WO2019092473A1

WO2019092473A1 - Silicone lace with a strong visual identity and improved tear strength, and lacing system constituted by a plate for locking the lace with respect to the shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2019092473A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/001752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurence JUGEAU
Original assignee: Alpurna Development
Priority date: 2017-11-10
Filing date: 2017-11-10
Publication date: 2019-05-16

Abstract

The invention is intended to provide silicone elastomer laces that are improved in terms of branding and/or ornamentation and/or tear strength and/or additional novel functions other than the mechanical properties and external appearance thereof, as well as a novel lacing solution. For this purpose, the invention relates first to a lace (1) for a shoe (2) equipped with a lace passage (3), the two edges (4, 5) of said passage having through-holes (7). The lace (1) essentially comprises at least one silicone elastomer that is at least partially cross-linked and includes one or more silicone polymers and fillers and, optionally, at least one of the following compounds: catalyst(s), cross-linking agent(s), pigment(s), parting agent(s), plasticiser(s), adhesion promoter(s). The lace comprises, in the middle portion thereof, an identification zone (9) which is integral with the lace (1) and which, once the lace (1) has been passed through the through- holes (7, 7i) of the shoe (2), is intended to appear on the instep of the shoe (2), between the two lower through-holes (7i) located on either side, and at the base of, the lace passage (3) on the shoe (2). The invention also relates to a lace intended to be locked in place on the shoe (2) using a so-called "BlocKnot" plate (30) that is provided with multiple passages (20) for holding the lace (1) in place when the free ends of the strands (81) and (82) of the lace are interlaced through the passages (20) and gripped, preferably by passing the free ends of the strands (81) and (82) through the passages (20) in an alternating manner on the front and rear of the plate (30).The lace is characterized in that the identity zone (9) has at least one hollowness (90) wherein at least one insert (91) is housed, said insert (91) including, on its visible outer face (13), at least one word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) of the lace (1).

Description

SILICONE LACE WITH A STRONG VISUAL IDENTITY AND IMPROVED TEAR STRENGTH, AND LACING SYSTEM CONSTITUTED BY A PLATE FOR LOCKING

THE LACE WITH RESPECT TO THE SHOE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to shoelaces. In particular, elastic laces, for example made from elastomer, e.g. silicone, which once in place on a shoe, allow the latter, in the interests of comfort, to adapt to the variations in the volume of the user's foot, without detracting from the necessary support for the foot, and also allow the user to don and doff the shoe repeatedly without undoing the laces.

It relates to sports shoes, orthopaedic shoes, town shoes, etc.

State of the art

Laces are flexible cords that are inserted into keepers, eyelets, loops, hooks, etc. and are tied for fastening the shoe to the foot.

Conventionally, the laces are produced from natural (cotton, jute or hemp) or synthetic (polyesters, polyamides, polyolefms: polyethylene, etc.) fabrics, from leather or from elastic rubber material.

The ends of the laces comprise a stiff portion making it possible to thread them through the keepers more easily, and in the case of fabric laces, to prevent fraying of said ends.

Due to their elastic elongation properties, the rubber elastic laces are intended to make shoe fitting/removing easier, but force to excessive tightening which damages the feet and obstructs blood circulation.

Among the elastic laces already on the market, twisted laces or laces having self-locking bulges may be mentioned.

Laces made from silicone elastomer are also known, available for sale under the trade mark Freelace® since 2013.

Silicone elastomers are polymers based on silicon, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. They have elastic properties that are obtained after cross-linking, allowing them to withstand significant deformation before rupture. They also have an elastic collision capability, such as elastic resilience and stretching, which allows them to return to their initial shape after the stress has ceased.

They are manufactured conventionally by injection moulding or by extrusion.

However, these silicone elastomer laces available on the market can be improved, in particular as regards their publicity potential and their aesthetic attractiveness. Similarly, the known silicone elastomer laces could be improved with respect to their tear strength. Furthermore, as it relates to lacing, the laces are tied over the instep, with bows or double bows. Rarely with the double bow, but frequently with the single bow, the bows come untied, which requires the wearer of shoes fastened with these untied laces to re-tie the bow, otherwise risking spoiling the shoelaces or stepping on them and falling.

These ties are not always aesthetically pleasing and can affect the attractiveness of the design of the shoe.

