EP3772293A1 - Shoe and method for producing same - Google Patents

Abstract

Shoe (1), comprising a sole part (2) forming a sole section of the shoe (1) and an upper part (3) which forms an upper part of the shoe (1) and can be attached or attached to the sole part (2), wherein the sole part (2) is produced at least in sections, possibly completely, by at least in sections foaming an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material and the upper (3) is fastened or fastened to the sole part (2) to form the shoe (1), in particular separable, releasably, or fastened.

Description

The invention relates to a shoe, comprising a sole part which forms a sole section of the shoe and an upper part which forms an upper part of the shoe and can be attached or attached to the sole part, and a method for producing a shoe.

Shoes and methods for producing shoes are basically known from the prior art in a large number of different designs.

Known shoes or known manufacturing processes for shoes are, however, in need of improvement or further development with regard to aspects of the constantly growing need for sustainable use of resources.

Against this background, there is a need for a shoe and a method for producing a shoe, which enables a sustainable (more) n use of resources, both in terms of product technology and manufacturing technology.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a shoe which is improved in comparison and a method for producing a shoe which is improved in comparison.

The object is achieved by a shoe according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 16. The respective dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the shoe and the method.

A first aspect of the invention described herein relates to a shoe. The shoe comprises a sole part and forming a sole section of the shoe a shoe upper which forms an upper section of the shoe and can be fastened or fastened to the sole part. The shoe therefore - at least from a functional point of view - typically has a multi-part structure, consisting of the sole part and the shoe upper.

The shoe can in principle be any shoe model; the shoe can therefore z. B. be designed as an open shoe, half-open shoe or as a closed shoe. The area of application of the shoe is also basically open; the shoe can therefore z. B. be designed as a casual shoe, sports shoe or as an evening shoe. The shoe can be a shoe for a woman or a man or for a child.

The sole part is typically formed by a sole part body or a sole part base body or comprises at least one such. The sole part or a corresponding sole part (base) body is typically that part of the shoe which has or has a running surface facing an underground when the shoe is used as intended and a surface (footrest surface) facing a wearer's foot when the shoe is used as intended . Are defined.

The shoe upper is typically formed by a shoe upper body or a shoe upper base body or comprises at least one such. The shoe upper or a corresponding shoe upper (base) body is typically that component of the shoe which, when the shoe is used as intended, has or defines an area that encloses a wearer's foot at least in sections, possibly completely.

The sole part can have a one-part or multi-part structure, ie in particular a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The sole part can, in one embodiment, in which the sole part has a one-piece structure, ie in particular a single-layer structure, e.g. B. as an an external, The component forming the midsole and the insole is or will be. In a corresponding one-piece embodiment, the sole part is thus typically produced with a tread section forming a tread of the shoe.

The running surface section can be designed at least in sections, optionally completely, with a three-dimensional surface structuring that forms a running profile. As an alternative or in addition, the running surface section can be designed with a surface structure that influences the rolling behavior of the shoe; such a can in particular be formed by one or more roundings. In an analogous manner, a three-dimensional surface structure can also be or can be formed at least in sections, possibly completely, in the area of a top side of the sole part that forms a footrest surface of the shoe or that faces such a top; A corresponding surface structure can have a positive effect on the wearing properties of the shoe.

In one embodiment in which the sole part has a multi-part construction, i. H. in particular has a multi-layer structure, as a group of components comprising several components which form an outer or middle or inner sole.

The shoe upper can also have a one-part or multi-part structure, i. H. in particular have a single or multi-layer structure. The relevant statements in connection with the sole part apply analogously.

The sole part is formed or produced at least in sections, optionally completely, by foaming at least in sections an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material (hereinafter referred to as "TPE" for short). The sole part is therefore generally a foamed one produced in the context of an injection molding process that includes a foaming process Injection molded part from a TPE. The foamed and thus cellular structure of the sole part gives it special structural properties, which result in special wearing properties of the shoe; the combination of the inherently relatively soft TPE and the at least partially, possibly complete, foamed structure results, for B. in special damping or restoring properties of the sole part, which have a positive effect on the wearing properties of the shoe.

The sole part can at least in sections, optionally completely, be designed as an integral foam structure (integral foam structure) or will have such a structure. A corresponding integral foam structure is typically characterized in that it has a density that decreases, in particular continuously, from the outside to the inside. Integral foam structures therefore typically have a cellular core and (almost) compact or massive edge areas. The sole part can therefore be or will generally have structural properties that are different at least in sections, in particular with different mechanical properties at least in sections, via a corresponding integral foam structure. A corresponding integral foam structure is therefore expedient for the sole part, as both a tread of the sole part facing a substrate when the shoe is used as intended and a surface of the sole part facing a foot of a wearer when the shoe is used as intended (foot support surface) of the sole part are or will and intermediate areas of the sole part, which therefore z. B. ensure special damping properties, are (largely) designed or are cellular. As explained in more detail below, it is also conceivable that a tread of the sole part facing an underground when the shoe is used as intended has different properties, i.e. in particular different abrasion, damping, and softness properties than a foot when the shoe is used as intended a wearer-facing surface (foot support surface) of the sole part.

In all embodiments, the TPE is in particular a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA), a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), a thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), a thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPS), a thermoplastic urethane elastomer (TPU), a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) or a Mixture of the above into consideration. The term "TPE" therefore includes pure TPEs as well as mixtures of chemically different TPEs. The sole part can therefore in particular be formed from one of the aforementioned TPEs.

