Sports shoe

Abstract

The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular a cross-country skiing shoe. The sports shoe (1) comprises a foot shell (2) for receiving a user's foot, a gaiter (9) which covers the foot shell (2) at least partially and extends from an inner side (10) of the shoe towards an outer side (11) at least over the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1), and a lacing arrangement (16) with at least one lace (17, 18), which lacing arrangement (16) is provided for changing the internal receiving volume of the sports shoe (1) so that a user can tighten or loosen the sports shoe (1) relative to their foot.The at least one shoelace (17, 18) is mechanically connected or coupled to both the foot shell (2) and the gaiter (9) in such a way that when tensile forces are applied to the at least one shoelace (17, 18), both the foot shell (2) can be reduced in its receiving volume, and the gaiter (9) can be brought closer to or pressed against the foot shell (2) at least in the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1) by the tensile forces of the at least one shoelace (17, 18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sports shoe, in particular a cross-country skiing shoe as specified in the claims.

[0002] The AT413931B1, WO2011060469A1, and EP0416437A1 are known to be sports shoes with lacing systems designed to offer easy handling and good athletic performance. However, these known sports shoe designs are only partially satisfactory.

[0003] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to create an improved sports shoe, in particular a sports shoe for cross-country skiing, which can offer the user high sporting performance and yet is comfortable to wear and easy to handle.

[0004] This task is solved by a sports shoe that meets the requirements.

[0005] The sports shoe according to the invention can be designed, in particular, as a cross-country skiing shoe. It comprises a foot shell for receiving or embedding a user's foot, wherein the foot shell has an inner shoe section, which can also be understood as the inner shoe flap, and an outer shoe section, which can also be understood as the outer shoe flap. According to a first embodiment, the inner shoe section and the outer shoe section are spaced apart from each other in an instep area of ​​the sports shoe, this spaced-apart zone being covered by a shoe tongue. According to an alternative embodiment, the inner shoe section and the outer shoe section can be designed to overlap each other, at least partially, in an instep area of ​​the sports shoe, i.e., be designed in a so-called overlapping construction.This foot shell can also be understood as the primary shoe body, which is important for the fit and / or comfort of the sports shoe. A shoe sole may be attached to the underside of the foot shell, in particular by gluing and / or sewing.

[0006] The sports shoe further comprises a gaiter, which covers at least part of the foot shell, in particular at least partially covering the instep area of ​​the foot shell on its upper surface. Preferably, this gaiter is comparatively flexible or less rigid than the foot shell. The gaiter can extend from the inside of the shoe towards the outside, at least over the instep area of ​​the sports shoe. Preferably, the gaiter is firmly or essentially permanently attached to the foot shell, for example, by being permanently glued and / or sewn to the foot shell and / or the sole at its edges. Preferably, the gaiter cannot be removed from the sports shoe or the foot shell without causing damage.

[0007] Furthermore, the sports shoe includes a lacing arrangement with at least one shoelace, which lacing arrangement is provided for changing the internal receiving volume of the sports shoe, in particular the foot shell, so that a user can tighten or loosen the sports shoe, in particular the foot shell, relative to his foot.

[0008] At least one shoelace of the lacing arrangement is mechanically or physically connected or coupled to both the foot shell and the gaiter in such a way that, when tensile forces are applied to the at least one shoelace, the foot shell's volume can be reduced, and the gaiter can be drawn closer to or pressed against the foot shell, at least in the instep area of ​​the sports shoe, by the tensile forces of the at least one shoelace. The mechanical connection or coupling of the at least one shoelace to the foot shell and also to the gaiter relates to different sections or longitudinal segments of the at least one shoelace.

[0009] The sports shoe according to the invention can offer high athletic performance while remaining comfortable to wear and easy to handle. High user comfort is ensured by the ability to quickly open and close the sports shoe when putting it on and taking it off.

[0010] It can be advantageous if at least one shoelace is coupled or securely connected to the footplate and the gaiter by means of at least one deflection element and / or at least one rigid anchor point. This allows for a reliable and robust transfer of tensile or compressive forces from the shoelace to both the footplate and the gaiter.

[0011] In particular, it can be provided that at least one shoelace connects at least one deflection element located on the inner part of the shoe or on the inner flap, at least one deflection element located on the outer part of the shoe or on the outer flap, and at least one deflection element located on a first gaiter section and / or on a further gaiter section, to apply tension or tensile forces to these deflection elements. This allows for powerful and controlled tightening or tensioning with respect to both the foot shell and the gaiter. It can also facilitate simultaneous or near-parallel tensioning of the process with respect to the foot shell and the gaiter.

