Protective shoe

Abstract

A protective shoe has an upper for receiving a foot of a shoe wearer and a sole assembly (1) connected to the upper, which, when the protective shoe is assembled, is in a snap-in connection with the upper via at least one first snap-in assembly (18, 23). The at least one first snap-in assembly (18, 23) forms a snap-in connection between a midsole (1) of the sole assembly and the upper. It has at least one first snap-in surface (23) on the inside of the upper, which, when the protective shoe is assembled, extends adjacent to at least one snap-in counter-surface (18) of the midsole (1). The protective shoe further has an outer shell (3) that surrounds the midsole (1) at least in some areas and at least partially forms the upper. The at least one first snap-in surface (23) is formed on the outer shell (3).

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority from German patent application DE 10 2022 202 830.9, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to a protective shoe, which is designed, for example, as a work protection shoe or safety protection shoe, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Safety shoes are well known in the art due to obvious prior use. These safety shoes often suffer from the disadvantage that their components cannot be recycled, or can only be recycled to a limited extent. These safety shoes are usually made of a variety of materials or components, which are also bonded together in different ways.

[0004] US 2008 / 0289222 A1 discloses a generic shoe, which is, for example, a work boot. The shoe has a sole assembly and a removable upper. A midsole is detachably attached to the upper and is made, for example, of polymer foam. A frame recess is formed in the midsole. A frame element is received in the frame recess. One end of the frame element is attached to the midsole. The frame element has locking elements that are locked into locking recesses formed in the midsole. It is also received in a pocket formed in the upper. This shoe is complex to manufacture.

[0005] A combination shoe disclosed in EP 2 859 804 A1 comprises an outer shoe and an inner shoe. The outer shoe, in turn, has an outer shoe outsole and an outer shoe upper. The inner shoe has a footbed and / or an insole and an inner shoe upper. An outer side of a bottom-side region of the inner shoe and an inner side of the outer shoe outsole can have cooperating locking devices.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is intended to create a protective shoe that is particularly sustainable and highly, preferably completely, recyclable.

[0007] This object is achieved in a non-obvious manner by the features specified in independent claim 1. According to the invention, it was recognized that in a protective shoe, a locking arrangement or locking connection allows, on the one hand, a secure, and in particular low-play / play-free, connection of individual components of the protective shoe and, on the other hand, also a detachment of the same from one another, which enables, for example, simple, separate recycling of the components. In particular, identical components or materials can be reprocessed, which allows the recovery of secondary materials. Material recycling is guaranteed. Repair, individualization (e.g., in technical and / or optical terms), space-saving transport or space-saving storage of individual components of the protective shoe are possible.

[0008] The snap-in connection allows for a secure connection between the midsole and the upper. It also allows for a reversible, non-destructive separation of the midsole and upper.

[0009] The at least one first locking arrangement comprises at least one locking means arranged or formed on / in the upper and at least one counter-locking means arranged or formed on / in the sole arrangement. These are preferably complementary to one another and preferably interact with one another in the locking connection, in particular in a form-fitting connection. A reverse arrangement is alternatively possible.

[0010] A locking connection, in particular by means of the at least one first locking arrangement, can be present, for example, between two hard / solid bodies or between two soft bodies or between a hard / solid body and a soft body. Accordingly, for example, the upper, at least adjacent to the inserted midsole, is (relatively) hard / solid, and / or the midsole is soft / compliant at least in some areas, advantageously overall. For example, it is harder / firmer than the midsole at least in some areas, preferably at least adjacent to the inserted midsole, preferably overall.

[0011] The midsole can be flexible. The midsole can be elastically deformable, in particular compressible.

[0012] For example, the midsole is capable of being compressed during insertion, in particular during locking, and of expanding or enlarging again in the inserted state, in particular in its longitudinal and / or width and / or thickness direction.

[0013] It is advantageous for the locking connection between the midsole and the upper if, in the inserted (expanded) state of the midsole, there is at least a partially positive connection and / or at least a partially non-positive connection between the midsole and the upper. In particular, the midsole engages at least partially with the upper. The upper preferably forms an undercut for the midsole at least partially. It is advantageously capable of locally securing or retaining the midsole, preferably releasably.

