ES1323561U - MINIMALIST ANATOMICAL SPORTS FOOTWEAR FOR CLIMBING (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing is characterized by having the anatomical shape of the human foot comprised mainly of an upper cover (1) that from the back encapsulates the heel and covers the sides, flattening and widening towards the front progressively until the beginning of the phalanges also covering the metatarsals in the upper part; followed by a floor (2) in the lower part that follows the line of the plantar arch and the support triangle formed by the calcaneus/heel, first metatarsal and fifth metatarsal, a characteristic shape that is also copied to the sole (18) without limiting its construction in the lower part since it ascends through the heel and the sides ((16) flanks + heeling) to the toes of the two compartments at the front end that house the phalanges; By design, these compartments are defined by the band of the small toe box (4) on the lateral half, and on the medial side, the big toe compartment (3) follows the profile of the first phalanx (Hallux/big toe). The final shape is completed according to the user's foot shape thanks to the set of elastic construction zones with fasteners and adjustments.

Description

DESCRIPTION

MINIMALIST ANATOMIC SPORTS SHOES FOR CLIMBING

TECHNICAL SECTOR

Footwear manufacturing, CNAE 1520.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is no precedent for the invention other than the conventional climbing shoe widely known to the public as a "climbing shoe".

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sports shoe specifically designed for climbing, anatomically shaped to the average human foot, allowing the climber natural foot movement. The object of this utility model differs from the prior art in that the minimalist anatomical sports shoe for climbing respects the anatomy of the foot, leaving the joint movements of the limb fully functional, unlike the conventional climbing shoe (prior art) which holds the foot in a fixed, arched position, with the toes contracted to the maximum and restricted mobility, causing pain, bunions (medical term: Hallux Valgus), sometimes cramps in the plantar muscles of the foot, and long-term dysfunction. The invention that is the subject of this utility model aims to eliminate this passive mutilation, promoting comfort and a natural climbing movement in accordance with the body's capabilities. The assistance provided by the minimalist anatomical climbing shoe is minimal, and without supports that alter the geometry of the foot. However, there is protection against sharp objects and abrasions, although the sole is kept thin (variable according to size) to maintain the shoe's flexibility and thus the foot's free movement and sensory perception of touch. The sole's shape follows the plantar arch of the foot and the support triangle of the calcaneus (heel), metatarsal #1, and metatarsal #5. Furthermore, it is not limited at the bottom, as its construction extends up the sides, toes, and heel for protection and grip in the most exposed support areas. Due to these important characteristics mentioned that the sport requires, due to its similarity in shape (claim 1) and respect for the foot in its range of motion and geometry, it is considered an anatomical minimalist climbing shoe.

To achieve these characteristics, a construction last of a mannequin foot is used, in a neutral/relaxed state, so that once the shoe is finished, the foot that gives shape and movement to the shoe has the same ease of flexing the shoe in both directions if the foot contracts and arches in claw (plantar flexion), or opens or extends (dorsiflexion).

These flex characteristics, with the aim of having greater freedom of movement and replicability of the foot, have been achieved by separating the first phalanx from the rest of the phalanges (Claim 2) in an isolated compartment to respect the main function of major support of the phalanx (Hallux or big toe) at the moment of support and grip on the climbing hold, thus leaving the rest of the phalanges 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a, housed in a different compartment (Claim 3) where the latter is characterized by having adaptive capacity to the length of the toes of the minor phalanges named according to the size and shape of the user's foot, since its construction allows it by its stitching, cut and arrangement of the sole in addition to the incorporation of elastic material in the upper part to obtain said adaptability, thus covering a wider model of human foot in a morphological sense, having a more "universal" sizing covering the different known foot shapes. [Example of two different foot shapes: Egyptian foot: Morphologically characterized by the big toe being longer than the others, with the subsequent toes arranged in descending order. Greek foot: When the second toe is larger compared to the other toes, including the big toe]

These unique flex characteristics of the MINIMALIST ANATOMICAL SPORTS FOOTWEAR FOR CLIMBING have also been achieved, for the most part, thanks to a specific constructive design (Claim 4) based on the use of elastic material at strategic points coinciding with the articular areas of the foot metatarsals-proximal phalanges (located in elastic flap (5)) and the joint that joins the 1st proximal phalanx - 2nd proximal phalanx (area located in the elastic tab between toes (8), see Figure/illustration 8), in order to allow mobility between said toes and thus allow independent free movement.