[0012] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that at least one deflection element is arranged either only on the first gaiter section or only on the subsequent gaiter section. This can be particularly advantageous in conjunction with an asymmetrical zipper on the gaiter, i.e., in conjunction with a relatively long and a relatively short flap or gaiter section. This allows for a sports shoe that is structurally as simple as possible and therefore as economical to manufacture. Furthermore, the relatively small number of components makes it possible to keep the weight of the sports shoe as low as possible.

[0013] At least one shoelace can run in a zigzag or crossing and / or meandering pattern between the respective deflection elements on the foot shell and the gaiter, at least in the instep area of ​​the sports shoe, so that, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the sole, opposing deflection elements can be brought closer together when a tensile force is applied to the at least one shoelace, and consequently the foot shell is pulled together and, consequently, the gaiter sections are also pulled together or actively brought closer together.

[0014] At least one of the deflection elements can be designed as a loop, which is attached to the foot shell or gaiter in a tear-resistant manner, for example by sewing and / or gluing, with the at least one shoelace preferably sliding through the at least one loop. The at least one loop, which transmits the forces acting on the at least one shoelace to defined sections of the sports shoe, can be made of plastic material and / or a textile material. This allows for a weight-optimized and robust construction of the sports shoe. Furthermore, this ensures the intended function of the lacing system.

[0015] Alternatively or in combination with the loop described above, at least one of the deflection elements can be formed as a cutout in a layer of the foot shell or gaiter, which cutout is formed, for example, by a flap, which flap is formed, for example, as a double slit in the layer of the foot shell or gaiter, and in which the at least one shoelace is passed through the at least one cutout. Separate components for forming deflection elements can thus be avoided. This enables a cost-effective and weight-optimized construction of the sports shoe.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one loop and / or the at least one notch is assigned a friction-reducing guide element for the at least one shoelace. This friction-reducing guide element may comprise plastic, in particular hard plastic. This allows for the creation of a lacing arrangement that is as uniform, smooth-running, and relatively wear-resistant as possible with the lowest possible actuation forces on the at least one shoelace.

[0017] Another advantageous design is one in which the lacing system includes at least one manually operated tensioning device, comprising at least one winding mechanism for at least one shoelace. Such a winding mechanism can offer the user a relatively sensitive and finely graduated adjustment of the tension of the at least one shoelace. Furthermore, this allows for a high level of user comfort due to the one-handed operation of the lacing system.

[0018] It can be advantageous if at least one manually operated tensioning device is attached to the outer surface of the sports shoe, and if this device can be operated when the gaiter is closed and sealing the instep area. For this purpose, the gaiter can be designed so that the at least one tensioning device or at least one lace passes through it. This allows for simultaneous tightening and loosening of both the foot shell and the gaiter positioned above it. This significantly improves the comfort of putting on and using the sports shoe. Furthermore, this design allows the gaiter to provide a good seal, especially in the instep area. It also makes the gaiter easier for the user to handle.

[0019] Alternatively, or in combination with at least one winding device for at least one shoelace, at least one lever-operated tensioning buckle can be provided for the at least one shoelace. This allows relatively high tension or tensile forces to be applied to the at least one shoelace particularly quickly.

[0020] At least one shoelace can be formed by a tension cable made of plastic and / or metal. This allows for an optimum in terms of low weight and high tensile and breaking strength. A plastic-coated steel cable can offer good sliding properties and high breaking strength.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lacing arrangement may comprise a first shoelace and a second shoelace, wherein these shoelaces are assigned to different lacing zones of the sports shoe and can be independently tensioned by means of a first tensioning device and a second tensioning device. This makes it possible to create different lacing zones on the sports shoe and offer the user a better shoe fit and greater wearing comfort. Furthermore, this allows the number of deflections per shoelace to be kept to a minimum, which can improve the smoothness and uniformity of the lacing arrangement.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least one deflection element on the gaiter is attached to the underside of the gaiter facing the foot pocket, for example, by sewing and / or gluing. This ensures that at least one lace is largely covered by the gaiter, allowing the outer surface of the gaiter to be relatively smooth or seamless. This prevents snow or dirt from adhering to the outer surface of the gaiter, the side facing away from the foot pocket. In conjunction with an embodiment in which the gaiter includes a zipper, the zipper can be operated as conveniently and without collisions as possible for selectively connecting and separating the first and subsequent gaiter sections.In particular, this allows the push-button of the zipper to be operated relatively effortlessly by a user even if its operating path crosses with sections of at least one shoelace.

