EP2528463B1 - Shaft assembly for footwear and footwear having said shaft assembly - Google Patents

Description

The following invention relates to a shaft assembly for footwear and footwear with such a shaft assembly.

In the prior art, footwear is known, which is equipped with a waterproof and water vapor permeable shaft, so that such footwear despite water tightness in the shaft area can release sweat moisture to the outside. So that even in the sole region sweat moisture can escape to the outside, also sole areas of footwear were equipped with waterproof and water vapor permeable sole functional layers. An example of this, in which both the shaft bottom and the remaining shaft region are provided with water vapor permeable, but watertight functional layers, and in which the shaft bottom is separated from the shaft region, is shown in FIG DE 10 2008 029 296 A1 known.

With such footwear, the problem may now arise that at the lower ends of the shaft area stains appear on the upper at this point and that, especially in cold weather, an uncomfortable feeling of coldness arises on the foot.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shaft assembly for footwear and footwear so that in the end of the shaft portion in front of the shaft bottom no such unpleasant feeling of cold results and in which preferably at this point also staining on the upper material is avoided. Furthermore, the breathability should be ensured at this point.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims.

A shaft arrangement according to the invention for footwear comprises a shaft bottom with a water vapor permeable mounting sole and with a shaft bottom functional layer laminate as well as a shaft region with a top material layer and with a lining layer. The sole side shaft end portion is connected to the peripheral edge of the shaft bottom. There are several constructive designs for this, as will be explained below.

The mounting sole may be equipped with openings or be made of a material permeable to water vapor.

According to the invention, a suction element is now provided that extends from an area between the upper material layer and the feed layer of the shank region into a region below the shank bottom functional layer laminate in order to transport moisture away from the region between the upper material layer and the feed layer of the shank region into the region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate. From there, the moisture can be released further outwards, in particular in the case of a shaft arrangement connected to a sole unit, through passages or porosities in the sole unit.

According to one of the underlying recognition of the invention, the inventors have found that especially in the Schaftendbereich, which is indeed usually waterproof connected to the peripheral edge of the shaft bottom, often moisture accumulates and this condenses there often to water. This has the consequence that the area of the foot lying opposite the feed layer experiences a feeling of coldness there, that, when the feed layer is formed as a shank functional layer, no sufficient water vapor gradient can form at this point between the inside and the outside of the shank functional layer that the breathability in this area is significantly reduced or no longer exists, that on the outside of the shoe on the water vapor permeable upper material layer show moisture spots that affect the look and appearance of the shoe, and that this can eventually lead to mold growth or the joints are attacked, which in the worst case makes the shoe broken.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is now provided an additional absorbent member of absorbent material which extends into an end portion of the shaft portion where such moisture typically gathers and extends therefrom to an area below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate. By such a suction element moisture from the gap between the upper material layer and the feed layer in the end portion of the shaft portion adjacent to the shaft bottom, dissipated and transported away from there into the area below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate, from where this moisture the shoe in particular down through Leave recesses or porosities in the sole unit on. This prevents an unpleasant feeling of coldness in this area, maintains breathability in this area, and reliably prevents staining and joint damage. The suction element can also be referred to as a "wicking tape" and has the function of a wick. Such a suction element can be provided in a variety of shaft assemblies for footwear, as will be explained below.

In all embodiments, the lining layer may be suitably joined to the upper, for example sewn thereto at a top.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the feed layer is designed as a sheath functional layer laminate in order to ensure water-tightness with simultaneous water vapor permeability / breathability.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one suction element is band-shaped. This represents a manufacturing technology easy to implement variant, with a very reliable liquid removal is guaranteed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one suction element extends from a portion of the sole-side peripheral edge of the shaft region to an opposite, in particular in the shoe transverse direction opposite portion of the sole-side peripheral edge. Such a thing Suction element thus extends with its two ends into respectively opposite intermediate spaces between the upper material layer and the feed layer and thus transports moisture from two opposing intermediate spaces to the underside of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate. This is a very advantageous and easy to implement embodiment.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one suction element has a planar extent of such a width that it extends over a portion of at least 25% of the sole side peripheral edge of the shaft portion, in particular over the forefoot portion of the sole side peripheral edge of the shaft portion. Thereby, the possible liquid removal can be maximized.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, in which a continuous liquid removal is ensured at all peripheral regions of the shoe, a plurality of suction element, in particular band-shaped suction elements along the sole side peripheral edge of the shaft portion are arranged.

In an alternative embodiment, exactly one suction element is arranged on the sole-side peripheral edge of the shaft region. For this purpose, it is advisable to provide this suction element at that circumferential point of the shaft assembly, which accumulates the most moisture, for example in a forefoot portion of the shaft assembly.

In principle, any moisture-absorbing and transport-away materials are suitable for the suction element. As an advantageous material, cotton has been found.

A suction element according to the invention can be fixed in various ways with respect to the shaft arrangement. In order to pass the transition between the Schaftendbereich and the shaft bottom, such a suction element usually has to pass the connection provided therebetween. In practice, such a suction element is often cured over, in the circumferential direction placed on the Obermateriallage gluing points. The suction element can also be sewn to the mounting sole and / or to the upper material layer at at least one point.