[0014] A locking arrangement is understood to mean, in particular, a positive-locking connection that is at least partially, in particular circumferential, and / or in particular a non-positive-locking connection that is at least partially, in particular circumferential.

[0015] A second locking arrangement preferably comprises at least one locking means arranged or formed on / in the shaft and at least one counter-locking means arranged or formed on / in the toe cap. These are preferably complementary to one another and preferably interact with one another, particularly in a form-fitting connection, in the locking connection. A reverse arrangement is alternatively possible.

[0016] The first and second locking arrangements can be independent of each other. They are primarily referred to as "first" and "second" locking arrangements for differentiation. The term "second" locking arrangement is not necessarily intended to imply the presence of a "first" locking arrangement. However, a shoe with both at least one first and at least one second locking arrangement is possible.

[0017] The protective shoe is designed, for example, as a high-top shoe or a boot. Alternatively, it is designed, for example, as a low-top shoe. It is expedient if the protective shoe, when assembled, meets protection class S1, S1P, S2, S3, S4, or S5. For example, it is waterproof in at least some areas. It is expedient if the protective shoe is, alternatively or additionally, breathable in at least some areas.

[0018] The shaft preferably forms an upper part of the protective shoe. It has a corresponding height depending on the design of the protective shoe as a high shoe / boot or low shoe. The shaft preferably comprises a toe cap, tongue, and / or heel cap. It is expedient if the shaft has or carries at least one fastening means to secure it to the wearer or to simplify putting on and / or taking off the protective shoe. For example, the shaft has a lining or padding on the inside, at least in some areas. Advantageously, the shaft has an outer material that is completely closed or at least partially open.

[0019] The sole assembly preferably forms a lower part of the protective shoe. It comprises, for example, an insole, cover sole, insole, midsole, and / or outsole. The sole assembly is, for example, multi-layered or multi-part.

[0020] The sole assembly and the toe cap are, for example, connected to each other in one piece or in a single piece. They are connected to each other detachably or permanently. They can be constructed in multiple parts. In particular, a plug-in connection can be formed between the toe flap and the sole assembly.

[0021] The design according to which the at least one locking arrangement on the upper has at least one first locking surface on the inside, which, when the protective shoe is assembled, extends adjacent to at least one locking mating surface of the midsole, results in a protective shoe that is visually extremely appealing due to the at least one inner first locking surface and allows a functionally reliable locking connection between the sole arrangement and the upper. The at least one first locking surface is preferably spatially limited to the outside on the side, i.e. away from a footwell of the protective shoe. It is advantageously spatially unlimited or open to the inside on the side, i.e. towards the footwell. For example, a plurality of first locking surfaces are provided, which run at a distance, obliquely, perpendicularly and / or offset from one another.The at least one first locking surface and locking counter-surface of the midsole preferably touch each other at least in some areas, preferably over a large area, when the protective shoe is in the assembled state.

[0022] The outer shell preferably forms an outsole. It preferably forms (or co-forms) the upper. Such a protective shoe offers its wearer particularly high levels of protection, for example, against liquid penetration.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0024] The at least one first locking arrangement according to subclaim 2 is arranged, for example, in a toe, middle and / or heel area of the protective shoe.

[0025] The at least one first locking surface according to dependent claim 4 surrounds or runs around the upper at least partially or in certain areas. It is preferably continuous and preferably completely surrounds / runs around the foot area. Advantageously, the at least one first locking surface always faces downward, i.e., when the protective shoe is assembled into an outsole.

[0026] The at least one assembly insertion aid according to dependent claim 5 results in a protective shoe that is particularly easy and safe to assemble or assemble. It is formed, for example, by at least one flank, surface, or the like that extends inward from the top, for example, straight or curved, toward the footwell. The at least one assembly insertion aid is preferably arranged above and adjacent to the at least one first locking surface. In particular, the sole assembly or midsole is thus easy to assemble or insert.

