Shoes, especially sports shoes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, preferably a shoe adapted for fastening to sports equipment, in particular by means of a binding, such as a snowboard shoe, ski shoe or bicycle shoe, comprising a sole (10) and an upper (11), in which at least one circumferential portion (16) of the upper (11) adjacent to the sole (10) is formed, at least substantially, by a frame which is itself shape-stable and / or is formed by at most four, or at most three, or at most two pieces, or by only one piece.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, preferably adapted for fastening to sports equipment, such as skis or a bicycle, in particular by means of a binding. [Background technology]

[0002] Sports shoes, for example snowboard shoes, have a sole and an upper. In particular the upper usually consists of a number of individual parts which are themselves relatively flexible. Strength is usually only achieved by joining the individual parts together, in particular by the connection with the sole, if properties of particular importance in particular in the field of sports, such as the transmission of forces to the sports equipment, are properly taken into account. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to propose a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which is simple to manufacture and which has relatively advantageous properties in particular in use, in particular with regard to the transmission of forces, preferably a shoe adapted for fixing to a piece of sports equipment (skis, snowboard, bicycle, etc.), in particular by means of a binding, such as a snowboard shoe, ski boot or bicycle shoe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The above problem is solved in particular by the features of claim 1.

[0005] In particular, the above problem is solved by a shoe, preferably a sports shoe, comprising a sole and an upper, at least one (all-around) part of the upper adjacent to the sole being formed at least substantially by a frame which is shape-stable per se and / or formed by up to 8, or up to 6, or up to 4, or up to 3, or up to 2 (possibly integral per se) pieces or by only one (possibly integral per se) piece, such as a snowboard shoe, ski boot or bicycle shoe, in particular configured for fixing to a piece of sports equipment (e.g. a snowboard, ski or bicycle) by means of a binding (e.g. a ski binding or snowboard binding or a correspondingly configured bicycle pedal), more preferably to a piece of sports equipment (e.g. a snowboard, ski or bicycle), such as a snowboard shoe, ski boot or bicycle boot.

[0006] According to the idea of ​​the invention, a frame structure is proposed for the shoe or its upper, which is preferably made shape-stable per se (at least in the part adjacent to the sole), which facilitates a reliable production of the shoe or sports shoe, in particular with regard to the positioning of the upper relative to the sole.

[0007] This allows the shoe geometry to be set particularly accurately, which is advantageous for example when fitting to a binding (e.g. pin bindings and / or ski touring bindings and / or clicker bindings and / or step-in bindings). Corresponding mating parts for engaging with the binding can be positioned relatively accurately.

[0008] The synergistic effect simultaneously improves overall stability, which is advantageous when positioning against the binding and with regard to force transmission.

[0009] Each piece is understood to be preferably an integral piece per se. However, it may also be understood as a piece forming a common (rigid) body constituted by joining the individual parts by a method that fastens them to the material (for example welding and / or gluing). The entire periphery of the upper should be understood as a section that passes around the sole (at its periphery or periphery area) in particular adjacent to the sole (directly) (and that is uninterrupted or has only minor interruptions, preferably totaling less than 4 cm or less than 1 cm). A shape-stable frame is understood as a frame that already retains its shape in the pre-assembly state (not yet joined to the sole) and can for example be placed on the floor without changing its shape (for example without collapsing).

[0010] In an embodiment, the upper can be made flexible (even though it may itself be shape-stable) and therefore not rigid in the sense that the shoe will substantially maintain its shape, especially when some force is applied to it (e.g. by an athlete).

[0011] Preferably, the shoe (sports shoe) is not a hard boot (or possibly other hard boot) for snowboarding and / or skiing, or a soft boot, in particular a soft boot for snowboarding and / or skiing.

[0012] In an embodiment, the sports shoe may be a touring ski shoe, a telemark ski shoe, a cross-country ski shoe, a hiking shoe and / or a trekking shoe.

[0013] The upper (or at least the basic structure thereof) may have a material thickness of less than 4 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm, and / or at least 0.1 mm.

[0014] Preferably, the sole has, on its upper side, a peripheral groove (i.e. a groove in the peripheral region) that is shaped (especially all around) to accommodate the lower edge of the upper. This groove can be (at least approximately) V-shaped in cross section and can slope relatively flatly towards the outside and / or can possibly merge into a raised edge of the sole. The inner wall of the groove can (in cross section) extend relatively steeply (e.g. vertically) upwards.