[0023] According to a practical embodiment, it can be provided that at least a predominant part of the length of the at least one shoelace, preferably more than 80% of the length of the at least one shoelace, runs between an outer surface of the foot shell and an underside of the gaiter facing the foot shell when the gaiter is in its position covering the instep area of ​​the sports shoe or when the gaiter is in its closed position. The effects or advantages described in the preceding paragraph can also be achieved in this way.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, a zipper can be provided on the gaiter, wherein a first gaiter section and a further gaiter section of the gaiter can be connected to each other by means of the zipper in the closed state of the zipper, wherein by tensile forces of the at least one shoelace both the foot shell can be reduced in its receiving volume, and the first gaiter section and the further gaiter section can be brought closer together in such a way that the zipper can be closed with reduced or low actuation forces, i.e., it can be more easily brought into its closed state by the user of the sports shoe or can be operated with as little jamming as possible.Furthermore, the zipper is positioned on the gaiter in such a way that the first and second gaiter sections can be at least partially separated when the zipper is open, thus providing the user with comfortable and relatively effortless entry and exit from the athletic shoe. When the zipper is open, getting in and out of the athletic shoe is therefore facilitated. When the zipper is closed, the inside of the athletic shoe, and thus the user's foot, is better protected from external environmental influences such as snow or moisture.

[0025] An approximation of the two gaiter sections as a result of manually applying tensile forces to at least one shoelace can refer to their mutually facing edge sections, in particular to mutually facing hem edges, longitudinal edges or folding sections of the gaiter.

[0026] When properly closed or tightened, the gaiter provides good protection against the penetration of snow or moisture. Increased user comfort is also achieved because the gaiter zipper can be closed with relatively little effort. In particular, even when wearing gloves and / or with cold fingers, the user can operate the zipper reliably and effortlessly, or adjust its closure. This can be especially advantageous with gaiters that fit snugly or elastically around the foot. Another benefit of this gaiter design is that the stresses on the zipper during closure or use of the shoe are reduced, thus increasing the shoe's durability.The gaiter, including the zipper, can be made more durable. In particular, this reliably prevents overloading or incorrect operation of the zipper.

[0027] In a practical design, the zipper can be configured so that its first half is connected to the first gaiter section and its second half to the second gaiter section, allowing the gaiter sections to be coupled together when the zipper is closed and separated when it is opened. This allows the gaiter to be easily converted from its closed, sealed state to its open state, facilitating entry and exit from the athletic shoe, and vice versa. In particular, this creates a relatively wide opening for the foot of the athletic shoe user, significantly increasing the shoe's comfort.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first gaiter section and the subsequent gaiter section along the instep area of ​​the sports shoe may form a separating slit, which can be closed by means of a zipper. This allows the gaiter to expand particularly wide when the zipper is open, making it especially easy for the user to put on and take off the sports shoe. In particular, this allows for the most comfortable possible entry and / or exit from the sports shoe, as the gaiter sections can be separated or unfolded, thus enabling the most unimpeded opening or expansion possible, at least of the instep area of ​​the sports shoe.

[0029] Nevertheless, this ensures good protection of the user's foot from environmental or weather influences, such as snow or moisture.

[0030] Alternatively, or in combination with a split in the gaiter, the first and subsequent gaiter sections can be designed to form a fold in the instep area of ​​the sports shoe. This fold can be unfolded when the zipper is open and folded or gathered when the zipper is closed. This fold or gather can be Z-shaped or wave-shaped in cross-section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shoe or the longitudinal axis of the zipper. This allows for a high degree of sealing, at least in the instep area of ​​the sports shoe, since the gaiter is either not split at all in this area or is only partially split with respect to the longitudinal axis of the zipper, i.e., it has a split section followed by a section with a fold.Furthermore, this allows for easy entry and / or exit from the sports shoe, as the gaiter, which covers at least the instep area of ​​the sports shoe, can be extended or folded out as needed. In addition, this ensures a high level of robustness for the sports shoe and / or its gaiter.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the zipper can be arranged so that, when viewed from above and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sole, it runs essentially parallel and centrally along the instep area. This creates a zipper that is virtually symmetrical to the sports shoe, thus enabling easy operation for the user.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment, the zipper, viewed from above and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sole, runs at least predominantly alongside or away from the longitudinal axis of the sole, so that differently sized flap sections are formed with respect to the first and subsequent gaiter sections. This creates a zipper that runs or is arranged quasi-asymmetrically to the sports shoe. This allows the zipper to be positioned at least over a considerable portion of its length away from the lacing arrangement or from the at least one shoelace. This advantageously allows for the smoothest possible operation of the zipper or its slider, free from snagging.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the gaiter is less permeable to moisture or water than the underlying foot shell. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the gaiter is comparatively thinner and / or more flexible than the entire layered structure of the underlying foot shell.