[0027] The midsole of the sole assembly or protective shoe is divided, in particular, in a longitudinal direction into at least two midsole components. It preferably has at least one connecting element that extends in the longitudinal direction and connects the midsole components to one another. It has been recognized that dividing the midsole into, in particular, individual midsole components, such as one to five, and at least one connecting element that connects these, in particular detachably or permanently, allows for particularly simple and effective recycling. Furthermore, this also enables, for example, repair, customization (e.g., from a technical and / or optical point of view), and space-saving transport and storage of individual components of the midsole. The midsole is modular.

[0028] The midsole can also be formed as a single piece. It can, in particular, consist of a single element.

[0029] Penetration protection, particularly textile penetration protection, can be part of the midsole or a separate element. The penetration protection can be connected to the shoe, particularly to an inner shoe. It can be connected to the underside of the upper, particularly by means of a strobel seam.

[0030] The at least one connecting element is preferably arranged at least partially in / on the midsole components.

[0031] It is expedient if the at least one connecting element extends at least between adjacent midsole components. This at least one connecting element is arranged on / in adjacent midsole components and preferably projects above / in front of them.

[0032] Ideally, each connecting element connects all the midsole components together. This midsole is particularly easy to assemble and manufacture. Preferably, only a single connecting element is present.

[0033] The at least one connecting element is preferably arranged, in particular entirely, within the midsole components. This design results in a particularly stable and resilient midsole.

[0034] At least one connecting element preferably offers puncture protection. This midsole offers the wearer particularly high levels of protection. It is extremely safe.

[0035] It is advisable for at least one connecting element to be sole-like. This midsole allows for a particularly secure and resilient connection between the midsole components. It also offers a very high level of comfort.

[0036] The midsole components are preferably originally designed separately from each other. These midsole components differ, for example, in shape, function, material, and / or hardness.

[0037] It's advantageous if the midsole components are attached to at least one connecting element. This type of midsole is particularly easy to recycle. It's especially easy to disassemble.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one connecting element is injected into the midsole components and preferably previously wetted with a release agent, at least in some areas. This midsole is particularly easy and efficient to machine manufacture.

[0039] It is expedient if each midsole component has at least one connecting element receptacle in which the respective at least one connecting element is received.

[0040] Each connecting element receptacle and the connecting element accommodated therein are preferably designed to correspond to each other, at least in some areas. This design again results in a particularly resilient midsole.

[0041] The midsole advantageously comprises a front midsole component and a rear midsole component. It is expedient for this midsole to also comprise at least one intermediate midsole component.

[0042] The midsole preferably includes a toe cap arranged on the front midsole component. The front midsole component and the toe cap are, for example, connected to each other in one piece or integrally. They are connected to each other detachably or permanently.

[0043] Preferably, the front midsole component is formed by injection molding, and the toe cap is injection-molded, particularly with the use of a release agent. This midsole is particularly cost-effective to manufacture. The toe cap is, for example, molded onto or into the front midsole component.

[0044] The protective shoe preferably comprises at least one connection and display arrangement, which indicates the intactness of the protective shoe in its original, undamaged state and indicates the disassembly of the protective shoe upon at least partial disassembly of the protective shoe. It has been recognized that the intactness of the protective shoe can be indicated by means of at least one connection and display arrangement. This makes it possible, for example, to recognize that the protective shoe is in its original condition, i.e., complete or unchanged. The protective shoe is detachable or disassemblable, particularly for the purpose of recycling.

[0045] The at least one connection and display arrangement can be manufactured mechanically or manually.

[0046] It is advantageous if the at least one connection and display arrangement is designed as a seam arrangement, in particular a sealed seam arrangement. This at least one connection and display arrangement is produced, for example, under pressure and / or heat. It preferably forms a weld or weld seam. The at least one connection and display arrangement can be manufactured quickly and economically, in particular by machine. Alternatively, it can be produced, for example, by sewing.

[0047] The at least one connection and indicator assembly preferably tears open at least partially upon disassembly. This at least one connection and indicator assembly enables a simple, clearly recognizable, and functionally reliable indication of the at least partial disassembly of the protective shoe. The indication is preferably irreversible.