For permanent attachment of the suction element, it may be provided with an adhesive at least in some areas. In particular, the suction element can be glued to the underside of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate in order to achieve a fixation there.

In order to transport sufficient moisture out of the intermediate space between the upper material layer and the feed layer of the shaft region, it is advantageous if the suction element with its gap-side section extends approximately one to three centimeters, in particular approximately two centimeters, into this intermediate space.

In order to be able to deliver the moisture absorbed in the intermediate space and transported into the region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate further to the environment, it has proven to be advantageous if the suction element with its shaft bottom functional layer laminate side section about one to four centimeters, in particular about three centimeters in extends the area under the shaft bottom functional layer laminate.

Thus, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a total length of the Saugelements of three to seven centimeters, preferably from about five centimeters result.

According to a construction variant of the shank arrangement according to the invention, the water vapor-permeable mounting sole, which is often referred to as an insole, is arranged above the shaft bottom functional layer laminate. In this case, the suction member extends with its shaft bottom functional layer laminate side portion on the outside of the shaft bottom. In such a construction, a particularly effective moisture removal can be achieved, especially since the moisture from the shaft bottom functional layer laminate-side section can be discharged directly to the environment.

In this construction, the water vapor permeable mounting sole may be sewn to the sole side end portion of the shank functional layer laminate, for example by means of a strobel seam or a zigzag seam, and in addition, the sole side end portion of the upper material layer of the shank portion may be pinched onto the underside of the shank bottom functional layer laminate.

According to an alternative construction of the shank arrangement, which is also often referred to as bootie, the sole-side end region of the shank functional layer laminate is sewn to the peripheral edge of the shank bottom functional layer laminate, for example by means of a zig-zag seam, and watertight sealed to each other via a waterproof sealing tape. In this construction, the moisture vapor permeable mounting sole is disposed below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate.

With this type of construction, the first alternative now arises that the sole side end region of the upper material layer is sewn to the water vapor permeable mounting sole. In this case, the suction member extends from the space between the upper material layer and the shaft functional layer laminate into a space between the shaft bottom functional layer laminate and the water vapor permeable mounting sole. The moisture transported away from the intermediate space between the upper material layer and the shaft functional layer laminate into the region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate must now penetrate the moisture vapor permeable mounting sole so that it can be transported away to the outside. It has been found that even with this construction, a sufficiently large removal of moisture can be achieved.

According to an alternative construction, the sole-side end region of the upper material layer is pinched onto the underside of the mounting sole, and in this case the suction element extends to the outside of the shaft bottom. In this case, a particularly good removal of moisture can be achieved.

In principle, the shaft assembly according to the invention is not limited to specific design variants, but can be used in a variety of arbitrary design variants. The formation of the shaft bottom functional laminate and the shaft functional layer laminate is not important.

The invention also relates to footwear with at least one shaft assembly of the type described above, on the underside of a sole unit is attached. The sole unit can be connected to the shaft arrangement in any manner, it is preferred that the sole unit is glued or molded onto the shaft arrangement. The sole unit must, in order to ensure a sufficiently large moisture removal, be equipped with at least one through hole or with porosities that lead downwards or sideways outwards.

Definitions and test methods Footwear:

Footwear with a closed top (shaft assembly) having a foot insertion opening and at least one sole or sole unit.

Shaft Upper:

A material which forms the outside of the shaft and thus the shaft assembly and consists for example of leather, a textile, plastic or other known materials and combinations thereof or is constructed therewith and generally consists of water vapor permeable material. The sole-side lower end of the upper upper material forms an area adjacent to the upper edge of the sole or sole unit or above a boundary plane between the upper and sole or sole unit.

Mounting sole (insole):

A mounting sole is part of the shaft bottom. On the mounting sole, a sole-side lower shaft end region is attached.

Sole:

A shoe has at least one outsole, but may also have several types of sole layers which are arranged one above the other and form a sole unit.

Sole:

Outsole means the part of the sole area which touches the ground / ground or establishes the main contact with the ground / ground. The outsole has at least one tread contacting the ground.

Midsole:

In the event that the outsole is not attached directly to the shaft assembly, a midsole may be inserted between the outsole and the shaft assembly. The midsole can for example be the upholstery, cushioning or filling material.

Bootie:

Bootie is a sock-like inner lining of a shaft assembly. A bootie forms a baggy lining of the shaft assembly which substantially completely covers the interior of the footwear.

Functional layer:

Waterproof and / or water vapor permeable layer, for example in the form of a membrane or a suitably treated or finished material, for. B. a textile with plasma treatment. The functional layer can be in the form of a shaft bottom functional layer at least one layer of a shaft bottom form the shaft assembly, but can also be provided in addition as a shank functional layer at least partially lining the shaft. Both the shank functional layer and the shank bottom functional layer may be part of a multilayer, usually two-, three- or four-ply membrane laminate. The shaft functional layer and the shaft bottom functional layer may each be part of a functional layer bootie. If, instead of a functional layer bootie, a shank functional layer and a separate shaft bottom functional layer are used, they are sealed against each other in a watertight manner, for example, in the sole-side lower region of the shank arrangement. Shank bottom functional layer and shank functional layer may be formed of different or the same material.

