This auxiliary textile slipper 600 is preferably arranged around the main textile element 100 in connection with the sole element 500 as shown in the figure 7 . There figure 8 represents the auxiliary textile slipper 600 slightly folded back on itself to reveal the main textile element 100 arranged on the preform 10 and in connection with the sole element 500.

The auxiliary textile liner 600 includes a rear portion 605, a medial portion 610, a lateral portion 615, a front portion 620, and a sole portion 625.

The auxiliary textile slipper 600 comprises in its sole portion 625 reception zones 626 shown in figure 10 , in particular through openings, receiving the crampons 520 projecting from the external face of the sole element 500.

The auxiliary textile slipper 600 has a hollow elongated shape and comprises first and second through openings 630, 640. In this specific example, the second through opening 640 substantially overlaps with the second through opening for introducing the foot 225 of the main textile slipper 200. The first through opening 630 also opens into the interior volume of the auxiliary textile slipper 600 but its lateral edges 632 and 634 are secured, for example by sewing. The first opening 630 of the auxiliary textile slipper 600 is therefore closed while the first opening 235 of the main textile slipper 200 remains open. The main 200 and auxiliary 600 slipper are preferably knitted on a small-diameter circular knitting machine, hence their general elongated and hollow shapes each comprising first and second through openings. The second through openings 225, 640 are substantially superimposed and correspond to the opening for introducing the foot into the footwear article 700. The first through opening 235 of the main textile liner 200 remains open because the first additional textile part (A) projects from the latter. The rounded arrangement of the second through opening 235 kept open facilitates the partial wrapping of the substantially rounded peripheral edge 517 of the front part of the sole element 500.

The auxiliary textile slipper 600 comprises an elastic annular region 650 bordering the second through opening 640 for introducing the foot. Preferably, said elastic annular region 650 does not comprise thermofusible threads.

The assembly comprising the main textile element 100 cooperating with the sole element 500, the auxiliary textile slipper 200, and possibly one or more reinforcing element(s) and/or stiffening and/or aesthetic(s), is placed in a mold in several parts, the preform 10 is replaced by an inflatable envelope housed in the volume for receiving the foot of the main textile slipper 200. The parts of the mold are closed. The inflatable envelope is gradually inflated in order to press the textile parts of the assembly against the internal walls of the mold and against the inflatable envelope. The assembly is then heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the melting temperature(s) of the at least partially thermofusible threads in order to obtain the melting of the thermofusible threads and the formation of the thermofused textile portions. At the end of the thermo-compression step, the temporary elastic textile part 110 is separated, in particular by cutting it, from the main textile slipper 200. The temperature conditions and the inflation pressure are determined by a person skilled in the art depending on the nature of the threads used, and possibly the functional part(s) used.

The resulting 700 shoe article is shown in figure 11 and comprises an upper 710 comprising the textile element 100 and the thermo-compressed auxiliary textile liner 200. The sole element 500 is arranged between the main textile liner 200 and the auxiliary textile liner 600. In this specific example, the sole element is a molded part, for example in an abrasion-resistant elastomer. The first and second additional textile parts (A, B) 300, 400 respectively reinforce the junction 20 between the main textile liner 200 and the sole element 500, as well as the front part 220 of the upper 710 by forming a hard toe. The studs 520 project through the sole portion 625 of the auxiliary textile liner 600 of the upper 710. The footwear article 700 comprises a longitudinal axis extending substantially between the rear of the article and the front of the latter. The footwear article 700 also comprises a transverse axis, in particular substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the sole portion 625 of the auxiliary textile slipper 600 is made up of/comprises thermofused textile portions, in particular transparent and/or opaque, making in particular the sole portion 205 of the main textile slipper 200 visible. The thermofused portions are preferably arranged on the sole portion 625 opposite the first through opening 235 of the main textile slipper 200.

Advantageously, the 700 shoe article has a weight of around 160g.

The upper 710 of the footwear article 700 could also not include an auxiliary textile liner 600. The sole element 500 would therefore be almost completely visible. The first additional textile part (A) 300 then alone ensures resistance to localized delamination.

