(19)
(11)EP 3 644 779 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
12.08.2020 Bulletin 2020/33

(21)Application number: 17736876.8

(22)Date of filing:  27.06.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A43B 1/04(2006.01)
A43C 1/04(2006.01)
A43B 23/02(2006.01)
A43C 5/00(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/EP2017/000750
(87)International publication number:
WO 2019/001676 (03.01.2019 Gazette  2019/01)

(54)

SHOE, ESPECIALLY SPORTS SHOE

SCHUH, INSBESONDERE SPORTSCHUH

CHAUSSURE, EN PARTICULIER CHAUSSURE DE SPORT


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(43)Date of publication of application:
06.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/19

(73)Proprietor: PUMA SE
91074 Herzogenaurach (DE)

(72)Inventors:
  • SIEGISMUND, Andreas
    90607 Rückersdorf (DE)
  • GIRARD, Romain
    91207 Lauf a. d. Pegnitz (DE)

(74)Representative: Gosdin, Carstensen & Partner Patentanwälte Partnerschaftgesellschaft mbB 
Adam-Stegerwald-Straße 6
97422 Schweinfurt
97422 Schweinfurt (DE)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 3 114 951
US-A1- 2016 302 524
US-A1- 2008 110 048
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The invention relates to a shoe, especially to a sports shoe, comprising a shoe upper, wherein the shoe upper consists at least partially of a knitted fabric, wherein the shoe upper has a plurality of loops for threading a lace to allow the tying of the shoe at the foot of a wearer by means of the lace, wherein at least a part of the loops consist of a knitted fabric, wherein the loops have the shape of a tubular body which forms a passage for the lace.

    [0002] Usual lacing devices of shoes, especially of sports shoes, have loops which are arranged at a tying strip which is connected with the shoe upper or is part of the same. The loops are arranged near the tongue of the shoe.

    [0003] Thus, the ability of the shoe to adapt the lacing or tying to an individual shape of the foot of the wearer is limited. Individual demands can normally not be fulfilled. This can lead to a lose fit of the shoe or to pressure marks at the foot of the wearer.

    [0004] A shoe of the generic kind is shown in EP 3 114 951 A1. Similar solutions are disclosed in US 2016/0302524 A1 and US 2008/0110048 A1.

    [0005] It is an object of the present invention to propose a shoe, especially a sports shoe, which provides an easy and efficient possibility to adjust the lacing or tying of the shoe at the foot of the wearer very individually.

    [0006] The solution of this object according to the invention is a shoe as stated in the appended claim 1.

    [0007] At least a part of the loops can have an outer diameter and an inner diameter to form the tubular body for receiving the lace, wherein the tubular body has a length, wherein the length is at least 100 % of the outer diameter. Preferably, the length is at least 150 %, specifically at least 200 %, of the outer diameter. Each loop consists of a plurality of knitted rows of yarn.

    [0008] The tubular body of the loops can have an axial direction, wherein the axial direction is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the shoe or draws an angle to the longitudinal direction below 30°, preferably below 25 °. But this orientation of the loops is not mandatory. It is also possible to orient the loops under another angle up to 90° to the longitudinal direction (i. e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

    [0009] Preferably a number of loops is arranged in such a manner that the loops have the same axial direction.

    [0010] The loops are preferably distanced from another by a distance, measured perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the distance is between 2 mm and 25 mm.

    [0011] The knitted fabric of the shoe upper can form a single layer which bears the loops.

    [0012] An alternative embodiment provides that the knitted fabric of the shoe upper has at least two layers, wherein the upper layer bears the loops. In this case it can be provided that the layer below the upper layer is connected with the upper layer but has no contact with the loops.

    [0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the yarn of the shoe upper can consist of or comprise polyester or polyamide. Also, the yarn of the loops can consist of or comprise polyester or polyamide. Of course, also other kinds of yarn are suitable.

    [0014] The yarns of the shoe upper and of the loops can be different in at least one (physical) property. Specifically, the yarns of the shoe upper and of the loops can have different colors. Of course, it is also possible to use the same yarn for the shoe upper and the loops.

    [0015] By the proposed concept it is possible to provide a plurality of loops for threading of the lace which can be selected according to individual demands. The loops for the lace are distributed along a quite large area of the shoe upper so that the user can select the required loops according to his or her individual demands. So the lacing or tying of the shoe can be adapted perfectly not only to the shape of the foot of the wearer; it is also possible to take specific demands in consideration which depend on the type of sports and specific training situations.

    [0016] It is also possible for specific types of sport or training situations to tie the shoe at the foot of the wearer to fix the shoe specifically for lateral or forward movements or to give more hold in the heel region.

    [0017] Also with respect to this aspect the proposed shoe has advantages compared with pre-known solutions.