The TPE can be an at least partially, if necessary completely, recycled TPE. The TPE can therefore in particular be a material mixture of recycled TPE and non-recycled TPE. For a corresponding material mixture, the proportion by weight of the recycled TPE is in a range between 1 and 80%, in particular in a range between 1 and 70%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 60%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 50%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 40%, in particular in a range between 1 and 30%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 20%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 10%. The TPE can therefore be a compound material containing recycled TPE.

The use of recycled TPE represents an important aspect of the possibility of a sustainable use of resources, both in terms of product technology and production technology.

If recycled TPE is used, it can in particular be a TPE that was obtained by recycling a corresponding part of the sole made from a TPE. It is therefore possible for components of the shoe, that is to say in particular the sole part, to be recycled and used to manufacture a new shoe.

The sole part can in particular be formed by injecting a TPE loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical propellant into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool and performing at least one measure for at least partially foaming the TPE loaded with the at least one propellant. In principle, the at least one measure for at least partially foaming the TPE loaded with the at least one blowing agent can be a chemical and / or a physical foaming process.

As a measure for at least partially foaming the TPE loaded with the at least one blowing agent, e.g. B. a stroke movement of at least one tool element, in particular a tool mold half, of the injection molding tool relative to at least one further tool element, in particular a further tool mold half, of the injection molding tool increasing the volume of the molding cavity of the injection molding tool compared to a completely closed state of the injection molding tool . The use of at least one tool element that enables a corresponding lifting movement is conceivable.

As already indicated and as will emerge below, both the sole part and the upper part can be components of the shoe which enable sustainable use of resources in terms of both product and manufacturing aspects.

The sole part can - as already indicated in connection with the mentioned possible formation of the sole part as an integral foam structure - be formed with at least partially different structural properties, in particular with at least partially different mechanical properties. The sole part can therefore at least in sections have different structural properties, ie in particular have different mechanical properties at least in sections. Different structural properties of the sole part result in particular from a different degree of foaming of the TPE used to produce the sole part. As mentioned, it is in particular conceivable that a tread of the sole part facing an underground when the shoe is used as intended has different structural properties, ie in particular different abrasion, damping, and softness properties than a wearer's foot or foot when the shoe is used as intended .A surface facing the wearer (footrest surface).

The degree of foaming of the TPE used to manufacture the sole part can generally be between a minimum degree of foaming, i.e. H. typically a degree of foaming of 0%, up to a, in particular material and / or process-specific, maximum degree of foaming, d. H. in particular a degree of foaming of approx. 80%. It is therefore conceivable that the sole part (base) body has a first section and at least one further section, the structural properties of the sole part (base) body in the first section differing from the structural properties of the sole part (base) body in the at least distinguish another section. The sole part can in other words, for. B. be formed with a foam gradient or will be. Thus, in a comparatively simple manner in terms of process technology, namely z. B. by varying the stroke movement, which has a significant influence on the degree of foaming, and / or by varying the blowing agent concentration, to produce sole parts with locally varying structural properties.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sole part can have a first degree of foaming in a first section forming a tread of the shoe or facing a tread of the shoe and in a further section which does not form a tread of the shoe or which faces away from a tread of the shoe with a second section different from the first degree of foam Foaming degree be formed or will be. The Sole part can therefore z. B. in a first section forming a tread of the shoe or facing a tread of the shoe (essentially) compact, ie with a degree of foaming of less than 5%, in particular a degree of foaming of 0%, and in a non-tread of the shoe or a Further section facing away from the tread of the shoe be or will be formed with a degree of foaming of at least 5%. In this embodiment, the sole part can thus form a running surface with a correspondingly reduced degree of foam in comparison, so that at least in sections, if necessary completely, the attachment of a separate running surface element can optionally be dispensed with. The compact design of the sole part in the section forming a tread of the shoe or facing a tread of the shoe can, for. B. by means of a suitable mold temperature control, ie in particular a near-surface mold temperature control.

Alternatively or additionally, first and further sections of correspondingly different design can be or will be designed in the longitudinal direction of the sole part. Different structural properties, i. H. in particular mechanical properties, such as B. damping properties, e.g. B. in a first section that can be assigned or assigned to a forefoot area, a second section that can be assigned or assigned to a metatarsal area and a third section of the sole part that can be assigned or assigned to a heel area.

The sole part can therefore generally in at least two different spatial directions, d. H. in particular in a horizontal and a vertical spatial direction, with itself in the structural properties, d. H. in particular mechanical properties, distinguishing structural sections are or will be formed.

The shoe upper can at least partially, if necessary completely, made of a textile material, in particular a natural textile material, preferably a biodegradable, ie in particular compostable, Textile material, be or will be. Corresponding textile materials can, in particular, be in the form of flat textile structures, that is to say in particular woven, knitted or crocheted fabrics. The shoe upper can therefore z. B. be designed as a sock-like or sock-shaped textile fabric. Specific examples of suitable textile materials are natural fiber materials of vegetable or animal origin, such as. B. cotton, bast, leaf, hemp, wool, etc. If the textile material is a biodegradable or compostable textile material, the shoe upper, z. B. by composting, be disposed of biologically.

