EP0913101A2

EP0913101A2 - Device for differentiating the torsional stress reactions of shoes for soccer or similar sports

Info

Publication number: EP0913101A2
Application number: EP98119710A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alberto Caberlotto
Original assignee: Lotto SpA
Current assignee: Lotto SpA
Priority date: 1997-10-28
Filing date: 1998-10-19
Publication date: 1999-05-06
Also published as: ITPD970238A1; ITPD970238A0; IT1296243B1; EP0913101A3

Abstract

A device for differentiating the torsional stress reactions of shoes for soccer or similar sports comprising a substantially flat kevlar element (16) which is integrated into an insole (14) made of polymeric material with a rear part (15) shaped like a heel containment cup. The element (16) surrounds the heel region (17) starting from the part (18) that corresponds to the outside of the foot and affects the metatarsal region (19) by widening in a transverse direction.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for differentiating the torsional stress reactions of shoes for soccer or similar sports.
It is known that shoes have a considerable role in correctly performing athletic movements in the game of soccer, since they are meant to provide foot containment especially in the rear part and to be particularly flexible and soft in the front part in order to avoid impairing the sensitivity of the front portion of the foot.
It is further known that soccer shoes are also meant to constitute elements allowing the grip of the foot on the ground by means of the studs with which they are equipped at the tread.
In order to differentiate the resistance of soccer shoes to flexural and torsional stresses region by region, devices have been provided which integrate, in the sole or in the mid-sole, substantially median longitudinal inserts which run from the heel region to the metatarsal region, thus leaving the front part of the foot free.
Sole flexibility is accordingly differentiated and is highest at the front part of the foot and increases toward the heel.
The inserts induce in the soles an ability to withstand torsional stresses which is in any case distributed symmetrically.
This characteristic has proved to be less than ideal, since it is convenient for the shoe to be torsionally more flexible on the inside than on the outside in order to increase the freedom of the foot when kicking and at the same time constitute a rigid support for contrasting torsional movements towards the outside and adequately contain the ankle.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a device which eliminates the above-described drawback in conventional types, differentiating the torsional stress reactions of shoes for soccer or similar sports so that the athletic movement can be performed in an optimum manner.
Within the scope of this aim, a consequent primary object is to provide a device which has no negative effect on the overall lightness of the shoe.
Another object is to provide a device whose presence does not significantly complicate the structure of the shoe.
Another object is to provide a device which can be manufactured with conventional equipment and devices.
This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device for differentiating the torsional stress reactions of shoes for soccer or similar sports, characterized in that it comprises a substantially flat kevlar element which is integrated into an insole made of polymeric material with a rear part shaped like a heel containment cup, surrounds the heel region starting from the part corresponding to the outside of the foot and affects the metatarsal region by widening in a transverse direction.
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a soccer shoe provided with the device according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of an insole included within the shoe of Figure 1, which constitutes the device according to the invention by means of its components;
Figure 3 is a view of a substantially flat kevlar element which is integrated in the insole of Figure 2 so as to constitute the device according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a view of an intermediate component obtained by overmolding the element of Figure 3 and subsequently constitutes an insert whereon the insole is overmolded;
Figure 5 is a top view of the insole of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view of the insole of Figure 2;
Figure 7 is a side view of the substantially flat element of Figure 3.
With reference to the above figures, a soccer shoe is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and in Figure 1 its upper is designated by the reference numeral 11 and its sole, provided with studs 13, is designated by the reference numeral 12.
According to the invention, the shoe comprises an insole 14 made of polymeric material which has a rear part 15 shaped like a heel containment cup.
A substantially flat element 16 is integrated in the insole 14, is made of kevlar or of a material which is equivalent in terms of mechanical strength, lies so as to surround the heel region 17 starting from the part 18 that corresponds to the outside of the foot, and affects the metatarsal region 19 by widening transversely.
The substantially flat element 16 also affects, with some of its parts, lateral parts of the containment rim 20 related to the cup-shaped rear part 15.
As mentioned, the substantially flat element 16 is integrated in the insole 14 by first of all overmolding thereon a likewise substantially flat support 21 so as to constitute the intermediate component designated by the reference numeral 22 in Figure 4, which is then inserted in a mold so as to constitute an insert whereon the remainder of the insole 14 is overmolded.
In order to improve grip between the substantially flat element 16 and the remainder of the insole 14, along the entire extension of said substantially flat element 16 through slots 23 are provided which are arranged in an orderly fashion along parallel lines and are suitable to fill with material during the final injection-molding to form the insole 14.
Said insole has a series of slots 24 which are arranged so as to surround the substantially flat element 16, are formed in the material of the last injection and are superimposed on the perimetric parts of the support 21.
It should also be noted that the substantially flat element 16, and therefore the insole 14, is shaped complementarily to the plantar arch in the regions affected by it.
The structural configuration of the insole 14, and particularly the presence of the substantially flat element 16, which affects preset regions of said insole 14, leaving free in particular an outer median region, differentiates the torsional stress reaction of the shoe 10; in particular, torsions induced during kicking, which affects all of the inner front part of the foot, are facilitated, while outward torsions are hindered, increasing the containment of the corresponding movements of the ankle.
In particular, it has been taken into account that during contact of the foot with the ground the weight of the body is applied completely to the plantar arch, which flattens, while the ankle assumes a dorsiflexion position.
In this position, the contraction of all the plantar tensor muscles contrasts the flattening of the arch in order to provide a cushioning effect.
Likewise, during the initial thrusting step the plantar arch of the foot constitutes a lever, the fulcrum whereof consists of the region where resting on the metatarsal heads occurs.
In this position, the foot is subjected to the action of the forces generated by the weight of the body and by muscle action, which would tend to flatten the plantar arch.
Once again, the plantar tensor muscles contrast this flattening and contract to produce a cushioning effect.
The presence of the substantially flat element 16 in the shoe allows to reduce the effort of the plantar tensor muscles thanks to the elastic support that said element provides at the inner arch of the foot.
However, said support does not constrain the foot, since it adapts to its dynamic configuration without imposing restrictions and at the same time ensures cooperation and enhancement of the cushioning function that the foot is capable of performing.
The shape of the substantially flat element 16 is also adapted for the lateral inclinations assumed by the foot during sports activity or while walking on rough terrain, since it provides correct support for any flexing and/or torsion of the foot, enhancing its cushioning ability.
In practice it has been observed that the intended aim and all the objects of the present invention have been achieved.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept.
All the details may also be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the contingent use, may be any according to requirements.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. PD97A000238 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A device for differentiating the torsional stress reactions of shoes for soccer or similar sports, characterized in that it comprises a substantially flat element (16), made of kevlar or of a material which is equivalent in terms of mechanical strength, which is integrated into an insole (14) made of polymeric material with a rear part (15) shaped like a heel containment cup, surrounds the heel region (17) starting from the part (18) that corresponds to the outside of the foot and affects the metatarsal region (19) by widening in a transverse direction.
A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said substantially flat element (16) also affects the regions of said insole (14) which relate to lateral parts of the rim (20) of the rear cup-like part (15).
A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said substantially flat element (16) has through slots (23) for grip in the material of said insole (14), which is overmolded thereon.
A device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said substantially flat element (16) is part of an intermediate component (22) which is constituted by a substantially flat support (21) which is overmolded thereon, said intermediate component (22) constituting an insert for the overmolding of said insole (14).
A device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said substantially flat element (16) is surrounded by a series of slots (24) provided on said insole (14).