Suitable materials for the waterproof, water-vapor-permeable functional layer are in particular polyurethane, polypropylene and polyester, including polyether esters and their laminates, as described in the printed publications US-A-4,725,418 and US-A-4,493,870 are described. In one embodiment, the functional layer is constructed with microporous, stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) as described, for example, in references US-A-3,953,566 such as US-A-4,187,390 is described. In one embodiment, the functional layer is constructed with stretched polytetrafluoroethylene provided with hydrophilic impregnating agents and / or hydrophilic layers; see for example the publication US-A-4,194,041 , A microporous functional layer is understood to mean a functional layer whose average pore size is between approximately 0.2 μm and approximately 0.3 μm.

laminate:

Laminate is a composite consisting of several layers which are permanently bonded together, generally by mutual bonding. In the case of a functional layer laminate, a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional layer is provided with at least one textile layer. The at least one textile layer can serve primarily to protect the functional layer during its processing. This is called a 2-layer laminate. A 3-layer laminate consists of a waterproof, water vapor-permeable functional layer, which is embedded in two textile layers. The connection between the functional layer and the at least one textile layer is effected, for example, by means of a continuous water-vapor-permeable adhesive layer or by means of a discontinuous adhesive layer of non-water-vapor-permeable adhesive. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied in the form of a dot-like pattern between the functional layer and the one or both textile layers. The punctiform or discontinuous application of the adhesive takes place because a full-surface layer of a self-water vapor-permeable adhesive would block the water vapor permeability of the functional layer.

Barrier layer:

A barrier layer serves as a barrier against the penetration of substances, in particular in the form of particles or foreign bodies, for example pebbles, to a material layer to be protected, in particular to a mechanically sensitive functional layer or functional layer membrane.

Reference document:

European standard EN 344-1, in particular section 4.3.3 (penetration resistance)

Waterproof:

As a function layer / functional layer laminate / membrane is "waterproof" viewed, optionally including in the function layer / functional layer laminate / membrane seams provided, if it guarantees a water entry pressure of at least 1 * 10 ⁴ Pa. The functional layer material preferably ensures a water inlet pressure of more than 1 × 10 ⁵ Pa. The water inlet pressure is to be measured by a test method in which distilled water is applied at 20 +/- 2 ° C. to a sample of 100 cm ^{2 of} the functional layer with increasing pressure. The pressure increase of the water is 60 +/- 3 cm Ws per minute. The water inlet pressure then corresponds to the pressure at which water first appears on the other side of the sample. Details of the procedure are specified in the ISO standard 0811 from the year 1981.

Whether a shoe is waterproof, z. B. with a centrifuge assembly in the US-A-5,329,807 be tested type tested.

Water vapor permeable:

A "functional layer" / a functional layer laminate is considered to be "water-vapor-permeable" if it has a water vapor transmission rate Ret of less than 150 m 2 * Pa * W-1. The water vapor permeability is tested according to the Hohenstein skin model. This test method is described in DIN EN 31092 (02/94) or ISO 11092 (1993).

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines Vorderfussbereichs eines ersten Schuhs gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines Vorderfussbereichs eines zweiten Schuhs gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts des Schaftbodenfunktionsschichtlaminats des Schaftbodens der Schaftanordnung aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines Vorderfußbereichs eines dritten Schuhs gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines Vorderfußbereichs eines vierten Schuhs gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 6 zeigt. eine Schnittdarstellung eines Vorderfußbereichs eines fünften Schuhs gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines Vorderfußbereichs eines sechsten Schuhs gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 8 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer exemplarischen Schaftanordnung des dritten Schuhs aus Fig. 4 von unten;
• Fig. 9 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer exemplarischen Schaftanordnung des dritten Schuhs aus Fig. 4 von unten;
• Fig. 10 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer exemplarischen Schaftanordnung des dritten Schuhs aus Fig. 4 von unten;
• Fig. 11 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer exemplarischen Schaftanordnung des dritten Schuhs aus Fig. 4 von unten; und
• Fig. 12 zeigt eine Schnittansicht eines exemplarischen Saugelements aus Figur 4.

The invention is explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

• Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a front foot region of a first shoe according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a Vorderfussbereichs a second shoe according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a section of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate of the shaft bottom of the shaft assembly Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a forefoot portion of a third shoe according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a forefoot portion of a fourth shoe according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 6 shows. a sectional view of a forefoot of a fifth shoe according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of a forefoot of a sixth shoe according to another embodiment of the invention;
• Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft assembly of the third shoe Fig. 4 from underneath;
• Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft assembly of the third shoe Fig. 4 from underneath;
• Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft assembly of the third shoe Fig. 4 from underneath;
• Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of an exemplary shaft assembly of the third shoe Fig. 4 from underneath; and
• Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of an exemplary Saugelements FIG. 4 ,

All shoes described below as exemplary embodiments have a sole unit and a shaft arrangement to be fastened thereto. In the embodiments described below, the sole unit is glued to the shaft assembly. It is equally possible to inject the sole unit onto the shaft arrangement.

All subsequent illustrations are schematic and not necessarily realistic in terms of dimensions and scale.