The shoe upper is or is typically, in particular separable by type, releasably attached to the sole part and vice versa. The fastening of the shoe upper to the sole part can therefore be carried out with a view to separability or separation of the components of the shoe, ie. H. in particular the upper, the sole part and, if necessary, any fastening materials for attaching the upper part to the sole part, such as. B. sewing materials, so that the attachment of the shoe upper to the sole part, d. H. a detachment of the shoe upper from the sole part, a sorted separation of the shoe upper from the sole part enables. The separable fastening of the shoe upper on the sole part can also include a damage-free or non-destructive detachable fastening of the shoe upper on the sole part.

A shoe upper can therefore z. B. in the case of, e.g. B. required due to wear, replacement of the or a sole part of the sole part and connected to a new sole part. In this way, a shoe upper can be reused to form a new shoe. Of course, a sole part z. B. in the case of, e.g. B. required due to wear, replacement of the or a shoe upper detached from the shoe upper and connected to a new shoe upper. In this way, a sole part can be reused to form a new shoe.

In principle, a user-specific configuration of a shoe can also be implemented in this way, as the fastening of the upper on the sole part of an existing shoe and a new one by fastening the existing upper part to another sole part - the same applies of course by fastening an existing sole part to another upper part Shoe can be configured.

The detachable fastening of the sole part to the shoe upper and vice versa therefore represents an important aspect for the sustainable execution of the shoe in terms of both product and manufacturing aspects.

The shoe upper can on the sole part z. B. be attached by at least one form-fitting and / or non-positive fastening type or will be. For example, latching, snap, clamping, tensioning or plug connections are possible. Thus, at least one fastening interface can be formed on the sole part and / or on the shoe upper, which is set up to interact with at least one corresponding fastening interface of the shoe upper and / or sole part to form an, in particular detachable, fastening of the shoe upper to the sole part. A corresponding fastening interface can in particular be formed in one piece (monolithically) with the sole part.

A corresponding fastening interface can - in the case of a form-fitting fastening - be designed as a form-fitting element. A corresponding form-fit element is set up to interact with at least one corresponding form-fit element to form a form-fitting fastening of the shoe upper part on the sole part and vice versa, in particular releasable if required. A corresponding form-locking element can, for. B. as a receiving area for receiving a, in particular executed undercut, projection or be formed as, in particular undercut, projection. A corresponding recording area can, for. B. as a recess, opening, etc. in the sole part or in the shoe upper part or will be.

A preferred embodiment provides that the shoe upper is or will be attached to the sole part, and vice versa, by sewing or sewing, thus by a sewing attachment. A sewing or sewing typically includes the formation of one or more seams which effect a fastening of the shoe upper to the sole part and vice versa. The fastening of the shoe upper to the sole part by sewing is therefore to be regarded as a preferred embodiment, as this enables a stable, but if necessary relatively easily detachable and restorable fastening of the or a shoe upper to the or a sole part.

The sole part can have, in particular recess-like or recess-shaped, receiving areas for receiving a yarn-like or -shaped sewing material, i. H. generally a linear textile structure, such as. B of a yarn. Corresponding receiving areas are or are typically formed in a tread or a section of the sole part (base) body which forms a tread of the shoe or which faces a tread of the shoe. Corresponding recording areas can, for. B. as groove-like recesses in the sole part (base body) extending at least in sections in a line-like or -shaped manner along a corresponding section of the sole part (base). In this way, a corresponding sewing attachment can be designed in a comparatively simple manner. In addition, when the shoe is used, the sewing material is protected from direct contact with a surface, so that damage to the sewing material caused by friction on a surface, for example, can be largely prevented when the shoe is used.

Likewise, one or more, z. B. channel-like or -shaped, lead-through areas for carrying out a Sewing material through the sole part (base) body or will be formed. Corresponding lead-through areas are typically arranged and aligned in such a way that they allow a suturing material to be led through from a first fastening point or area, ie in particular a fastening point or area arranged or formed on an underside of the sole part that forms a running surface of the shoe or faces such an underside, to a second fastening point or region, ie in particular a fastening point or region arranged or formed on an upper side of the sole part which forms a footrest surface of the shoe or which faces such a top. Corresponding lead-through areas can for example be arranged or aligned vertically extending through the sole part (base) body.

The sole part can be formed with a fastening section comprising one or more fastening interfaces for fastening the shoe upper to the sole part. A fastening interface can correspond to a fastening point or area mentioned above.

The fastening section can be designed to extend at least in sections, optionally completely, in the area of an upper side of the sole part which forms a footrest surface of the shoe or which faces such an upper side. The fastening section can in particular be designed to extend at least in sections, optionally completely, circumferentially around the upper side of the sole part which forms a footrest surface of the shoe or which faces such an upper side. In principle, continuous or discontinuous circumferential fastening sections are conceivable.

Conceivable embodiments see z. For example, the at least one fastening section is or is designed to extend circumferentially around the sole part, preferably at the edge, and / or that the at least one fastening section extends at least in sections, optionally completely, flat in the area of one footrest surface of the sole part forming or such a facing upper side of the sole part is formed extending. A correspondingly flat design of the at least one fastening section can be provided, for example, for fastening a sock-like or sock-shaped shoe upper.

The fastening section can in particular be designed as a wall at least partially, if necessary completely, at the edge, forming a footrest surface of the sole part or extending circumferentially around an upper side of the sole part facing such, raised in relation to the footrest surface of the sole part. The wall can be designed or be such that it (also) delimits or (also) defines a foot support surface of the sole part. The wall can be formed in one piece (monolithic) with the sole part (base) body. The wall can therefore be formed with the sole part (base) body in particular in the injection molding process for producing the sole part. The wall can, for. B. be or will be strip-like or -shaped.

