A process for manufacturing a soccer shoe with an opening in the heel and a soccer shoe manufactured by this process

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of processes for manufacturing footwear, in particular sports footwear, such as sneakers, football shoes (cleats) and the like. The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a football shoe with an opening in the heel and a football shoe manufactured by this process. The essence of the invention is that for manufacturing a football cleats, in the base, which represents the textile part of the shoe in the heel part, an opening of any shape is made, preferably round, oval, square or rectangular, so that the protrusion associated with the Haglund heel is not covered with material. The base of the football boot is made of synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyurethane, or of leather, which is stronger and more durable. The base of the football boot can be made as a single part or as a part that is assembled and sewn together from several individual parts.

Description

[0001] A PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A SOCCER SHOE WITH AN OPENING IN THE HEEL AND A SOCCER SHOE MANUFACTURED BY THIS PROCESS

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention belongs to the field of processes for manufacturing footwear, in particular sports footwear, such as sneakers, soccer / football shoes (cleats) and the like. The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a football shoe with an opening in the heel and a football shoe manufactured by this process.

[0004] Background of the invention and the technical problem

[0005] Patent EP2205114B1 describes footwear having an upper having a sole formed integral therewith; an insole having one or more locating members projecting from a surface thereof, said insole being receivable by said upper such that a distal end of said one or more locating members passes through said sole to extend beyond an outer surface of the sole; and an outsole configured to engage said distal end of said one or more locating members such that the outsole is mounted to said outer surface of the sole. The outsole has one or more studs, so that a typical football boot is obtained.

[0006] Haglund's heel or deformity (also called Haglund's exostosis) is a bony growth on the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches, so that the growth protrudes beyond the normal contour of the heel. The soft tissues at the back of the heel, or near the Achilles tendon, are then irritated when the bony growth rubs against the shoe, often leading to painful bursitis. Haglund's heel is often seen in athletes, especially those who run a lot. The highest proportion of such changes are seen in track and field athletes and soccer players, although the deformities also occur in athletes who play other sports. The problem with a heel deformations is that it rubs against the shoe due to the improper shape of the back of the shoe, which prevents comfort, proper running and can lead to further problems. Some football players simply adjust their football boots themselves to cut an opening in the area where they have a heel spur. This relieves pressure, makes it easier to run and consequently functions better during training and matches. Runners, especially those who run so-called trail or mountain runs, also use the same procedure.

[0007] The problem with hand-made openings in the back of the shoe is weakening of the material, which can cause the shoe to break sooner or the athlete to be further injured due to the changed characteristics and stability of the shoe. However, since there are many athletes with such problems, the problem of how to make appropriate footwear with relaxed pressure on the Haglund heel is still very relevant. The technical problem solved by the present invention is therefore the design of a process for manufacturing football footwear with an opening in the heel, which will alleviate the problems of football players with Haglund's heel. The aim of the invention is also to provide appropriate footwear made according to this process, which can be adjusted according to the exact location of the deformation if necessary.

[0008] Prior art

[0009] Various methods are known for manufacturing footwear, including various personalized pieces of footwear. The solution described in patent application WO2023219907A1 solves the technical problem by providing personalized footwear with the help of various inserts, lower parts, upper parts, intermediate inserts, which are adapted according to the analyzed foot of the future user. Patent EP3412166A1 , on the other hand, describes a process for manufacturing a device for adapting footwear to specific deformations of the user's foot or leg, which includes 3D scanning the foot in different positions, determining the places where friction occurs with the footwear, printing suitable parts that imitate the shape of the foot and then adapting the footwear with the printed parts, among which is a flexible element for connecting the heel part and the toe part. US4841957A describes a splint for treating inflammation and relieving pain in the heel. The splint has a special U-shaped pad that can be placed on the heel area to reduce pressure on the heel..