The flex characteristics in the lower part of the shoe are also due to the design of a sole (18) specifically cut with reduced sections for the fold points (claim 5), recesses of optimal thickness and elasticity for better flexing according to the size and estimated weight of the climber (sole (18) and metatarsal plate (19), Figure/illustration 4 and 7). In addition, to ensure correct flexing of the sole according to the aforementioned characteristics, a system dedicated to bringing the sole closer to the foot is integrated, located in the first proximal phalanx (G) coinciding with the articular zone (Claim 5). This system has been provided in the joint area of the big toe (hallux, first 1st phalanx) since it is the main one involved in the grasping function of the foot in the grip of climbing holds in order to replicate the flexion right in the joints that join, in order, the metatarsus, proximal phalanx and distal phalanx, (zone (G) in figure/illustration 5) and in this way the shoe reacts in sync with the foot.

Due to the large range of motion, and in order to keep the Hallux/big toe touching the tip of the shoe and thus avoid looseness or empty spaces, an adjustment system is included (claim no. 6) of the total longitudinal distance of the shoe according to the foot as the Moreau-Costa-Bartani angle is reduced or opened (angle obtained from the lowest point of the calcaneus to the lowest point of the talus head and to the lowest point of the first metatarsal head). Achieved through a pulley-type system (Windlass) like that of the plantar aponeurosis that generates the longitudinal arch of the foot, with the difference that in the shoe it is the sole(18) / ground(2) that is the connecting element that is tensioned by means of a puller attached to a buckle/adjustment (Example presented: central buckle/adjustment (15)) that exerts a perpendicular upward pulling force so that the sole, which initially lies flat on the ground, is tensioned by means of the puller from this point (H) (See Figure/illustration 9). This brings it closer to the plantar arch of the foot and generates a difference in the longitudinal horizontal distance, thus reducing the shoe size. This characteristic is indispensable for constant adaptation to the different movements of the foot, for example, in an extension (dorsiflexion) of the foot, which generates a convex curve in the sole (Curve with the fictitious center above the foot, just like when walking, as if the foot were a wheel and the sole its tire). Since this sole is the outermost element of the curve, it needs a greater travel and an extra longitudinal distance (larger size). (of the shoe), however for a contracted position (claw or plantar flexion) of the foot the concave curve generated with center below the foot, the sole becomes the element closest to the center of the curve and therefore to maintain a good fit to the longitudinal distance of the foot it is necessary to shorten and reduce the size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure / Illustration 1 - Drawing in different views of the utility model. You can see: - The side view (A) of the outer side of the shoe. Note the rubber sidewall that rises from the sole to mid-height along and on the heel, designed to provide grip at different angles of support of the shoe with the climbing hold.

- The internal side view (B), medial side, where the system of bringing the shoe floor closer (claim 5) to the foot can be optimally observed to generate the fold at the same point as the joint of the foot of the first (1a) phalanx/big toe by tensioning a strip that gathers the toe from the bottom at its base.

- The top view (C) clearly shows the straps and rings of the fastening systems, both on the front of the shoe (claim 5) and in the central part (claim 6), with an adhesive system and hook-and-loop closure in this example, without limiting the type of fastener/closure. This same top view also shows the anatomical shape of the foot with separate compartments for the big toe and the other small toes.

- The rear view (D) of the shoe located on the left side shows the heel part, note how the sole rises up to the Achilles tendon, a typical feature of climbing shoes for “heel striking” (movement in which the back of the heel is supported).

- The front view (E) of the shoe is located on the right side of the drawing showing the toe(s) of the shoe and the separate compartments for the toes.

- The bottom view (F) mainly shows the rubber sole, consisting of a main plate extending from the toe to the heel, which is in the background, and another plate concentrated on the metatarsal area and the big toe (hallux). In this view, the similarity in shape to the human foot can also be observed (claim #1).

Figure / Illustration 2 - Main parts that make up the utility model. The following can be observed: Top cover (1), sole (2), big toe (3), little toe box band (4), elastic flap (5) [elastic textile], shoe loop (6), instep foam and elastic fabric (7), elastic inter-toe tab (8) [elastic textile], big toe elastic strap (9) [elastic textile], hallux anti-abrasion tab (10), heel padding foam (11), heel upholstery fabric (12), fastening strap (13), fastening/adjustment strap (14), central fastening/adjustment (15).

Figure / Illustration 3 - Step-by-step assembly of the heel padding. Step 1 (top left): Fold the shoehorn loop (6) downwards, bringing it closer to the top cover (1); Step 2 (top right): With the heel padding foam (11) glued in place, sew the flap (12); Step 3 (bottom right): Fold the heel padding fabric (12) inwards; Step 4 (bottom left): Sew the flap (12) following the edge of the heel padding foam (11) to finish the interior padding that accommodates the heel.