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a front foot portion of a first shoe 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The first shoe 2 comprises a sole unit 4 and a shaft assembly 22 which are not yet connected to each other.

The shaft arrangement 22 comprises a shaft bottom 34 and a shaft region 23 connected therewith at its peripheral edge, of which in the FIG. 1 a left and a right shaft portion are shown, which are mirror-symmetrical to each other. The upper portion of the shaft portion 23 is in this as well not shown in the following figures for simplicity.

The shaft region 23 has a water vapor-permeable upper material layer 24 and a shaft functional layer laminate 26, which comprises-from the outside to the inside-a mesh or a mesh 28, a shaft functional layer or a shaft membrane 30 and a shaft lining 32.

The sole-side lower end region of the upper material layer 24 is bent inwards relative to the substantially vertical section and fastened by means of Zwickklebstoff 44 with the multilayer shaft bottom 34.

The multi-layered shaft bottom 34 comprises - from top to bottom - an insole 36 and an underlying shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 with a shaft bottom functional layer 40 and a lowermost arranged Stütztextillage 42. In addition, the mounting base 36 at its peripheral edge via a seam 46, for example Strobelnaht or a zig-zag seam, connected to the sole-side end portion of the shaft functional layer laminate 38.

The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 is thus formed as a two-ply laminate. As in FIG. 1 As can be seen well, the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 has a greater lateral extent than the mounting base 36 to waterproof connect it to the sole side end portion of the shaft functional layer laminate 26 and the topsheet layer 24, eg, by adhesive bonding.

The sole-side lower end portion of the upper-material layer 24 is twilled with its upper side by means of a Zwickklebers 44 on the underside of the peripheral edge of the Schaftbodenfunktionsschichtlaminats 38.

The sole side lower end portion of the shaft functional layer laminate 26 is lifted from the sole side lower end portion of the upper material layer 24. This creates a gap in the end portion of the shaft portion 23 between the shaft functional layer laminate 26 and the upper material layer 24, which widens toward the end portion of the shaft portion 23.

The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 extends a little way into this space. The portion of the gap not occupied by the end portion of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 is usually filled with air or water vapor or a mixture thereof.

Further, the underside of the sole-side end portion of the sheath functional layer laminate 26 is sealed to the top of the peripheral edge of the shank bottom functional layer laminate 38 by means of a sealant adhesive 48, including or excluding the seam 46 (46), resulting in an all-watertight and non-watertight finish only watertight, but also water vapor permeable functional layers 26, 38 leads to a completely water vapor permeable shaft assembly.

This sealing adhesive 48 penetrates through the net 28, thus sealing both functional layers to each other, and serves to attach and seal the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 to the shaft functional layer laminate 26, so that no additional adhesive is required for this purpose.

The sole unit 4 is prefabricated and is attached to the sole side lower end portion of the upper material layer 24 by means of a sole adhesive applied to at least the top of the peripheral edge zone of the sole unit 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, a first sole adhesive layer 20 is applied to the upper side of the peripheral edge zone of the sole unit 4 and a second sole adhesive layer 50 is applied to the sole side lower end region of the upper material layer 24.

The sole unit 4 comprises a sole layer 6 which forms the peripheral outer region thereof and extends somewhat upwards in its outer side in order to accommodate the bent region of the upper material layer 24 and which has a central recess in which - from below to above - a support web layer 8, a barrier layer 16 and above the barrier layer 16 a comfort layer 10 are arranged with comfort webs.

The adhesive layer 20 extends as in FIG Fig. 1 good to see about that Only the region of the right portion of the sole layer 6 below the right end of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 and the comfort web of the comfort web layer 10 attached thereto can be formed without an adhesive layer 20.

In Fig. 1 are shown by the support web layer 8 three support webs and the comfort layer 10 three comfort webs, which are slightly wider than the support webs arranged underneath. Furthermore, the comfort layer 10 comprises still narrower comfort web sections which attach to the inside of the sole layer 6.

The lower surface of the sole layer 6 and the support web layer 8 is formed as running or tread surface 14. Recesses or Sohlenlagendurchgangsöffnungen 12 are formed between the support webs of the support web layer 8, to effect a water vapor permeability and / or air permeability of the sole layer 6 with support webs 8.

The sole layer 6 can be in one piece, as shown in the figure, or in several parts, for example in different colors.

The Sohlenlagendurchgangsöffnungen 12 are made as large as possible in order to achieve a correspondingly high water vapor permeability of the sole layer 6 with support webs 8 and thus the sole unit 4.

Horizontally through the sole unit 4 extends a barrier layer 16 as a mechanical protection for the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 against damage by foreign bodies, such as pebbles, which enter the Sohlenlagendurchgangsöffnungen 12. This barrier layer 16 extends a little way into the sole layer 6 in and is thus anchored in this and permanently connected to this. This barrier layer 16 is constructed in one embodiment with a thermally bonded fiber material, so that it can also be formed as a stabilizing material for the sole unit 4.

The support web layer 8 and the comfort layer 10 may be made of a different material compared to the sole layer 6, as indicated by the different hatching, to achieve a weight reduction of the sole unit 4, a walking comfort improved with respect to the foot cushioning, or both. Alternatively, the support web layer 8, the comfort layer 10 and the sole layer 6 may also be made of the same material.