A corresponding fastening interface can in particular be designed as an opening in the wall that can be penetrated by a sewing material, in particular an eyelet-like or eyelet-shaped opening.

In principle it would also be conceivable - in particular with the stipulation of a detachable attachment, as mentioned - as an alternative or in addition to a positive and / or non-positive attachment, a material attachment of the shoe upper to the sole part, for example by gluing.

Instead of an embodiment in which the shoe upper is or will be attached to the sole part as a separate component, it is also conceivable that the attachment of the shoe upper to the sole part takes place in the context of an injection molding process. The upper part of the shoe can therefore also be fastened to the sole part in a (shaping) cavity of an injection molding tool. The sole part and the upper part can accordingly be or will be formed in a single or multi-stage injection molding process. In this way, for example, but not exclusively, shoes whose upper parts are designed in the manner of a strap or strap, ie for example sandals, flip-flops, etc., can be produced.

The upper part of the shoe can be attached to the sole part by injecting an injection-moldable thermoplastic material forming the upper part onto the sole part or by molding onto the upper part of the shoe part a TPE which forms the sole part and is loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical propellant. The shoe upper can accordingly be formed from an injection-moldable thermoplastic material, in particular chemically similar to the TPE forming the sole part. It is of course conceivable that the sole part and the shoe upper are or will be formed from the same material.

The shoe upper can in such an embodiment, for. B. be provided as an insert that can be inserted into a molding cavity of an injection molding tool, are inserted into a molding cavity of an injection molding tool and the sole part is molded onto the shoe upper part by injection of the TPE that forms the sole part and is loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical propellant be attached to the shoe upper. Of course, the reverse procedure is also conceivable so that the sole part z. B. is provided as an insert that can be inserted into a molding cavity of an injection molding tool, is inserted into a molding cavity of an injection molding tool and the shoe upper is attached to the sole part by injection molding onto the sole part.

In this context, it should also be mentioned that in a conceivable embodiment a separate running surface element forming an optionally profiled running surface of the shoe is provided as an insert that can be inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool, is inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool and the sole part can be attached to the insert part by injection molding the TPE which forms the sole part and is loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical blowing agent.

It applies to all embodiments that the sole part can be or can be designed with a surface design, in particular modeled after a footbed, in the area of an upper side forming a footrest surface of the sole part or facing such a surface. In the area of its upper side, the sole part can therefore at least in sections, optionally completely, with an ergonomic or (under) supporting surface design, ie. H. in particular a footbed.

A second aspect of the invention described herein relates to a sole part for a shoe according to the first aspect of the invention described herein. The sole part is distinguished in particular by the fact that it is produced at least in sections, if necessary completely, by at least in sections foaming an injection-mouldable thermoplastic elastomer material.

All statements in connection with the shoe according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the sole part.

A third aspect of the invention described herein relates to a method for producing a shoe, comprising a sole part forming a sole section of the shoe and an upper part which can be attached or attached to the sole part and which forms an upper part of the shoe. The method is particularly suitable for producing a shoe according to the first aspect of the invention.

The method comprises the steps: producing or providing a sole part, the sole part at least in sections, optionally completely, by foaming an injection moldable at least in sections thermoplastic elastomer material is or is produced; Producing or providing a shoe upper; and attaching the shoe upper to the sole part to form the shoe.

All statements in connection with the shoe according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the method.

Fig. 1 - 7

je eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Schuhs gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Fig. 8

eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Ablaufdiagramms eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Schuhs gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Individual aspects and features of the invention are explained using exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawings. It shows:

Figs. 1-7

each a schematic diagram of a shoe according to an embodiment; and

Fig. 8

a basic illustration of a flow chart of a method for producing a shoe according to an embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a basic illustration of a shoe 1 according to an embodiment.

As can be seen, the shoe 1 comprises a sole part 2, which forms a sole section of the shoe 1, and an upper part 3, which forms an upper part of the shoe 1 and can be fastened or attached to the sole part 2. The shoe therefore - at least functionally - typically has a multi-part structure consisting of the sole part 2 and the upper part 3 on.

The shoe 1 can in principle be any shoe model; the shoe 1 can therefore, for. B. be designed as an open shoe, half-open shoe or as a closed shoe. The field of application of the shoe 1 is also basically open; the shoe 1 can therefore, for. B. be designed as a casual shoe, sports shoe or as an evening shoe. The shoe 1 can be a shoe for a woman or a man or for a child.

The sole part 2 is typically formed by a sole part body or a sole part base body 2 ′ or comprises at least one such. The sole part 2 or a corresponding sole part (base) body 2 'is typically that part of the shoe 1 which has a tread facing a substrate when the shoe 1 is used as intended, and a wearer's foot when the shoe 1 is used as intended Has or defined surface (footrest surface).

The upper 3 is typically formed by an upper body or a basic upper body 3 ′ or comprises at least one such. The upper 3 or a corresponding upper (base) body 3 'is typically that part of the shoe 1 which, when the shoe 1 is used as intended, has or defines an area that encloses a wearer's foot at least in sections, possibly completely.

The sole part 2 can have a one-part or multi-part structure, ie in particular a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The sole part 2 can in one as in Fig. 1 Embodiment shown purely by way of example, in which the sole part 2 has a one-piece structure, ie in particular a single-layer structure, e.g. B. be formed as a component forming an outer, midsole and inner sole. In a corresponding one-piece exemplary embodiment, the sole part 2 is thus typically produced with a running surface section 4 forming a running surface of the shoe 1.