    [0018] Thus, a knitted section of the shoe upper - which is relevant for tying the shoe at the foot of the wearer - is supplied at the outer surface with a plurality of loops or channels (tunnels) which are designed and dimensioned for defining a passage for a lace. The loops are made in such a manner that they are firmly connected with the knitted fabric to avoid pulling out the loops from the knitted fabric below.

    [0019] A double layer knitted fabric (Double Jersey) is preferred, wherein the loops step out from the upper layer. The bottom layer is flat and ensures the stability of the whole fabric. Also a knitted fabric as a single layer (Single Jersey) is possible which then bears the plurality of loops (tubes, channels or tunnels).

    [0020] The shoe upper can consist completely of the knitted fabric.

    [0021] The knitted tubular body which forms the loops can be produced with well-known methods so that a specific description is not necessary here. Reference is made to the so-called Ottoman Stitch which allows the knitting of the loops on a respective knitting machine.

    [0022] It was found that the knitted base material (made preferably from polyester or polyamide) as well as the number of filaments in the knitting yarn define the tensile strength. Also the length of the loops (channels, tubes) has a respective influence with respect to the stability. Accordingly, it can be taken in consideration to enlarge the length of the loops in the case of types of sports where specific high forces must be expected.

    [0023] With regard to the knitting technique it should be mentioned that a preferred method is knitting the shoe upper from the right to the left side (i. e. from the lateral side to the medial side of the shoe upper (or vise versa); normally, the shoe upper is knitted from the shoe tip to the heel (or vice versa).

    [0024] In the drawings embodiments of the invention are shown.
    Fig. 1
    shows a side view of a sports shoe,
    Fig. 2
    shows a perspective view of a part of the upper side of a shoe upper according to a first embodiment of the invention,
    Fig. 3
    shows the depiction according to Fig. 2 with a lace being threaded through a loop,
    Fig. 4
    shows a perspective view of a part of the upper side of a shoe upper according to a second embodiment of the invention and
    Fig. 5
    shows the depiction according to Fig. 4 with a lace being threaded through a loop.


    [0025] In figure 1 a shoe 1 is shown which is a sports shoe. The shoe 1 has a shoe upper 2 and a sole 7 which is connected with the shoe upper 2. In the present case the shoe upper 2 consists completely from a knitted fabric. A specific design is provided to allow an individual tying of the shoe at the foot of a wearer.

    [0026] As can be seen from figure 1 a plurality of loops 3 are arranged at the outer surface of the shoe upper 2. The loops 3 consist as well from a knitted fabric and form a unitary knitted construction together with the base layer of the shoe upper 2.

    [0027] Each loop 3 is designed as a tubular body which could also be defined as channel or tunnel and is arranged for threading a lace 4. Thus, each loop 3 forms a passage 8 for the lace 4 (see figures 2 and 4).

    [0028] As can be also seen from figure 1 the plurality of loops 3 is distributed at the outer side of the shoe upper 2 according to a specific pattern: A number of loops 3 is arranged in line along their axial direction a. A number of such sets of loops 3 are arranged with a certain distance perpendicular to the mentioned axial direction a (details see figure 2 and 3).

    [0029] That is, a plurality of possibilities is given for threading the lace 4 through respective loops 3 so that the shoe 1 can be tied according to individual demands at the foot of the wearer.

    [0030] Details concerning the geometry of the loops 3 become apparent from figures 2 and 3. Here, it can be seen that each loop 3 forms a hollow-cylindrical body, i. e. the loop 3 has a tubular shape. Each loop 3 has an outer diameter D and an inner diameter d as well as a length c, which extends in axial direction a of the loop 3.

    [0031] Figure 2 illustrates the top surface of the shoe upper 2 without lace 4, while the lace 4 is threaded through a loop 3 in figure 3.

    [0032] From figure 2 it becomes apparent that a number of loops 3 can be arranged coaxially, i. e. the axial direction a of a number of loops 3 is identical. A number of those rows of loops 3 is arranged side by side, i. e. parallel to another at a distance b measured perpendicular to the axial direction a.

    [0033] The axial direction a of the loops 3 is substantially oriented in the longitudinal direction L of the shoe 1 (see figure 1). That is, the axial direction a draws only a small angle α to the longitudinal direction L which is below 30°, preferably below 25°. This allows an optimal threading of the lace 4 and a good transfer of forces from the loop 3 to the shoe upper 2.

    [0034] In the embodiment according to figure 2 and 3 the shoe upper 2 has only a single layer of knitted fabric (Single Jersey). In figures 4 and 5 an embodiment is depicted in which the shoe upper 2 consists of two layers 5 and 6, namely of an upper layer 5 of the shoe upper 2 and a bottom layer 6 of the shoe upper 2 (Double Jersey). The loops 3 are formed as a unitary knitted construction with the upper layer 5 while the bottom layer 6 is connected with the upper layer 5 but not with the loops 3.

