FR3055095A1 - SHOE COMPRISING AN ALERT DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a shoe intended to be paved by the foot of a user. The shoe comprises an alert device capable of sending an alert signal when the user is in a distress situation. The shoe comprises a shank, comprising an insole, and a outsole, fixed under the shank, and able to come into contact with the ground. The warning device is located in a housing formed in the outsole.

Description

Holder (s): MADE IN NOV'IN Simplified joint-stock company.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): INNOVATION COMPETENCE GROUP.

k> 4 / SHOE HAVING AN ALERT DEVICE.

(Uj) The invention is a shoe intended to be worn by the foot of a user. The shoe includes an alert device, capable of sending an alert signal when the user is in a distress situation. The shoe comprises a upper, comprising an insole, and a outsole, fixed under the upper, and capable of coming into contact with the ground. The alert device is located in a housing in the outsole.

FR 3 055 095 - A1

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Shoe with an alert device

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The technical field of the invention is a shoe equipped with an alert device capable of generating an alert signal when a person wearing the shoe is in a distress situation.

PRIOR ART

Nomadic devices allowing the detection of distress situations, of accident, aggression or malaise type, are currently marketed in different forms, in order to allow to report, manually or automatically, such a situation. These devices generally have a button, allowing to trigger an alert. This alert can be the emission of an audible or light signal. It can also be accompanied by the transmission, via GSM-type networks, of a telephone call to emergency services. These products can integrate a satellite positioning means, for example according to the GPS satellite network, in order to provide a location of the person in distress. These devices take the form of pendants, watches or simple self-contained cases. The most complete devices, combining the emission of an alert signal with GPS geolocation, and having sufficient autonomy are generally boxes, whose size is close to that of a mobile phone.

Document WO2014185976 describes a shoe comprising an electronic device for monitoring the position of a person, the electronic device being inserted in the sole of a shoe. The latter includes in particular an opening, visible from the outside, testifying to the presence of the device. The latter is able to determine a position of the person wearing the shoe and to communicate it periodically by wireless link. Document WO2015124975 describes a shoe having the same purpose, comprising an electronic device implanted at the level of the arch of a sole. These position tracking devices have limited autonomy. They in fact continuously monitor the position of the person wearing the shoe, as well as monitoring the position of the shoe, even when the latter is not being worn. This results in a high energy consumption, most of the transmitted data not being useful, because corresponding to current situations not justifying the transmission of the position.

In addition, the Nike company offers shoes equipped with an electronic device comprising an actimetry circuit, making it possible to capture the movements of a shoe and to transmit them, by bluetooth connection, to a portable telephone of the smartphone type, carried by the user. Using a bluetooth connection makes it possible to obtain a device that is compact enough to be able to be integrated into the sole of a shoe without causing discomfort for the user. Indeed, a bluetooth type connection consumes little energy and does not require the use of a battery or a bulky battery. A simple button battery is enough to power it. Note that the use of a bluetooth connection requires that the user be equipped with an interface capable of communicating with the electronic device, for example a smartphone.

The devices described in the above documents do not allow the detection of a distress situation justifying the transmission of a person's position, using a long-range type communication network, for example of the GSM type. Indeed, this type of communication requires a much more powerful power supply than that required for a bluetooth type link, but also significantly more cumbersome. Its integration in a shoe increases the rigidity of the latter, which is detrimental to the comfort of use.

The invention set out below solves these various problems.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is a shoe capable of being fitted on the foot of a user, and comprising:

- a upper comprising an insole, against which the foot can rest when it is placed in the shoe;

- a so-called outsole, having an upper face applied against the insole, and a lower face intended to come into contact with a ground on which the shoe moves, the outsole comprising a housing, formed at the level of the upper face of the outsole, an opening opening into the housing being formed in the insole;

the shoe being characterized in that it comprises one of the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination:

the alert device is capable of emitting an alert signal when the user is in a distress situation.

the alert device is capable of transmitting the alert signal at a range greater than 100 meters, or even 200 meters, even 500 meters.