In particular, a material that is softer than the material of the sole layer 6 can be selected for the support web layer 8 and the comfort layer 10. If good foot cushioning is to be achieved, the material for the support web layer 8 and / or the comfort layer 10 is, for example, EVA. If a weight reduction compared to the sole layer material is to be achieved, a foamed plastic with correspondingly low specific weight is suitable. For example, in order to achieve both improved cushioning and weight reduction with respect to the sole ply material, foamed EVA is suitable. But there are many other material variants that can be used

Below the barrier layer 16 is still optionally a decorative layer 18, which is visible from below and causes an attractive design of the sole unit.

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a forefoot portion of a second shoe 52 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Like the first shoe 2, the second shoe 52 also includes a sole unit 54 and a shaft assembly 70 that are not yet connected to each other. The shaft assembly 70 is constructed according to the bootie principle, and it comprises a shaft bottom 80 and connected thereto at its peripheral edge shaft portion 71, of which in the FIG. 2 a left and a right shaft portion are shown, which are mirror-symmetrical to each other.

The shaft portion 71 comprises a water vapor permeable topsheet layer 72 and a three layer shaft functional layer laminate 74 comprising an inner shaft liner 78, an outer shank functional layer or membrane 76 and a Mesh or mesh 75 includes.

The upper material layer 72 of the shaft portion 71 extends slightly further towards the shaft bottom 80 than the shaft functional layer laminate 74. The shaft functional layer laminate 74 is connected to a shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84 of the shaft bottom 80 by means of a seam, which may be in particular a zig-zag seam the seam 90 is sealed watertight with a seam sealing tape 92 to the outside.

The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84, like the shaft functional layer laminate 74, has a two layer construction with an inner support fabric layer 88 and an outer shaft bottom function or membrane 86. The functional layers 76 and 86 and the textile layers 78 and 88 of the shaft functional layer laminate 74 and the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84 are sewn together so that the textile layers 78 and 88 and the functional layers 76 and 86 each adjoin one another.

In the illustration according to Fig. 2 There is a space between the outer surface of the shank functional layer 76 and the inner surface of the upper material layer 72, in practice, these surfaces may also directly abut each other.

Enclosed by the upper material layer 72 of the shaft portion 71 and sewn to the sole side end portion of the upper material layer 72 is a mounting sole 82 which is disposed below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84 and has a somewhat smaller areal extent. The seam 94 between the sole-side end region of the upper material layer 72 and the peripheral edge region of the mounting sole 82 can be embodied in particular as a stitching seam or as a zig-zag seam.

Like the sole unit 4 of the first shoe 2, the sole unit 54 of the second shoe 52 is also prefabricated and is attached to the sole side lower end portion of the upper material layer 72 by means of a sole adhesive applied to at least the top of the peripheral edge zone of the sole unit 54 attached to the sole side lower edge region of the mounting sole 82.

In the present embodiment, a first sole adhesive layer 68 is applied on the upper side of the peripheral edge zone of the sole unit 54 and a second sole adhesive layer 96 on the sole side lower end region of the upper material layer 24 and on the sole side lower edge region of the mounting sole 82.

The sole unit 54 includes as the sole unit 4, a circumferential outer region of the sole unit 54 forming sole layer 56 which is provided with a central recess in which - from bottom to top - a support web layer 58 with three in Fig. 2 exemplary illustrated support webs and a barrier layer 64 are arranged. The barrier layer 64 runs horizontally through the sole unit 4 and extends with its peripheral edge region into the upper end of the sole layer 56. It is thus reliably connected to the sole layer 56. The support ribs extend from the barrier layer 64 to the plane of the underside of the sole ply 56, and the lower surface of the sole ply 56 and the support ribs 58 form the running or tread surface 62. Unlike the sole unit 4 of the first shoe 2, in the sole unit 54 no additional comfort situation provided, but could be added if necessary.

The optionally present below the barrier layer 64, optional decorative layer 66 corresponds to the decorative layer 18 of the first sole unit. 4

Both in the shaft assembly 22 of the first shoe 2 in Fig. 1 as well as in the shaft assembly 70 of the second shoe 52 in Fig. 2 For example, the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 or 84 is formed in two layers and comprises only one shaft bottom functional layer 40 or 86 and one supporting textile layer 42 or 88, but not another layer. In the present embodiments of the FIGS. 1 and 2 For example, mesh tape or netting, often referred to as mesh, is omitted.

Especially at the shaft bottom 34 and 80, the accumulation of abzutransportierendem, generated by the sole of the foot perspiration is greatest. In addition, located below the shaft bottom 34 and 80 with the recesses 12 and 60, respectively largest openings, so the potential for moisture removal is greatest at this point.

The present inventors have found that an additional third layer of the shank bottom functional layer laminate 38 or 84 can be dispensed with at this point and the sheath functional layer laminate 38 or 84 can be double-layered in this region, thereby saving the cost of a third layer and by omitting this third layer also the amount of sweat that can be removed is increased. With the omission of the third layer of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate, a water vapor barrier to be overcome by the moisture is removed.