[0034] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0035] They each show, in a simplified, exemplary representation: Fig. 1 A sports shoe, in particular a cross-country skiing shoe, in view of its outer side in the closed state; Fig. 2 the sports shoe after Fig. 1 Top view; Fig. 3 the sports shoe according to Fig. 2 in an open or ready-to-wear state; Fig. 4 the sports shoe according to Fig. 3 without outer gaiter or shoe covering; Fig. 5 the sports shoe according to Fig. 4in side view; Fig. 6 a schematic of a layered and lacing construction for a sports shoe; Fig. 7 another schematic of a layered and lacing construction for a sports shoe.

[0036] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0037] In the Figs. 1 to 3An embodiment of a sports shoe 1 is shown, which is intended for the right foot of a user. The left sports shoe of such a pair of sports shoes can be constructed in the same way.

[0038] The sports shoe 1 is designed as a cross-country skiing shoe for cross-country skiing and is equipped with a binding mechanism for coupling to a cross-country ski. However, the sports shoe 1 according to the invention can also be designed as a running shoe, hiking shoe, touring ski boot, or the like.

[0039] The sports shoe 1 includes a foot shell 2 for receiving a user's foot, which is designed according to the Fig. 4 and 5This foot shell 2 is designed to enclose the user's foot and can significantly influence the comfort, performance, and fit of the sports shoe 1. The foot shell 2 can comprise one or more layers of textile material and / or plastic material and / or leather. The foot shell 2 can be partially padded ( Fig. 7 ) or exhibit different stiffnesses in sections. Like the Figs. 1 and 2 The foot shell 2, which is removable, can be at least partially surrounded by an outer shell 3, and in particular interact with an outer support structure 4. The outer shell 3 or the support structure 4 can comprise relatively hard plastic parts and / or carbon parts compared to the footbed-forming foot shell 2, as shown in the Fig. 1, 2 This is shown as an example.

[0040] On the underside of the foot shell 2 and / or the outer shell 3, a shoe sole 5 adapted to the respective purpose, for example a sole of a cross-country ski shoe, is formed.

[0041] According to the in the Figs. 3 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the foot shell 2 can have an inner shoe section 6 and an outer shoe section 7. The inner shoe section 6 and the outer shoe section 7 can overlap each other at least partially in an instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 ( Fig. 4 The foot shell 2 can therefore be designed in a so-called overlap construction. However, the corresponding overlap can also be shifted towards the outside or inside of the shoe.

[0042] As an alternative to an overlapping design, the foot shell 2 or the sports shoe 1 can be designed with a so-called tongue construction. In this design, the inner shoe section 6 and the outer shoe section 7 are spaced apart from each other in an instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 (not shown). The corresponding gap can be optionally covered or opened by a so-called shoe tongue (not shown), as is known in the art.

[0043] The sports shoe 1 also includes a gaiter 9 ( Figs. 1 to 3 ), which gaiter 9 the foot cup 2 ( Fig. 4 , 5) can cover at least part of the shoe or even the entire surface. The gaiter 9 can also be described as an outer, at least partially covering shoe covering or "shoe skin". The gaiter 9 is generally made of a material that is significantly more flexible in shape or has less stiffness than the underlying material for the foot shell 2. The gaiter 9 can extend from an inner shoe side 10 towards an outer shoe side 11, at least over the instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 ( Fig. 2 , 3 The gaiter 8 can be in its closed state ( Fig. 2) for improved sealing of the instep area 8, in particular the overlap section or the tongue section of the foot shell 2. The gaiter 9 or the corresponding shoe covering can also extend over other sections of the sports shoe 1, for example over the shaft section and / or over the toe section of the sports shoe 1, as shown in the Figs. 1 and 2 This is shown as an example.

[0044] The gaiter 9 has a first gaiter section 12 and a further gaiter section 13. The gaiter 9 can be either a single piece or made of multiple pieces. The gaiter 9 can have at least one zipper 14 that can be manually operated by the user of the sports shoe 1. The first gaiter section 12 and the further gaiter section 13 can be connected to each other or brought close together by means of the zipper 14 when the zipper 14 is closed. Fig. 2) and, when the zipper is open, at least partially separated from each other ( Fig. 3 For this purpose, the zipper 14, as is known per se, includes at least one manually operated sliding element 15.