The alert device is held against the insole, above the outsole, a space, called buffer space, extending in the housing, between the alert device and the outsole, the buffer space being filled with a filling material or fluid. The buffer space can for example be filled with air or a gel or another filling material, for example a foam. Its thickness is preferably greater than 1 mm or 2 mm. The filling material is advantageously more flexible than the material forming the outsole. The buffer space can be provided between the upper face of the outsole and the device and / or around the alert device, along a plane parallel to the outsole and comprising the alert device. The buffer space is capable of being compressed when the user exerts pressure on the outsole.

The alert device comprises an electrical supply capable of delivering a supply signal whose power is preferably greater than 50 mA / h or 100 mA / h, or even 500 mA / h. The power supply can be a battery or a battery. Its volume is greater than 5 cm ³ , even 10 cm ³ . Thus, the volume of the alert device is greater than 10 cm ³ , or even 20 cm ³ .

The alert device comprises a pressure sensor, pressing against the insole, and capable of detecting a pressure applied by the user's foot after the latter has put on the shoe. The term leaning against does not necessarily mean that the pressure sensor is in contact with the insole.

The warning device is held by a support, the support pressing against the insole. The support preferably extends parallel to the insole, inside the upper. The thickness of the support is preferably less than 3 mm.

The shoe has a so-called first insole, disposed in the upper, against the insole, above the alert device. The support of the alert device can in particular be maintained between the first insole and the insole.

The alert device comprises a transducer, able to activate to provide information on a state of the alert device, the transducer comprising:

a light source, capable of emitting light, propagating outside of the alert device, for example in the upper of the shoe, so as to be visible from the outside of the shoe;

and / or a vibrator, capable of generating a vibration propagating at the level of the insole.

The alert device is arranged at a part, called the central part, intended to receive the arch of the foot.

The shoe has a puncture-resistant sole disposed between the insole and the outsole.

The outsole has a lateral opening leading to a lateral face of the shoe, and in particular the inner lateral face, and extending to or near the housing. The lateral opening makes it possible to view a light emitted by the alert device and / or to make a wired connection with the alert module disposed in the housing from the outside of the shoe. It can be closed with a plug, preferably transparent, and / or which can be removable.

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and represented in the figures listed below.

FIGURES

Figure IA shows a shoe according to the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a sole, known as a sole, having a housing capable of receiving an alert device.

Figure IC shows the outsole shown in Figure IB, in the housing of which an alert device is inserted. Figure 1D shows, from another angle, the outsole and the alert device.

Figure IE illustrates the outsole of Figures 1D to 1D, covered with an insole having an opening leading to the housing of the outsole, and for inserting the alert device.

Figure 2 shows an example of an alert device.

Figure 3 shows schematically the main components of a shoe according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 represents an alert device arranged on a support.

Figure 5 shows an example of support.

Figure 6 shows a shell suitable for receiving the alert device and integrated in a outsole.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams of implantation of components equipping the alert device shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

FIG. 8 represents an alert device according to one embodiment.

EXPLANATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

There is shown in Figure IA a shoe 1 equipped with an alert device 30. The shoe has a rod 10 attached to a sole 20 called wear. The term upper is a term known to those skilled in the art and designates a part of the shoe capable of receiving a foot from a user. It is closed by an insole 11. The insole is applied to the outsole 20, and in contact with the latter. The outsole is able to come into contact with the ground when the shoe is worn. The outsole has an upper face 20s, disposed against the upper 10, and more precisely against the insole 11. It also has a lower face 20i intended to rest on the ground. The lower face 20i may in particular include studs to promote grip on the ground. Thus, the outsole extends between the ground and the insole 11 of the shoe. It can be composite, by being made up of a stack of different layers assembled together.

