EP0556859A1 - Shoe, in particular hiking or mountain shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

Shoe, in particular hiking or mountain shoe (10) with an outsole (11) and a shaft (12) fastened on the latter, the outsole (11) being provided on its upper side both in the forefoot region (13) and in the heel region (14) with transverse lamellae (15, 16) which support the inner sole or insole and the interspaces (17, 18) of which are interconnected via air ducts (19). The interspaces (17) formed between the transverse lamellae (15) in the forefoot region (13) are connected via front air ducts (20) and/or air openings (21) to the shoe interior (22). The interspaces (18) formed between the transverse lamellae (16) in the heel region (14) communicate via rear air ducts (23, 28, 30, 31, 29) with the external environment (24). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a shoe, in particular hiking or mountain shoe with an outsole and a shaft attached to it, the outsole being provided on its upper side in the forefoot area with the inner or insole supporting transverse lamellae, the spaces between which are open via air ducts with an upward opening Air chambers in the heel area are connected.

Such a shoe is known from DE-A 36 36 290, the formation of cross blades within the outsole is also known from other publications, such as. B. DE-A 37 35 496 or DE-U-81 32 696. The sole-integrated transverse lamellae have the purpose in the known shoe constructions of increased outsole flexibility and passive shock absorption. In all cases it is a largely closed system, ie outsole constructions with only limited possibility of air exchange between the outsole cavities on the one hand and the external environment on the other hand. In this way, air pockets or cushions which promote shock absorption should also be formed (see, for example, DE-A-37 35 496).

In the outsole construction according to DE-A-36 36 290 it is provided in the heel or heel area to form air chambers which are open towards the top and whose separating cross-sections are designed in such a way that the cross-sectional shape tapers towards the top of the outsole. In this way, a progressive shock absorption in the heel area is to be obtained, since only the upper edge of the webs is deformed in the case of smaller bumps and the rest of the webs in the case of larger bumps. The aforementioned air chambers are connected via air ducts formed in the outsole to the spaces between the transverse lamellae arranged in the forefoot region, the aforementioned air ducts in the midfoot region being connected to the external environment via lateral openings. However, these outlet openings allow only an extremely limited exchange of air with the surroundings, so that there is still a quasi-closed system with air cushions that promote shock absorption, the effect of which is shifted from the back to the front and vice versa when walking. In this respect, the outsole construction according to DE-A-36 36 290 behaves very similar to that according to DE-A-37 35 496 or DE-U-81 32 696.

Because of the closed or quasi-closed system, in the known constructions according to DE-A-36 36 290 there is also no air circulation with the shoe interior through which warm moist air could be removed in exchange for fresh ambient air. When wearing shoes with the known outsole, the well-being of the user suffers after a relatively short time, especially if the shaft material is relatively airtight and watertight, as is required for hiking and mountain shoes.

In the outsole construction according to DE-A-37 36 496, air channels are provided from the transverse lamella space to the footbed surface. However, no air circulation with external ambient air is possible through these air channels. There is only an exchange of air with the warm moist air inside the shoe. The situation is very similar for the outsole construction according to DE-U-81 32 696.

The present invention is based on the aforementioned prior art, the task of developing a shoe of the type mentioned so that the outsole when walking over the entire length, ie. H. including heel area, in exchange with the ambient air as a shock-absorbing air pump acts in such a way that air circulation between the shoe interior and the external environment is ensured through the outsole.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The fact that transverse slats are also provided in the heel area ensures a shock-absorbing pump effect there as well as in the forefoot area when walking. The transverse slats are deformed in the manner of a continuous wave from the heel against the toe and pressed together with a corresponding displacement of air from the spaces between the transverse slats, fresh air being immediately sucked in again via the heel openings provided according to the invention when rolling over the forefoot area and correspondingly relieving the heel. Because the invention further provides for the front air ducts or air openings to open into the shoe interior, the air in the outsole is pressed into the shoe interior when walking or unrolling and from there taking the warm moist air that is formed there derived outside. The outsole construction according to the invention thus guarantees constant fresh air circulation through the interior of the shoe, the corresponding measures have a shock-absorbing effect at the same time.

In the event of a hard impact on the heel, the air in the heel area can also escape to the outside through the rear air channels. In this respect, there is additional shock resistance. The situation is similar in the case of an impact or occurrence in the forefoot or ball area.

