Studded shoe

1.

<b>Technical field</b>

0001The present invention relates to a modular studded shoe and its components.

2.

<b>The prior art</b>

0002Similar to other sports shoes, studded shoes, such as soccer shoes, are nowadays mass products of the industry. In the early days of soccer, soccer shoes were individually manufactured by a craftsman. The shoe maker did not only take into account the specific anatomy of the player but also his preferences concerning for example the selection of materials or the outer design of the shoe. Mass produced soccer shoes, however, apart from being provided in a series of predetermined sizes generally have the same properties such as color, shape, hardness of the sole etc.. An individual adaptation to anatomic requirements and aesthetic preferences of the player is, if at all, only possible to a limited extent.

0003Several approaches are known in the prior art to provide exchangeable studs, which allow the adaptation of the gripping properties of a studded shoe to changing ground conditions. As an example for the large number of constructions known in the prior art, the well-known screw studs are mentioned, wherein the stud comprises a screw-like projection, which is releasably screwed into the threads contained in the recess of the shoe sole.

0004Apart from the exchange of studs, there are no possibilities for an individual adaptation of a studded shoe, such as a soccer shoe. On the contrary, it is a firm belief in the prior art that a studded shoe, which is subjected to high mechanical loads during use, has to be provided as a compact and stable arrangement of permanently interconnected components (sole, upper, etc.). Only the studs can be replaced in the described manner or an additional inlay sole may be used. Properties such as the shape, the hardness, the weight of the sole as well as properties of the upper, such a the lacing system used, its ventilation properties or - in case of soccer shoes - structural elements on the upper for improving the accuracy of a shot, are not adaptable until now. This distinguishes studded shoes fundamentally from other types of shoes, for example dress shoes for women, for which a kind of toolbox system is known from the DE 202 08 713 U1.

0005The DE 2 216 252 discloses a sports shoe, wherein the upper is directly attached to a rigid sole element. The sole element comprises threads for releasably attaching spikes.

0006The DE 697 10 156 T2 discloses a method for the assembly of a shoe on a frame of a sports device. A unit comprising the upper and an insert is initially preassembled before being permanently attached to a mounting sole using nails or a glue. Finally, the assembly is attached to a chassis, which serves as a frame for receiving wheels of an inline skate or the blade of an ice-skate.

0007In view of the prior art, it has been found that there is a considerable need for possibilities to individualize studded shoes to a greater extent for taking biomechanical requirements or aesthetic preferences of a player into account. The present invention is therefore based on the problem to provide a studded shoe which can be better adapted to the requirements and preferences of a player than constructions known in the prior art.

3.

<b>Summary of the invention</b>

0008This problem is solved by a studded shoe comprising a sock-like upper with an upper side and a lower side, a chassis releasably arranged in the interior of the upper and a plurality of studs, wherein each stud is releasably attached to the chassis through the lower side of the sock-like upper.

The studded shoe according to the invention therefore comprises three essential components:

0009The upper, which is preferably shaped like a sock and which preferably encompasses the foot from all sides, forms the first module. However, in contrast to studded shoes of the prior art, the upper is not permanently glued, welded or stitched to an outsole or a similar sole layer. Instead, a releasable chassis is arranged as a second module within the upper. Preferably, the chassis loosely contacts the lower side of the upper without a permanent attachment. A stable studded shoe is created only by the interconnection to the plurality of studs, which are attached to the chassis through the lower side of the upper. The lower side of the sock-like upper is preferably clamped between the chassis and at least one of the plurality of attached studs.

0010The described modular construction of a studded shoe leads to a great number of advantages for both, the manufacturer and the athlete. The unlimited number of combinations of various embodiments of the three releasably combined modules, i.e. upper, chassis and stud, allow the modification of the design and the technical properties of the studded shoe to a great extent. For example the replacement of the sock-like upper allows the use of different colors and patterns as well as the use of thicker or thinner embodiments depending on the season. Even a complete individualization is conceivable by imprinting the upper with a unique pattern or lettering for the individual athlete, for example its signature. It is also possible to use different materials for the upper, which lead to different properties during ball contact with the instep.