Objectives of the invention

The present invention aims to provide laces made from silicone elastomer that are improved in terms of branding and/or in terms of decoration and/or in terms of improvement in tear strength and/or in terms of the addition of new functionalities other than the mechanical properties and the external appearance.

The present invention also aims to provide a pragmatic, aesthetically pleasing and security- conscious solution to replace the conventional shoe ties, also in respect of the fastening of the laces (lacing) that serves to gather and lock the ends of the lace with respect to the shoe equipped with said laces. It would be desirable for this solution to remove the risk of untying of the laces and give a refined appearance to the shoe.

This solution is a new lacing system.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention satisfies all or part of these objectives by proposing a novel lace for a shoe provided with a lace passage, the two edges of which have keepers, said lace being essentially constituted by at least one at least partially cross-linked silicone elastomer and comprising one or more silicone polymers and fillers, and, optionally, at least one of the following compounds: catalyst(s), cross-linking agent(s), pigment(s), anti-adhesivity agent(s), plasticizer(s), adhesion promotor(s), comprising, in its median part, an identity zone that forms a single piece with the lace, which is intended, once the lace has been put in place through the keepers of the shoe, to appear over the instep of the shoe, between the two lower keepers situated on either side and at the base of the lace passage,

characterized in that the identity zone has at least one hollowness wherein at least one insert is housed, said insert including, on its visible outer face, at least one word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign of the lace.

This lace has a distinctive and attractive visual identity on the shoe, which emphasizes its distinctive character and therefore its commercial appeal. The lace according to the invention is thus provided with a branding at its centre. This location, the shape of which is for example rectangular, highlights the brand chosen for the lace. Its location between the two first keepers (e.g. eyelets) and its shape perfectly identify the supplier of the lace, differentiating it from the shoe and thus forming a commercial item in its own right, having advantageous technical properties.

In particular, the specific elasticity of the silicon elastomer makes it possible an easy fitting/removal of the shoe equipped with this lace. This lace also provide a well-being which does not exist for the laces known on the market, which are traumatic and which hurt the top of the foot.

Moreover, the lace according to the invention, makes it possible a millimetric setting of the lacing tension from each eyelet of the shoe. This setting can be customized eyelet by eyelet. This one of the major added values of the invention.

The lace according to the invention also has at least one of the following features:

®^° the identity zone is a bulge of the lace.

^®° the identity zone has a generally oblong shape or a generally polygonal shape, preferably rectangular.

^ The identity zone comprises, on its visible outer face, at least one word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign of the lace.

®^° This word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign is at least partially formed by recesses of the identity zone.

®^° According to a variant, this lace comprises a support having patterns in relief corresponding to at least a part of the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign, in which said patterns in relief are at least partially inserted into the recesses of the identity zone, preferably such that the upper part of these patterns in relief projects with respect to the visible outer face of the identity zone, in order to display in relief at least part of the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign.

®^° According to a variant, the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign is at least partially formed by impressions, hollow and/or in relief, and/or by ink printing, carried out on the visible outer face of the identity zone.

®^° According to an interesting possibility, at least part of the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign is of a different colour to the identity zone, so as to be visible by contrast.

^®° The identity zone is at least partially, preferably on its visible outer face, covered by a transparent cover, preferably constituted by a single part covering the visible outer face of the identity zone, or two parts, optionally hinged, covering respectively the visible outer face and the hidden inner face of the identity zone or of the support.

^®° In order to add other functionalities to the laces, it is provided that the latter may comprise at least one of the elements selected from the group comprising:

• one or more electronic devices preferably selected from: RFID chip, GPS chip, sensors for measuring the physical activity of the user: pedometer, accelerometer, speed indicator, physiological parameters; transmitter/receiver of signals;

• light(s), LED light(s), in particular for highlighting the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign, by a lighting effect itself enhanced by the transparent plastic cover covering at least partially, preferably at least the visible outer face of the identity zone;

• electrical power source(s): battery cell(s), battery(ies), solar arrays;

• anti-counterfeit authenticity markers.

^®° This lace can also be characterized by tear strength determined according to standard ASTM D 624, expressed in N/mm and given hereinafter in an increasing order of preference greater than or equal to: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; this tear strength being even more preferably comprised between 5 and 20 N/mm.

Preferably, the lace (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it is intended to be locked with respect to the shoe by a plate called "BlocKnot" equipped with several passages that hold the lace by interlocking of the free end portions of the lengths thereof in the passages and thus by gripping, preferably by passing the free end portions of the lengths thereof through the passages alternatively on the face and on the reverse of the plate.