The running surface section 4 can be formed at least in sections, if necessary completely, with a three-dimensional surface structure forming a running profile. As an alternative or in addition, the running surface section 4 can be designed or configured with a surface structuring that influences the rolling behavior of the shoe 1. become; such a can in particular be formed by one or more roundings. In an analogous manner, a three-dimensional surface structure can also be or will be formed at least in sections, possibly completely, in the area of an upper side of the sole part 2 which forms a footrest surface of the shoe 1 or which faces such an upper side; a corresponding surface structuring can positively influence the wearing properties of the shoe 1.

In a like in Fig. 2 The embodiment shown purely by way of example, in which the sole part 2 has a multi-part structure, that is to say in particular a multi-layer structure, the sole part 2 can be configured as a group of components comprising several components 2.1 - 2.3, which form an outer or middle or inner sole . become.

Although not shown in the figures, the shoe upper 3 can also have a one-part or multi-part construction, i. H. in particular have a single or multi-layer structure. The relevant statements in connection with the sole part 2 apply analogously.

In all the exemplary embodiments, the sole part 2 is formed or produced at least in sections, possibly completely, by at least in sections foaming an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material (hereinafter referred to as "TPE" for short). The sole part 2 is therefore generally a foamed injection-molded part made of a TPE that is produced in the context of an injection-molding process that includes a foaming process. The foamed and thus cellular structure of the sole part 2 gives it special structural properties, which result in special wear properties of the shoe 1; the combination of the inherently relatively soft TPE and the at least partially, possibly complete, foamed structure results, for B. in special damping or restoring properties of the sole part 2, which have a positive effect on the wearing properties of the shoe 1.

The sole part 2 can at least in sections, optionally completely, be designed as an integral foam structure (integral foam structure) or will have such a structure. A corresponding integral foam structure is typically characterized in that it has a density that decreases, in particular continuously, from the outside to the inside. Integral foam structures therefore typically have a cellular core and (almost) compact or massive edge areas. A corresponding integral foam structure is therefore expedient for the sole part 2, as both a tread of the sole part 2 facing a substrate when the shoe 1 is used as intended, and a surface (footrest area) of the wearer facing a foot of the wearer when the shoe 1 is used as intended Sole part 2 are designed or are compact and areas of the sole part 3 lying therebetween, which are therefore z. B. ensure special damping properties, are (largely) designed or are cellular. As explained in more detail below, it is also conceivable that a running surface of the sole part 2 facing a substrate when the shoe 1 is used as intended, that is, has different properties. H. in particular has different abrasion, damping, and softness properties than a surface (footrest surface) of the sole part 2 which faces a wearer's foot when the shoe 1 is used as intended.

In all the exemplary embodiments, a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA), a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), a thermoplastic olefin elastomer (TPO), a thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPS), a thermoplastic urethane elastomer (TPU), a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) or a TPE is used in all the exemplary embodiments Mixture of the above into consideration. The term "TPE" therefore includes pure TPEs as well as mixtures of chemically different TPEs. The sole part 2 can therefore in particular be formed from one of the aforementioned TPEs.

The TPE can be an at least partially, if necessary completely, recycled TPE. The TPE can therefore in particular be a material mixture of recycled TPE and non-recycled TPE. For a corresponding material mixture, the proportion by weight of the recycled TPE is in a range between 1 and 80%, in particular in a range between 1 and 70%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 60%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 50%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 40%, in particular in a range between 1 and 30%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 20%, further in particular in a range between 1 and 10%.

The use of recycled TPE represents an essential aspect of the possibility of a sustainable use of resources, both in terms of product technology and production technology.

If recycled TPE is used, it can in particular be a TPE that was obtained by recycling a corresponding sole part 2 made from a TPE. It is therefore possible that components of the shoe 1, d. H. in particular the sole part 2, can be recycled and used to manufacture a new shoe 1.

The sole part 2 can be formed by injecting a TPE loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical propellant into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool and performing at least one measure for at least partially foaming the TPE loaded with the at least one propellant. In principle, the at least one measure for at least partially foaming the TPE loaded with the at least one blowing agent can be a chemical and / or a physical foaming process.

As a measure for at least partially foaming the TPE loaded with the at least one blowing agent, e.g. B. a that Volume of the shaping cavity of the injection molding tool compared to a completely closed state of the injection molding tool increasing stroke movement of at least one tool element, in particular a tool mold half, of the injection molding tool relative to at least one further tool element, in particular a further tool mold half, of the injection molding tool. The use of at least one tool element that enables a corresponding lifting movement is conceivable.

The sole part 2 can - as in the following in connection with the in the Fig. 3 , 4th illustrated embodiments explained - be formed with at least partially different structural properties, in particular with at least partially different mechanical properties. The sole part 2 can therefore have different structural properties at least in sections, ie in particular different mechanical properties at least in sections. Different structural properties of the sole part 2 result in particular from a different degree of foaming of the TPE used to manufacture the sole part 2. As mentioned, it is particularly conceivable that a tread of the sole part 2 facing a ground when the shoe 1 is used as intended has different structural properties, ie in particular different abrasion, damping, and softness properties than a foot when the shoe 1 is used as intended surface facing a wearer (footrest surface).

