DE102014105610A1 - Socks-style footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an article of footwear, in particular in the form of a sock or a stocking, consisting of a substantially formed stocking element that at least partially covers the foot of a human and at least one sole element, wherein sock and sole element are integrally connected, the sock element (2) is designed such that it is configured adjacent to the foot, in the region of the toes (Z) the sock element (2) for each toe (Z) individually a receptacle (4). According to the invention, it is provided that the sole element is designed as a traction aid (3), which consists of a rigid material and at least partially covers the sole (FS), wherein all toe regions are designed to be movable independently of one another in the area of the toes (Z).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an article of footwear, particularly in the form of a sock or a stocking, consisting of a substantially trained stocking element which at least partially covers the foot, as well as at least one sole element.

definitions

In the following description and embodiments as well as the claims terms are used, which are explained below.

The term article of footwear means a garment that is at least partially suitable for covering the foot of a human body. Footwear items can be, for example, shoes, but also socks or sock-like formations.

The foot of the human body is to be understood as the lowest part of the leg. The structure of the human foot is formed so that it consists of toes, bales, sole, heel, instep (back of the foot and instep edge). In particular, in the sole of the foot and in the toes, a plurality of receptors are arranged to feel. The foot itself has a longitudinal vault and a transverse arch. As a result, the body weight is mainly supported by the three points, namely the heel, the big toe ball and the small toe ball. Additional musculature supports the corresponding arch of the foot.

The sole of the foot essentially consists of a fat body which absorbs shocks and thus has a cushioning effect. Not the entire sole of the foot has contact with the ground. In the area of the longitudinal arch or inner edge of the foot, it does not rest with a healthy foot.

State of the art

From the prior art footwear pieces in various forms are known. Footwear may be socks, shoes, boots or similar facilities. All facilities have the goal to protect the foot or the sole of the foot from injury or to protect the entire foot so that little or no injury occurs when appropriate stress. In addition, a firm and safe appearance of the foot should be ensured in relation to the ground.

Especially in water sports, it is desirable to protect the foot on the one hand from injury, but also to bring about higher stability in order to transmit the forces occurring better. Especially when surfing or kitesurfing, it is necessary that there is an optimal contact with the board. Optimal contact is to be seen in the fact that a high static friction is provided, which is avoided with a slippage of the foot, as correspondingly high shear forces occur and the water additionally contributes to the fact that the static friction is lower, especially if a film of water between the footwear and the board is present.

To counteract this effect, so-called surf shoes have been developed. For example, from the DE 8902123 U describes a surfboard whose outer skin is made of elastic neoprene and has a sole which is formed from a rubber mixture. The rubber mixture is designed such that a good adhesion and a high abrasion resistance are provided. On the outer skin, a layer of stretch-resistant fabric is laminated on the forefoot and ankle area.

These shoes are therefore suitable for surfing, as they provide the appropriate protection for the foot, since there is a solid sole element extending from the toe to the heel of the foot. In general, the sole is also correspondingly hard and not very flexible, so that a straight surface from the toe to the foot heel is given. This ensures a firm footing.

In addition, the corresponding sock element of the surf shoe consists of one or more layers of neoprene. This prevents the foot from cooling down and causing disease.

The shear forces occurring are absorbed and discharged due to the tightness of the shoe.

The hard sole element helps ensure that it is resistant to abrasion, so that the surf shoe can be worn in the sand, for example, in addition to water sports. Due to the thick sole element and also the hard configuration of the sole element, however, the desired barefoot feeling and, in order to exercise water sports, are not present. The receptors, which are located at the sole of the foot, can not have the appropriate structures underneath the Take sole element, since the sole element is thick and solid.

An alternative to the surf shoe described above are so-called water shoes. Although they have the similar advantages and properties of surf shoes, but differ in that on the one hand, the sole element is designed much softer and that the rest of the sock element of the shoe is made softer. As a rule, the stocking element is designed substantially shorter and extends only minimally over a conventional shoe edge. But here is the corresponding barefoot feeling is not given. In addition, occurring shear forces can not be absorbed because the shoe sits very loose on the foot.