Advantageously, the plate for locking the lace with respect to the shoe has a generally rectangular or oblong shape, and better still with a median region that is narrower than the end regions. According to other variants, this plate can be circular, triangular, trapezoid, etc.

According to a remarkable feature of the invention, the curve of the plate for locking the lace with respect to the shoe follows the curvature of the foot. To this end, the material constituting the plate can be a flexible material or a preformed rigid material such as wood or PVC. The curved preforming in side view of the plate can be obtained by machining, bending, moulding. Thus, the curvature of the plate best fits the physiological curvature of the foot and more precisely of the instep.

In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a set of laces comprising a plate called "BlocKnot" (30) for locking the lace (1) with respect to the shoe (2), said plate being defined above, and a lace in particular a lace (1) according to the invention.

The number of passages in the plate for locking the lace, more precisely the end of the lengths of the lace with respect to the shoe, is for example a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 10.

Advantageously, said locking plate can have identity and/or decorative signs, preferably on its face, i.e. its visible front face. This can be for example logos or other graphics on its flat surface. Such a decoration can be carried out in particular by printing, welding, sublimation.

The locking plate can be produced from various materials, according to the chosen aesthetic outcome and/or according to the desired ergonomics. It can be for example a semi-rigid material, thus ensuring the adaptation of the plate to the shape of the foot. This novel solution for tying shoelaces for lace-up shoes (called "BlocKnot") is an advantageous substitute for traditional shoelace ties. It is a secure lacing system.

This plate, which constitutes the essential means of this lacing solution, is also intended to improve the look of the shoe through its shape and refined appearance. It can be of different colours, different materials, so as to go together with the laces and the shoe. Its visible front face (facing side) can act as a support for logos and visuals in order to highlight the shoe/lace/locking plate set.

In order to contribute to safety, the lacing system according to the invention, namely the locking plate, advantageously incorporates visual signalling means, for example lights such as LEDs.

Advantageously, the holes for passing the free ends of the lengths of the lace into the plate can have different shapes corresponding to the shape of the cross-section of the lace, e.g. circular, oblong, rectangular, trapezoid, triangular, etc.

Detailed description of the invention

The elastomer silicone material

The lace according to the invention is preferably produced in a single piece by a conventional forming technique that can be injection moulding or the extrusion of a silicone elastomer, being presented in liquid form then cross-linking in the mould or at the output of the extrusion die. The silicon elastomer or silicone rubber can be of the type elastomer gum (synthetic rubber (SR)), high temperature vulcanizing (HTV) under the action of a peroxide, or at room temperature (RTV) either under the action of an alkyl silicate in the presence of an organo- stannous catalyst, or in the presence of a cross-linking catalyst in particular based on a platinum salt. These silicone elastomers are also known as HCR: "High Consistency Silicone Rubber" . Peroxide, platinum or fluorinated HCRs exist. It can be a variant of the liquid (LSR) or extra liquid (XLR) type generally hot-vulcanizing by means of a cross-linking catalyst, in particular based on a platinum salt, and the viscosity of which is for example comprised between 30 and 200 Pa.s, and more precisely of the order of 100 Pa.s. It may also be cellular silicone.

In order to improve the tear strength of the cross-linked silicone elastomer forming the lace, it is advisable according to the invention to incorporate in the formulation of the elastomer for example, pyrogenic silicas the BET specific surface areas of which are >100 m²/g, precipitation silicas, inert fillers, for example based on quartz or diatomaceous earths or carbon black.

After cross-linking, the Shore hardness A is for example comprised between 30 and 100, and preferably between 40 and 80. The structure of the lace

On either side of its median identity zone, the lace is a cord or strand made from silicone elastomer with a polygonal cross-section, for example rectangular, circular, or any other shape suitable for threading through the keepers of the shoe.

Similarly, its dimensions in cross-section must be such that they allow passage through the keepers of the shoe, for example a few millimetres.

The lace can be of different lengths corresponding to the current standards, for example: from 800 to 1800 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lace is constituted by two lengths each joined together in the median portion of said lace to the identity zone, which preferably forms, with the two lengths, one and the same moulded piece, in particular injection moulded, preferably with a grainy surface finish.