When the user puts the shoe on, his foot rests against the insole. The term lean against does not necessarily mean that there is contact between the insole and the foot. In particular, the shoe may include a sole known as a first insole, inserted between the foot and the insole, as described below.

The outsole can be made by molding and injecting material into a mold. The upper is manufactured independently of the outsole, and then attached to the latter by being generally sewn, glued, or linked to the outsole during the manufacture, in particular by injection, of the outsole.

The shoe includes an alert device 30 intended to detect the occurrence of a distress situation for a user wearing the shoe, and to issue an alert signal when the user is in the distress situation. By alert signal is meant an alert message, intended for a predetermined interlocutor, in particular an emergency service and / or a contact previously informed by the user. The alert signal is preferably transmitted by a wireless link, in particular by radio frequency link.

The alert device 30 may include an actimetry circuit, comprising at least one movement sensor capable of detecting movements of the device, and of activating a circuit for issuing an alert in the event of detection of movements representative of a user's distress situation. The alert device 30 can also include a geolocation circuit for establishing a position of the user when the distress situation occurs, so that this position can be transmitted with the alert signal. The alert device 30 may include a use switch, able to occupy a rest position or a use position, said switch being configured to automatically switch to said use position when the shoe is worn by the user. . The use switch is then able to trigger an operation of said actimetry circuit. Other potential functionalities of the alert device 30 are described below, in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B.

Figure IB shows a outsole according to the invention. A distinction is made between the lower face 20i and the upper face 20s. A housing 25, taking the form of a cavity, is formed in the outsole 20, and more precisely at the level of the upper face 20s. The housing can in particular be formed during the manufacture of the outsole 20, in particular when the latter is obtained by molding. The housing 25 then takes the form of a notch made at the upper face 20s. This facilitates insertion of the alert device 30 as shown in Figure IC, after the outsole 20 has been manufactured. For this, the alert device 30 is simply deposited in the housing 25, above the outsole 20. The alert device is removable and can be removed from the housing. A possible location of the housing 25 is the central part 20p of the outsole 20 corresponding to the arch of the foot. Thus, the housing can extend between the support zones 20ar and 20av of the outsole intended to bear on a ground, respectively at the heel and toes. The insertion of the alert device 30 at the level of the arch 20p limits the perception of the alert device by the user.

Preferably, the alert device 30 extends, parallel to a horizontal longitudinal axis X connecting the heel to the toes, along a length of less than 7 cm, or even 5 cm. Thus, when the device is arranged as shown in Figure IC, it does not extend beyond the central part 20p of the outsole corresponding to the arch of the foot. It is entirely contained in this central part. The shorter the length, the less the bending of the shoe parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X is hampered.

Preferably, the width of the alert device 30 is less than 5 cm, or even 3 cm. The width of the warning device 30 is defined along a horizontal transverse axis Y and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. Like the length, the shorter the width, the less the bending of the shoe is hampered by the presence the alert system 30.

As described below, the alert device comprises a power supply, of the rechargeable battery or battery type, the power of which is preferably greater than 50 mA / h, or even 100 mA / h, or even 500 mA / h. The volume of such a feed is generally greater than 5 cm ³ , or even 10 cm ³ . Thus, the alert device 30 is confined in a volume generally greater than 10 cm ³ , or even 20 cm ³ . An important aspect of the invention is an integration of the alert device into the housing 25 while minimizing as much as possible the perception of the presence of this device by the user of the shoe.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the insertion of the alert device 30 at the level of the arch 20p, between the support zones 20ar and 20av, makes it possible to limit such pressure. This also makes it possible to prevent the alert device 30 from undergoing deformation of the shoe during its use.