    [0035] The depiction according figure 1 shows an embodiment which is substantially on scale with regard to the dimensions of the loops 3.

    [0036] The whole knitting construction of the shoe upper 2 including the loops 3 can be produced on a knitting machine which is well known as such and allows an economical production of the shoe upper 2.

    Reference Numerals:



    [0037] 
    1
    Shoe
    2
    Shoe upper
    3
    Loop
    4
    Lace
    5
    Upper layer of the shoe upper
    6
    Bottom layer of the shoe upper
    7
    Sole
    8
    Passage
    D
    Outer diameter of the loop
    d
    Inner diameter of the loop
    c
    Length of the loop
    a
    Axial direction of the loop
    b
    Distance between the loops
    L
    Longitudinal direction of the shoe
    α
    Angle



    Claims

    1. Shoe (1), especially sports shoe, comprising a shoe upper (2), wherein the shoe upper (2) consists at least partially of a knitted fabric, wherein the shoe upper (2) has a plurality of loops (3) for threading a lace (4) to allow the tying of the shoe (1) at the foot of a wearer by means of the lace (4), wherein at least a part of the loops (3) consist of a knitted fabric, wherein the loops (3) have the shape of a tubular body which forms a passage (8) for the lace (4),
    characterized in that
    the knitted fabric of the shoe upper (2) and the knitted fabric of the loops (3) form a unitary knit construction, wherein the loops (3) are connected with the knitted fabric of the shoe upper (2) only by the knitted construction and are free from any means for transferring a tying force.
     
    2. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the loops (3) have an outer diameter (D) and an inner diameter (d) to form the tubular body for receiving the lace (4), wherein the tubular body has a length (c), wherein the length (c) is at least 100 % of the outer diameter (D).
     
    3. Shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that the length (c) is at least 150 %, preferably at least 200 %, of the outer diameter (D).
     
    4. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tubular body of the loops (3) has an axial direction (a), wherein the axial direction (a) is oriented in the longitudinal direction (L) of the shoe (1) or draws an angle (α) to the longitudinal direction (L) below 30°, preferably below 25 °.
     
    5. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a number of loops (3) is arranged in such a manner that the loops (3) have the same axial direction (a).
     
    6. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the loops (3) are distanced from another by a distance (b), measured perpendicular to the axial direction (a), wherein the distance (b) is between 2 mm and 25 mm.
     
    7. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the knitted fabric of the shoe upper (2) forms a single layer which bears the loops (3).
     
    8. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the knitted fabric of the shoe upper (2) has at least two layers (5, 6), wherein the upper layer (5) bears the loops (3).
     
    9. Shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the layer (6) below the upper layer (5) is connected with the upper layer (5) but has no contact with the loops (3).
     
    10. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the yarn of the shoe upper (2) consists of polyester or polyamide.
     
    11. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the yarn of the loops (3) consists of polyester or polyamide.
     
    12. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the yarns of the shoe upper (2) and of the loops (3) are different in at least one property.
     
    13. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the yarns of the shoe upper (2) and of the loops (3) have different colors.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Schuh (1), insbesondere Sportschuh, mit einem Schuhoberteil (2), wobei das Schuhoberteil (2) zumindest teilweise aus einer Maschenware besteht, wobei das Schuhoberteil (2) eine Vielzahl von Schlaufen (3) zum Einfädeln eines Schnürsenkels (4) aufweist, um das Schnüren des Schuhs (1) am Fuß eines Trägers mittels des Schnürsenkels (4) zu ermöglichen, wobei mindestens ein Teil der Schlaufen (3) aus einer Maschenware besteht, wobei die Schlaufen (3) die Form eines rohrförmigen Körpers haben, der einen Durchgang (8) für den Schnürsenkel (4) bildet,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die Maschenware des Schuhoberteils (2) und die Maschenware der Schlaufen (3) eine einheitliche Strickkonstruktion bilden, wobei die Schlaufen (3) mit der Maschenware des Schuhoberteils (2) nur durch die Strickkonstruktion verbunden sind und frei von jeglichen Mitteln zur Übertragung einer Schnürkraft sind.
     
    2. Schuh nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein Teil der Schlaufen (3) einen Außendurchmesser (D) und einen Innendurchmesser (d) aufweist, um den rohrförmigen Körper zur Aufnahme des Schnürsenkels (4) zu bilden, wobei der rohrförmige Körper eine Länge (c) aufweist, wobei die Länge (c) mindestens 100 % des Außendurchmessers (D) beträgt.
     