According to the invention it is therefore important that the outsole acts as an air pump from the heel to the toe, and that the air cavities formed within the outsole are connected to the outside environment via the heel area and to the interior of the shoe in the forefoot area.

To increase the aforementioned pumping effect both in the heel and forefoot area of the outsole, the transverse slats are preferably inclined at an angle alpha of approximately 45 to 70 ° with respect to the tread, the inclination in the prebuilt area advantageously at the upper limit and the inclination in the heel area rather at the lower limit of the aforementioned angular range is. In this way, a uniform shock absorption in the heel and forefoot area can be achieved when walking or rolling, especially in combination with the transverse slat dimensions according to claim 3, wherein it must be borne in mind that the height of the transverse slats in the forefoot area is lower by design than it is in Heel area is possible. This different dimensioning of the transverse lamellae and the spaces between the transverse lamellae can be compensated for by varying the inclination of the transverse lamellae relative to the tread surface or can also be set in a certain way.

To promote air circulation, the air channels connecting the spaces between the transverse slats in the forefoot and heel areas are preferably in across the slats The longitudinal direction of the shoe continues with the formation of recesses which are either aligned with one another or laterally offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the shoe, the recesses being open at the top, the recesses being designed either with the same cross section as the air ducts or only as relatively narrow slots.

The measures according to claim 5 are also of particular importance for sufficient air circulation, according to which the heel cap comprises a collecting duct which extends at least partially around the heel and with which the interspaces between the slats are fluidly connected and on which the air outlet extends approximately vertically upwards. or connect the air inlet opening to the end or ventilation channels. The latter are preferably formed by grooves formed in the heel cap on the inside of the shoe. With this construction, good ventilation of the heel counter is achieved. On the other hand, a relatively stiff heel counter is obtained with minimal weight. An additional inner stiffening cap can be omitted in this construction. The upper edge of the heel counter is preferably soft, i. H. groove-free. This relieves or protects the Achilles tendon when walking. The soft edge section of the heel counter preferably adjoins a connecting channel which extends approximately transversely or parallel to the outsole and with which the vertically extending end or ventilation channels are brought together to form the air outlet or air inlet opening.

The heel-side air outlet or air inlet opening is in the construction described in the upper area of the back of the heel counter. In this way, there is no risk of snow and / or water entering, this risk being additionally reduced by the measure according to claim 8, according to which the heel-side air outlet or air inlet opening is covered or deposited with a semi-permeable material, such that it is permeable to air on the other hand, however, it is impermeable to moisture or water.

The connection between the spaces between the transverse lamellae in the forefoot area and the interior of the shoe is advantageously made by perforations in the insole or insole. Due to the density and size of the perforations, the air circulation through the outsole and the interior of the shoe can be adjusted. The aforementioned perforations represent a real air throttle.

In order to further promote the air circulation according to the invention, an end or ventilation opening can be provided in the shoe upper, in particular in the forefoot region thereof, on the upper side thereof. For individual adjustment of the air circulation, the aforementioned opening can preferably be closed by a cover, in particular a flap mounted pivotably about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. This flap is preferably only opened when the user has the feeling that he is sweating.

An individually adjustable throttle can also be assigned to the heel-side air outlet or air inlet opening in order to be able to individually adjust the aforementioned air circulation through the outsole and the inside of the shoe by the user. The throttle can e.g. B. be formed by a more or less releasing throttle screw the cross section of the air outlet or air inlet opening.

From a manufacturing point of view, it is simple if the transverse lamellae and air channels are formed or incorporated on the upper side of the outsole made of rubber or the like.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to design the transverse slats and air ducts as part of a separate insert between the outsole and the inner or insole.

For increased shock absorption, especially in the heel area, the transverse slats are preferably inclined to the rear relative to the tread.

For the end or ventilation of the shoe interior, the upper preferably has an end or ventilation opening in the ankle area, which is assigned a moisture barrier. This measure is also claimed as essential to the invention, regardless of the aforementioned outsole construction. A flap that can be placed over the aforementioned opening is preferably used as a moisture barrier. According to claim 18, the moisture barrier is formed by a cover flap or apron that is open towards one side and that opens and closes the end or ventilation opening in the manner of a gill, while maintaining the cover of the end or ventilation opening. This ensures that the interior of the shoe is protected from water ingress; At the same time, warm moist air is pressed out of the shoe interior through the aforementioned gill opening in the ankle area when walking or rolling off. In combination with the outsole construction according to the invention, the fresh air circulation is additionally promoted through the interior of the shoe.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Bergschuh in perspektivischer Ansicht unter Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Merkmale im Bereich der Laufsohle und Fersenkappe;