FIG. 1D shows a preferred configuration, according to which the housing 25 is dimensioned such that when the alert device is inserted into the latter, a space 26, called buffer space, remains between the alert device 30 and the sole wear 20. This space can be left free (that is to say filled with air) or be filled with a fluid, for example a gel, or a sufficiently soft foam-like material. The filling material 27 occupying the buffer space 26 is preferably less hard than the material from which the outsole 20 is made. This significantly limits the pressure exerted by the user on the warning device. In fact, the pressure exerted by the user tends to reduce the volume of the buffer space 26, the latter avoiding contact between the alert device 30 and the outsole 20. In other words, the buffer space is able to compress under the effect of pressure exerted on the outsole, limiting the possibilities that the alert device 30 does not lean against the outsole 20 under the effect of pressure. The buffer space 26 also facilitates the possibilities of flexion of the boot 1 around the longitudinal X and / or transverse Y axes, by limiting the additional rigidity induced by the presence of the alert device 30 in the housing 25. Finally, the buffer space 26 minimizes the risk of degradation of the alert device due to the pressures exerted by the user and when the shoe flexes. Preferably, the thickness of the buffer space 26 extending between the alert device 30 and the outsole is greater than 1 mm, or even greater than 2 mm.

The buffer space 26 can be provided between the alert device and the upper face 20s of the outsole 20, that is to say below the alert device when the shoe is placed on a horizontal ground. . It can also extend around the alert device, between the latter and the outsole 20. By around the alert device is meant extending in a plane parallel to the insole and comprising the device 'alert. Advantageously, the buffer space 26 is provided both below the alert device 30 (that is to say between the alert device and the upper face 20s of the outsole), as well as around the alert system 30.

The buffer space 26 previously described facilitates flexing of the shoe and significantly limits the perception of the presence of the alert device by the user. It is all the more useful as the volume of the alert device is large. In addition, it allows an implantation of the alert device in parts of the shoe exposed to significant pressure from the user, in particular the front support areas 20av and rear 20ar. Thus, it is not necessary to restrict the position of the alert device at the central part 20p corresponding to the arch of the foot.

Figure 1E shows a top view of the alert device 30 disposed in the housing 25. It is connected to a pressure sensor 32, the latter being disposed at the end of a tongue 31 mounted projecting from the device alert. Unlike the alert device 30, the pressure sensor 32 is intended to receive pressure exerted by the user when the latter puts on the shoe. The pressure sensor 32 is preferably located outside of the alert device 30. It can for example be arranged at the rear support area 20ar, at the heel, or at the front support area 20 av, at the toes. Thus, when a user's foot is inserted into the shoe 1, it exerts pressure on the pressure sensor 32. The pressure sensor 32 then acts as a sensor for the presence of a foot in the shoe. It can then act as a usage switch to activate components located in the alert device, in particular the actimetry circuit described below. The pressure sensor 32 can be a strain gauge, the resistance of which is modified by a deformation resulting from the application of pressure II can be a sensor designated by the acronym FSR, meaning Force Sensing Resistor .

FIG. 1E shows the insole 11 applied against the outsole 20, above the pressure sensor 32, the latter being inserted between the insole and the outsole. Thus, the presence of the pressure sensor 32 is barely perceptible to the user.

The insole 11 may be full, in which case it closes the housing 25 in which the alert device is inserted. However, according to such a configuration, it is more difficult to access the alert device. This is why it is preferable that an opening 12 is made in the insole 11, so that when the insole 11 is applied against the outsole 20, the opening 12 opening onto the housing 25. This facilitates insertion or removal of the alert device 30.

FIG. 2 represents an example of an alert device 30 connected to a tongue 31 at the end of which the pressure sensor 32 is arranged. The thickness of the alert device is preferably less than 1 cm. Preferably, the tongue 31 and the pressure sensor 32 have a thickness less than the thickness of the warning device. Their thickness is preferably less than 1 mm or 2 mm. This minimizes the perception of the presence of the pressure sensor 32 by the user.