The degree of foaming of the TPE used to produce the sole part 2 can generally be between a minimum degree of foaming, ie typically a degree of foaming of 0%, up to a maximum degree of foaming, in particular a material and / or process-specific, ie in particular a degree of foaming of approx. 80% , vary. It is therefore conceivable that the sole part (base) body 2 'has a first section 2.4 and at least one further section 2.5, the structural properties of the sole part (base) body 2' in the first section 2.4 differing from the structural properties Properties of the sole part (base) body 2 'differ in the at least one further section 2.5. The sole part 2 can in other words, for. B. be formed with a foam gradient or will be. Thus, in a comparatively simple manner in terms of process technology, namely z. B. by varying the stroke movement, which has a significant influence on the degree of foaming, and / or by varying the blowing agent concentration, to produce sole parts 2 with locally varying structural properties.

In the in Fig. 3 The embodiment shown purely by way of example is the sole part 2 in a first section forming a tread of the shoe 1 or facing a tread of the shoe 1 with a first degree of foaming and in a further section which does not form a tread of the shoe 1 or faces away from a tread of the shoe 1 with a the second degree of foaming different from the first degree of foaming be formed. The sole part 2 can therefore, for. B. in a first section forming a tread of the shoe 1 or facing a tread of the shoe 1 (essentially) compact, ie with a degree of foaming of less than 5%, in particular a degree of foaming of 0%, and in a no tread of the shoe 1 forming or a further section facing away from a running surface of the shoe 1 be or will be formed with a degree of foaming of at least 5%. In this embodiment, the sole part 2 can thus form a running surface with a correspondingly reduced degree of foaming in comparison, so that at least in sections, if necessary completely, the attachment of a separate running surface element can optionally be dispensed with. The compact design of the sole part 2 in the section forming a tread of the shoe 1 or facing a tread of the shoe 1 can, for. B. by means of a suitable mold temperature control, ie in particular a near-surface mold temperature control.

Alternatively or additionally, as in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4 Shown purely by way of example - correspondingly differently designed first and further sections 2.6-2.8 are or will be designed in the longitudinal direction of the sole part 2. Different structural properties, i. H. in particular mechanical properties, such as B. damping properties, e.g. B. in a first section 2.6 that can be assigned or assigned to a forefoot area, a second section 2.7 that can be assigned or assigned to a metatarsal area and a third section 2.8 of the sole part 2 that can be assigned or assigned to a heel area.

The sole part 2 can therefore generally in at least two different spatial directions, d. H. in particular in a horizontal and a vertical spatial direction, with itself in the structural properties, d. H. in particular mechanical properties, distinguishing structural sections 2.4 - 2.8 are or will be formed.

In all of the exemplary embodiments, the upper 3 can be made at least in sections, optionally completely, of a textile material, in particular a natural textile material, preferably a biodegradable, i.e. H. in particular compostable, textile material, be or will be. Corresponding textile materials can be used in particular as textile fabrics, i.e. H. in particular woven, knitted or crocheted fabrics are present. The upper 3 can therefore, for. B. be designed as a sock-like or sock-shaped textile fabric. Specific examples of suitable textile materials are natural fiber materials of vegetable or animal origin, such as. B. cotton, bast, leaf, hemp, wool, etc. If the textile material is a biodegradable or compostable textile material, the shoe upper, z. B. by composting, be disposed of biologically.

In all of the exemplary embodiments, the shoe upper 3 can be or can be detachably attached to the sole part 2, in particular separable by type, and vice versa. The fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 can therefore with regard to a pure separability or separation of the components of the shoe 1, ie in particular the shoe upper 3, the sole part 2 and possibly any fastening materials Attachment of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2, such as. B. sewing materials, so that a removal of the attachment of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2, ie a detachment of the shoe upper 3 from the sole part 2, a single type separation of the shoe upper 3 from the sole part 2 is possible. The single-type, separable fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 can also include a damage-free or non-destructive detachable fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2.

A shoe upper 3 can therefore, for. B. in the case of, e.g. B. required due to wear, replacement of the or a sole part 2 detached from the sole part 2 and connected to a new sole part 2. In this way, a shoe upper 3 can be reused to form a new shoe 1. Of course, a sole part 2 z. B. in the case of, e.g. B. required due to wear, replacement of the or a shoe upper 3 detached from the shoe upper 3 and connected to a new shoe upper 3. In this way, a sole part 3 can be reused to form a new shoe 1.

In principle, a user-specific configuration of a shoe 1 can also be implemented in this way, as the fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 on an existing shoe 1 and by fastening the existing shoe upper 3 to another sole part 2 - the same applies of course by fastening an existing sole part 2 on another shoe upper 3 - a new shoe 1 can be configured.

The upper 3 can be fastened to the sole part 2 by at least one form-fitting and / or force-fitting fastening type. For example, latching, snap, clamping, tensioning or plug connections are possible. Consequently, at least one fastening interface 5, 6 can be formed on the sole part 2 and / or on the shoe upper 3, which is set up with at least one corresponding fastening interface of the shoe upper 3 and / or sole part 2, forming an, in particular detachable, fastening of Upper 3 to interact with the sole part 2. A corresponding fastening interface can in particular be formed in one piece (monolithic) with the sole part 2.