    3. Schuh nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Länge (c) mindestens 150 %, vorzugsweise mindestens 200 %, des Außendurchmessers (D) beträgt.
     
    4. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der rohrförmige Körper der Schlaufen (3) eine axiale Richtung (a) aufweist, wobei die axiale Richtung (a) in Längsrichtung (L) des Schuhs (1) orientiert ist oder einen Winkel (α) zur Längsrichtung (L) von weniger als 30°, vorzugsweise von weniger als 25°, einschließt.
     
    5. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, das eine Anzahl von Schlaufen (3) so angeordnet ist, dass die Schlaufen (3) die gleiche axiale Richtung (a) haben.
     
    6. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schlaufen (3) voneinander um einen Abstand (b), gemessen senkrecht zur axialen Richtung (a), beabstandet sind, wobei der Abstand (b) zwischen 2 mm und 25 mm beträgt.
     
    7. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Maschenware des Schuhoberteils (2) eine einzige Lage bildet, die die Schlaufen (3) trägt.
     
    8. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Maschenware des Schuhoberteils (2) mindestens zwei Lagen (5, 6) aufweist, wobei die obere Lage (5) die Schlaufen (3) trägt.
     
    9. Schuh nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lage (6) unter der oberen Lage (5) mit der oberen Lage (5) verbunden ist, aber keinen Kontakt mit den Schlaufen (3) hat.
     
    10. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Garn des Schuhoberteils (2) aus Polyester oder Polyamid besteht.
     
    11. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Garn der Schlaufen (3) aus Polyester oder Polyamid besteht.
     
    12. Schuh nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Garne des Schuhoberteils (2) und der Schlaufen (3) in mindestens einer Eigenschaft unterschiedlich sind.
     
    13. Schuh nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Garne des Schuhoberteils (2) und der Schlaufen (3) unterschiedliche Farben haben.
     


    Revendications

    1. Chaussure (1), en particulier chaussure de sport, comprenant une empeigne (2), l'empeigne (2) étant constituée au moins en partie d'un tissu tricoté, l'empeigne (2) ayant une pluralité de boucles (3) pour enfiler un lacet (4) pour permettre de lacer la chaussure (1) sur le pied d'un utilisateur au moyen du lacet (4), au moins une partie des boucles (3) étant constituées d'un tissu tricoté, les boucles (3) ayant la forme d'un corps tubulaire qui forme un passage (8) pour le lacet (4),
    caractérisée en ce que
    le tissu tricoté de l'empeigne (2) et le tissu tricoté des boucles (3) forment une construction tricotée unitaire, les boucles (3) étant connectées au tissu tricoté de l'empeigne (2) uniquement par la construction tricotée et étant exemptes d'un moyen quelconque pour transférer une force de laçage.
     
    2. Chaussure selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins une partie des boucles (3) présente un diamètre extérieur (D) et un diamètre intérieur (d) pour former le corps tubulaire pour recevoir le lacet (4), le corps tubulaire ayant une longueur (c), la longueur (c) étant d'au moins 100 % du diamètre extérieur (D).
     
    3. Chaussure selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que la longueur (c) est au moins de 150 %, de préférence au moins de 200 %, du diamètre extérieur (D) .
     
    4. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que le corps tubulaire des boucles (3) a une direction axiale (a), la direction axiale (a) étant orientée dans la direction longitudinale (L) de la chaussure (1) ou formant un angle (α) avec la direction longitudinale (L) inférieur à 30°, de préférence inférieur à 25°.
     
    5. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce qu'un certain nombre de boucles (3) sont disposées de manière à ce que les boucles (3) aient la même direction axiale (a).
     
    6. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que les boucles (3) sont espacées les unes des autres d'une distance (b), mesurée perpendiculairement à la direction axiale (a), la distance (b) étant comprise entre 2 mm et 25 mm.
     
    7. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce que le tissu tricoté de l'empeigne (2) forme une couche unique qui porte les boucles (3).
     
    8. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce que le tissu tricoté de l'empeigne (2) présente au moins deux couches (5, 6), la couche supérieure (5) portant les boucles (3).
     
    9. Chaussure selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que la couche (6) sous la couche supérieure (5) est connectée à la couche supérieure (5) mais n'a aucun contact avec les boucles (3).
     
    10. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisée en ce que le fil d'empeigne (2) est constitué de polyester ou de polyamide.
     
    11. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisée en ce que le fil des boucles (3) est constitué de polyester ou de polyamide.
     
    12. Chaussure selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisée en ce que les fils d'empeigne (2) et des boucles (3) sont différents en termes d'au moins une propriété.
     
    13. Chaussure selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce que les fils d'empeigne (2) et des boucles (3) ont des couleurs différentes.
     




    Drawing














    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description