For example, the identity zone forms an integral part of the lace. The lace constituted by the identity zone and the two lengths is preferably produced from one and the same material, namely silicone elastomer, and advantageously in one and the same operation.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the two lengths of the lace have substantially the same length and the identity zone is then a means of centring the lace between the two lower keepers situated on either side and at the base of the lace passage on the shoe.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the lengths of lace on either side of the identity zone can have, independently of one another, a cross-section that is constant or variable in shape and dimensions.

A model intended simply for running can have for example two lengths having a rectangular cross-section over their entire length and each terminated by a chamfer of approximately 30° allowing the lace to be easily threaded through the eyelets of the shoes.

The lacing can be finished, or not, by a traditional bow or by a small knot at the end of each last eyelet and by cutting off the surplus lace.

Instead of the traditional knot, it is preferable according to the invention to finish the lacing by locking the free ends of the lengths of lace, vis-a-vis the shoe, using the plate according to the invention called "BlocKnot", which is provided with several passages that hold the lace by the threading of the lace through the passages and thus by gripping.

The silicone lace has a coefficient of friction such that it is possible to keep the position of the lace vis-a-vis the locking plate, after inserting said lace into the passages of said plate as if sewing a stitch.

A model intended for intensive weight-bearing sports can have for example two lengths each having different cross-sections over their length distributed over several distinct zones.

This model can be broken down into three sizes, thus responding to the needs of users with different foot sizes: S - M - L. Size L can correspond for example to a length of 920 mm.

Embodiments of the lace according to the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the lace in place on a shoe; - Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of two decorative variants of the identity zone of the lace according to the invention;

- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the identity zone of the lace according to a preferred embodiment according to the invention;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the transparent cover shown in Figure 3;

- Figure 5 is a view of the identity zone of the lace in Figure 3 in assembled mode;

- Figure 6 is a rear view of the identity zone of the lace showing the hidden rear face of the support for the relief patterns in Figure 3;

- Figures 7A 7B 7C 7D show a first variant embodiment of the lace according to the invention in which the transparent cover is in two parts;

- Figures 8A 8B 8C 8D show a second variant embodiment of the lace according to the invention in which the transparent cover is in two parts with an identity zone having a central region that is narrowed with respect to its ends.

As shown in Figure 1, the lace 1 according to the invention makes it possible to secure the fastening of the user's foot in a shoe 2, which in this case is for example a sports shoe. Conventionally, this lace 1 is arranged over a passage 3 provided over the instep of the shoe 2 and delimited by two lateral edges 4, 5 and by a tongue 6 of the shoe 2. These two lateral edges 4, 5 have keepers 7i into which the lace 7 is threaded in zigzag fashion, from the base of the passage 3 and more particularly the two lower keepers 7i.

This lace 1 is a strand made from cross-linked silicone elastomer constituted by two lengths 8i et 8₂ each joined in the median portion of the lace 1 to an identity zone 9, which is constituted in this case, as an example, by a rectangular-shaped plate, and which has a word identity and/or publicity sign 10, formed in Figures 2B, 3 and 5 by the name "WOLF" and in Figure 2 A by the name "UNCIA".

The two lengths 81 & 82 of the lace 1 in this embodiment have a rectangular cross-section (e.g. length of 4 mm and width of 2 mm) forming with the identity plate/zone 9, one and the same injection-moulded piece.

As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the lace 1, and more particularly its identity plate/zone 9, is sandwiched between on the one hand, a rectangular support 11 situated below the identity plate/zone 9, and on the other hand, a transparent cover 12 (Figure 4) shown arranged opposite the visible outer face 13 of the identity plate/zone 9.

Furthermore, the identity plate/zone 9 comprises recesses 14 that correspond to the word identity and/or publicity sign 10, in this case the name "WOLF". The rectangular support 11 that has substantially the same dimensions as the new identity plate/zone and which is produced for example from a moulded plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene (PE), has on its upper face 15 (with reference to the arrangement of Figures 1, 2A, 2B and 3) a pattern 16 in relief corresponding to the word identity and/or publicity sign 10, in this case the name "WOLF", which is pushed into the recesses 14 of the identity plate/zone 9 and has a height such that in relation to the thickness of the identity plate/zone 9 the upper portion of said pattern 16 projects with respect to the visible outer face 13 of the identity plate/zone 9.

These structural features create an aesthetically pleasing and attractive visual effect that particularly highlights the word identity and/or publicity sign 10, in this case the name "WOLF".