[0048] It is expedient if the at least one connection and indicator arrangement is elongated. This at least one connection and indicator arrangement allows for a simple, clearly recognizable, and functionally reliable indication of the at least partial disassembly of the protective shoe. A connection created by the at least one connection and indicator arrangement is functionally reliable and resilient.

[0049] The at least one connection and indicator arrangement is preferably arranged on an inner shoe and / or an outer shell of the protective shoe. It preferably firmly but detachably connects an inner shoe and an outer shell of the protective shoe to one another in their original, undamaged state. It is advantageous if the at least one connection and indicator arrangement indicates the removal of the toe cap, an inner shoe, a midsole of the sole arrangement and / or a unit consisting of a toe cap and midsole. When dismantling the protective shoe, it is preferably necessary to first dismantle the inner shoe. Only then is it preferably possible to dismantle other components of the protective shoe. Already upon dismantling the inner shoe, the at least one connection and indicator arrangement preferably indicates the dismantling of the protective shoe.

[0050] The protective shoe preferably has at least one first connection and indicator arrangement arranged in an instep area of the protective shoe adjacent to the toe cap. Advantageously, the at least one first connection and indicator arrangement is arranged at a distance from the toe cap. It is expedient for the at least one first connection and indicator arrangement to be arranged in the instep area between the toe cap and a closure arrangement. This at least one first connection and indicator arrangement is easily visible from the outside, for example, by a shoe wearer or another person.

[0051] The protective shoe preferably has at least one second connection and display arrangement arranged in a rear region of the protective shoe. The at least one second connection and display arrangement is preferably arranged adjacent to an upper free edge of the upper. This at least one first connection and display arrangement is easily visible from the outside, for example, by a shoe wearer or another person.

[0052] It is advantageous if different uppers can be used. This protective shoe can be designed in different ways. It is preferably based on a consistent sole arrangement. This allows for particularly economical production and is user-friendly.

[0053] A preferred embodiment of the protective shoe is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 shows a side view of a protective shoe according to the invention in the assembled state, Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the Figure 1 shown protective shoe, Figure 3 a midsole of the in Figures 1 , 2 illustrated protective shoe, which is also in Figure 2 shown in Figure 4 Figures 1 , 2 illustrated protective shoe, which is shown partially cut away, Figure 5 a longitudinal section through the illustrated protective shoe without inner shoe, Figure 6 the Figure 5 marked Detail VI in enlarged scale, Figure 7, which in Figure 5marked detail VII on an enlarged scale, Figure 8 is a partial view illustrating an outer shell of the protective shoe shown in section, Figures 9, 10 are partially cut-away views of the illustrated protective shoe showing an assembly of the midsole, Figure 11 is a plan view of a front portion of the outer shell of the illustrated protective shoe, illustrating a connection and display arrangement, Figure 12 is a section through the illustrated protective shoe, also showing the inner shoe and the connection and display arrangements, Figure 13 is a Figure 12 corresponding view showing the disassembly of the inner shoe, and Figures 14-17 perspective views of alternative outer shells of the protective shoe shown First of all, with particular reference to Figures 1 , 2 , 4 , 10 , 12, 13 , a protective shoe in its entirety, when assembled, comprises a midsole 1 and a toe cap 2 arranged on the midsole 1, as well as an outer shell 3 in which the midsole 1 and toe cap 2 are received or housed. The protective shoe also has an inner shoe 4, which, when assembled, is received in the outer shell 3 and is supported at the top opposite the midsole 1. The inner shoe 4 defines a foot (receiving) space of the protective shoe. It is preferably flexible.

[0054] The protective shoe is elongated and extends along a longitudinal direction L. It has a toe 5 at the front, to which a toe area 6 of the protective shoe is connected. The toe area 6, in turn, is connected to an instep area 7 of the protective shoe. Opposite the toe 5, the protective shoe has a heel area 8.

[0055] The midsole 1 is made up of several parts (see in particular Fig. 2 , 3 ). It is preferably designed to be cushioning. The midsole 1 is divided in the longitudinal direction L into three midsole components, namely a front midsole component 9, a middle midsole component 10, and a rear midsole component 11. The midsole components 9, 10, 11 are originally designed and separated from one another, i.e. before the assembly of the protective shoe or the midsole 1. They have different shapes, in particular widths and / or thicknesses, and are preferably adapted accordingly to a foot of a shoe wearer (not shown). For example, they are of different hardness or are made of different materials.