A further embodiment according to the prior art provides that commercially available socks in the foot area are provided with a rubber-like sole. Thus, it is no longer necessary, for example, to wear slippers, as the rubbery sole protects the sole of the foot and warms accordingly. However, this embodiment has the disadvantage that it can not be exposed to water or sand.

However, they also have the disadvantages that no shear forces can be absorbed and also by the corresponding thickness or knob-like design of the sole element, the desired Barfussgefühl can not arise.

Other forms of footwear, which are used in particular in water sports, are so-called sand docks. These are mainly made of thin neoprene and are suitable to protect especially the foot in sports, such as beach volleyball. It is a sock-like design with a thin neoprene material, which is additionally laminated on the sole of the foot with an abrasion-resistant rubber layer.

They are also similar to the surf shoes, but differ in that the sole element is thinner. The remaining stocking element of the sand-socks is single- or double-layered neoprene, which is sewn in one piece.

The sand docks also have the disadvantage that the so-called barefoot feeling is missing. In addition, the sand docks can hardly absorb shear forces, because they are very loosely arranged on the foot. If there are shearing forces, the sock slips, wrinkles and blisters can form, and the safe standing is no longer guaranteed. In addition, these also have a closed over the entire foot extending sole, which suppresses the barefoot feeling.

Other according to the prior art provided designs for footwear pieces are so-called toe socks. These toe socks are configured such that the toes have corresponding individual receptacles, so that similar to a finger glove, the toes are individually surrounded by the sock element. As a result, the freedoms of the individual toes are greater and also the feeling in terms of the substrate on which the foot rolls, is much larger. However, such toe socks are only suitable to be worn in tight shoes.

In particular, free climbing shoes are known from the prior art, which already have toe-like recesses. These shoes are very tight fitting and flat on the outer span of the foot. These shoes are not suitable for contact with water, as any hold within the shoe is lost and on the other hand, such shoes can absorb only low shear forces, since they are only for vertical load and for the protection of Sole are suitable.

From the US 2005/0166427 A1 is an article of footwear known, which is suitable to wear during sports exercises in the sand. The article of footwear consists of a substantially formed stocking element that at least partially covers the foot of a human and at least one sole element, wherein sock and sole element are integrally connected. In addition, a fixing means is provided in the formation of a belt which extends at least over the medial forefoot. The toes are taken up by the footwear piece so that the big toe can be accommodated separately and the four remaining toes together in one receptacle. In order to allow a high traction especially in the sand, lug elements are provided on the sole of the foot.

All of the aforementioned shoes do not give the user the feeling of walking barefoot due to their technical characteristics and their field of application, while at the same time being sure to move safely on the ground.

The underground is considered a grass field (football field) or a tartan track (track athletics). If the user walks, for example, with such known from the prior art footwear pieces on the surface described, so lacks the necessary grip and it is always a significant risk to slip. In addition, there is a risk that the force of the Foot is exercised, especially on such a surface is not completely transferred and so no traction can be produced. For this reason, conventional shoes, for example in the football sector, have studs or running shoes spike elements. But with such conventional shoes the barefoot feel is lost again.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an article of footwear which is suitable for protecting the foot or the sole of the foot from corresponding injuries, which can be caused, for example, by shards, corals or the like, and nevertheless to convey a "barefoot feeling" while simultaneously receiving Traction promoting agents.

Solution of the task

The solution of the problem is represented by the characterizing part of claim 1.

Advantages of the invention

The main advantage of the invention is that an article of footwear has been created that gives the foot a barefoot feel, but at the same time, for example, on grass courts or tartan tracks for the practice of the sport gives the necessary traction or support.

Because it has been scientifically determined that can be run much faster or a higher shooting power can be achieved when a barefoot feeling that comes close to the actual Barfussgefühl without footwear, very close.

The footwear piece is designed in such a way that the barefoot feeling is not lost. The barefoot feeling is important because it is necessary in particular to practice the sport in order to establish contact with the ground and to feel the reaction or traction accordingly. But it is also necessary that the rest of the foot is protected from injury.