0011The releasable chassis substantially determines the mechanical properties of the studded shoe. For example, it is conceivable to use a chassis of different hardness depending on the ground conditions. Furthermore, the thickness of the chassis can influence the position of the foot inside the shoe. In another embodiment of the invention, the shape of the upper side of the chassis can be custom made in accordance with the wearer's foot, as for example determined by a three-dimensional scan. Also the material properties of the chassis may be individualized to take the individual needs of a wearer into account.

0012The studs, finally, i.e. their shape and arrangement, determine the gripping properties of the studded shoe. In contrast to the prior art, the attachment of the studs provides additionally a rigid but releasable interconnection between the three modules of the studded shoe, i.e. the upper, the chassis and the studs. It has been found that a studded shoe having the above described modular design has in contrast to the mentioned prejudice in the prior art indeed the necessary stability to permanently withstand the arising loads during running and shooting a ball.

0013From the perspective of the manufacturer the described modular design facilitates the production of the studded shoe. Instead of a complete shoe only three modules are produced which are later selected and assembled by the customer. Gluing, welding or sewing the components of the shoe is no longer necessary, which reduces the number of production steps. Furthermore, there are no toxic solvent vapors involved in the manufacture of the shoe, which is always a problem with respect to the environment.

0014Preferably, the sock-like upper comprises a reinforcement in the heel part and/or in the toe part. This avoids a premature abrasion of the upper in these parts, which are subjected to increased wear. The lower side of the sock-like upper comprises preferably a coating which reduces the adhesion of dirt. Such coatings are today well-known from many fields of technology.

0015In a particularly preferred embodiment, a seal is additionally arranged which avoids the penetration of dirt into the interior of the sock-like upper through its lower side. The seal is preferably arranged at the topmost rim of each of the plurality of studs.

0016Thus, the opening in the lower side of the upper through which one or more studs are releasably attached to the chassis is effectively sealed against humidity or dirt particles on the playing field. Stud systems of the prior art, wherein the mounting mechanism is arranged outside of the interior of the upper, do generally not comprise such a seal.

0017According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a stud for the above described studded shoe comprising a stud body for penetrating the ground, first mounting means, which are provided for interacting with second mounting means of a chassis releasably arranged in the interior of an upper, and a seal which seals the interior of the upper on its lower side. Due to its seal, such a stud is particularly adapted to be used in connection with the above described modular studded shoe, since humidity and dirt cannot reach the interior of the upper.

0018The first mounting means of the stud is preferably designed so that it can mate with the second mounting means of the chassis. As a result, the stud can be attached to the chassis in a manner secured against rotation. To this end the stud body comprises preferably an oblong recess, which can be engaged by a corresponding projection of the second mounting means.

0019According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a chassis for a releasable interconnection with an upper and a plurality of studs to provide the above described modular studded shoe, comprising a plurality of projections which are preferably horizontally oblong and which are adapted to extend through openings in the lower side of the upper. Preferably, the plurality of projections are designed to correspond in shape to the studs so that each can mate with a corresponding recess in the respective stud. Finally, the present invention relates to a sock-like upper for a releasable interconnection with a chassis and a plurality of studs to provide the above described modular studded shoe, comprising an upper side and a lower side, which extends at least partly below the foot, and a plurality of openings which are preferably horizontally oblong for a plurality of projections of the discussed chassis.

0020Further advantageous improvements of the modular studded shoe, the stud, the chassis and the upper according to the invention are the subject matter of further dependent claims.

4.

<b>Short description of the drawings</b>

0021In the following detailed description presently preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings: <dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1:</dt><dd>an overall view of the components of the modular studded shoe in a first embodiment of the invention;</dd><dt>Fig. 2:</dt><dd>a detailed representation of the chassis according to a preferred embodiment;</dd><dt>Fig. 3:</dt><dd>a detailed representation of a mounting projection of the chassis in a further embodiment;</dd><dt>Fig. 4:</dt><dd>a detailed representation of a preferred embodiment of the upper of the shoe; and</dd></dl><dl id="dl0002" compact="compact"><dt>Figs. 5a, 5b:</dt><dd>preferred embodiments of the studs according to the invention.</dd></dl>

5.