Fig. 2

eine Längshälfte der Laufsohle und Fersenkappe für einen Schuh gemäß Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 3

den Bergschuh nach Fig. 1 unter Darstellung von End- bzw. Belüftungsmaßnahmen an der Oberseite des Schaftes im Vorfußbereich, in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 4

den erfindungsgemäßen Bergschuh unter Darstellung von Be- bzw. Entlüftungsmaßnahmen im Knöchelbereich, in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5

die Be- bzw. Entlüftungsöffnung im Knöchelbereich des Schuhs nach Fig. 4 in Seitenansicht und in vergrößertem Maßstab;

Fig. 6

einen Bergschuh unter Darstellung einer abgewandelten Be- bzw. Entlüftungseinrichtung im Knöchelbereich in Seitenansicht; und

Fig. 7

die Be- bzw. Entlüftungseinrichtung im Knöchelbereich des Schuhs nach Fig. 6 in vergroßerter Seitenansicht unter Darstellung der Entlüftungsfunktion.

An exemplary embodiment of a mountain shoe designed according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a mountain shoe designed according to the invention in a perspective view showing the features according to the invention in the area of the outsole and heel cap;

Fig. 2

a longitudinal half of the outsole and heel counter for a shoe according to Figure 1 in a perspective view.

Fig. 3

the mountain shoe of Figure 1 showing end or ventilation measures on the top of the shaft in the forefoot area, in side view.

Fig. 4

the mountaineering boot according to the invention, showing ventilation measures in the ankle area, in a side view;

Fig. 5

the ventilation opening in the ankle area of the shoe of Figure 4 in side view and on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 6

a mountain shoe showing a modified ventilation device in the ankle area in side view; and

Fig. 7

the ventilation device in the ankle area of the shoe of FIG. 6 in an enlarged side view showing the ventilation function.

The shoe shown in Fig. 1, namely hiking or mountain shoe 10 consists of an outsole 11 and a shaft 12 attached to it made of leather, plastic or the like material. The outsole 11 is provided on its upper side in the forefoot area 13 as well as in the heel area 14 with the cross blades 15 and 16 supporting the insole or insole, not shown in FIG. 1, the spaces 17 and 18 of which are connected to one another via longitudinal air channels 19. The spaces 17 formed in the forefoot area 13 between the transverse blades 15 are connected to the shoe interior 22 via front air channels 20 and / or air openings (line 21). The formed in the heel area 14 between the transverse slats 16 Spaces 18 communicate with the external environment 24 via rear air channels 23. The aforementioned outsole construction is shown somewhat more clearly in FIG. 2, so that reference is made to FIG. 2 in this regard.

As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the transverse slats 15 and 16 are inclined to the rear by an angle alpha relative to the tread surface 25 (see FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2, the inclination of the transverse slats in the forefoot area 13 and the heel area 14 is the same in each case. It is preferably between about 45 to 70 °. The inclination in the forefoot area 13 can be different from that in the heel area 14. In this regard, reference is made to the corresponding introductory remarks.

Due to the fact that there is more material in the heel area for the formation of the transverse slats and spaces, the transverse slats 16 in the heel area 14 are preferably higher and wider than the transverse slats 15 in the forefoot area 13, the height of the slats increasing approximately continuously from front to back. In the same way, the gaps 17 and 18 between the cross blades 15 and 16 can be dimensioned differently. The dimensioning depends on the one hand on the selected outsole material and on the other hand on the shocks to be cushioned, which in turn depends on the intended use of the shoe in question. An athletic shoe is certainly dimensioned differently in this regard than a hiking or mountain shoe. By the aforementioned measures, however, it can be achieved that the shock-absorbing effect of the outsole is almost the same over its length, and that a sufficient pump effect for the air circulation through the outsole is ensured when walking over the entire length of the same.

1 and 2 are in the illustrated embodiment, the spaces 17 and 18 between the transverse lamellae 15 and 16 in the forefoot and heel area connecting longitudinal air channels 19 over the transverse lamellae 15 and 16 continued to form recesses 26 which are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the shoe and are open at the top, the recesses 26 here being of the same cross-section as the longitudinal air channels 19. However, the recesses 26 can also be designed as longitudinal slots. They can also be arranged such that they are arranged laterally offset from one another, ie they are not aligned with the longitudinal air channels 19. In the toe area and in the rearmost heel area, the longitudinal air channels 19 are continued to form the front and rear air channels 20 and 23 already mentioned.