This is advantageously achieved in that the article of footwear consists of a preferably technically knitted sock and the toes are each taken individually from the sock. In addition, a traction aid is arranged in the foot area at least partially over the longitudinal extent of the foot, which takes on the side facing the foot of the sock and thus the arch of the foot and is provided on the side facing the ground with traction elements. The traction elements may be, for example, cleats or spikes and are preferably integrally connected to the traction aid. Furthermore, it can be provided to provide nubs as traction elements that provide firm support on smooth surfaces such as concrete or parquet. The nubs can have a suction-like character, so that despite barefoot feel a firm grip on wet ground, for example, on the tiled-shaped bottom of a swimming pool, support is given.

The traction aid is not a sole, but rather is to be understood as a receiving element for the traction elements and as a connecting element to the basic element, namely the sock-like footwear piece with each recorded toes (5-toe sock).

To convey a barefoot feeling despite this traction aid, the traction aid in the toe area is specially designed. Since it has been found that just by the freedom of movement of the toes a barefoot feeling is taught and this arises because the toes have the ability to "claw" and so work together with the ground, the traction aid in the toe area exactly the same figure as it have the toes of the sock. These areas are individually movably connected to the remaining part of the traction aid, so that, for example, the big toe can move freely up and down from the other toes. The traction aid performs precisely the movement in the toe area, which is also performed by the individual toes.

The traction aid is made of a rigid material. Rigide here means that it is a material that the force of the traction elements at least over a part of the area and thus is not distributed selectively, so that no punctual force or possibly even pain is felt. For this it is not necessary that the traction aid is designed as a sole. Rather, this should be so flexible and adaptable to the arch of the foot that the barefoot feeling continues to arise.

Another development provides that in the heel area, the traction aid with respect to the mobility is made stiffer than the rest of the part.

A further development may provide that the remaining part of the traction aid consists of a plurality of segments which are arranged movable relative to each other, so that they align themselves depending on the arrangement of the foot. For example, the individual segments can be connected with film hinges. Only the areas where traction elements are provided are almost rigid, at least in the projected cross-section of the traction element. If this were not the case, the corresponding traction force could not be transmitted.

A further embodiment of a traction aid can be designed such that it is arranged only meander-shaped and only in defined areas in the region of the sole. The meandering training is also only a few inches wide (about 6 cm) and is only rigid in this area. As a result, the forces acting on the traction elements, transferred to the entire surface, so that no pressure points in the area of the sole of the foot arise. The remaining surfaces either do not have any traction elements or they are made of a softer material that can then be joined to the knitted fabric, for example.

The particular article of footwear is preferably formed similar to a sock, but preferably provided with a particular material having the property of preventing shards or the like from the skin. Alternatively, it can also be provided to use, at least in part, a special fabric which exhibits the same properties. Tissue is also understood to mean injection-molded or pressed plastics which have a sock-like character.

As a basic element, a specially designed sock element is provided, which differs from conventional footwear pieces in that the toes are each received (comparable to finger gloves). The basic element, hereinafter referred to as sock element, is formed from a light and thin, preferably cut-resistant material, which is preferably interspersed at several points by net-like fabric. The latter fabric, also called mesh fabric, is stretchable and allows liquids such as water to flow through almost unhindered. This also keeps the barefoot feeling, but the basic element remains firmly attached to the foot. This is due to the fact that a sock-like character is chosen as the basic element. Such a mesh fabric can be knitted, sprayed or even pressed.

This type of primitive is connected to the traction aid, with the traction aid further allowing the toe movement almost or even completely. The connection between the base element and the traction aid can be designed differently. A preferred form provides that the traction aid is injected into the tissue so that a physical unit is formed between the traction aid and the tissue. The

Alternatively, it is also possible to use a fabric known from the prior art, which is coated in a further processing process so that the desired properties can be provided. It is important that the five toes have their own mobility due to their individual recording, so that the barefoot feeling properties are maintained.

To provide further protection, it may also be provided to provide the toes or some of the toes with a protective cap.

The inventive footwear piece is versatile. On the one hand, it can be used in sports, where it comes into direct contact with water. This inventive design offers the user a barefoot feel and yet optimal grip on a surface.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following description, the claims and the drawings.

drawings

Show it:

1A and B is a first and a further side view of the article of footwear according to the invention in the tightened state, wherein [A] shows a stylized representation;

2A and B is a bottom view of the article of footwear 1 ;

3 a side view of the traction aid without the sock-like part of the footwear piece.