Figure 3 shows an example of components of a shoe according to the invention. The upper of the shoe has not been shown in its entirety, only the insole 11 being drawn. As previously described, the insole has an opening 12 leading to the housing 25 when the insole is applied against the outsole 20. In this example, the shoe also includes a first insole 14 detachably disposed in the upper 10, against the insole 11. The first insole 14 is optional. The alert device 30 is placed on a support 34, described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4, so that the alert device 30 engages through the opening 12 of the insole, so to enter the housing 25. The support 34 is retained by the insole 11. It is held between the first insole 14 and the insole 11. The first insole 14, the support 34 and the insole 11 are arranged parallel to each other.

The alert device 30 can be easily placed in the housing 25 since it suffices to remove the first insole and place it in the housing, by placing the tongue 31 and the pressure sensor 32 under the insole 11, or between the insole 11 and the first insole 14. When covered by the first insole 14, the alert device 30 is discreet and is not visible from the outside. It can be easily removed from the shoe, by removing the first insole 14 and extracting the alert device from the housing 25. Such removal may be necessary to recharge a battery 46 fitted to the device. alert, or to update the algorithms implemented by a processor 45 of the alert device. The battery 46 and the microprocessor 45 are described in more detail below.

The shoe 1 can be equipped with an anti-perforation sole 16. The latter can be disposed between the support 34 and the first insole 14, or above the first insole 14. According to the example shown in FIG. 3 , the anti-perforation sole is disposed between the insole 11 and the upper face 20s. The anti-perforation sole 16 can also be integrated into the outsole 20, in which case it can form the upper surface 20s. It has an opening 18 opening onto the housing 25, so as to allow the insertion of the alert device 30 into the housing. In order to obtain uniform anti-perforation protection, a complementary anti-perforation element 19 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 25, so as to be covered by the alert device 30 when the latter is inserted in the housing 25. The complementary element 19 has a surface preferably substantially equal to or greater than the surface of the opening 18 made in the anti-perforation sole 16. It can be molded in the outsole 20 during the formation of the latter. The use of an anti-perforation sole is envisaged when the shoe 1 is a safety shoe.

As shown in FIG. 4, the alert device can be fixed on a support 34, the latter taking the form of a surface, advantageously flexible, against which the alert device 30 is fixed. The support 34 is preferably flexible enough to be able to conform to the shape of the insole when it is inserted into the shoe, as can be understood in FIG. 3. The thickness of the support is preferably less than 3 mm, or even 1.5 mm, or even 1 mm. The finer it is, the less noticeable its presence by the user. It is preferably made of a deformable material to conform to the shape of the insole 11, but rigid enough to allow the alert device 30 to be held above the buffer space 26. It is for example made in a polyethylene plastic material. The alert device 30 and the support 34 are integral. The assembly formed by the support 34, the alert device 30 and the pressure sensor 32 is designated by the term alert module 38. In the example presented, the alert device 30 comprises a housing 36, containing the main electronic circuits. The pressure sensor 32 extends outside the housing 36, and for example against the support 34.

FIG. 5 shows an example of support 34, capable of conforming to the shape of the insole 11, and provided with ribs 35, so that the support 34 is rigid in flexion when the flexion is exerted around the longitudinal axis X , and flexible in bending when the latter is exerted around the transverse axis Y. The ribs are oriented parallel to the transverse axis Y.

Whatever the embodiment, the support 34 preferably extends along an XY plane, substantially parallel to the insole 11.

The outsole 20 may have a lateral opening 28, making it possible to see the alert device 30 from the outside of the shoe, through one of the lateral faces of the shoe. Preferably, the lateral opening 28 opens onto the internal lateral face of the shoe, corresponding to the inner side of the foot, and extends to the housing 25, or close to the latter. This allows the user to better see the alert device 30 through the lateral opening 28, by simply twisting the foot. The lateral opening 28 is left free or filled with a transparent material forming a possibly removable plug. It can allow the passage of light emitted by a light source disposed in the alert device, as described below in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B. It can also allow the connection of the alert device 30 to a wired connection to recharge a battery or to update algorithms implemented by a microprocessor disposed in the alert device. The lateral opening 28 can also allow the connection of an antenna.