The heel cap 27 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, a collecting duct 28 which extends almost around the entire heel. With this, the lamella spaces 17 and 18 are fluidly connected via the longitudinal air ducts 19 and rear air ducts 23, the latter opening directly into the collecting duct 28. Furthermore, the collecting duct 28 is followed by end or ventilation ducts 30 which extend vertically upwards to a higher-level air outlet or air inlet opening 29. In the embodiment shown, the ducts 30 mentioned are formed by grooves formed on the inside of the shoe, which are in front of the air outlet. or air inlet opening 29 are brought together via a transverse connecting duct 31 connected to the latter. 1 and 2, the air outlet or air inlet opening 29 is located in the upper region of the rear of the heel counter 27. Accordingly, the opening 29 is safe from the entry of snow and / or water. In addition, the opening 29 can be covered or deposited with a moisture or water-impermeable material. Of course, the air permeability must be maintained. The air flow through the opening 29 (in the exemplary embodiment shown, two air openings 29 are provided) is identified by the double arrows 32 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cross blades and air channels are incorporated on the top of the outsole material, i. H. integral part of the outsole. The cross blades and dividers between the longitudinal air channels support the insole or insole, not shown. 2 is a separate component which is cross-connected to the outsole 11. At the back of the shoe, the upper edge of the heel counter is relatively soft, since the air channels 30 do not extend to the upper edge of the heel counter 27. This soft area of the heel counter then merges into a padded section of the shoe upper. In this way, good protection of the Achilles tendon is achieved with rest of the heel being relatively stiff and weight-saving. At the same time, the large number of vertical air channels 30 ensure good rear ventilation of the heel area. The shoe described is characterized by an excellent "climate" inside the shoe, with fresh air being inevitably forced into the inside of the shoe with each rolling movement, as is shown in FIG. 1 by the arrows 21. The fresh air is replenished via the heel cap through the longitudinal air channels 19.

Because no air openings open into the shoe interior in the shock-critical heel area 14, high shock absorption is achieved in the heel area in particular. When stepping on the heel, shocks are cushioned particularly well, resulting in a corresponding protection of the ankles, knee joints, hip joints and spine of the user. From this aspect too, the air supply and air removal described through the outsole 11 is of great importance.

The outsole 11 may be made of rubber or other conventional outsole material.

In order to additionally promote the air circulation in the shoe interior 22, an end or ventilation opening 33 is provided on the upper side of the shoe upper 12 in the forefoot area 13, as shown in FIG. 3. This opening 33 can be closed by a cover, here a flap 35 pivotably mounted about an axis 34 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. The air flow through the opening 33 is indicated in FIG. 3 by the double arrows 36. In the embodiment shown, the air opening 33 is formed by a perforated shaft element. The pivot axis 34 can either be formed by the laces 37 or a separate rigid pivot axis.

Alternatively or in connection with the air opening 33, a further ventilation opening 38 can be provided in the ankle area according to FIG. 4. This opening 38 is assigned a moisture barrier in the form of a cover flap 39, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 5. The cover plate 39 is held in the cover position either by its inherent rigidity or by a so-called Velcro fastener (Velcro = registered trademark). Alternatively, the moisture barrier can be formed by a cover flap or apron 41 which is open on one side, preferably in the direction towards the rear downward, and which opens and closes the ventilation opening 38 arranged in the ankle area, while constantly maintaining the cover of the ventilation opening 38.

FIG. 7 shows very clearly the ventilation function of the ventilation opening 38 covered by the aforementioned apron (ventilation arrows 42). The apron 41 is designed so that it opens the opening 38 to the rear during the rolling movement over the ball of the foot so that warm moist air can escape from the inside of the shoe. The apron 41 then closes the cover opening 38 again in an essentially airtight manner, so that the front ventilation opening 33 (FIG. 3) and / or the perforation arranged in the forefoot area the inner or insole fresh air can be sucked back into the inside of the shoe. This ensures good ventilation of the inside of the shoe from front to back when walking.

To increase the torsional rigidity of the shoe, the longitudinal air channels 19 can also be arranged crosswise, with the result that corresponding, approximately diagonally extending ribs are formed which give the outsole and thus the shoe a high torsional stability. All of the features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are new compared to the prior art, individually or in combination.