Figure / Illustration 4 - Steps of the gluing and its elements. Step 1: Gluing of (16) heeled flanks and (17) Tube section for the big toe/hallux/ first phalanx; step 2: detail of stitching of the end of the piece (16) heeled flanks; step 3: Gluing of the sole (18); step 4: gluing of the rubber plate for metatarsals (19).

Figure / Illustration 5 - The anti-abrasion tab of the Hallux (10) and the area of the proximal first phalanx (G) where the system explained in claim 5 acts can be seen. It can be seen how the hand pulls the fastening/adjustment strap (14) to tension the fastening strap (13) that holds the big toe (hallux/1st phalanx). Also shown is (17) Tube section for the big toe/hallux/1st phalanx.

Figure / Illustration 6 - Detailed view of the system dedicated to bringing the sole closer at the articulation point explained in claim 5 with the open adjustable tension strap of the fastening/adjustment strap (14). The Hallux anti-abrasion tab (10) and the fastening strap (13) can be seen; at the bottom, their profiles are barely visible, are the sole (18) and the rubber metatarsal plate (19) superimposed. Also indicated is (17) Tube section for the big toe/hallux/first phalanx.

Figure / Illustration 7 - Photograph of sole 18 and plate 19. The special cut for greater flexibility explained in claim n° 5 can be observed.

Figure / Illustration 8 - Photograph showing the main parts for claim number 2 with the main element big toe (3); claim number 3 with the main element band of the small toe box (4) and the elastic flap (5) which in turn forms part of claim 4 for the metatarsal-proximal phalangeal joint area to part of the area between the 1st proximal phalanx - 2nd proximal phalanx constituted mainly by the elastic tab between toes (8). The fastening strap (13) and its connection with the fastening/adjustment strap (14) are also shown.

Figure/Illustration 9 - Explanatory detail of the operation of the characteristic system of claim 6: system for adjusting the total longitudinal distance of the shoe according to the foot. Two thicker lines have been marked at the bottom simulating the two states of the sole: when it lies flat on the ground (line (I)) and when it arches (line (J)) at the moment the fastening generates tension, bringing it closer to the plantar arch. Both lines are represented as being of the same length, but the curve generated in the upper line (I) induces a shortening of the net horizontal distance. The four thicker arrows indicate the direction of traction of the fastening/adjustment (15); in this case, an adhesive lacing system with a loop closure acting from area (H) is shown as an example. In the lower left, a dimension is shown representing the difference in length shortened/gained.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, a non-limiting embodiment of the invention is presented which comprises the parts and elements described below.

As shown in Figure/Illustration 2 (Main parts that make up the utility model), the main parts of the shoe structure are pieces (1) and (2): the upper (1), which forms the walls of the shoe, and the sole (2), which forms the bottom of the shoe. The joining of these two pieces, preferably with double stitching using nylon thread, creates the compartment where the foot will be housed. Both pieces require a material that is non-allergenic to the skin, adheres well to prevent unwanted internal slippage of the foot, is abrasion-resistant, and has sufficient thickness to provide shape and structure. For these reasons, suede or nubuck is preferred. Regarding the adjacent pieces of the front of the shoe, smaller in size (3) and (4), these are: the big toe (3), indicated in Figure/Illustration 2 (under a dashed oval), as an extension of the same sole piece (2), which, when assembled, will encapsulate the first phalanx/big toe/hallux; and the band of the small toe box (4), which, when sewn to the floor piece (2), will form the boundary wall of the compartment that houses the remaining phalanges. For these pieces, suede or leather is also preferred due to its good resistance to abrasive elements (e.g., rock or climbing holds). Double-stitched nylon thread is preferred for its tensile strength.

The elastic flap (5) and elastic inter-toe tab (8), which are primarily responsible for providing flexibility and elasticity to the shoe, should preferably be made of textile material interwoven with rubber fibers to provide sufficient flexibility and high elasticity to adapt to the full range of intrinsic foot mobility. The elastic flap (5) is the element that covers the upper part of the proximal phalangeal joints with the metatarsals and connects the upper cover (1) to the front of the shoe. The elastic flap (5) can be seen in Figure 2 for an exploded view. To see the assembled shoe, see figure/illustration 8. The pieces indicated in figure 2 as the foam and elastic fabric of the instep (7) (instep assembly) allow the shoe to deform by thickening the opening for the foot to enter when putting it on; see figure 1 to locate it in the instep area of the shoe (the upper part of the foot, which is between the leg shaft and the beginning of the toes); with this piece, the foam and elastic fabric of the instep (7), the upper part of the metatarsals is protected, as it is sewn along the sides and the lower edge to the upper cover (1); as it performs a similar function to the tongue of any shoe, it is preferable to include foam that is wrapped inside elastic fabric to mitigate any pressure from the preferred fastening system, whether laces or hook and loop fastener, in case this pressure could bother the user. Related to the shoe-putting action, there is a shoe-stop loop (6) at the heel in the upper area (Achilles tendon zone) to help the user put on the shoe. A thin, flexible, but not elastic material (static fabric) is preferred for this loop, as it can withstand the pull of the action and not bother the climber if it bends inwards.