[0010] Patent application WO2021183714A1 describes footwear that has a movable part with the help of a hinge, meaning that it can be adjusted and create openings of different sizes, said opening being intended for inserting the foot into the footwear, which does not solve the technical problem.

[0011] Nike has a long-distance running shoe that has an opening in the heel, but these shoes are unsuitable for football, as they have no reinforcement, but a soft material is used, more or less in a thin layer. Such athletic shoes can be seen at the links https: / / www.nike.eom / si / t / dragoy-2-proto-athletics-distance-spikes-4QC3mQ and https: / / top4running.si / p / nike-zoom-mamba-6-track-field-distance-spikes-dr2733-100.

[0012] The process of manufacturing such shoes is different from the present invention, which is specifically intended for football shoes, which have a different design and also different materials.

[0013] Description of the solution to the technical problem

[0014] The invention solves all the problems of the known solutions as defined in the independent claim, wherein the preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. None of the solutions described above discloses a method of manufacturing football footwear or shoes and footwear similar to the present invention.

[0015] The essence of the invention is in that for manufacturing the football shoe an opening is made in the heel part of the base, which represents the upper part of the shoe, wherein the opening may have any suitable shape, preferably circular, oval, polygonal, square, or rectangular, so that the growth of the Haglund's heel is not covered with the material of the football she base part. The base of the football shoe is made from synthetic materials, such as nylon or polyurethane, or of leather, which is stronger and more durable. Kangaroo leather is especially used. The base of the football shoe can be made as a single part or as a part that is assembled and sewn together from several individual parts. Regardless of the manufacturing process of the base part, the opening is made in the heel part.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the base comprises several layers of material, i.e. an outer material, a reinforcement, a cushioning and an inner layer. The cut-out for the opening is usually made in all these layers (materials) by cutting each layer separately, by cutting individual pieces of the base to form the opening or by subsequent cutting into already made layers. The latter may be performed for each layer individually or for the layers connected together into the base.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the opening is provided with a thickening on the outer surface of the shoe, which can be in the shape of a trim with a suitable thickness that prevents the heel or the formation on the heel to protrude outside from the shoe. Thus, the Haglund's heel or its protrusion, respectively, is not accessible or less prone to possible hits and strikes. The material for the thickening may be a foamy, softer material, while the opening and the outer side of the shoe is made from leather or similarly durable material, which is usually used for the external surface of the base material for football shoes. The thickening may also be made by providing a filling or an additional cushioning under the trim to reach the desired thickness of the outer surface of the opening.

[0018] In case the base is made as a single (one) piece, it is usually sewn together in the heel area, approximately in line with the Achilles tendon. To create the opening, the base is adjusted so that it has a suitable cut-out(s), either a semi-circular, semi-oval, square or rectangular, which can be connected by sewing or joining into a desired shape of the opening. Each lining of the base or the external material is provided with the same opening, so that all layers have an opening. It is also possible that the base is not connected along a straight line, but in a curved line, wherein the opening can be made as a single cut-out in one part of the base. The edge of the opening, and consequently the joints between the layers, are processed so that there are no sharp or open parts, and can be sewn together, glued, thermally welded, or surrounded with a finishing tape.

[0019] If desired, the opening may be provided with a reinforcement along or near the edge to maintain the shape of the opening, wherein the reinforcement, which may be of any suitable material, including various leathers, textiles, plastics and metals, shall be concealed in the construction of the shoe. The reinforcement may be vertical along both sides, horizontal along the lower and upper sides or sides of the opening, may surround at least a portion of the opening, for example at least the lower portion, or may surround the entire opening. It may also be U-shaped.

[0020] In case the base is made from several individual pieces, a cut-out is made in the heel part, either as a single cut-out if the heel part is a single piece, or as two or more separate cut-outs which are joined together to form an opening when two or more individual pieces are sewn together, similar to the case where the base is a single piece. Regardless of how many layers the base is made of, the opening is made in all layers. The edge of the opening, and consequently the joints between the layers, are finished so that there are no sharp or open parts, and can be sewn together, glued, heat-sealed, or covered with a finishing tape.