[0045] The sports shoe 1 further comprises a lacing arrangement 16 with at least one shoelace 17. According to the illustrated embodiment, the lacing arrangement 16 comprises two structurally separate shoelaces 17, 18, which are each assigned to different lacing zones 19, 20 of the sports shoe 1 ( Fig. 4A first lacing zone 19 can be located closest to a toe-side longitudinal section of the sports shoe 1, while a second lacing zone 20 can be located closest to an entry opening in the sports shoe 1. It is also possible for the lacing zones 19 and 20 to overlap in their area of ​​effect. The lacing arrangement 16, which is operated by a user, is designed to change the internal volume of the sports shoe 1, allowing the user to tighten or loosen the sports shoe 1 relative to their foot.

[0046] The at least one shoelace 17, 18 is mechanically connected or coupled to both the foot shell 2 and the gaiter 9 in such a way that when the user applies tensile forces to the at least one shoelace 17, 18, the volume of the foot shell 2 can be reduced or narrowed, and the gaiter 9 can be drawn closer to or pressed against the foot shell 2, at least in the instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1, by the tensile forces of the at least one shoelace 17, 18. The at least one shoelace 17, 18 of the lacing arrangement 16 is thus guided or held on the sports shoe 1 in such a way that it can simultaneously or in a coupled manner both tighten the foot shell 2 and push or move the gaiter 9 closer or more strongly towards the foot shell 2 located below it. A coupling can be understood as an indirect mechanical connection, while a connection is direct or...can be carried out immediately.

[0047] The at least one shoelace 17, 18 can be coupled to the foot shell 2 and also to the gaiter 9 by means of at least one deflection element 21 for the at least one shoelace 17, 18, preferably by means of at least two deflection elements 21. Particularly preferably, at least three deflection elements 21 can be provided; in particular, three deflection elements 21 can be provided for each lacing zone 19, 20, as shown in the Fig. 4 This can be seen as an example.

[0048] In combination with the at least one deflection element 21, the sports shoe 1 can have at least one rigid anchoring point 22 at which the at least one shoelace 17, 18 is rigidly or non-displaceably coupled to the foot shell 2 or to the gaiter 9 for the transmission of tension or tensile forces. Such a rigid anchoring point 22 for the shoelace 17 is in Fig. 4This is illustrated by way of example using a cross symbol. In this embodiment, the anchoring point 22 is formed on the gaiter 19 with respect to an end or a partial section of the shoelace 17, but could alternatively also be formed on the foot cup 2. Instead of this rigid anchoring point 22 for the shoelace 17, a deflecting element 21 for the shoelace 17 can also be formed.

[0049] As especially according to the exemplary embodiment Fig. 3 and 4It can be provided that the at least one shoelace 17, 18 connects or couples at least one deflection element 21 attached or arranged on the inner foot section 6, furthermore at least one deflection element 21 attached or arranged on the outer foot section 7, and at least one deflection element 21 attached or arranged on the first gaiter section 12 and / or on the further gaiter section 13 of the gaiter 9, in such a way that a spatial approximation of these deflection elements 21 and the sections of the foot shell 2 and also of the gaiter 9 connected thereto can be effected when the at least one shoelace 17, 18 is put under tensile stress.

[0050] How the Fig. 3 , 4It can be further explained that at least one deflection element 21 is arranged only on the first, for example, the left gaiter section 12. Alternatively, at least one deflection element 21 can be arranged only on the further, in particular the right, gaiter section 13 (not shown). These embodiments can be particularly advantageous if the flap widths or the free lengths of the first gaiter section 12 and the further gaiter section 13 are significantly different. In particular, it can be advantageous to provide the deflection elements 21 or a tensile force introduction via the at least one shoelace 17, 18 primarily for the comparatively longer or free-hanging gaiter section 12 or 13.

[0051] The at least one shoelace 17, 18 can run in a zigzag shape, in particular crossing and / or meandering shape, at least in the instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 between the respective deflection elements 21 on the foot shell 2 and on the gaiter 9, so that, with respect to a sole longitudinal axis 23, opposing deflection elements 21 can be brought close to each other when a tensile force is applied to the at least one shoelace 17, 18.

[0052] The lacing arrangement 16 of the sports shoe 1 can have at least one manually operable tensioning device 24, 25, which can include at least one tensioning device 24, 25 and at least one winding device 26, 27 for the at least one shoelace 17, 18.