Regarding the elastic inter-toe tab (8) (see Figure/Illustration 2 for exploded view and Figure 8 to locate it on the assembled shoe). Continuing with the construction of the big toe compartment, it is preferred to add the elastic big toe strap (9) (see Figure/Illustration 2) to the upper inner part of the compartment formed by the big toe piece (3). The elastic fabric is positioned transversely to the phalanx in the direction of stretch, and this strap (9) is sewn only at its ends to allow it to stretch, providing a light support that hugs the first phalanx (big toe/hallux) and prevents unwanted internal movement of the limb. As its name indicates, this elastic big toe strap (9) requires an elastic material such as the aforementioned textile interwoven with rubber fibers. This adapted support solution can also be achieved by adding a soft, adaptive material such as EVA foam or foam to create thickness between the toe and the compartment wall.

As for the Hallux anti-abrasion tab (10) which is indicated under a circle with a dashed line (not to be confused with the larger oval indicated for the big toe part (3) in figure/illustration 2 on the same piece of the floor (2), as it is only an extension of this, it is strategically located on the medial side of the foot to protect the first proximal phalanx (big toe hallux) and in turn protect the elastic fabric of the elastic flap (5) since the elastic material chosen for the flap does not have good characteristics against abrasion.

For greater comfort, it is preferable to add heel padding foam (11) (see Figure/illustration 2) by gluing it to the inside of the back of the shoe to minimize pressure on the Achilles tendon and calcaneus (heel) bone when weight is placed on this area due to specific climbing movements such as heel striking; then, for the correct position, extended lifespan and fixation of the foam (11), it is preferable to cover it with heel padding fabric (12) (see Figure/illustration 2) sewn to the inside back of the upper cover (1). Preferably follow the steps in Figure/illustration 3.

With reference to the system for bringing the sole closer to the foot through zone G [Figure 5], as mentioned in the EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION section, for the correct execution of the foot's grasping movement, a fastening strap (13) is primarily required. This strap is preferably made of a non-elastic textile material (static fabric) that can withstand the traction of the fastening/adjustment system to which the strap is attached. The strap (13) is joined, preferably stitched, at one end to the tab (10) [see Figures 2, 5, and 6 for detail] and the other end is sewn to the sole (2), in the area below the elastic inter-toe tab (8) [see Figure 8]. In this way, the sole (2) of the shoe is supported, and with it the outsole (18) and the plate (19), as shown in Figure 6. These last two pieces are specified later. For the fastening/adjustment of the system, a preferred example for this footwear is a construction solution with an adhesive strip (hook and loop closure) such as the fastening/adjustment strap (14); this construction is not limited, as other fastening and adjustment methods exist for footwear, such as the use of laces, a solution also accepted for the invention. See Figures/Illustrations 2 and 4 for a description of parts prior to assembly and see Figures/Illustrations 5, 6, 7, and 8 for views of the assembled system.

With reference to the system for adjusting the total longitudinal distance of the shoe according to the foot, based on the Moreau-Costa-Bartani angle explained in claim 6, a connecting element, preferably static/rigid in the longitudinal direction, is required. In this case, it will be the assembly of the sole (18) and the outsole (2). To adjust the tension of the first element, a second pull element is preferred, installed in zone (H) of the plantar arch. This element is also connected to and/or forms part of a central buckle/adjustment (15), the construction of which is also preferably made of a static/rigid material capable of transferring tension. For the buckle, an example of the invention is a construction system with an adhesive grain or a hook and loop closure, although this is not a limitation, as the use of laces to achieve tension on the pull is also valid. (See Figure 9 and 2). Regarding the rubberized material that covers the exterior of the shoe on the sides and the bottom, it is formed by the pieces (see Figure 4):

(16) heeled flanks that cover the flanks rising from the bottom of the shoe continuing to the end of the vertical surface, being lower at the front and growing at the back of the foot to cover the heel, it is preferred to construct it in a thin sheet (1.5mm-2mm thick) of rather malleable and non-elastic natural rubber for better adaptability at the time of assembly, in which it will preferably be done by gluing [first step starting from the top in figure 4] adding a stitch finish at the beginning of the piece to prevent the edge from peeling off (as indicated by the second step starting from the top in figure 4).