[0056] The front midsole component 9 is preferably rounded at the front. Opposite / rear, the front midsole component 9 is preferably (substantially) flat. The rear midsole component 11 is preferably rounded at the back. Opposite / front, the rear midsole component 11 is preferably flat. The middle midsole component 10 is preferably flat at the front and rear. A different number of midsole components 9, 10, 11, such as two, four, or five, is alternatively possible.

[0057] The midsole components 9, 10, 11 are connected to one another by a single, common connecting element 12, for example, detachably or permanently. The connecting element 12 is flat and thin. It is advantageously designed like a sole. Preferably, the connecting element 12 is rigid and offers, for example, puncture protection. The connecting element 12 has a width that varies perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. For example, it is wider at the front, at least in some areas, than at the back. It is preferably rounded at the front and back. It is expedient if the connecting element 12 has a uniform thickness.

[0058] Each midsole component 9, 10, 11 has a connecting element receptacle. A front connecting element receptacle 13 is formed in the front midsole component 9, and a middle connecting element receptacle 14 is formed in the middle midsole component 10. A rear connecting element receptacle 15 is formed in the rear midsole component 11.

[0059] Each connecting element receptacle 13, 14, 15 is slot-like and spatially limited upwards and downwards as well as laterally outwards perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Each connecting element receptacle 13, 14, 15 has a height that (essentially) corresponds to the thickness of the connecting element 12.

[0060] The front connecting element receptacle 13 is also spatially limited to the front. It is open to the rear, i.e., toward the middle midsole component 10 or the middle connecting element receptacle 14.

[0061] The rear connecting element receptacle 15 is spatially limited to the rear. It is open to the front, i.e., toward the middle midsole component 10 or the middle connecting element receptacle 14.

[0062] The central connecting element receptacle 14 is open both to the front, i.e., toward the front midsole component 9 or the front connecting element receptacle 13, and to the rear, i.e., toward the rear midsole component 11 or the rear connecting element receptacle 15. It is continuous in the longitudinal direction L.

[0063] When the midsole 1 is assembled, the openings of the adjacent connecting element receptacles 13, 14, 15 facing each other are at a common height and preferably have an identical width. They extend adjacent to each other and are aligned with each other.

[0064] When the midsole 1 is assembled, the connecting element 12 engages the front connecting element receptacle 13 and the rear connecting element receptacle 15. It completely penetrates the middle connecting element receptacle 14 and protrudes from it on both sides. The midsole components 9, 10, and 11 are threaded or clipped onto the connecting element 12, for example.

[0065] In the assembled state of the midsole 1, the connecting element 12 preferably rests laterally on the outside, at least in regions, in the respective connecting element receptacle 13, 14, or 15, on the respective midsole component 9, 10, or 11. It advantageously rests at least in regions in the front connecting element receptacle 13 at the front of the front midsole component 9 and in the rear connecting element receptacle 15 at the rear of the rear midsole component 11. It preferably also rests at least in regions at the top and bottom of each midsole component 9, 10, 11.

[0066] In the assembled state of the midsole 1, the front midsole component 9 and the middle midsole component 10 also lie against each other, in particular flatly. The middle midsole component 10 and the rear midsole component 11 then lie against each other accordingly, in particular flatly.

[0067] The midsole components 9, 10, 11 are secured or fixed relative to one another by the connecting element 12 in a vertical direction, i.e., upwards and downwards, and in a lateral direction, i.e., left and right. They are preferably also firmly held together or fixed relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L.

[0068] For example, the connecting element 12 is at least partially wetted with a release agent to enable removal of the midsole components 9, 10, 11 from each other or from the connecting element 12.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element 12 is injected into the midsole components 9, 10, 11. Alternatively, it is overmolded with midsole material, for example, to form the midsole components 9, 10, 11.