Surprisingly, however, a watertight connection is possible, although no additional layer, for example the net strip, is more present.

In the shaft assembly 22 of the first shoe 2 according to Fig. 1 For example, this two-layer shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 is disposed directly above the recess 12, which allows a particularly effective removal of moisture from the interior of the shaft assembly 22, and the shaft assembly 70 of the second shoe 52 according to Fig. 2 Under the two-layer shaft bottom functional layer laminate 84, the mounting sole 82, through which the moisture still has to pass, is still arranged.

Fig. 3 FIG. 4 shows an isolated sectional view of a section of the two-ply shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 of the shaft bottom 34 of the shaft arrangement 22 Fig. 1 ,

In this case, the lowermost support textile layer 42 and the somewhat thinner shaft bottom functional layer 40, which forms the actual membrane, are clearly visible.

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a forefoot of a third shoe 98 according to another embodiment of the invention.

The third shoe 98 includes a sole unit 4 that is integral with the sole unit 4 of the first shoe 2 Fig. 1 is identical, and a shaft assembly 100, which coincides with the shaft assembly 22 of the first shoe 2, in contrast to this as an additional element still a suction element 102 is provided.

Elements of the third shoe 98 which coincide with the elements of the first shoe 2 are identified by the same reference numerals.

The suction belt 102 extends from the space between the outer mesh 28 of the sheath functional layer laminate 26 and the inner side of the upper material layer 24 to the outside of the shank assembly 100 below the support fabric layer 42. The suction member 102 comprises a moisture wicking material, such as cotton, and may convert water to liquid Ingest form and steam and remove to the outside.

This in Fig. 4 By way of example, the suction element 102 shown here extends from the space between the shank functional layer laminate 26 and the upper material layer 24 in the lowermost portion of the still vertically extending section of the shank region 23 to a region approximately centrally below the support textile layer 42. In this case, the suction element 106 can be located inside the interspace between the shank functional layer laminate 26 and the area lying on the upper material layer 24 lie on the inner side of the upper material layer 24, as the Obermateriallage 24 have a curved course and extend through the Zwickkleber 44 to the area centrally below the Schaftbodenfunktionsschichtlaminats 38. The suction element can lie directly against the supporting textile layer 42 of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 with its section lying below the shaft bottom functional laminate 38 and can be glued thereto, and it can also be glued with its interspace side section to the shaft functional layer laminate 26 or to the upper material layer 24. For this purpose, the suction element 102 may be equipped on its upper side with a corresponding adhesive.

The inventors of the present application have found that in the space in the end portion of the shaft portion 23 between The sheath function layer laminate 26 and the topsheet 24 collect moisture regularly, resulting in a sensation of coldness to the foot within the shank assembly 100, which hinders the moisture wicking from the inside out, and thus the breathability of the shank assembly 100 in this area, despite the waterproofness of the functional layer laminate negatively affected and which can lead to moisture spots on the upper 24.

By the suction member 102 such moisture is absorbed and transported to the outside of the shaft assembly 100, in accordance with Fig. 4 in the outside of the shaft assembly 100 and below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 lying portion of the suction element 102. From there, the moisture can be removed by the recesses 12 further down.

This prevents a sensation of coldness at the foot in the end region of the shank functional layer laminate 26, assures breathability of the shank assembly 100 in this region, and prevents the formation of moisture stains on the upper 24.

Characterized in that the lying under the right end of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 portion of the right portion of the sole layer 6 and the adjoining comfort web of the comfort web layer 10 are formed without adhesive layer 20, a better moisture removal from the suction element 102 through the recess 12 down can be achieved.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a forefoot of a fourth shoe 104 according to another embodiment of the invention.

This fourth shoe 104 is composed of the shaft assembly 100 of the third shoe 98 and the sole unit 54 of the second shoe 70, and like elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

The design, position and function of the suction element 102 coincide with the suction element 102 of the third shoe 98.

In the fourth shoe 104, moisture is removed from the space between the shank functional layer laminate 26 and the top material layer 24 to the outside, in a region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38, and thence further out through the recesses 60 to the outside

For the production of in the FIGS. 4 and 5 Shaft assembly 100 shown, the suction member 102 is glued from below by means of an adhesive, not shown here on the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 38 and on the inside of the shaft functional layer laminate 26 before the sole side end portions of the upper material layer 24 are verzwickt with the shaft bottom functional layer 38.

The Zwickklebstoff does not lead to an impairment of the suction function of the Saugelements 102nd

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a forefoot portion of a fifth shoe 106 according to another embodiment of the invention.

The fifth shoe 106 is composed of the sole unit 54 of the second shoe 52 and a shaft assembly 108, which is like the shaft assembly 70 of the second shoe 52 made according to the bootie principle.

The shaft assembly 108 corresponds to the shaft assembly 70 of the second shoe 52 Fig. 2 , wherein the shank functional layer laminate 116 is constructed in three layers and, from outside to inside, a mesh band 118, a shank functional layer or membrane 120 and a shaft lining 122 has.

Shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128 has a three ply construction throughout, from bottom to top of mesh band 118, a shaft bottom functional layer or membrane 130, and a backsheet layer 132 throughout the region of shaft bottom 124. The mesh 118 is partially covered in the figure.