There figure 12 represents a second example of a main textile element 800 according to the invention arranged on a rigid preform 11 for representation purposes. This main textile element 800 is described below essentially according to its differences with the main textile element 300. The main textile element 800 comprises a main textile liner 860 comprising a sole portion 865, a rear portion 870, a front portion 875, a lateral portion 880, and a medial portion. This main textile element 800 also comprises a part temporary textile 810, and therefore detachable, a first additional textile part (A) 850, a third additional textile part (C) 900 and a fourth additional textile part (D) 950, these third and fourth parts (C, D) 900,950 being folded into the interior volume of the main textile slipper 860. The main textile slipper 860 comprises a second through opening 885 for introducing the foot into the interior volume of the main textile slipper 860. This second through opening 885 is partly bordered by a region having a substantially C-shaped shape 890, in particular comprising n*p rib stitches, for example 1*1 rib.

The main textile element 800 comprises, in the extension of the region 890, a second textile joining portion 895, in particular comprising/consisting of at least partially heat-fusible thread(s). Preferably, the third additional textile part (C) 900 is in the extension of the second textile joining portion 895, and has a general C-shape open towards the front part 875 of the main textile liner 860. The third part (C) 900 comprises first and second textile layers 862, 864 substantially superimposed as well as a receiving volume 863 disposed between the first and second layers 862 and 864. Preferably, the first textile layer 862 comprises at least partially thermofusible threads representing at most 50%, in particular at most 20% by mass of the total mass of the first textile layer 862. Preferably, the second textile layer 864 comprises at least partially thermofusible threads representing at least 80% by mass, in particular at least 95% by mass of the total mass of the second textile layer 864. Preferably, the second joining portion 895, the third part (C) 900 comprises at least partially thermofusible threads representing at least 80% by mass, in particular at least 95% by mass of the total mass of the second textile layer 864. 900 and the main textile liner 860 are of unitary knitted construction. The main textile element 800 is therefore preferably a piece of unitary knitted construction.

The second textile joining portion 895 extends from the edge of the second through opening 885 of the main textile liner 860. In particular, the second textile joining portion 890 comprises first and second layers substantially superimposed in connection with the first and second layers 862 and 864 of the third part (C) 900.

The main textile element 800 also comprises a fourth additional textile part (D) 950 in connection with the second through opening 885, in particular in whole or in part in knitted connection with the edge of the second through opening 885.

The fourth additional part (D) 950 comprises first and second textile layers 952 and 954 delimiting between them a receiving volume 953. Preferably, the first and second textile layers 952, 954 each comprise one or more thermofusible thread(s) representing at least 80%, in particular at least 95%, by mass of the total mass of the fourth additional textile part (D) 950. Before the thermo-compression step, the third and fourth additional textile parts (C, D) 900, 950 as well as the second joining portion 895 are folded into the interior volume of the main textile liner 860 which is found as shown in figure 12 The fourth additional textile part (D) 950 is thus arranged, in part, between the third additional textile part (C) 900 and the internal face of the rear portion 870 of the main textile liner 860. The second textile layer 864 of the third additional part (C) 900 thus comes against the first textile layer 952 of the fourth additional part (D) 950. The length of the fourth textile part (D) 950 is determined so as to preferably cover the entire height of the rear portion 870 and partly the lateral and medial portions.

Preferably, the receiving volume 863 of the third part (C) comprises an elastic deformable part, for example a foam, and the receiving volume of the fourth part (D) remains empty.

After the thermo-compression step, the third and fourth additional textile parts preferably form a rear buttress. The second textile junction zone 895 being essentially thermofused absorbs any movements of the third and fourth textile parts 900 and 950 folded and superimposed during thermo-compression.

Preferably, and generally in the present text, the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) (A, B, C, D) is (each) in the form of a tube, in particular having one or two open ends, in textile connection, in particular knitted, with all or part of the edge of a first or second through opening of the main textile slipper.

The auxiliary textile slipper could also include additional textile parts according to the present invention, in particular additional parts A, B, C or D depending on the desired functionalities.

The receiving volume(s) of the first and/or second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) may each comprise at least one functional part, notably chosen from a foam, a film, a textile part, a label, for example an RFID label, or a combination of these.

The footwear article 700 described above may implement the arrangements described above at the level of the opening for introducing the foot 885 into the receiving volume of the main textile slipper, in particular a third additional textile part (C) and/or a fourth additional textile part (D).