[0070] The midsole 1 has an outer edge 17 projecting upwards relative to an upwardly facing sole surface 16, which, when the midsole 1 is assembled, is circumferentially closed and thus continuous. The outer edge 17 has an upwardly facing free head surface 18. Each midsole component 9, 10, 11 has at least one corresponding outer partial edge.

[0071] The toe cap 2 is arranged at the top front of the front midsole component 9. It is rigid. The toe cap 2 is closed at the front, top, and sides. It is open at the rear. For example, the toe cap 2 is injection-molded directly onto / into the front midsole component 9. For example, it is moistened with a release agent at least in some areas before the injection-mold process to allow later separation between the toe cap 2 and the front midsole component 9. Alternatively, the toe cap 2 and the front midsole component 9 are permanently connected to one another. Alternatively, the toe cap 2 is originally designed separately and arranged accordingly on the front midsole component 9.

[0072] When the protective shoe is assembled, the inner shoe 4 engages the toe cap 2 from behind. The inner shoe 4 rests against the sole surface 16 at the top with its inner shoe sole. The outer edge 17 completely surrounds or runs laterally around the inner shoe 4 at the bottom. It rests against the inner shoe 4 at least in some areas. The inner shoe 4 is thus fixed longitudinally and laterally relative to the midsole 1.

[0073] When the protective shoe is assembled, including the midsole 1 and toe cap 2, the inner shoe 4 is surrounded by the outer shell 3, which forms an outer skin. The inner shoe 4 and the outer shell 3 are adjacent to each other, at least in some areas.

[0074] The outer shell 3 forms an outsole 19 at the bottom, which, when the protective shoe is worn by the wearer, has direct contact with a floor or surface (not shown) and ensures sufficient grip. When the protective shoe is assembled, the outsole 19 extends across the entire midsole 1 and has, for example, a profile at the bottom. It is advantageously designed to be non-slip, heat-resistant, cold-flexible, cold-insulating, cut-resistant, and / or antistatic. It is expedient if it has high abrasion resistance. The midsole 1 and the outsole 19 form a sole assembly of the protective shoe.

[0075] The outer shell 3 also has / forms a sole outer wall 20, which adjoins the outsole 19 at the top edge and, when the protective shoe is assembled, completely surrounds the midsole 1 circumferentially or laterally. The sole outer wall 20 and the midsole 1 abut each other at least in some areas. For example, an angle of 85° to 95° exists between the outsole 19 and the sole outer wall 20.

[0076] The outer shell 3 also has a shaft outer material 21, which adjoins the sole outer wall 20 at the top and, when the protective shoe is assembled, surrounds the inner shoe 4 at least in part. The shaft outer material 21 and the inner shoe 4 abut one another at least in part. The inner shoe 4 is, for example, higher than the shaft outer material 21. The shaft outer material 21 and / or the inner shoe 4 form a shaft of the protective shoe.

[0077] A closure arrangement 22 is arranged on the shaft outer material 21 in the instep area 7. The closure arrangement 22 is designed here as a lace-hole arrangement with a plurality of lace holes for lacing the protective shoe. Other closure arrangements, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, can be used alternatively.

[0078] In the assembled state of the protective shoe, the outer shell 3 has, adjacent to the head surface 18 of the midsole 1, on the inside a, in particular single, downward-facing, free first locking surface 23 ( Fig. 4 , 5 , 6 ), which is arranged in a transition area between the outer sole wall 20 and the outer shaft material 21. The first locking surface 23 is circumferentially closed and thus endless. It is arranged at a distance from the outsole 19 and faces it. The first locking surface 23 encloses, for example, an angle of between 80° and 100° with the outer sole wall 20.

[0079] The head surface 18 forms a locking counter surface with respect to the first locking surface 23.

[0080] The outer shell 3 or the shaft outer material 21 has, adjacent to the first locking surface 23 on the inside, an assembly insertion aid 32 which, like the first locking surface 23, is closed on the circumference and endless. The assembly insertion aid 32 extends along the entire first locking surface 23. In the area of the assembly insertion aid 32, the shaft outer material 21 thickens continuously from top to bottom, forming the first locking surface 23 and an insertion bevel. The insertion bevel projects inwards from the top. The first locking surface 23 is spatially unlimited to the inside laterally, i.e. towards the inner shoe 4 or footwell. It is spatially limited to the outside laterally, i.e. away from the inner shoe 4 or footwell.