The outsole 20 can be made by injecting material into a mold, the latter having a protuberance allowing the formation of the housing 25. Alternatively, the outsole can be made using an existing mold to which is attached a shell 29 conforming to the shape of the housing 25, such a shell being represented in FIG. 6. This makes it possible, during the manufacture of the outsole, to use a standard mold and to add the shell to it. The process is then more economical, because it avoids the production of a specific mold. After manufacture of the sole by injection, the shell remains in the sole and defines the periphery of the housing 25.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the main components of an alert device 30 according to the invention are shown. These components are arranged on either side of a flat support 40, the latter being of the PCB type, acronym for Printed Circuit Board. FIG. 7A represents a first face 40i of the planar support while FIG. 7B represents a second face 402 of the planar support, opposite to the first face.

The alert device 30 includes an actimetry circuit 41 composed of a motion sensor and a microprocessor. The motion sensor can be of the accelerometer, gyrometer or magnetometer type or a combination of such sensors. The microprocessor makes it possible to detect suspicious movement from signals transmitted by each movement sensor. By suspicious movement is meant a movement representative of a distress situation for the user, for example a fall or a prolonged lying position. At the level of the motion sensors, a fall can result in a sudden acceleration, followed by a period of inactivity. The signals from the pressure sensor 32 can also be used by the microprocessor of the actimetry circuit to identify a distress situation. The transition from a standing position to a lying position results, for example, in a reduction in the pressure exerted on the pressure sensor 32, indicating a loss of verticality. The microprocessor of the actimetry circuit is able to execute an algorithm for detecting a distress situation from the signals measured by the motion sensors. The use of such motion sensors for detecting a fall of a person has already been described in the literature. The microprocessor can for example implement a fall detection algorithm, on the basis of signals respectively delivered by an accelerometer and a magnetometer, as described in EP1731098. Furthermore, the microprocessor is advantageously able to recognize a sequence of alert movements voluntarily executed by the user in the event of a problem. It can for example be repeated kicks at a predefined rate. This allows the user to voluntarily order an emission of an alert signal.

In the event of a movement representative of an alert, the microcontroller 45 of the alert device activates the geolocation circuit 42 so as to obtain a position of the user, then generates an alert signal, the latter being transmitted using a transmission circuit 43. Geolocation can be carried out by a satellite network, of GPS or Galileo type, or by a GSM telephone network. It makes it possible to establish a geographical position of the alert device 30, that is to say its latitude, its longitude and possibly its altitude.

The function of the transmission circuit 43 is to automatically transmit a radio frequency alert signal to a remote communication network when it has been activated by the microcontroller 45. Unlike the prior art, the device alert is capable of transmitting an alert signal over a long range, that is to say at a distance greater than 100m, or even 200 m, or even 500 m. This avoids the user having to carry a mobile phone type interface communicating with the alert device by a short-range link of bluetooth type: the alert device operates autonomously, independently of a communicating object worn by the user.

The alert signal is for example sent by a telephone call or by an Internet network. The alert signal indicates the occurrence of an alert as well as the position of the alert device 30 provided by the geolocation circuit 42. The transmission circuit 43 may for example include a SIM card (acronym of the English term Subscriber Identity Device), in whatever format, capable of allowing a telephone call to a wireless communication network, for example a GSM network, or a low-speed and long-distance cellular network, this type of network being usually dedicated connected objects. Such networks are sometimes designated by the English acronym "LPWAN", meaning "Low Power Wide Area Network". Networks are currently offered by the operator Sigfox (registered trademark) or the LoRa alliance (registered trademark). Preferably, the communication network is a mobile telephone network, this type of network making it possible to exchange a large number of data and benefiting from extensive coverage. It can be a telephony network according to the GSM, GPRS, 4G or other standard. In a complementary or alternative way, the alert can be issued by a wireless internet network or by any radio frequency wireless link with sufficient range.