There figure 15 represents a third example of a main textile element 1000 comprising a main textile slipper 1100 comprising a sole portion 1110. The sole portion 1110 comprises a front portion 1120 and a rear portion 1130. The sole portion 1110 comprises a first through opening 1140 opening into the interior volume of the main textile slipper 1100 and which can be arranged in the front portion 1120 or in the rear portion 1130. The main textile slipper 1100 comprises a first textile joining portion 1150 comprising one or more thermofusible threads bordering in whole or in part the edge of the first through opening 1140. On the figure 15 , the first joining portion 1150 substantially surrounds the entire first through opening 1140. The main textile element 1000 comprises a first additional textile part (A) not shown, and may comprise a second and/or third and/or fourth additional textile part(s) (B, C, D) according to the invention.

There figure 16 represents a fourth example of a main textile element 1200 according to the invention comprising a main textile slipper 1210, a first additional textile part (A) 1220 and a second additional textile part (B) 1230 arranged in the interior volume of the main textile slipper 1210 and substantially superimposed.

There figure 17 represents a fifth example of a main textile element 1300 comprising a main textile liner 1310 according to the invention, a first additional textile part (A) 1320 and a second additional textile part (B) 1330. The first part (A) 1320 projects outside the main textile liner 1310 and at least partially envelops the external face of the front part 1340 of the main textile liner 1310. The second part (B) 1330 projects into the interior volume of the main textile liner 1310 and at least partially covers the internal face of the front part 1340 of the main textile liner. The first and second portions 1320, 1330 may be sized to partially cover the medial and lateral portions of the main textile liner 1310. The front portion 1340 of the main textile liner 1310 is thus sandwiched, at least partially, between the first portion (A) 1320 and the second portion (B) 1330.

It is thus possible to locally functionalize the external face and/or the internal face of the main textile liner by means of one or more additional textile part(s) (A, B, C or D), which are advantageously of textile construction, in particular knitted, unitary with the main textile liner so as to form a main textile element functionalized according to the use of the footwear article, in particular according to a specific sport.

It is understood within the scope of the present invention that the first additional textile part (A) may be part B or C or D, and therefore comprise any of the characteristics of part B or C or D.

The main textile slipper 200 or 860 or 1100 or 1210 or 1310, and/or the auxiliary textile slipper 600 comprises/comprise one or more threads which are wholly or partly thermofusible, the nature, the method of connection, the stitch pattern for example, and the quantity of which vary according to the functions to be assigned to the upper of the footwear article.

Claims (23)