[0081] The shaft outer material 21 also has a, in particular single, free, second locking surface 24 ( Fig. 5 , 7 ), which faces forward and is curved. When the protective shoe is assembled, the second locking surface 24 borders the top of the midsole 1, in particular its head surface 18, and is continuous. It projects inward and is spatially unlimited to the inside, i.e., to the inner shoe 4 or footwell. It is spatially limited to the outside, i.e., away from the inner shoe 4 or footwell. The shaft outer material 21 is thinner in the area of the toe cap 2 than behind it.

[0082] A free, i.e. rear, edge 25 of the toe cap 2 facing away from the shoe tip 5 forms a locking counter surface for the second locking surface 24.

[0083] The protective shoe also has a first sealing seam arrangement 26 ( Fig. 1 , 11 , 12, 13), which, in the assembled state of the protective shoe, extends in a width direction thereof between the closure arrangement 22 and the toe cap 2. The first sealing seam arrangement 26 has two essentially parallel, elongated sealing seams that form a firm, but detachable or destructible connection between the outer shell 3 and the inner shoe 4. It is visible from the outside. It forms a connection and display arrangement.

[0084] Furthermore, the protective shoe has a second sealing seam arrangement 27 ( Fig. 1 , 12, 13), which is (essentially) designed like the first sealing seam arrangement 26. The second sealing seam arrangement 27 is arranged at the top in a heel region 8 of the protective shoe and extends circumferentially there. It again forms a firm, but detachable or destructible connection between the outer shell 3 and the inner shoe 4. It is visible from the outside. It forms a connection and display arrangement.

[0085] The assembly of the protective shoe is described in more detail below.

[0086] How Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1, the midsole 1, in its assembled state, is inserted manually or automatically as a unit enclosing the toe cap 2 from above through an upper opening 28 of the outer shell 3 into the interior space 29 of the latter. The front midsole component 9 is in the lead. The sole surface 16 or head surface 18 faces upward. The midsole 1 is guided such that its head surface 18 engages below the first locking surface 23. The midsole 1 is preferably inclined downwards toward the front.

[0087] When the head surface 18 engages under the first locking surface 23 at the front, the unit consisting of the midsole 1 and toe cap 2 is displaced or pivoted downwards at the rear, so that the said unit also approaches the outsole 19 from above.

[0088] In this case, the outer shell 3 adjacent to the first locking surface 23 is pressed laterally outwards by the midsole 1, for example all around the circumference, due to the upstream assembly insertion aid 32. As soon as the midsole 1 is located below the first locking surface 23, the first locking surface 23 locks or springs over the head surface 18, which forms a counter-locking surface. The first locking surface 23 then overlaps the head surface 18 and is located above it. They lie flat against one another, at least in some areas. The outer shell 3 and the midsole 1 are in a locking or snap-in connection with one another. The midsole 1 is fixed in particular upwards by this locking connection. The midsole 1 rests at least in some areas on the inside against the outer sole wall 20 of the outer shell 3. At the top, it rests at least in some areas on the outsole 19.

[0089] When inserting the unit consisting of midsole 1 and toe cap 2, the toe cap 2 presses the outer shell 3 or the shaft outer material 21 adjacent to the second locking surface 24 laterally outwards and upwards. As soon as the toe cap 2 has passed the second locking surface 24, the second locking surface 24 clicks or springs over the edge 25 of the toe cap 2, which forms a counter-locking surface. They lie flat against one another, at least in some areas. The outer shell 3 and the toe cap 2 are in a locking or snap connection with one another. The toe cap 2 and the midsole 1 are fixed by this locking connection, in particular to the rear in the direction of the heel area 8. The toe cap 2 lies at least in some areas on the inside against the shaft outer material 21 of the outer shell 3.

[0090] The front midsole component 9 is located with the toe cap 2 in the toe area 6 of the protective shoe. The rear midsole component 11 is located in the heel area 8 of the protective shoe. The middle midsole component 10 is located in between.