[0015] Such grooves allow a particularly simple and precise setting of the desired position, which in turn allows for an improved connection with the binding system (e.g. pin bindings and / or ski touring bindings and / or clicker bindings and / or step-in bindings).

[0016] The sole and the upper can be joined to one another by a material bond, in particular by gluing and / or welding. Alternatively or additionally, the sole and the upper can be sewn together. Alternatively or additionally, the sole and the upper can be securely connected to one another, for example by means of pins engaging in recesses and / or by screwing.

[0017] The upper (or frame) can be open downwards (and closed by the sole when the shoe is assembled). Alternatively or additionally, the upper can be at least partially (possibly completely) closed downwards. However, it is preferred that at least 50%, possibly at least 80% or at least 90% of the bottom surface of the upper is open downwards (towards the sole).

[0018] The rear part of the upper (adjacent the heel) may be formed by a back part which is at least substantially form-stable per se, and / or may be formed by up to four, or up to three, or up to two (possibly integral per se) pieces, or by only one (possibly integral per se) piece. The back part may form a common (possibly integral) component with the (all-around) periphery. The part of the upper opposite the back part is preferably open (towards the front).

[0019] The (respective) side of the upper may be at least partially tapered from top to bottom such that the upper as a whole (in side view) defines a V- or U-shaped (open towards the front) cut-out, particularly at the level of the instep. The (respective) side may form a common (possibly integral) component with the back and / or the all-around peripheral edge. The (respective) side may, on the one hand, allow a firm hold on the foot and, on the other hand, an effective transmission of forces to the sports equipment (possibly via the binding).

[0020] The upper (or at least its basic structure) may be formed by up to eight, or up to five, or up to three, or up to two (possibly integral) pieces, or by only one (possibly integral) piece.

[0021] The basic structure of the upper is understood in particular as a structure which constitutes at least 50% by weight, optionally at least 80% by weight, of the entire upper and / or covers at least 50% by area, optionally at least 80% by area, of the outer surface. The basic structure of the upper is in particular a component which supports (determines the shape of) the upper.

[0022] The sole is preferably formed in the shape of a trough, in particular in the shape of a flat trough. The upper can be supported by the inner wall of the sole or by its trough shape, in particular by the above-mentioned peripheral groove. The sole can also be designed flat.

[0023] The sole may be formed in three pieces, two pieces, or one piece (optionally integrally). Alternatively or additionally, the upper, or at least the frame thereof, may be formed in three pieces, two pieces, or one piece (optionally integrally).

[0024] The upper or at least its basic structure may be made at least to a large extent (based on the total weight) from a heat-deformable material and / or plastic, in particular an injection-molded plastic, such as PE (polyethylene) and / or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer) and / or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and / or may have an optionally laminated cover layer, for example made of leather. Alternatively or additionally, the sole may be made at least to a large extent from a heat-deformable material and / or plastic, such as PE and / or EVA and / or TPU, and / or rubber and / or natural rubber and / or rubber-like material.

[0025] By at least predominantly formed is meant preferably at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, of the respective material.

[0026] The above problem is further solved by a method for manufacturing a shoe, in particular a shoe of the above mentioned type, preferably a shoe configured for fastening to a piece of sports equipment by means of a binding, for example a snowboard shoe, a ski shoe or a bicycle shoe, comprising a sole and an upper, in which at least one complete periphery of the upper adjacent to the sole is formed at least substantially by a frame which is itself shape-stable and / or by at most four, or at most three, or at most two pieces or by only one piece, and in which the upper and the sole are joined to one another, preferably by a material connection, in particular glued and / or welded and / or sewn to one another and / or joined to one another by a geometrical joining method, for example by means of pins which engage in recesses and / or by screwing.

[0027] Eyelets and / or hooks for securing or guiding the laces, and / or at least one receptacle for a quick lacing system and / or at least one buckle may be (possibly integral) components of the upper (or may be at least partially formed of separate elements).

[0028] In addition to the sole and upper (or the frame of the upper), further components may be present, such as laces and / or padding and / or one or more insoles and / or a tongue.

[0029] The sole may have a profile on the underside.

[0030] In an embodiment, a sports shoe may include a device for engaging with a binding of a piece of sports equipment.

[0031] According to the invention, a system is therefore also proposed which comprises a sports shoe and a part of a sports equipment (skis, snowboard, bicycle, etc.) and / or a binding (such as a ski binding and / or a snowboard binding), the sports shoe being able to engage with the part of the sports equipment (possibly via a corresponding binding) or with the binding.