[0053] Alternatively or in combination with the at least one winding device 26, 27, at least one lever-operated tensioning buckle (not shown) can be provided for the at least one shoelace 17, 18. The at least one manually operated tensioning device 24, 25 is configured to selectively apply tension to the at least one shoelace 17, 18, or to reduce or release this tension, when actuated by the user. The at least one shoelace 17, 18 can be formed by a tensioning cable made of plastic and / or metal. Preferably, the at least one shoelace 17, 18 is designed to be resistant to stretching or non-extensible in relation to the tensile forces that occur, so that a rubber band effect is largely avoided.

[0054] As can be seen from a synthesis of the Figs. 1 to 3As can be seen by way of example, it can be advantageous if the at least one manually actuated clamping device 24, 25, in particular the at least one winding device 26, 27, is attached to the outer surface of the sports shoe 1, in particular to the upper surface of the sports shoe 1, such that the at least one manually actuated clamping device 24, 25 can be actuated in the closed state, sealing the instep area 8 of the gaiter 9. It can also be advantageous if the at least one manually actuated clamping device 24, 25 is positioned on the outer surface 11 of the sports shoe 1, as shown in the Fig. 1, 2 This is shown as an example.

[0055] If the lacing arrangement 16 comprises a first shoelace 17 and a further shoelace 18, it may be advantageous to assign these shoelaces 17, 18 to different lacing zones 19, 20 of the sports shoe 1. Furthermore, it may be provided that the first shoelace 17 is actuated by means of the first tensioning device 24 and the further shoelace 18 by means of the further tensioning device 25, or that they are placed under tension independently of each other. Fig. 4 , 5 ).

[0056] As especially from the Fig. 3 , 5 As can be seen by way of example, it can be provided that at least one deflection element 21 is attached to the gaiter 9 on an underside 28 facing the foot cup 2. In the Fig. 4 , 5 For better clarity, gaiter 9 has been hidden or indicated with dashed lines.

[0057] As especially a synthesis of the Fig. 2 , 3As can be seen by way of example, it can be provided that at least a predominant part of the length of the at least one shoelace 17, 18, preferably more than 80% of the length of the at least one shoelace 17, 18, runs between an outer surface 29 of the foot shell 2 and an underside 28 of the gaiter 9 facing the foot shell 2, when the gaiter 9 is in a state ( Fig. 2 ), in which the gaiter 9 covers the instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 or shields the overlap section or the tongue section of the foot shell 2 from external environmental influences.

[0058] According to an advantageous embodiment, a zipper 14 can be formed on the gaiter 9, as already described above. In this embodiment, a first gaiter section 12 and a further gaiter section 13 of the gaiter 9 can be connected to each other by means of the zipper 14 when the zipper 14 is closed. Fig. 2These gaiter sections 12, 13 can also be understood as surface sections or zones of the gaiter 9. By manually applying tensile forces to at least one shoelace 17, 18, the foot cup 2 can be reduced in its receiving volume, and additionally, the first gaiter section 12 and the further gaiter section 13 can be brought closer together so that the zipper 14 can be closed with reduced or low operating forces. In the open state of the zipper 14 ( Fig. 3 ) the first gaiter section 12 and the further gaiter section 13 can be at least partially separated from each other, so that easy or effortless entry and exit from the sports shoe 1 is possible.

[0059] The zipper 14 can be connected with its first band half 30 to the first gaiter section 12 and with its further band half 31 to the further gaiter section 13, in particular sewn together, so that the gaiter sections 12, 13 can be coupled or joined together when the zipper 14 is closed ( Fig. 2 , 7 ) and the gaiter sections 12, 13 can be separated from each other when the zipper 14 is opened ( Fig. 3 ).

[0060] As the embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 3 The gaiter 9 can form a separation slit 32 along the instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 ( Fig. 3 ), in particular having a slit, thus defining the first gaiter section 12 and the further gaiter section 13. This separating slit 32 can be closed by means of the zipper 14 ( Fig. 2). Instead of a zipper 14, a hook and loop fastener or a fastener with at least one snap fastener may also be provided in order to be able to connect or remove the facing sections of the first and further gaiter section 12, 13.

[0061] Alternatively or in combination with a dividing slit 32 in the gaiter 9, the first gaiter section 12 and the further gaiter section 13 in the instep area 8 of the sports shoe 1 can form a fold 33, which fold 33 can be spread out when the zipper 14 is open and is folded or gathered together when the zipper 14 is closed, as shown in Fig. 7 This is shown as an example.

[0062] As in Fig. 2As indicated, the zipper 14, viewed from above on the sports shoe 1 and in relation to the longitudinal axis of the sole 23, can run essentially parallel and centrally along the instep area 8. Alternatively, the zipper 14 can be arranged as shown in Fig. 7 indicated in top view of the sports shoe 1 or in relation to the longitudinal axis of the sole, at least predominantly run alongside the longitudinal axis of the sole, so that flap sections of different sizes are formed in relation to the first and further gaiter section 12, 13.

