Sports Shoe Upper Tape Structure for Stability and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoe uppers for sports shoes lack both stability and comfort, often fitting either too tightly and uncomfortably or loosely, leading to poor control during movements and rapid changes in direction.
Innovation Solution
A shoe upper design where at least 50% of the surface is covered by a tape portion comprising connected tapes, which provide stability and flexibility by distributing external forces evenly and allowing for stretching, while being lightweight and comfortable, with the tapes connected along their parallel edges through stitching, gluing, or welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper is made with traditional materials and construction, then it provides enclosure and basic stability, but it is either too tight and uncomfortable or too loose and provides poor control
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple independent tape elements (first tape element, second tape element, third tape element, fourth tape element) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each tape to adapt to foot movements separately, providing both comfort through flexibility and stability through coordinated support across multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape elements are designed to be dynamically movable relative to one another, allowing the upper structure to adapt in real-time to foot movements during sports activities. This dynamic configuration enables the upper to transition between providing a snug fit for control and allowing natural foot expansion for comfort.
2Reliability
If tapes are added to increase stability, then foot control improves, but the upper becomes heavier and less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin, flexible tape elements made from lightweight materials that provide structural support without significant weight. These tape elements function as flexible shells that conform to the foot's shape and movements, delivering stability through their arrangement and connectivity rather than through heavy rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper combines different materials with complementary properties: the base upper material provides enclosure and comfort, while the tape elements provide additional stability. This composite construction integrates materials with different functional properties to achieve both lightness and stability simultaneously.
3Reliability
If the upper material is made non-elastic for stability, then foot control improves, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to lack of stretching
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the upper into multiple movable tape elements, the patent creates a structure where each segment can independently stretch and adapt to foot movements. This segmentation allows the overall structure to maintain stability through its multi-point attachment while providing flexibility through the independent movement of each tape element.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic connectivity between tape elements allows the upper to transition from a rigid stable structure to a flexible adaptive structure during movement. The tapes can shift relative to each other to accommodate foot expansion while maintaining their stabilizing function, providing both control and adaptability.
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 improved stability and comfort by distributing forces evenly and allowing for flexibility, enhancing control during extreme movements without impairing the wearer, particularly in sports applications like soccer and rugby.
Implementation Method 1
provide stability and flexibility by distributing external forces evenly
Implementation Method 2
allowing for stretching, while being lightweight and comfortable
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an upper (105; 305; 405; 505) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising at least one tape portion (110a-b; 210a-b; 310; 410) covering at least 50% of the upper (105; 305; 405), wherein the at least one tape portion (110a-b; 210a-b; 310; 410) comprises a plurality of connected tapes. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an upper (205) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising at least one tape portion (110a-b; 210a-b; 310; 410) including a plurality of connected tapes, wherein the tapes are zig-zag stitched to each other on their edges.