1. A footwear (700) comprising a main textile element (100, 800, 1000, 1200, 1300) comprising a main textile bootie (200, 860, 1100, 1210, 1310) having a sole portion (205, 865, 1110) attached, at least partially, to at least one sole element (500), the main textile element (100, 800, 1000, 1200, 1300) also comprises one or several hot melted textile portion(s), characterized in that the sole portion (205, 865, 1110) comprises a first through-opening (235, 1140), and in that the main textile element (100, 800, 1000, 1200, 1300) comprises at least a first additional textile part (A) (300, 850, 1220, 1320), of unitary textile construction with the main textile bootie (200, 860, 1100, 1210, 1310), and in connection with said first through-opening (235, 1140), and in that said first additional textile part (A) (300,850,1220,1320) comprises an upper edge, and in that said first additional textile part (A) (300,850,1220,1320) is bonded by knitting along its upper edge to the edge of the first through-opening (235,1140).
2. The footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that the main textile bootie (1310) comprises an external face, and in that the first additional textile part (A) (1320) partially wraps the external face of the main textile bootie (1310).
3. The footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that the main textile bootie (1210) comprises an internal face, and in that the first additional textile part (A) (1220) partially wraps the internal face of the main textile bootie (1210).
4. The footwear (700) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850) at least partially wraps said sole element (500), particularly the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850) comprises an intermediate textile portion (320) disposed between the sole portion (205, 865) of the main textile bootie (200, 860) and said sole element (500).
5. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 and 4, characterized in that said sole element (500) comprises a peripheral edge (517), and in that the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850) at least partially covers said peripheral edge (517).
6. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, characterized in that the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850) comprises one or several hot melted textile portion(s) covering, at least partially, the sole element (500).
7. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850) comprises first and second textile layers (340, 350), in particular substantially superimposed, and a receiving volume disposed between said first and second layers (340, 350).
8. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the main textile bootie (200, 860, 1100, 1210, 1310) comprises a first textile junction portion (230, 1150) comprising one or several hot melted textile portion(s), superimposed, at least partly, with the first additional textile portion (A) (300, 850, 1220, 1320).
9. The footwear (700) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first textile junction portion (230, 1150) comprises one or several hot melted textile portion(s) which represents(s) at least 50%, in particular at least 80%, by mass of the total mass of the first textile junction portion (230, 1150).
10. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the main textile element (100, 1000, 1200, 1300) comprises a second additional textile part (B) (400, 1230, 1330) comprising one or several hot melted textile portion(s), and at least partially covers the internal face of the main textile bootie (200), particularly forms an internal hard toe-puff.
11. The footwear (700) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second additional textile part (B) (400, 1230, 1330) comprises first and second textile layers (410, 420), and a receiving volume disposed between the first and second textile layers (410, 420).
12. The footwear (700) according to either of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the second additional textile part (B) (400, 1230, 1330) is in connection, at least partly, with the edge of the first through-opening (235, 1140).
13. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the main textile element (100, 800) comprises a third additional textile part (C) (900) comprising one or several hot melted textile portion(s), said third additional textile part (C) (900) is in connection, at least partly, with an area for introducing the foot (885) into a foot-receiving volume of the main bootie (860).
14. The footwear (700) according to claim 13, characterized in that the third additional textile part (C) (900) comprises first and second textile layers (862, 864), and a receiving volume (863) disposed between said first and second layers (862, 864).
15. The footwear (700) according to either of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the main textile element (800) comprises a second textile junction portion (895) extending between the main bootie (860) and the third additional textile part (C) (900).
16. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the main textile element (800) comprises a fourth additional textile part (D) (950) comprising one or several hot melted portion(s), covering, at least partly, the internal face or the external face of a heel region of the main bootie (860), particularly the fourth additional textile part (D) (950) is in connection with the area for introducing the foot (885) into a volume for receiving of the main bootie (860).
17. The footwear (700) according to claim 16, characterized in that the fourth additional textile part (D) (950) comprises first and second textile layers (952, 954), and a receiving volume (953) disposed between said first and second layers (952, 954).
18. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that it comprises a functional piece, chosen in particular among a foam, a film, a textile piece, a tag, for example an RFID tag, or a combination thereof, disposed in one or several receiving volume(s) (863, 953) chosen among the volume(s) for receiving of the first, second, third and fourth additional textile parts (A, B, C, D) (300, 850, 1220, 1320; 400, 1230, 1330; 900; 950).
19. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises an auxiliary textile bootie (600), comprising one or several hot melted textile portion(s), the auxiliary textile bootie (600) being disposed on the main bootie (200, 860) and the sole element (500) so as to cover, at least partly, the main textile bootie (200, 860), the sole element (500) and the junction (20) between the main textile bootie (200, 860) and the sole element (500).
20. The footwear (700) according to claim 19, characterized in that the auxiliary textile bootie (600) covers, at least partly, the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850), particularly the portion (330) of the first additional textile part (A) (300, 850) at least partly covering the peripheral edge (517), and possibly the external face, of the sole element (500).
21. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the edges of the first through-opening (235) are not joined.
22. The footwear (700) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the auxiliary textile bootie (600) comprises a through-opening (630) whose edges (632, 634) are attached together, particularly the through-opening (630) is disposed on a sole portion (625) of the auxiliary textile bootie (600).
23. A method for manufacturing a footwear (700), in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

    (i) providing a main textile element (100, 800, 1000, 1200, 1300) comprising a main textile bootie (200, 860, 1100, 1210, 1310), having a sole portion (205, 865, 1110) and comprising one or several hot-meltable textile portion(s);

    (ii) subjecting said first main textile element (100, 800, 1000, 1200, 1300) to a temperature making it possible to obtain the melting of said hot-meltable portion(s);

    (iii) attaching, at least partially, at least one sole element (500), to the sole portion (205, 865, 1110) of the main textile bootie (200, 860, 1100, 1210, 1310), step iii) taking place before, during or after step ii); characterized in that the sole portion (205, 865, 1110) comprises a first through-opening (235, 1140), and in that the main textile element (100, 800, 1000, 1200, 1300) comprises a first additional textile part (A) (300, 850, 1220, 1320), of unitary textile construction with the main textile bootie (200, 860, 1100, 1210, 1310), and in connection with said first through-opening (235, 1140), and in that said first additional textile part (A) (300,850,1220,1320) comprises an upper edge, and in that said first additional textile part (A) (300,850,1220,1320) is bonded by knitting along its upper edge to the edge of the first through-opening.