[0063] In the Fig. 6, 7Further and, where applicable, independent embodiments of the sports shoe 1 and its coupling lacing arrangement 16 for the foot shell 2 and the gaiter 9 are shown, whereby the same reference numerals or component designations are used for identical parts as in the preceding figures. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding figures.

[0064] What is the best way to do this? Fig. 6, 7If the shoelace is removable, at least one of the deflection elements 21 for the at least one shoelace 17, 18 can be designed as a loop 34, which at least one loop 34 is connected to the foot shell 2 and / or the gaiter 9 in a tear-resistant manner, wherein the at least one shoelace 17, 18 is passed through the at least one loop 34. The at least one loop 34 can be made of plastic material or a textile material and can be sewn and / or glued to the foot shell 2 or to the gaiter 9 in a tear-resistant manner.

[0065] As from Fig. 6 , but also from the Fig. 1, 2As can be seen by way of example, it may be advantageous if the at least one manually actuated tensioning device 24, 25 for the at least one shoelace 17, 18 is attached to the outer surface of the sports shoe 1, wherein the at least one manually actuated tensioning device 24, 25 can be actuated in the closed state, sealing the instep area of ​​the gaiter 9. In particular, it may be provided that the gaiter 9 is penetrated or passed through by the at least one tensioning device 24, 25, in particular by a housing of the at least one winding device 26, 27 and / or by the at least one shoelace 17, 18 ( Fig. 6 ).

[0066] As in Fig. 7As indicated by example, it can also be provided that at least one of the deflection elements 21 is formed as a notch 35 from a layer of the foot shell 2 and / or the gaiter 9, which notch 35 is formed, for example, by a tab, which tab is formed, for example, as a double slot in the layer of the foot shell 2 and / or the gaiter 9, wherein the at least one shoelace 17, 18 is passed through the at least one notch 35.

[0067] As in Fig. 6 and in the Fig. 1, 2 As schematically illustrated, the gaiter 9 can comprise a stiffening element 36 that is at least partially formed, for example in the form of a stiffening layer, which stiffening element 36 can be designed, for example, to reinforce or tear-resistant fix the at least one clamping device 24, 25.

[0068] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0069] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0070] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0071] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list 1 sports shoe 32 Separating slot 2 footplate 33 Folding 3 outer shell 34 loop 4 Support structure 35 Disconnection 5 shoe sole 36 stiffening element 6 inner shoe section 7 outer foot section of the shoe 8 instep area 9 spat 10 inside of shoe 11 shoe outer side 12 first gaiter section 13 further gaiter section 14 zipper 15 Slide piece 16 Lacing arrangement 17 shoelaces 18 shoelaces 19 lacing zone 20 lacing zone 21 deflection element 22 anchor point 23 Longitudinal axis of the sole 24 Clamping device 25 Clamping device 26 winding device 27 winding device 28 bottom 29 outer surface 30 first half of the band 31 further half of the band

Claims

1. Sports shoe (1), in particular cross-country skiing shoe, comprising: - a foot shell (2) for receiving a user's foot, wherein the foot shell (2) has an inner shoe section (6) and an outer shoe section (7), wherein either the inner shoe section (6) and the outer shoe section (7) are spaced apart from each other in an instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1), or wherein the inner shoe section (6) and the outer shoe section (7) overlap each other at least partially in an instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1), - a gaiter (9) which covers the foot shell (2) at least partially and extends from an inner side (10) towards an outer side (11) at least over the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1), and - a lacing arrangement (16) with at least one lace (17, 18)which lacing arrangement (16) is provided for changing the internal receiving volume of the sports shoe (1) so that a user can tighten or loosen the sports shoe (1) relative to his foot, characterized by the fact that that at least one shoelace (17, 18) is mechanically connected or coupled to both the foot shell (2) and the gaiter (9) in such a way that when tensile forces are applied to the at least one shoelace (17, 18) both the foot shell (2) can be reduced in its receiving volume, and the gaiter (9) can be brought closer to or pressed against the foot shell (2) at least in the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1) by the tensile forces of the at least one shoelace (17, 18).

2. Sports shoe according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that that at least one shoelace (17, 18) is coupled to the foot shell (2) and to the gaiter (9) by means of at least one deflection element (21) and / or by means of at least one rigid anchoring point (22).