Description of the embodiment

In 1A -B is the footwear according to the invention 1 shown. The footwear piece 1 consists essentially of two elements, namely a sock element 2 and a traction aid 3 ,

The stocking element 2 extends from approximately the ankle FK to toe Z and thus has a stocking-like training. Preferably, the stocking-like construction is similar to a conventional sock or stocking.

The stocking element 2 has Z pictures in the area of the toes 4 for the respective toe Z, which are not shown in the drawings, on. Starting from here, the sock element extends 2 over the sole of the foot FS or the footstrap FSP over the foot heel FF and the ankle FK preferably up to the footrest FR. This means that the entire foot area, including the toes Z is enveloped by the sock

The stocking element 2 consists mainly of a preferably one-ply processed specialty 5 which has the properties of being thin but still cut-firm and preferably elastic at the same time. Preferably, the specialty is 5 a knitable material, which is mixed with cut-resistant materials. As cut-resistant materials may be provided Keflarfasern, which are knitted with.

2A B shows in bottom view the article of footwear and in particular the traction aid 3 , The traction aid 3 is in the longitudinal direction of the footwear piece 1 arranged and comes in the area of the sole of the foot FS at least partially to the plant. Preferably, the traction aid 3 kept so narrow that exactly the sole of the foot is covered. In the heel area FF, the traction aid is pulled up a bit, so that a shell-like character is created and the heel fits exactly. In the area of toes Z is the traction aid 3 designed so that each toe Z is formed separately. This makes it possible that each toe Z is designed to be movable on the articulation A. Due to this technical training is a movement of the toes in the image plane in and out feasible. A torsion is conceivable due to the low rigidity of the material.

Furthermore, at least one traction element is on the side facing the ground / ground side 4 intended. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the traction elements 4 designed like studs and serve to push them into the ground due to their own weight and thus to provide better grip and stability. The traction elements 4 are preferably integral with the traction aid 3 educated. A few traction elements 4 It's enough, as the toe area, due to the toes being able to move freely

With regard to the production is provided, the footwear piece 1 as it is in 3 is shown to form two parts and unite by means of corresponding joining or joining methods, so that a one-piece product is produced as an article of footwear.

The described embodiment is not restrictive. Rather, under the inventive footwear all the designs and applications to understand where a "barefoot" is desired and still the property must be present to protect the foot from injury. For this reason, such embodiments may be provided that are not intended for sports, but rather bring the property to be worn with elegant or everyday clothing. Therefore, it is not essential that only high-tech materials are used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Foot garment

2

 stocking element

3

 traction aid

4

 traction elements

FK

 Ankle

Z

 toe

FS

 plantar

FF

 foot heel

FR

 instep

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 8902123 U [0008]
• US 2005/0166427 A1 [0021]

Claims (7)

An article of footwear, in particular in the form of a sock or a stocking, consisting of a substantially formed stocking element which at least partially covers the human foot and at least one sole element, wherein sock and sole element are integrally connected; 2 ) is designed such that it is configured adjacent to the foot, in the region of the toes (Z) the sock element ( 2 ) for each toe (Z) individually a recording ( 4 ), characterized in that the sole element as a traction aid ( 3 ) is formed, which consists of a rigid material and the sole (FS) at least partially covered, wherein in the area of the toes (Z) all toe areas are designed to be movable independently of each other. An article of footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that the toe areas of the traction aid ( 3 ) via articulation points A to the remainder of the traction aid ( 3 ) are coupled such that a deflection at least perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the traction aid ( 3 ) is possible. An article of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the traction aid ( 3 ) consists of several at least indirectly coupled segments. Footwear item according to claim 2, characterized in that the individual segments are connected to each other via film hinges. Footwear according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one side of the traction aid ( 3 ) Traction elements ( 4 ) are provided. An article of footwear according to claim 4, characterized in that the traction elements ( 4 ) Are studs. An article of footwear according to claim 4, characterized in that the traction elements ( 4 ) Spikes are.

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