(17) Section of tube for the big toe/hallux/first phalanx, which, as its name indicates, covers and embraces the big toe compartment (3). This tubular segment is preferably made of a material that provides both adhesion and elasticity in order to obtain a tighter fit during gluing [first step starting from the top in figure 4]. For this reason, rubber is a preferred option. In order to provide sustainable reuse solutions, it is proposed to obtain the tubular section from a used bicycle inner tube.

The sole (18), which is glued to the bottom of the shoe [placement according to the third step from the top in Figure 4], is shaped to follow the plantar profile of the foot, isolating the first phalanx (hallux/big toe). It is preferable for the sole to extend upwards at both the heel and the toe of the big toe compartment (3). It should preferably be made of a material such as natural rubber with a vulcanization process to resist abrasion and have a burnished finish for greater grip on climbing holds. The thickness of the sole will depend on the shoe size and therefore the climber's weight (approximate calculation) and on the hardness of the selected material, depending on whether durability (harder sole) or grip (softer sole) is preferred. Average thickness values are around 2 mm. This 2 mm may seem small, but the metatarsal rubber plate (19) is added to the sole (18), and its attachment is preferably done using adhesive [last step in Figure 4]. This element covers the lower front part of the foot where the metatarsals rest when stepping, as well as the entire first phalanx. A reduction of the section in zone (G), that is, in the prehensile flexion zone of the first phalanx, is preferred to facilitate the folding of the sole (18) and plate (19) assembly. Again, the thickness of this plate will depend on the same factors mentioned for the sole (18), and the estimated average value is 2 mm. The preferred material is also vulcanized and burnished natural rubber.

To finish the rubberizing process, it is preferable to finish off the small exposed leather areas of the shoe at the bottom by painting them with liquid rubber. Once dry, the entire area around the shoe will be covered in rubber in the contact zones that require grip, ensuring they are not left unattended and remain functional against possible abrasion from climbing holds.

This document clearly states that the invention is suitable for industrial application. The minimalist, anatomically designed climbing shoe, the subject of this Utility Model, will be manufactured using materials appropriate to its elements and components.

Claims (6)

1. Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing is characterized by having the anatomical shape of the human foot comprised mainly of an upper cover (1) that from the back encapsulates the heel and covers the sides, flattening and widening towards the front progressively until the beginning of the phalanges also covering the metatarsals in the upper part; followed by a sole (2) in the lower part that follows the line of the plantar arch and the support triangle formed by the calcaneus/heel, first metatarsal and fifth metatarsal, a characteristic shape that is also copied to the sole (18) without limiting its construction in the lower part since it ascends through the heel and the sides ((16) heeled flanks) to the toes of the two compartments at the front end that house the phalanges; By design, these compartments are defined by the band of the small toe box (4) on the lateral half, and on the medial side, the big toe compartment (3) follows the profile of the first phalanx (Hallux/big toe). The final shape is completed according to the user's foot shape due to the set of elastic construction zones with fasteners and adjustments. 2. Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing according to claim 1 is characterized by having an individual and independent compartment that encapsulates the first phalanx (big toe (3)/Hallux) of the foot. 3. Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing according to claim 1 is characterized by having a flexible and elastic compartment, adaptable to the morphology of the toes that form the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges of the foot where these are housed. 4. Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing according to claim 1 is characterized by having explicit construction flex zones in the body of the shoe coinciding with the joints of the foot: • The area of the elastic flap (5) of the metatarsal-proximal phalangeal junction. • The area of the elastic inter-toe flap (8) between the first proximal phalanx and the second proximal phalanx. 5. Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing according to claims 1, 2 and 4, characterized by integrating a fastening strap (13) for the contact of the sole (18) with the foot at the first proximal phalanx (G) that supports the lower assembly of the sole (2), sole (18) and metatarsal rubber plate (19) (such as a basket with a handle); it is also characterized by adding a fastening/adjustment strap (14) for tensioning the fastening strap (13). The sole (18) and metatarsal rubber plate (19) are characterized by a shaped cut where the section is reduced in the grasping area of the fold of the first proximal phalanx (G). 6. Minimalist anatomical sports footwear for climbing, according to claim 1, is characterized by being adjustable in the longitudinal distance of the shoe (in size) through a tensioning element such as a central buckle/adjustment (15).