3. Sports shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that which connects at least one shoelace (17, 18) at least one deflection element (21) arranged on the inner foot section (6), furthermore at least one deflection element (21) arranged on the outer foot section (7), and at least one deflection element (21) arranged on a first gaiter section (12) and / or on a further gaiter section (13) of the gaiter (9) to apply tension forces to these deflection elements (21).

4. Sports shoe according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that either only on the first gaiter section (12) or only on the further gaiter section (13) at least one deflecting element (21) is arranged.

5. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthat at least one shoelace (17, 18) runs in a zigzag and / or meandering pattern between the respective deflection elements (21) on the foot shell (2) and on the gaiter (9) at least in the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1), so that, with respect to a longitudinal sole axis (23), opposing deflection elements (21) can be brought closer together when a tensile force is applied to the at least one shoelace (17, 18).

6. Sports shoe according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by the fact that at least one of the deflection elements (21) is designed as a loop (34), which is attached to the foot shell (2) or to the gaiter (9) in a tear-resistant manner, and that at least one shoelace (17, 18) is passed through the at least one loop (34).

7. Sports shoe according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by the fact thatat least one of the deflection elements (21) is formed as a notch (35) from a layer of the foot shell (2) or the gaiter (9), which notch (35) is formed, for example, by a tab, which tab is formed, for example, as a double slot in the layer of the foot shell (2) or the gaiter (9), and that at least one shoelace (17, 18) is passed through the at least one notch (35).

8. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lacing arrangement (16) has at least one manually operable tensioning device (24, 25) which includes at least one tensioning device (24, 25) and at least one winding device (26, 27) for the at least one shoelace (17, 18).

9. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthat at least one manually operable tensioning device (24, 25) is attached to the outer surface of the sports shoe (1), and that the at least one manually operable tensioning device (24, 25) is manually operable in the closed state of the gaiter (9), in which closed state the gaiter (9) covers and seals the instep area (8).

10. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that that at least one shoelace (17, 18) is formed by a tensioning cable made of plastic and / or metal.

11. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the lacing arrangement (16) comprises a first shoelace (17) and a further shoelace (18), wherein these shoelaces (17, 18) are assigned to different lacing zones (19, 20) of the sports shoe (1) and can be placed under tension independently of each other by means of a first tensioning device (24) and a further tensioning device (25).

12. Sports shoe according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized by the fact that that at least one deflection element (21) is attached to the gaiter (9) on the underside (28) of the gaiter (9) facing the foot cup (2).

13. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least a predominant part of the length of the at least one shoelace (17, 18), preferably more than 80% of the length of the at least one shoelace (17, 18), runs between an outer surface (29) of the foot shell (2) and an underside (28) of the gaiter (9) facing the foot shell (2) when the gaiter (9) is in its state covering the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1).

14. Sports shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata zipper (14) is formed on the gaiter (9), wherein a first gaiter section (12) and a further gaiter section (13) of the gaiter (9) can be connected to each other by means of the zipper (14) in the closed state of the zipper (14), - wherein by tensile forces of the at least one shoelace (17, 18) both the foot shell (2) can be reduced in its receiving volume, and the first gaiter section (12) and the further gaiter section (13) can be brought closer together in such a way that the zipper (14) can be closed with reduced actuation forces, and - that the first gaiter section (12) and the further gaiter section (13) can be at least partially separated from each other in the open state of the zipper (14).

15. Sports shoe according to claim 14, characterized by the fact thatthe zipper (14) is connected with its first band half (30) to the first gaiter section (12) and with its further band half (31) to the further gaiter section (13), so that the gaiter sections (12, 13) can be coupled together when the zipper (14) is closed and the gaiter sections (12, 13) can be separated from each other when the zipper (14) is opened.

16. Sports shoe according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by the fact that the first gaiter section (12) and the further gaiter section (13) along the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1) form a separation slit (32), which separation slit (32) can be closed by means of the zipper (14).

17. Sports shoe according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by the fact thatthe first gaiter section (12) and the further gaiter section (13) in the instep area (8) of the sports shoe (1) form a fold (33) which fold (33) can be spread out when the zipper (14) is open and is folded or gathered together when the zipper (14) is closed.

18. Sports shoe according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by the fact that the zipper (14) runs essentially parallel and centrally along the instep area (8) in top view of the sports shoe (1) and in relation to the longitudinal axis of the sole (23).

19. Sports shoe according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the zipper (14) runs at least predominantly alongside the longitudinal axis of the sole (23) in a top view of the sports shoe (1) and in relation to the longitudinal axis of the sole (23), so that flap sections of different sizes are formed in relation to the first and further gaiter section (12, 13).

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