This effect is further emphasized by the transparent cover 12 which is anchored in the identity plate/zone 9 by means of four pins 17 that are inserted and held in holes 18, 19 aligned and arranged, respectively, in the silicone elastomer identity plate/zone 9 and in the rectangular support 11, as shown in Figure 3.

This relief pattern 16 and this transparent cover 12 optimize the commercial visibility of the lace 1.

Figure 1 shows that the lace 1 equipped with its plate/zone 9 bearing the word and/or figurative and/or publicity sign 10, stands out from the shoe 1 and appears to the consumer as an accessory in its own right, independent of the shoe 2. The arrangement of the identity plate/zone 9 at the base of the passage 3 of the shoe 2, between the 2 lower keepers 7i, is a place of choice for highlighting the trade mark of the lace 1.

As shown in Figure 6, the lower face 20 of the rectangular support 11, resting on the tongue 6 of the shoe 2, between the two lower keepers 7i of the passage 3, can be used as support for identity information 21 or anti-counterfeiting marking/tracing.

Moreover, according to advantageous variants of the invention, the rectangular support 11 and/or the identity plate/zone 9 made from moulded silicone elastomer may contain or support miniaturized electronic devices (RFID, GPS, video capture, sensors of physiological parameters, meteorological sensors, transmitter/receiver, etc.), electrical power sources, lights, etc. Every one of them means making it possible to equip the lace (1) with multiple functionalities at the service of the user.

Figures 7A to 7D show a 1^st variant of the cover 12 constituted by 2 hinged parts 12i et 12₂ and encapsulating the silicone elastomer identity plate/zone 9, extended by the 2 lengths 8i, 8₂ produced from the same material and in a single piece. The word identity and/or publicity sign 10 is here constituted by the name "S-LACE".

Figures 8A to 8D show a 2^nd variant of the cover 12, again constituted by 2 hinged parts 12i et 12₂ and encapsulating the silicone elastomer identity plate/zone 9, extended by the two lengths 8i, 8₂ produced from the same material and in a single piece. The word identity and/or publicity sign 10 is here again constituted by the name "S-LACE". But, in a manner different from the first variant of Figures 7A-7D, the identity plate/zone 9 comprises 2 ends each forming an intermediate region 80i,80₂ connecting with the length 8i,8₂ respectively. These end regions 80i,80₂ are thicker than the rest of the identity plate/zone 9. The hinged transparent cover 12 covers this thinned zone situated between the two end regions 80i,80₂. In the two variants in Figures 7A-7D and 8A to 8D, the two hinged parts 12i and 12₂ of the transparent cover 12 are assembled together for example by means of clips.

Manufacturing the lace

The lace 1 is advantageously injection-moulded from a non cross-linked silicone raw material, for example of the type based on LSR or HCR and marketed under the name of ELASTOSIL® R, FLR or LR, or also CENUSIL® R 340 by the company WACKER.

The injection moulding device can be for example an injection moulding machine YIZUMI YL- V360L, YL-AB500L or YL-AB550L for silicone rubber.

A further subject of the invention is formed by a method for the manufacture of laces as defined in the present disclosure, said method consisting essentially of:

- utilizing a non cross-linked silicone raw material, comprising one or more silicone polymers and fillers, and optionally at least one of the following compounds: catalyst(s), cross-linking agent(s), pigment(s), anti-adhesion agent(s), plasticizer(s), adhesion promoter(s);

- carrying out the forming of the lace by extrusion or injection moulding of this silicone raw material, such that this raw material is cross-linked and converted to hardened silicone elastomer, after shaping within the extruder or mould;

- optionally cutting the lace to the correct length;

- collecting the laces thus obtained;

- cooling said laces;

- packaging said laces with a view to their sale.

The plate for locking the_. free ends o f the lengths of the lace with respect to the shoe. The material of the "BlocKnot" plate

The "BlocKnot" plate according to the invention is preferably produced in a single piece by different manufacturing techniques according to the selected material: for example moulding of a plastic material then perforation in order to produce the passages for the lace in the plate.

It is recommended according to the invention to use materials known as "semi-rigid" in order to obtain flexibility for harmonisation between the curvature of the foot and the plate and a minimum of rigidity in order to lock the lace by passing it through the succession of holes. By way of example of a suitable semi-rigid material, there may be mentioned: sheet polypropylene of approximately 1 mm in thickness.