A corresponding fastening interface 5 can, as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG Fig. 5 Shown purely by way of example - in the case of a form-fitting fastening - be or will be designed as a form-fitting element. A corresponding form-locking element is set up to interact with at least one corresponding form-locking element to form a form-locking fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 and vice versa, in particular releasable if necessary. A corresponding form-locking element can, for. B. be formed as a receiving area for receiving a, in particular undercut, projection or as, in particular undercut, projection. A corresponding recording area can, for. B. as a recess, opening, etc. in the sole part 2 or in the shoe upper part 3 or will be.

An in Fig. 6 Another exemplary embodiment shown purely by way of example provides that the upper 3 is or will be attached to the sole part 2, and vice versa, by sewing or sewing, and consequently by sewing. A sewing or sewing typically includes the formation of one or more seams which cause the upper 3 to be fastened to the sole part 2 and vice versa. The fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 by sewing can therefore be regarded as a preferred embodiment as it enables a stable, but if necessary relatively easily detachable and restorable fastening of the or a shoe upper 3 to the or a sole part 2.

The sole part 2 can have, in particular recess-like or recess-shaped, receiving areas 7 for receiving a yarn-like or -shaped sewing material 8, ie generally a linear textile structure, such as, for. B of a yarn. Appropriate Receiving areas 7 are or are typically formed in a tread or a section of the sole part (base) body 2 ′ that forms a tread of the shoe 1 or faces a tread of the shoe 1. Corresponding receiving areas 7 can be designed as groove-like recesses in the sole part (main body) 2 'extending at least in sections in a linear or grooved manner along a corresponding section of the sole part (base) body 2'. In this way, a corresponding sewing attachment can be designed in a comparatively simple manner. In addition, the sewing material 8 is protected from direct contact with a substrate when the shoe 1 is used, so that damage to the sewing material 8 caused by friction on a substrate, for example, can be largely prevented when the shoe 1 is used.

Likewise can - how Fig. 6 also shows purely by way of example - in the sole part (base) body 2 'one or more, z. B. channel-like or -shaped, lead-through areas 9 for carrying out a sewing material 8 through the sole part (base) body 2 'or will be formed. Corresponding lead-through areas 9 are typically arranged and aligned in such a way that they allow a suturing material 8 to be led through from a first fastening point or area, that is to say in particular a fastening point or formed on an underside of sole part 2 which forms a running surface of shoe 1 or which faces such an underside . - Area, to a second attachment point or area, ie in particular an attachment point or area arranged or formed on a footrest surface 12 of the sole part 2 or an upper side of the sole part 2 facing such. Corresponding lead-through areas 9 can for example be arranged or aligned extending vertically through the sole part (base) body 3 '.

Based on Fig. 6 It can also be seen that the sole part 2 can be designed with a fastening section 10 comprising one or more fastening interfaces 11 for fastening the upper 3 to the sole part 2 or can be. A fastening interface 11 can correspond to a fastening point or region mentioned above.

The fastening section 10 can be configured to extend in the region of an upper side of the sole part 2 which forms a footrest surface 12 of the sole part 2 or which faces such an upper side. The fastening section 10 can in particular be designed to run around the edge around the upper side of the sole part 2 which forms a footrest surface 12 of the sole part 2 or which faces such an upper side. In principle, continuously or discontinuously circumferential fastening sections 10 are conceivable.

See conceivable embodiments - as exemplified in Fig. 6 shown - before that the fastening section 10 is formed, preferably at the edge, extending circumferentially around the sole part 2. The fastening section 10 can therefore be or will be designed as a wall 13 at the edge, at least in sections, if necessary completely, forming a footrest surface 12 of the sole part 2 or extending circumferentially around an upper side of the sole part 2 facing such a surface, raised in relation to the footrest surface 12 of the sole part 2. The wall 13 can be designed or will be designed in such a way that it (also) delimits or (also) defines a foot support surface 12 of the sole part 2. The wall 13 can be formed in one piece (monolithically) with the sole part (base) body 2 '. The wall 13 can accordingly be or will be formed in particular in the injection molding process for producing the sole part 2 with the sole part (base) body 2 '. The wall 13 can, for. B. be or will be strip-like or -shaped.

Alternatively or in addition - albeit in Fig. 6 not shown - the fastening section 10 is or will be designed to be at least partially, possibly completely, flat in the area of the upper side of the sole part 2 which forms a footrest surface of the sole part 2 or which faces such an upper side. A correspondingly flat one Formation of the fastening section 10 can be provided, for example, for fastening a sock-like or sock-shaped shoe upper 3.

In Fig. 6 is also indicated purely schematically by way of example that a corresponding fastening interface 11 is or can be designed in particular as an opening in the wall 13 that can be penetrated by a sewing material 8, in particular an eyelet-like or -shaped opening.

In principle, it would also be conceivable - especially with the stipulation of a detachable attachment, as mentioned - as an alternative or in addition to a form-fitting and / or force-fitting attachment, a material attachment of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2, for example by gluing.

In Fig. 7 an embodiment is shown in which the fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 takes place in the course of an injection molding process. The fastening of the shoe upper 3 to the sole part 2 can therefore also take place in a (shaping) cavity of an injection molding tool. The sole part 2 and the shoe upper part 3 can therefore be formed in a single or multi-stage injection molding process. In this way, for example, but not exclusively, shoes 1, the shoe upper parts 3 of which are designed in the manner of a strap or strap, ie for example sandals, flip-flops, etc., can be produced.