There, the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128 is adhered to the top of the mounting sole 126 by means of a water vapor permeable adhesive layer 134. The adhesive layer extends from the left end region to the right end region of the mounting base 126. The adhesive layer 134 penetrates the mesh material 118 to the shaft bottom functional layer 130, and the adhesive layer 134 is formed as a continuous layer of a water vapor permeable adhesive or a punctiform layer of a water vapor impermeable adhesive to ensure breathability at this point. The adhesive layer is intended to prevent friction between the mounting sole 126 and the shaft bottom functional layer 130. The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128, whose textile layer 132 comes into contact with the foot, is reliably fixed against the mounting sole 126.

In the intermediate space between the three-layered functional layer laminates and the mounting sole 126 or the upper material layer 114, a suction element 144 is introduced.

The suction member 144 is preferably made of a cotton material, and extends from the lower end portion of the right shaft portion 112 to a portion located far to the right of the center of the mounting sole 126 into the space between the shaft bottom functional layer laminate 128 and the mounting sole 126.

Through this suction member 144, moisture that accumulates in the space between the topsheet layer 114 and the shank functional layer laminate 116 is transported to an area below the shank bottom functional layer laminate 128 and thence through the permeable insole 126 and the barrier layer 64 to an outside of the shoe give the advantages described above.

The positioning of the suction element 144 in FIG Fig. 6 is exemplary in nature, as well as mirror-symmetrical to the suction member 144 on the left lower side of the shaft assembly 108, a further suction member 144 may be provided.

Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of a forefoot of a sixth shoe 146 according to another embodiment of the invention.

The sixth shoe 146 is constructed of the sole unit 54 of the second shoe 52 and a shaft assembly 147.

The shaft assembly 147 includes a shaft bottom 160 and a shaft portion 148 connected thereto at the peripheral edge thereof, in which Fig. 7 a left and a right shaft portion are shown, which are mirror-symmetrical to each other.

The upper material layer 150 of the shaft portion 148 is bent inward at the lower end and adhered to the mounting sole 162 by means of Zwickklebers 176.

The shank assembly 147 is made in a bootie fashion, ie, the lower ends of the shank functional layer 153 are sewn to the peripheral edges of the shank bottom functional layer 164, for example by means of a zigzag seam. In addition, this transition region is sealed waterproof with a seam sealing tape 174 to the outside. In the embodiment of Fig. 6 These closures are in the curved transition region between the vertically extending shaft portion 148 and the horizontally extending shaft bottom 160.

Both the shank functional layer 152 and the shank bottom functional layer 164 are constructed in three layers with an outer mesh 154 having a shank functional layer / shank bottom functional layer 156/166 and an innerlayer 158 / backsheet 168.

As in the case of the first shoe 2, a clearance is also formed between the end region of the upper material layer 150 and the upper functional layer laminate 164 or the upper functional layer laminate 152 in this sixth shoe 146. This intermediate space is enlarged toward the end of the upper material layer 150 and the mounting sole 162 protrudes in this pure. The not of This portion of the space occupied by this mounting sole 162 is usually filled with air or water vapor or a mixture thereof.

As with the third shoe 98 in Fig. 4 Thus, with this sixth shoe 146, too, a suction member 180 is provided which extends from the space between the shank functional layer laminate 152 and the topsheet 150 below the seal bond 174 over the bond 176 to the outside of the shank assembly 146 below the mounting sole 162.

In this case, the space-side end of the suction element 180 runs from the still vertically extending lower portion of the shaft region, past the sealing adhesive 174, makes a curvature and rests against the underside of the mounting base 162. The outer region of the suction element 180 may, for example, be glued to the underside of the mounting base 162 by means of an adhesive layer.

The suction member 180 is embedded in the sealant without significantly affecting the suction effect.

By means of this suction element 180 moisture is transported away from the intermediate space to the outside. From the underside of the mounting base 162, this moisture can be further transported away through the recesses 60 in the sole unit 54.

The shaft bottom functional layer laminate 164 is bonded to the mounting sole 162 by a water vapor permeable adhesive layer 170. The adhesive layer 170, which may be continuous or punctiform, covers the embodiment of FIG Fig. 7 a majority of the surface of the mounting sole 162, it penetrates through the mesh material 154 to the shaft bottom functional layer 166, and it is formed permeable to water vapor to ensure breathability at this point. Thus, at this point, a reliable fixation of the Schaftbodenfunktionsschichtlaminats 164 opposite the mounting base 162 is reached.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of the shaft assembly 100 from below.

In this case, the lower peripheral edge of the shaft assembly 100 forming end portion of the upper 24, which is tweaked to the underside of the mounting base 42, can be clearly seen. Also visible are the ends of the suction members designed as suction bands 184 which transport moisture downwardly out of the gap between the shank functional layer laminate and the topsheet layer.

In the present exemplary embodiment, eight ends of suction belts 184 of small width, distributed along the peripheral edge of the upper material layer 24, can be seen. Such an arrangement of a plurality of suction belts 184 along the entire circumference of the upper material layer 24 ensures a reliable removal of moisture from the intermediate space between the shank functional layer and the upper material layer in all circumferential regions of the shank arrangement.