According to a variant and in particular for aesthetic reasons, wood can be used as the material constituting the plate. A curve is machined in order to correspond to the shape of the foot, more particularly the instep.

According to another variant, a flexible material is used such as a silicone material, for example of the same type as that constituting the lace according to the invention. The flexibility of a silicone material allows very good adaptation to the shape of the foot. Moreover, the silicone of the locking plate, like the silicone of the lace, would contribute to the locking of these 2 elements with respect to one another (no slipping: high coefficient of friction).

For use on elastomer type laces calling for donning and doffing without undoing the knots, the use of a stretch-resistant material is recommended.

The structure of the "BlocKnot" plate

Said plate generally has a rectangular shape. But it can have variants such as triangle, circle etc. It can also have shapes known as personalized, that can adopt the contour of a trade mark logo, for example.

Its dimensions can vary according to the nature of the material or the size of the shoe. The invention is often produced in dimensions known as standard, of 20 mm wide by 50 mm long. The ends are 50 mm wide by 100 mm long.

Its thickness also varies according to the thickness of the selected material Taking polypropylene as an example, a 20 mm by 50 mm plate will have a thickness varying between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm thick, 0.8 being a good average.

The holes for passage of the laces can have different shapes. Their size is generally smaller than the lace used. Passing the lace into the succession of 3 holes (as a minimum), which furthermore are smaller, locks the lace by braking effect and by gripping.

Embodiments of the "BlocKnot" plate according to the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings in which:

• Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the "BlocKnot" plate in place on a shoe;

• Figure 10 shows a face view of the plate shown on figure 9 .

• Figure 11 shows a view of the plate free of the shoe, with laces of the elastomer type positioned above without the shoe.

• Figures 12 to 14 show the different steps of installing the lace.

• Figure 15 shows use with a flat textile lace.

• Figures 16 and 17 show possible finishes.

• Figure 18 demonstrates the strength of the "BlocKnot" plate and the efficiency of the gripping system for shoelaces via a succession of holes.

• Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the "BlocKnot" plate in place on a shoe,

• Figure 20 shows the locking plate and the ends of the laces locked in the passages of the plate.

• Figures 21 to 25 show a method of use of the locking plate. • Figure 26 shows a face view of a part of the shoe with a lacing carried out using the silicone lace according to the invention and the locking plate according to the invention.

• Figures 27 to 29 show the preferred embodiment of the lace according to the invention.

• Figure 27 shows the final shape of the lace according to this embodiment and the "BlocKnot" plate, which forms together with this lace a set of laces.

• Figure 28 shows the lace of figure 27 before the last assembling step of the insert in the identity zone.

• Figure 29 show a face view of a set of laces of figure 27, in place on a shoe.

The lace (1) shown on figures 27 to 29 includes an identity zone (9) which is formed by an oblong bulge of the lace (1). For instance, the lace (1) according to this embodiment has a rectangular straight cross section.

As shown on figure 28, the identity zone (9) of this lace (1) comprises an hollowness (90) wherein an insert (91) is housed. This insert (91) comprises on its visible outer face (13), at least one word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) of the lace (1).

As shown on figures 27 and 28, the lace (1) is combined with a"BlocKnot" plate (30') equipped with several passages (20) that hold the lace (1) by interlocking of the free end portions of the lengths (8i) and (8₂) thereof in the passages (20) and thus by gripping, preferably by passing the free end portions of the lengths (8i) and (8₂) thereof through the passages (20) alternatively on the face and on the reverse of the plate (30).

The lace (1) is the same moulded piece manufactured by injection moulding from silicon elastomer material, as above described. The moulded lace (1) has an hollowness (90) in the identity zone (9). The insert 91 is formed in one or several pieces, which is or which are moulded separately in the same silicon elastomer material as the lace (1) and/or in a different material such as a polymer like a polyolefm, e.g. a polypropylene. The word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) is affixed on the outer face (13) of the insert (91). In this example, this sign (10) is the name "UNCHAIN", e.g. by engraving in relief or etching depth, here in relief on figures 27 to 29, and/or by printing. Once this operation executed, the insert (91) with the sign (10) is reintroduced in the hollowness (90). Advantageously, the fixing of the insert (91) in the hollowness (90) is made by means as an adhesive and/or by thermal adhesion (welding).

After this last assembly step, the lace (1) as shown in figure 27, is obtained.

The figure 29 shows the set of laces comprising the lace (1) and the BlocKnot" plate (30'), in place on a shoe.