The upper 3 of the shoe can be attached to the sole part 2 by molding an injection-moldable thermoplastic material forming the upper 3 onto the sole part 2 or by molding a TPE that forms the sole part 2 and is loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical propellant onto the upper 3 . The shoe upper 3 can accordingly be formed from an injection-moldable, in particular chemically similar to the TPE forming the sole part 2, thermoplastic material. Of course, it is conceivable that Sole part 2 and the shoe upper 3 are or will be formed from the same material.

The shoe upper 3 can in such an embodiment z. B. be provided as an insert that can be inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool, are inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool and the sole part 2 is molded onto the sole part 2, which forms the sole part 2 and is loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical blowing agent the upper 3 can be attached to the upper 3. Of course, the reverse procedure is also conceivable, so that the sole part 2 z. B. provided as an insert that can be inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool, inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool and the shoe upper 3 can be attached to the sole part 2 by injection molding onto the sole part 2.

In this context, it should also be mentioned that in a conceivable exemplary embodiment a separate running surface element forming an optionally profiled running surface of the shoe 1 is provided as an insert that can be inserted into a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool, is placed in a shaping cavity of an injection molding tool and the sole part 2 passes through Injection molding of the TPE that forms the sole part 2 and is loaded with at least one chemical and / or physical blowing agent onto the insert can be attached to the insert.

For all exemplary embodiments, the sole part 2 can be or can be designed with a surface design, in particular modeled after a footbed, in the area of an upper side that forms a footrest surface 12 of the sole part 2 or that faces it. In the area of its upper side, the sole part 2 can therefore be designed at least in sections, if necessary completely, with an ergonomic or (under) supporting surface design, ie in particular a footbed.

Fig. 8 shows a basic illustration of a flow chart of a method for producing a shoe 1 according to an embodiment.

• Herstellen oder Bereitstellen eines Sohlenteils, wobei das Sohlenteil zumindest abschnittsweise, gegebenenfalls vollständig, durch zumindest abschnittsweises Schäumen eines spritzgießbaren thermoplastischen Elastomermaterial hergestellt wird oder ist (Schritt S1);
• Herstellen oder Bereitstellen eines Schuhoberteils (Schritt S2); und
• Befestigen des Schuhoberteils an dem Sohlenteil unter Ausbildung des Schuhs (Schritt S3).

The process consists of the following main steps:

• Manufacture or provision of a sole part, the sole part being or is at least partially, optionally completely, by at least partially foaming an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material (step S1);
• Producing or providing a shoe upper (step S2); and
• Attaching the shoe upper to the sole part to form the shoe (step S3).

Individual, several or all aspects described in connection with a specific exemplary embodiment can be combined with individual, several or all aspects described in connection with at least one further exemplary embodiment.

Claims (15)

Shoe (1), comprising a sole part (2) forming a sole section of the shoe (1) and an upper part (3) which forms an upper part of the shoe and can be attached or attached to the sole part (2), characterized in that the sole part (2) is at least partially, if necessary completely, produced by at least partially foaming an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material and the shoe upper (3) can be attached or attached to the sole part (2) to form the shoe (1), in particular separable, detachable, and type. Shoe according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sole part (2) is designed, at least in sections, optionally completely, as an integral foam structure or has one. Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sole part (2) is produced with at least partially different structural properties, in particular with at least partially different mechanical properties. Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole part (2) in a first section forming a running surface of the shoe (1) or facing a running surface of the shoe (1) has different structural properties than in a non-running surface of the shoe (1) ) forming or a tread of the shoe (1) facing away from further section is made. Shoe according to Claim 4, characterized in that the sole part (2) has a first degree of foaming in a first section which forms a tread of the sole part (2) or which faces a tread of the shoe (1) and does not form a tread of the shoe (1) in one or a further section facing away from a tread of the shoe (1) is produced with a second degree of foaming which differs from the first degree of foaming. Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe upper (3) is attached to the sole part (2) by at least one form-fitting and / or force-fitting fastening type. Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper (3) is attached to the sole (2) by sewing. Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole part (2) is produced with, in particular recess-like or recess-shaped, receiving areas (7) for receiving a sewing material (8). Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole part (2) is produced with at least one fastening section (10) comprising one or more fastening interfaces (11). Shoe according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one fastening section (10) is designed to extend at least in sections, if necessary completely, in the area of a footrest surface (12) of the sole part (2) or an upper side of the sole part (2) facing such , wherein the at least one fastening section (10) is designed to extend circumferentially around the sole part (2), preferably at the edge, and / or the at least one fastening section (10) extends at least in sections, optionally completely, flat in the area of the one footrest surface (12 ) of the sole part (2) forming or such a facing upper side of the sole part (2) is formed extending. Shoe according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a fastening interface (11) is designed as an opening through which a sewing material (8) can pass. Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole part (2) is made at least partially from a recycled thermoplastic elastomer material. Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper (3) is made at least in sections, optionally completely, from a textile material, in particular a natural textile material, preferably a compostable textile material. Sole part (2) for a shoe (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole part (2) at least in sections, optionally completely, through at least section-wise foaming of an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material is produced. A method for producing a shoe (1), comprising a sole part (2) forming a sole section of the shoe (1) and an upper part (3) which forms an upper part of the shoe and can be attached or attached to the sole part (2), characterized by the steps:
Manufacture or provision of a sole part (2), the sole part (2) being or is at least partially, optionally completely, by at least partially foaming an injection-moldable thermoplastic elastomer material; - producing or providing a shoe upper (3); - Attaching the shoe upper (3) to the sole part (2) while forming the shoe (1).

Images