[0021] Also in this embodiment, the opening may be provided with reinforcement along at least part of the edge or in the vicinity thereof to maintain the shape of the opening, wherein the reinforcement, which may be of any suitable material, including various leathers, textiles, plastics and metals, is concealed in the construction of the shoe. The reinforcement may be vertical along both sides, horizontal along the lower and upper sides or sides of the opening, may surround at least part of the opening, for example at least the lower part, or the entire opening. It may be in the shape of the letter U.

[0022] The flexibility of the opening position is possible, especially if the manufacturer would know specific cases and allow the personalization of the football shoe. In this case, the opening on one end can be made larger or in a different shape, while on the other end the opening may be smaller, so that the opening is shifted towards the outer or the inner side of the football shoe, i.e. towards the outer or inner part of the leg, respectively, and on the other, smaller, so that the opening from the middle towards the outer or inner part of the football shoe occurs. Alternatively, the height of the can be adjusted in the same way.

[0023] The dimensions of the openings in the heel can be arbitrary, but the most preferred dimensions for round openings are between 2 and 4 cm in diameter or for square openings the side is between 1 .5 and 4 cm in length.

[0024] Regardless of the type of base, the shoe may be provided with a covering or decorative layer on the outside, which may be made of a flexible material. If it is soft enough, this layer may be without an opening in the heel part or may cover the opening from the outside of the football shoe, as the soft material does not press on the heel to such an extent as to cause discomfort. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible outer layer of material may be provided with an opening that is smaller or larger than the opening in the base, but the it is at least partially connected to it to prevent tearing of the material. If the decorative layer on the outside is made of a harder material, it is desirable that the opening is also made in this layer.

[0025] Once the base of the football shoe is manufactured, for example by sewing and / or gluing or cutting, it is placed on a model that represents the foot, where it is stretched and connected to the sole, which is the inner sole, either by sewing, gluing or any other joining that is suitable and known to the person skilled in the art. To the base of the shoe thus prepared, a sole plate is then attached from the underside or from the outer side of the sole, which is provided with studs, spikes or other protruding elements of any type, shape or number known to the person skilled in the art. Alternatively, a rubber sole, such as is used for football shoes for indoor football / soccer, can be attached.

[0026] Since the opening in the heel area can hamper the stability of the shoe, which can be optionally improved by the said reinforcement, the sole plate can be adjusted to extend at least part of the way up the heel higher than in conventional football boots. The invention successfully solves the technical problem by minimizing pressure on the protrusion known as the Haglund's heel, thus not causing problems when wearing shoes and especially when playing football.

[0027] The invention will be disclosed in further detail based on an exemplary embodiment and figures, which show:

[0028] Figure 1 the rear part of a football shoe according to the invention, which has an opening in the heel

[0029] Figure 2 a cross-section of the shoe in the part of the opening in the heel area wherein additional cushioning and a layer of outer material or trim, respectively, are provided

[0030] Figure 3a a cross-section through the layers of the base of a football boot in the part where there is no opening in the heel part

[0031] Figure 3b a cross-section through the layers of the base of a football boot in the part where the opening in the heel part is present

[0032] Figure 4 an exemplary base made as a single piece

[0033] Figure 5 an example of the heel part for the base made from several pieces

[0034] Figure 1 shows the back part of a football shoe 1 , which has in the heel part 11 an opening 12, which ensures that the shoe does not press on the protrusion of the Haglund's heel. The method for manufacturing the football she 1 with the opening 12 in the heel part 11 comprises the following steps: a) manufacturing of a base 13 of the football shoe 1 , either from one or from several pieces, wherein the piece(s) is suitably shaped and / or provided with a cutout in each layer of the suitable materials for the base 13 separately or all layers joined together, wherein in the heel part 11 the opening 12 of any shape, preferably circular, oval, polygonal, square or rectangular is formed by cutting or similar process, wherein the base 13 comprises: an outer material 21 , a reinforcement 22, a cushioning 23, and - an inner lining 24, wherein optionally around the opening the following may be added:

[0035] - an additional reinforcement (not shown) around at least a part of the opening 12, and / or

[0036] - a trim 25 of the opening 12, and / or

[0037] - an additional cushioning 26 and a layer of outer material or the trim 25 on the outer surface of the opening, so that the protrusion on the heel does not protrude outside of the football shoe, wherein the edge of the opening 12 and consequently the joints between the layers 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, are processed so that there are no sharp or open parts, and the opening can be sewn together, glued, thermally bonded, or surrounded by a trim, b) placing the base 13 of the football shoe prepared in step a) on a mould representing the foot, c) sewing, gluing and / or other process of attaching the insole to the base 13, d) attaching a bottom part 3 of the football shoe 1 , i.e. the outer sole provided with studs, spikes or other protruding elements 31 , or a rubber sole, e) inserting an insole into a manufactured football shoe 1 .

[0038] If desired, the opening 12 may be provided with said reinforcement along or near the edge to further maintain the shape of the opening, wherein the reinforcement, which may be of any suitable material, including various leathers, textiles, plastics and metals, isconcealed in the construction of the shoe. The reinforcement may be vertical along both sides, horizontal along the lower and upper sides or sides of the opening, may surround at least a portion of the opening, for example at least the lower portion, or the entire opening. It may be U-shaped.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the shoe 1 in the part of the opening 12 in the heel part 11 , wherein additional cushioning 26 and a layer of outer material or trim 25 are provided. Figures 3a and 3b show a cross-section through the layers of the base of the football shoe, namely in the part where there is no opening in the heel part (Figure 3a) and in the part where there is an opening (Figure 3b). The layers follow each other from the outside to the inside in the following order: the outer material 21 , usually leather, the reinforcement 22 of a suitable material, the cushioning 23, and the inner lining 24. Figure 3b shows a cross-section of the opening, which is provided with a trim 25, which covers all the layers so that they are not visible. On the outside, a layer of cushioning 26 may be placed under the trim, as shown in Figure 2 and also Figure 3b, which thickens the opening 12 so that the protruding part of the heel does not extend beyond the football shoe.

[0040] Figures 4 and 5 relate to various possibilities for manufacturing the base 13, wherein figure 4 shows an example of a base made from one piece and sewn together in the heel area. In order to form a suitable opening, the base is therefore consequently adapted to have a suitable cutout 121 , 122, either semicircular, semi-oval, rectangular or square, which upon sewing or joining the parts together form the desired shape of the opening 12. Each layer of the base, both the outer material and the reinforcement, the cushioning and the lining, is provided with the same opening, so that all layers have the same shaped opening. The dashed lines indicate an example of a cutout, which is then joined together by sewing into a circular opening on the heel part.

[0041] In case the base is made from several individual pieces, a cutout 12 is made in the heel part 11 A as shown in Figure 5, wherein the cut-out is made as a single cutout if the heel part is a single piece, or as two separate cutouts that are combined into an opening when sewing two individual pieces, which is similar to the case where the base is a single piece. Regardless of how many layers the base is made of, the opening is made in all layers. The trim 25 can also be provided around the opening.

Claims

Patent claims1 . A process for manufacturing a football shoe (1 ) with an opening (12) in a heel part (11 ), characterized in that a base (13) representing an upper part of the shoe (1 ) the opening (12) of any shape, preferably circular, oval, square or rectangular, is made in the heel part (11 ), so that Haglund's heel protrusion is not covered with a material of the football shoe.

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the base (13) comprises:- an outer material (21 ),- a reinforcement (22),- a cushioning (23), and- an inner lining (24).

3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge of the opening (12) and thus the joints of the layers (21 , 22, 23, 24) forming the base (13) of the upper part of the shoe are processed so that there are no sharp or open parts, and the opening can be sewn together, glued, thermally bonded, or surrounded by a trim (25).

4. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cutout of the opening (12) is made in all said layers (21 , 22, 23, 24) by cutting each layer separately, by shaping individual parts of the base (13) or by subsequent cutting into already made layers, either individual or joined to form the base.

5. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (12) is provided with a thickening on the outer surface of the shoe, which prevents the heel or the protrusion on the heel, respectively, to protrude outside of the shoe.

6. The process according to the preceding claim, wherein the thickening is made with the trim (25), which is underneath provided with a layer of lining or filling (26) to achieve a thickness that prevents the heel or the protrusion on the heel, respectively, to protrude outside of the shoe, orby applying a thicker softer material.

7. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (12) is along the edge or in proximity of the opening provided with a reinforcement arranged to maintain the shape of the opening (12), wherein the reinforcement is made from any suitable material, for example leather, textile, plastic or metal, and is hidden in the construction of the shoe.

8. The process according to the preceding claim, wherein the reinforcement is:- vertical along both sides of the opening,- horizontal along the lower and upper sides of the opening,- surround at least a portion of the opening, for example at least the lower portion, so that it has a shape of the letter U, or- surrounds the whole opening.

9. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (12) has a circular, oval, polygonal, square or rectangular shape.

10. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (13) of the upper part of the football shoe is made from synthetic materials, such as naylon or polyurethane, or from leather.11 . The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (13) of the football shoe is made as a single piece or as a part made from several pieces joined or sewn together.

12. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (13) is made as a single piece (13A), which can be sewn in the heel area, aproximately in line with the Achilles tendon, and wherein the opening is made as a suitable cutout (121 , 122), which is either semicircular, semioval, rectangular or square, which upon sewing or joining the base together forms the desired shape of the opening,or in one part of the base an opening is made and this part is then joined to the other end of the base that does not have an opening or part thereof.

13. The process according to any of the claims from 1 to 11 , wherein the base (13) is made from several pieces, and in the heel part (11 A) a cutout is provided, either a single cutout if the heel part is one piece, or a two separate cutouts joined by sewing two pieces together similarly as in case where the base is made as a single piece.

14. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base (13) of the football shoe is provided with a covering or decorative layer, which may be made of flexible material, and can cover the opening or can be provided with an opening in the same place as the base (13).

15. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the process comprises the following steps: a) manufacturing the base (13) of the football shoe (1 ), either from one or from several pieces, wherein in the heel part (11 ) the opening (12) of any shape, preferably circular, oval, polygonal, square or rectangular is provided, wherein the base (13) comprises:- an outer material (21 ),- a reinforcement (22),- a cushioning (23), and- an inner lining (24), wherein optionally around the opening the following is added:- an additional reinforcement around at least a part of the opening, and / or- a trim (25) of the opening (12), and / or- a thickening on the outer surface of the opening made as an additional cushioning (26) and a layer of outer material or the trim (25) on the outer surface of the opening, so that the protrusion on the heel does not protrude outside of the football shoe, wherein the edge of the opening and consequently the joints between the layers (21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), are processed so that there are no sharp or open parts,and the opening can be sewn together, glued, thermally bonded, or surrounded by the trim, b) placing the base (13) of the football shoe prepared in step a) on a mould representing the foot, c) sewing, gluing and / or other process of attaching the insole to the base (13), d) attaching a bottom part (3) of the football shoe (1 ), i.e. the outer sole provided with studs, spikes or other protruding elements (31 ), or a rubber sole, e) inserting an insole into a manufactured football shoe (1 ).

16. A football shoe (1 ) with an opening (12) in a heel part (11 ) made with the process according to any of the preceding claims.

17. The football shoe (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening (12) in the heel part (11 ) is provided with a thickening on the outer surface of the shoe, which prevents the heel or the protrusion on the heel, respectively, from protruding outside of the shoe.

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