Claims

1. Lace (1) for a shoe (2) provided with a lace passage (3) the two edges of which (4, 5) have keepers (7), said lace (1) being essentially constituted by at least one at least partially cross-linked silicone elastomer, comprising one or more silicone polymers and fillers, and optionally at least one of the following compounds: catalyst(s), cross-linking agent(s), pigment(s), anti-adhesion agent(s), plasticizer(s), adhesion promoter(s),

comprising, in its median part, an identity zone (9) that forms a single piece with the lace (1), and which is intended, once the lace (1) has been put in place through the keepers (7, 7i) of the shoe (2), to appear over the instep of the shoe (2), between the two lower keepers (7i) situated on either side and at the base of the passage (3) of the lace (1) on the shoe (2),

characterized in that the identity zone (9) has at least one hollowness (90) wherein at least one insert (91) is housed, said insert (91) including, on its visible outer face (13), at least one word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) of the lace (1).

2. Lace (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is constituted by two lengths (8i) and (8₂) each joined together in the median portion of said lace (1) to the identity zone (9), which preferably forms, with the two lengths (8₁) and (8₂), one and the same moulded piece, in particular injection moulded, preferably with a grainy surface finish.

3. Lace (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two lengths (8₁) and (8₂) have substantially the same length and in that the identity zone (9) is a means of centring the lace (1) between the two lower keepers (7i) situated on either side and at the base of the passage (3) of the lace (1) on the shoe (2).

4. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identity zone (9) is a bulge of the lace (1).

5. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identity zone (9) has a generally oblong shape.

6. Lace (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the identity zone (9) has a generally polygonal shape, preferably rectangular, and comprises, on its visible outer face (13), at least one word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) of the lace (1).

7. Lace (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) is at least partially formed by recesses (14) of the identity zone (9).

8. Lace (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a support (11) having patterns (16) in relief corresponding to at least a part of the word and/or identity and/or publicity sign (10), and in that said patterns (16) in relief are at least partially pushed into the recesses (14) of the identity zone (9), preferably so that the upper part of these patterns (16) in relief projects with respect to the visible outer face (13) of the identity zone (9), in order to display in relief at least part of the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10).

9. Lace (1) according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) is at least partially formed by impressions, hollow and/or in relief (16), and/or by ink printing, carried out on the visible outer face of the identity zone (9).

10. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign (10) is of a different colour to the identity zone (9), so as to be visible by contrast.

11. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identity zone (9) is at least partially, preferably on its visible outer face (13), covered by a transparent cover (12), preferably constituted by a single part covering the visible outer face (13) of the identity zone (9), or two parts (12_ls 12₂), optionally hinged, covering respectively the visible outer face (13) and the hidden inner face (20) of the identity zone (9) or of the support (11).

12. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the elements (21) selected from the group comprising:

• one or more electronic devices preferably selected from: RFID chip, GPS chip, sensors for measuring the physical activity of the user: pedometer, accelerometer, speed indicator, physiological parameters, transmitter/receiver of signals;

• light(s), LED light(s), in particular for highlighting the word and/or figurative identity and/or publicity sign, by a lighting effect itself enhanced by the transparent plastic cover (12) covering at least partially, preferably at least the outer face (13) of the identity zone

(9);

• electrical power source(s): battery cell(s), battery(ies), solar arrays;

• anti-counterfeit authenticity markers.

13. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by tear strength determined according to standard ASTM D 624, expressed in N/mm and given hereinafter in an increasing order of preference, greater than or equal to: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; this tear strength being even more preferably comprised between 5 and 20 N/mm.

14. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is intended to be locked with respect to the shoe (2) by a plate called "BlocKnot" (30) equipped with several passages (20) that hold the lace (1) by interlocking of the free end portions of the lengths (8i) and (8₂) thereof in the passages (20) and thus by gripping, preferably by passing the free end portions of the lengths (8i) and (8₂) thereof through the passages (20) alternatively on the face and on the reverse of the plate (30).

15. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (3) has a generally rectangular or oblong shape, advantageously with a median region that is narrower than the end regions.

16. Lace (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (30) has a curve conforming to the curvature of the foot.

17. Set of laces comprising a plate called "BlocKnot" (30) for locking the lace (1) with respect to the shoe (2), said plate being defined in at least one of claims 14 to 16 and a lace, in particular a lace (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6.