Reference symbol list

10th

shoe

11

Outsole

12

shaft

13

Forefoot area

14

Heel area

15

Cross blades in the front

16

Cross blades behind

17th

Spaces in front

18th

Spaces in the back

19th

Longitudinal air ducts

20th

front air ducts

21

Air vents

22

Shoe interior

23

rear air ducts

24th

external environment

25th

Tread

26

Recesses

27

Heel counter

28

Collecting channel

29

Air opening

30th

Air duct

31

Cross connection channel

32

Double arrow

33

Air opening

34

axis

35

flap

36

Double arrows

37

Shoelaces

38

Ventilation opening

39

Cover flaps

40

Velcro fastener

41

apron

42

Vent arrow

Claims (18)

Shoe, in particular hiking or mountain shoe, with an outsole (11) and a shaft (12) attached to it, the outsole (11) on its upper side in the forefoot area (13) with cross blades (15,) supporting the insole or insole. 16) is provided, the spaces (17, 18) of which are connected via air channels (19) to air chambers in the heel region (14) which are open towards the top,
characterized in that - Also in the heel area (14), the inner or insole supporting transverse lamellae (16) are formed, the spaces (18) of which define the open air chambers, and that - The spaces (17) formed in the forefoot area (13) between the transverse lamellae (15) via front air channels (20) and / or air openings (21) with the shoe interior (22), while those in the heel area (14) between the transverse lamellae (16) formed spaces (18) communicate with the external environment (24) via rear air ducts (23, 28, 30, 31). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the transverse slats (15, 16) are inclined at an angle alpha of approximately 45 to 70 ° with respect to the tread, the inclination in the forefoot region (13) preferably at the upper limit and the inclination in the heel region ( 14) is rather at the lower limit of the aforementioned angular range. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transverse slats (16) in the heel area (14) are higher and wider than the transverse slats (15) in the forefoot area (13), the slat height increasing approximately continuously from front to back. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the air channels (19) connecting the spaces (17, 18) between the slats (15, 16) in the forefoot and heel areas are continued in the longitudinal direction of the shoe over the transverse slats, with the formation of in the longitudinal direction of the shoe either flush with each other or laterally offset, upwardly open recesses (26), the recesses (26) either being of equal cross-section with the air channels (19) or only as relatively narrow slots. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heel cap (27) comprises a collecting channel (28) which extends at least partially around the heel and with which the interleaf spaces (17, 18) are fluidly connected and to which approximately vertically up to one Connect higher-level air outlet or air inlet opening (29) extending end or ventilation channels (30). Shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that the end or ventilation channels (30) arranged in the heel cap (27) are formed by grooves on the inside of the shoe, which are brought together in front of the air outlet or air inlet opening (29) via a connecting channel (31) are. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the heel-side air outlet or air inlet opening (29) is arranged in the upper region of the rear of the heel cap (27). Shoe according to claim 7, characterized in that the heel-side air outlet or air inlet opening (29) is covered or deposited with a semi-permeable material in such a way that on the one hand it is permeable to air, but on the other hand it is impermeable to moisture or water. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spaces (17) formed between the transverse lamellae (13) in the forefoot area (13) through perforations (21), slots or the like in the inner or insole with the Communicate inside the shoe (22). Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that end or ventilation openings (33) are formed on the top of the shoe upper (12), in particular in the forefoot area (13) thereof. Shoe according to claim 10, characterized in that the end or ventilation openings (33) can be closed by a cover, in particular a flap (35) mounted pivotably about an axis (34) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least the heel-side air outlet or air inlet opening (29) is assigned an individually adjustable throttle. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the transverse lamellae (15, 16) and air channels (19, 20, 23) are formed or incorporated on the upper side of the outsole (11). Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the transverse lamellae (15, 16) and air channels (19, 20, 23) are part of a separate insert between the outsole (11) and the insole or insole. Shoe according to one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the transverse lamellae (15, 16) are inclined to the rear with respect to the tread surface. Shoe, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the upper (12) has a ventilation opening (38) in the ankle area which is associated with a moisture barrier. Shoe according to claim 16, characterized in that the moisture barrier is a cover flap (39) or the like which can be placed over the ventilation opening (38). Shoe according to Claim 16, characterized in that the moisture barrier is formed by a cover flap or apron (41) which extends over the ventilation opening (38) and operates in the manner of a gill.

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