Of course, such an arrangement of suction bands 184 may also be used in all other types of stem assemblies described above.

Fig. 9 shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the shaft assembly 100 of the third shoe 98 from below.

In this case, only one suction belt 186 is provided in a forefoot region of the shaft assembly 100, which extends a little way below the mounting sole 42. This suction belt 186 transports moisture out of the gap between the top material layer and the shaft functional layer laminate to the outside, and already by such a suction belt 186, a significant removal of moisture can be achieved.

Fig. 10 shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the shaft assembly 100 of the third shoe 98 from below.

In this case, instead of suction belts with a relatively small width, a half-side circumferential, flat suction element 188 is provided, which is located in the entire front shoe area as well as in a central region of the shoe moisture from the space between the Obermateriallge and the Schaftfunktionsschichtlaminat transported to the bottom of the mounting base 42 out, from where the moisture can leave the shoe down.

Fig. 11 shows a view of an embodiment of the shaft assembly 100 of the third shoe 98 from below.

In this case, a total of four suction belts 190 are provided which extend in the transverse direction of the shoe over the entire underside of the mounting base 42 and whose left and right ends each extend into the intermediate spaces between the upper material layer and the shaft functional layer laminate. In the present exemplary embodiment, the four suction belts 190 are arranged approximately equidistantly along the length of the shaft arrangement 100.

By means of such an arrangement of suction belts, a reliable removal of moisture from the intermediate space between the upper material layer and the shaft functional layer laminate can likewise be achieved.

Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of a Saugelements 102 according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention.

The suction member 102 includes a layer 192 of liquid-absorbent material which provides fluid transport outward from the gap, and which may be cotton material, for example. On the upper side, this absorbent layer is provided with an adhesive material 194, by means of which the suction element 102 can be glued, for example, to the underside of the mounting base 42 and the inside of the shank functional layer laminate. This adhesive need not be provided on the entire top of the absorbent layer 192, it is sufficient if this is provided in some areas.

Claims (17)

1. Upper assembly (100) for footwear (98), comprising
   a shaft bottom (34) with a water vapor permeable assembly insole (36) and with a shaft bottom functional layer laminate (38);
   an upper portion (23) with an upper material layer (24) and with a lining layer (26);
   wherein the sole-side end portion of the upper portion is connected to the shaft bottom (34); and
   characterized in that at least one wicking element (102) is provided, which extends from a region between the upper material layer (24) and the lining layer (26) of the upper portion (23) into a region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (38) to transport moisture away from the region between the upper material layer (24) and the lining layer (26) of the upper portion (23) into the region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (38).
2. Upper assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lining layer is embodied as an upper functional layer laminate (26).
3. Upper assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one wicking element (184) is in the form of a tape.
4. Upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wicking element (190) extends from a section of the sole-side perimetric edge of the upper portion to an opposite, in particular opposite in the transverse direction of the shoe, section of the sole-side perimetric edge.
5. Upper assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one wicking element (188) has such a width that it extends over a section of at least 25% of the sole-side perimetric edge of the upper portion (23), in particular over the forefoot section of the sole-side perimetric edge of the upper portion (23).
6. Upper assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein multiple wicking elements (106) are arranged along the sole-side perimetric edge of the upper portion (22).
7. Upper assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein exactly one wicking element (186; 188) is arranged at the sole-side perimetric edge of the upper portion (23).
8. Upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wicking element (102) comprises cotton.
9. Upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wicking element (102) is provided, at least in a portion thereof, with a glue for attaching the wicking element (102).
10. Upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wicking element (102) extends, with its section between the upper material layer and the lining layer, about 1 to 3 cm, in particular about 2 cm, into the region between the upper material layer (24) and the lining layer (26) of the upper portion (23).
11. Upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wicking element (102) extends, with its section on the side of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate, about 1 to 4 cm, in particular about 3 cm, into the region below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (38).
12. Upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the water vapor permeable assembly insole (36) is arranged above the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (38) and wherein the wicking element extends on the outer side of the shaft bottom (34).
13. Upper assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the water vapor permeable assembly insole (36) is sewn to the sole-side end portion of the upper functional layer laminate (26) and/or wherein the sole-side end portion of the upper material layer (24) is lasted onto the underside of the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (38).
14. Upper assembly (108) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the sole-side end portion of the upper functional layer laminate (116) is sewn to the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (128) and wherein the assembly insole (126) is arranged below the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (128).
15. Upper assembly (108) according to claim 14, wherein the sole-side end portion of the upper material layer (24) is sewn to the water vapor permeable assembly insole (126) and wherein the wicking element (144) extends into an intermediate space between the shaft bottom functional layer laminate (128) and the water vapor permeable assembly insole (126).
16. Upper assembly (147) according to claim 14, wherein the inner side of the sole-side end portion of the upper material layer (24) is lasted onto the underside of the assembly insole (126) and wherein the wicking element (180) extends on the outer side of the shaft bottom (160).
17. Footwear (98) with at least an upper assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims and with a sole unit, attached to the underside thereof, with at least one passage opening or with porosities, which sole unit being in particular glued or injected onto the underside of the upper assembly (100).

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