[0032] Overall, the invention allows a reliable and stable shoe (sports shoe) to be produced in a relatively simple manner. The consumption of raw materials (e.g. consumption of adhesives) can be reduced.

[0033] The upper (or even the entire shoe) may be made up of fewer than 20 pieces, or fewer than 10 pieces, or fewer than 5 pieces.

[0034] Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a sports shoe according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the sports shoe according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a first cross-sectional view of a portion of the sports shoe according to FIGS. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a second cross-sectional view of the part of the sports shoe according to FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for the same parts or parts having the same effect.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a snowboard shoe (here exemplarily a soft boot) in a first perspective view, Figure 2 shows the same shoe in a second perspective view, Figure 3 shows the (lower) part of the sports shoe according to Figures 1 and 2 in longitudinal section and Figure 4 shows the corresponding section (transverse to the longitudinal direction).

[0039] The snowboard shoe comprises a sole 10 and an upper 11. The upper 11 comprises a basic structure 12 (which is shape-stable and integral per se) and further components, in particular a textile part 13 (possibly padded) joined (for example sewn) to the basic structure 12, a tongue 14 and fasteners 15 (in the form of eyelets, loops and / or hooks) for shoe laces (not shown). At least some (2x3=6 in the present example according to Fig. 1) of the fasteners 15 (hooks in this example) can be (integrally) formed by the basic structure 12. Alternatively, however, the fasteners 15 can be provided separately (for example formed as sewn loops, as in the case of the further fasteners 15 shown in Fig. 1).

[0040] The entire periphery 16 adjacent to the sole 10 is formed by the (integral) base structure 12. The base structure 12 has a cutout 17 which runs at the height of the instep and widens forward, so that in this example a certain degree of flexion or adaptive bending can be achieved and still an effective transmission of forces through the shoe. In this case, the conduction or transmission of forces is preferably performed in the rear region of the shoe or through the back part 18 (of the base structure 12).

[0041] Also visible in Figures 3 and 4 is a circumferential groove 19 having relatively steep (vertical) sides 20 and flatter (towards the outside) sides 21. A lower edge 22 of the upper 11 or base structure 12 is preferably received in this groove 19, where it is bonded to the sole.

[0042] As can further be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sole 10 has a profile 23 .

[0043] Finally, it is pointed out that all the above-mentioned parts, either taken alone or in any combination, and in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention, modifications in this regard being well known to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 10 soles 11 Upper 12 Basic structure 13 Fabric part 14 Vero 15 Fasteners 16 All around 17 Cutout 18 Filter section (Filter-Abschnitt) 19 Peripheral ditch 20 Side 21 Side 22 Lower edge 23 Profile

Claims

1. A shoe comprising a sole (10) and an upper (11), at least one peripheral portion (16) of the upper (11) adjacent to the sole (10) being formed at least substantially by a frame which is itself shape-stable, and / or by up to four pieces, or up to three pieces, or up to two pieces, or by only one piece.

2. 2. The shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the sole (10) has on its upper side a peripheral groove formed to receive the lower edge of the upper (11).

3. 3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sole (10) and the upper (11) are joined to one another by a material bond and / or are sewn and / or are securely connected to one another by a form-fitting, for example by means of pins engaging in recesses and / or by screwing.

4. 3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper (11) is open downwards.

5. 3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear part of the upper (11) is formed by a back part (18) which is at least substantially form-stable per se and / or by a maximum of four pieces, or a maximum of three pieces, or a maximum of two pieces, or by only one piece.

6. 3. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper (11) or at least its frame (12) is formed by a maximum of 5, or a maximum of 3, or a maximum of 2 pieces, or by only one piece.

7. 3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sole (10) is trough-shaped.

8. 3. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sole (10) is moulded in one piece and / or the upper (11) or at least its frame (12) is moulded in one piece.

9. said upper (11) or at least its frame (12) is at least predominantly made from a thermoformable material and / or plastic and / or has a cover layer and / or 3. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sole (10) is made at least to a large extent from a heat-deformable material and / or plastic and / or rubber and / or natural rubber and / or a rubber-like material.

10. A method for manufacturing a shoe, the shoe comprising a sole (10) and an upper (11), at least one peripheral portion (16) of the upper (11) adjacent to the sole (10) being formed at least substantially by a frame which is itself shape-stable, and / or by up to four pieces, or up to three pieces, or up to two pieces, or by only one piece; A method in which said upper (11) and said sole (10) are joined to each other, preferably by material bonding and / or stitching and / or being securely connected to each other by form bonding.

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