Preferably, and this constitutes a notable difference with respect to known nomadic alert devices, the transmission circuit 43 and / or the geolocation circuit 42 are inactive until they have been activated by the microprocessor 45. Thus, in normal operation, that is to say when it is carried by a user, the transmission circuit 43 neither transmits nor receives any signal to or from the communication network so continuous or frequent enough to be considered as such. The same is true for the geolocation circuit 42. These circuits are only activated when they have been requested by the microprocessor 45 of the alert device 30, when a distress situation arises for the user, justifying an automatic sending of an alert. Unlike devices known to date, the transmission circuit 43 is not in permanent communication with a communication network of the mobile telephone type. This feature considerably increases the autonomy of the alert system. Indeed, any communication, periodic or continuous, with a mobile telephone network, increases electricity consumption, which explains why the autonomy of current alert systems is limited, at best, to a few days. The fact that only activating the transmission circuit 43 and the geolocation circuit 42 only in the event of a particular situation makes it possible to have an autonomy exceeding one week and possibly reaching several weeks. This limits the recharging periods of the device.

As long as the pressure sensor 32 has not been activated, the microprocessor 45 consumes little energy and is in a state known as deep standby. As soon as the pressure sensor detects the presence of a user, the microprocessor assumes an active state, the signals produced by the actimetry circuit being sampled at a high frequency, typically greater than 10 Hz, or even 20 Hz, or even more. . The deep standby state as long as the shoe is not worn makes it possible to minimize the energy consumption of the alert device.

The alert device 30 may also include a transducer 48, allowing communication of information on the state of the alert device to the user. The transducer can be a light source and / or a vibrator. When the transducer is a light source, the latter is capable of emitting light so that the light is visible to the user. Light can in particular be emitted through the opening 12 of the insole 11, which allows its diffusion inside the upper. Light can also be emitted through the lateral opening 28 made in the outsole 20, described in connection with FIG. 3. The transducer can also be a vibrator, in which case it is configured to transmit a vibration to the user. Preferably, the vibration is emitted in the vicinity of the insole 11 or the first insole 14, so that it is felt by the foot of the user inserted into the shoe 1. The transducer 48 can allow a communication of information on the state of the alert device 30, and for example a state of good functioning of the alert device;

a warning on the occurrence of a malfunction or on an insufficient charge of a battery 46 equipping the alert device;

transmission of an alert signal by the alert device 30, which makes it possible to inform the user that the alert has been issued;

an acknowledgment of receipt of the alert signal emitted by the alert device, the acknowledgment of receipt being sent by the communication network to the alert device and processed by the microprocessor 45. This makes it possible to inform the user that the alert has been taken into account.

Each type of information can be transmitted to the user according to a pre-programmed transducer activation sequence. For example a frequency of flashing of the light source or a frequency of occurrence of vibrations of the vibrator.

The alert device may also include an inhibition circuit 44, capable of deactivating the alert transmission circuit 43, in the event of false detection of a distress situation. The inhibition circuit can in particular be activated when an inhibition movement has been detected by the actimetry circuit 41. The inhibition movement is a particular predetermined movement, the realization of which is detected by the microprocessor of the detection circuit. actimetry, which has the effect of activating the inhibition circuit. The inhibition movement can be a series of successive kicks on the ground, at a predefined rate.

The alert device also includes an electrical power source, preferably a battery 46, capable of supplying the various components of the device. The battery can be recharged by a wired link connected to a connection base 47. The connection base 47 can also allow a reconfiguration of the algorithms implemented by the microprocessor. As previously indicated, the size of the battery 46 dimensions the volume of the alert device 30. When the alert signal is sent by a GSM type network, the power of the battery must preferably be greater than 50 mA / h even at 100 mA / h, even at 500 mA / h. Therefore, the volume of the battery is greater than 5 cm ³ , or even 10 cm ³ .