[0091] Subsequently, the first and second sealed seam arrangements 26, 27 are created. The sealed seam arrangements 26, 27 each establish a fixed but detachable seam connection between the outer shell 3 or the shaft outer material 21 and the inner shoe 4, which fixes the inner shoe 4 in position within the outer shell 3. They are each connected, in particular directly, to both the outer shell 3 and the inner shoe 4.

[0092] The inner shoe 4 is then inserted. Alternatively, the inner shoe 4 is inserted together with the unit consisting of midsole 1 and toe cap 2.

[0093] The wearer can now use the protective shoe normally. Their toes engage the toe cap 2 from behind and are located in the toe area 6 of the protective shoe. Their heel is located in the heel area 8 of the protective shoe.

[0094] When disassembling the protective shoe, the inner shoe 4 is first removed from the outer shell 3. In doing so, the sealing seam arrangements 26, 27 tear open and are thus destroyed ( Fig. 13 ). This indicates that the protective shoe has been disassembled, which is visible from the outside. The protective shoe loses its compliance with standards and also its warranty, which is visible and displayed accordingly.

[0095] The unit comprising the midsole 1 and toe cap 2 can then be removed from the outer shell 3. For this purpose, the locking connections are released from each other, for example manually, in particular by lifting the respective locking surfaces 23, 24 and locking counter-surfaces 18, 25, in particular by applying appropriate external forces or by performing appropriate relative movements between them.

[0096] If designed accordingly, the midsole components 9, 10, and 11 can then be separated from each other. Upon separation, the connecting element 12 is exposed again.

[0097] The inner shoe 4 is thus individually recyclable. The outer shell 3 is also individually recyclable. The midsole components 9, 10, and 11 are also individually or collectively recyclable. The connecting element 12 is also individually recyclable.

[0098] As the Figures 14 to 17As can be seen, the outer shell 3 can be designed differently.

[0099] According to Figure 14 The outer shell 3 is closed in one shaft area. It is injection-molded, for example, from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and is ideally waterproof.

[0100] According to Figure 15 The outer shell 3 has several windows 30 in the shaft area. The windows are closed by at least one mesh 31. The at least one mesh 31, like the rest of the outer shell 3, is preferably made of TPU.

[0101] According to Figure 16 The outer shell 3 is perforated in the shaft region to form windows 30. The perforations are, for example, smaller and / or larger than openings of the at least one braid 31. They have, for example, different sizes and / or shapes.

[0102] According to Figure 17 The outer shell 3 has a mesh in the entire shaft area, which is made of TPU, for example.

[0103] The terms "front," "back," "top," "bottom," or similar used here refer to a protective shoe whose sole arrangement rests on a floor or is worn as intended by a shoe wearer. The toe area 6 or the toe cap 5 are located, as usual, at the front. The heel area 8 is located, for example, at the back. The outsole 19 is located at the bottom.

Claims

1. A protective shoe, a) having a shaft for receiving a foot of a shoe wearer, and b) having a sole assembly (1) connected to the shaft, which, in the assembled state of the protective shoe, is in snap-connection with the shaft via at least one first snap-connection assembly (18, 23), c) wherein the at least one first snap-connection assembly (18, 23) forms a snap-connection between a midsole (1) of the sole assembly and the shaft, characterized in that d) the at least one first locking arrangement (18, 23) has at least one first locking surface (23) on the inside of the upper, which extends adjacent to at least one locking counter-surface (18) of the midsole (1) when the protective shoe is in the assembled state, and e) the protective shoe further has an outer shell (3) which surrounds the midsole (1) at least in regions and at least partially forms the upper, f) wherein the at least one first locking surface (23) is formed on the outer shell (3).

2. Protective shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first locking arrangement (18, 23) is located in a front, middle and / or rear region of the protective shoe.

3. Protective shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first locking surface (23) is at least partially facing downwards.

4. Protective shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first locking surface (23) extends by at least 60%, preferably by at least 70%, preferably by at least 80%, preferably by at least 90%, of the shaft.

5. Protective shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one assembly insertion aid (32) is assigned to the at least one first locking surface (23).

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