Shoe Upper with Braided Elastic Portions for Secure Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe uppers with laces can cause injuries and lack comfort, while lace-free designs are neither lightweight nor provide adequate control for foot movements during sports.
Innovation Solution
A shoe upper design featuring braid-free portions combined with strategically positioned braid portions that provide elastic restoring force for a secure and comfortable fit, incorporating channels for increased friction and stability, and using materials like thermoplastic polyurethane and neoprene to balance stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laces are used to secure the upper to the foot, then firm attachment and stability are improved, but the risk of skin penetration and injury during sports movements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes laces from the shoe upper design and replaces them with a braid structure that provides attachment without the harmful effects of traditional laces. The braid portions are integrated into the upper material itself, eliminating the need for separate lacing components that can penetrate skin or cause injury during sports movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material properties and structural configuration of the upper by incorporating braid portions with specific elastic properties. The braid structure provides firm attachment through elastic restoring force while maintaining a smooth surface that reduces injury risk compared to traditional laces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper is designed without laces to avoid injuries, then safety is improved, but the weight of the upper increases and wearing comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies braid portions only in specific locations where attachment is needed, rather than making the entire upper from braided material. This localized application of braid structure provides the necessary stability and injury prevention while minimizing additional weight compared to a fully braided design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper is designed without laces to avoid injuries, then safety is improved, but control of foot movements during sports is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the elastic properties and configuration of the braid portions to provide adequate control of foot movements during sports. The braid structure is designed with specific elastic restoring force characteristics that enable it to control foot movements while preventing injuries, overcoming the limitations of lace-free designs.
4Reliability
If braid portions are added to provide elastic restoring force, then secure fit and stability are improved, but the complexity of the upper structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the braid portions with the upper material structure, integrating the elastic restoring force mechanism directly into the upper itself rather than using separate components. This integration provides secure fit and stability while minimizing the increase in structural complexity by combining multiple functions into a unified design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves a lightweight, comfortable, and secure fit with improved stability and control during sports movements, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance by maintaining foot attachment without laces.
Implementation Method 1
The braid portions are stretched in a longitudinal direction when inserting the foot, wherein the stretching provides an elastic restoring force so that the braided portion is tightly arranged on the foot surface.
Implementation Method 2
at least one channel surrounding at least partly the at least one braid portion... The channels may provide an increased friction between the foot and the braid portion.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1F
AI summary
The present invention relates to an upper for a shoe. Moreover, the present invention relates to a shoe and a method for manufacturing such an upper and such a shoe. According to an aspect of the invention, an upper (235; 410; 510) without laces comprising (a.) at least one braid portion (100; 420; 520) adapted to be stretched in a longitudinal direction; (b.) at least one braid-free portion (430); (c.) wherein stretching the at least one braid portion (100; 420; 520) in the longitudinal direction provides an elastic restoring force.