The various components of the alert device are inserted in a housing 36, preferably in one piece. This box forms a protective envelope around the components of the alert device. Alternatively, the warning device comprises two boxes: a first box contains the components of the warning device while a second box contains the battery 46.

The alert device also includes a memory 49, capable of storing instructions able to be implemented by the microprocessor 45. The memory 49 can also store the signals delivered by the actimetry circuit 41 at the instants preceding and following the occurrence of an alert, for example 5 seconds before and 5 seconds after a fall. These signals can be transmitted with the alert signal. This makes it possible to collect signals emitted by motion sensors when a real distress situation occurs, for example a fall. The collection of such signals, coming from different users, makes it possible to constitute a database of signals representative of a real alert. Such a database can be used to refine the algorithms for detecting a distress situation.

Alternatively, the alert device may not include a single box 36, as previously described, but several rigid boxes 36 connected to each other by a flexible connection, the latter allowing in particular an electrical connection between the different boxes. This allows the use of boxes of reasonable volume, typically less than 10 cm ³ , the flexible connection 37 between two adjacent boxes 36 promoting the bending of the device. In particular, the alert device may include two boxes: a first box for confining the battery and a second box bringing together the other components. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 8.

The shoe 1 can be a safety shoe, usable by a user carrying out work presenting a danger. More generally, it is a shoe intended for the practice of a risky activity by a user liable to be isolated, for example a sporting activity of the hiking, skiing or water sports type. It can also be a shoe intended to be worn by a person potentially in distress, for example an elderly person, a disabled person or a convalescent person.

Claims (11)

Claims 1. Shoe (1) able to be fitted by a user's foot, comprising: - a rod (10) comprising an insole (11), against which the foot can bear when it is placed in the shoe; - a so-called wear sole (20), having an upper face (20s) applied against the insole (11), and a lower face (20i) intended to come into contact with a ground on which the shoe evolves, the sole wear comprising a housing (25) formed at the upper face (20s) of the outsole, an opening (12) opening into the housing (25) being formed in the insole (11); the shoe being characterized in that it comprises: - an alert device (30), capable of emitting an alert signal when the user is in a distress situation, the alert device being inserted in the housing (25) through the opening (12 ), the alert device being capable of emitting an alert signal at a range greater than 100 meters. 2. Shoe according to claim 1, wherein the alert device (30) is held above the outsole (20), a space (26), said buffer space, extending between the device alert and the outsole, the buffer space being filled with a material (27) or a filling fluid. 3. Shoe according to claim 2, wherein the buffer space (26) extending between the alert device and the outsole is filled with a filling material (27), the latter being air or a gel or foam. 4. Shoe according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the buffer space (26) is adapted to be compressed when the user exerts pressure on the outsole (20). 5. Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alert device (30) is held by a support (34), the support pressing against the insole (11), extending parallel to the latter, inside the rod (10). 6. Shoe according to claim 5, wherein the thickness of the support (34) is less than 3 mm. 7. Shoe according to any one of claims 5 or 6, comprising a so-called first insole (14), disposed against the insole (11), the support (34) extending between the first insole (14 ) and the insole (11). 8. Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alert device 5 comprises a pressure sensor (32), pressing against the insole (11) and capable of detecting a pressure applied by the foot of the user after the latter has put the shoe on. 9. Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alert device comprises a battery whose volume is greater than 5 cm ³ , and / or in which the 10 volume of the alert device is greater than 10 cm ³ . 10. Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the alert device comprises a transducer (48), capable of activating to provide information on a state of the alert device (30), the transducer comprising : a light source, capable of emitting light; 15 - and / or a vibrator, capable of generating a vibration propagating at the level of the insole (11). 1/5 2/5 EISr_2 3/5