<b>Detailed description of preferred embodiments</b>

0022Figure 1 presents an overall view of the modular design of a studded shoe in a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. The embodiment concerns a soccer shoe, which is described in more detail below. However, it is to be understood that the present invention covers also other types of studded shoes such as spiked track and field shoes and footwear used for grass and turf based sports such as golf, rugby, hockey, American football, baseball or the like.

0023A chassis 10 is at first arranged in the interior of a flexible upper 1. Further sole layers may be arranged on top of the chassis 10, for example the insole 20 shown in Figure 1. Insole 20 is preferably made from a foamed material such as EVA for cushioning. Further, it is conceivable to arrange additional sole layers within the upper 1 below the chassis 10. All sole layers are preferably without connection and only loosely arranged on top of each other in the interior of the upper. However, a preliminary fixation of the sole layers with respect to each other is also possible, for example using one or more hook and loop fasteners (such as those sold under the trade name Velcro®). Alternatively, it is also possible to combine two or more elements, such as the chassis 10 and an additional sock-liner (not shown) into a single element.

0024The upper 1 provides the mentioned interior by comprising an upper side 2 as well as a lower side 3, which at least partly encompasses the foot like a sock. Several openings 4 are provided in the lower side 3. The arrangement of these openings corresponds to the distribution of a plurality of separately arranged studs 30 on the lower side 3. As indicated by the dashed line in Figure 1, each stud 30 is releasably but rigidly interconnected to the chassis 10 by means of a screw 31 extending through one of the openings 4 in the lower side of the upper 1. Apart from the use of a screw 31, also other mounting means are conceivable, for example a clipping connection as described in the application DE 101 18 986 A1 of applicant or even a magnetic attachment according to the patent DE 102 41 153 of applicant.

0025Due to the attachment of the plurality of studs 30 to the chassis 10, the modular soccer shoe obtains the required stability. All further sole layers between the chassis 10 and the stud 30 (not shown) are immobilized as well as the lower side of the upper 1, which is in the embodiment of Figure 1 directly clamped between the stud 30 and the chassis 10. As a result; a soccer shoe is obtained, which is on the one hand modular and which has on the other hand the same stability as a known soccer shoe made from a plurality of permanently interconnected components.

0026In addition to the upper 1, further elements of the shoe (not shown) may be held in place between the studs 30 and the chassis 10, for example an external torsion bar, an external heel counter and / or an exchangeable sole plate below the upper to protect against abrasion, wherein these optional shoe elements are also removable and therefore customizable similar to the studs 30 and the chassis 10.

0027In the following, the individual components of the modular soccer shoe shown in Figure 1 are further explained.

0028The chassis 10 provides the necessary stability for the shoe. In other words, this module forms the spine for the overall shoe. To this end, the chassis is preferably made from stable plastic materials such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or from carbon fibers. Conceivable is also the use of a thin metal plate or a composite material. Since the chassis is an exchangeable module of the overall soccer shoe, the player can adapt the mechanical properties by using a different chassis according to his needs and/or the outer conditions. For example it is conceivable to produce several chassis' having different hardnesses or a different weight in order to meet these requirements. Further, variations in the shape of the chassis (in case of an identical shoe size) are possible, for example to adapt to narrower or wider feet or the provision of a plurality of chassis' with different flex zones.

0029The chassis 10, which is shown enlarged in Figure 2, comprises on its lower side a plurality of mounting means 11 which are provided as preferably essentially horizontally extending, oblong projections. The projections 11 extend through the openings in the lower side 3 of the upper 1 and serve to anchor the studs 30. The shape of the projections corresponds substantially to the shape of the openings 4. During assembly of the modular soccer shoe, the chassis is therefore preliminary maintained in the correct position even before the attachment of the studs. In the preferred embodiment of the figures, the projections 11 and the opening 4 are both preferably horizontally oblong and comprise a taper, preferably at their ends, wherein sufficient play is available so that the projections 11 can easily penetrate the openings 4.

0030The studs 30 are attached to the projections 11. In the preferred embodiment, each stud 30 comprises a recess, which is designed to correspond in shape so that it can mate with the respective projection 11 of the chassis 10. This provides a anchoring of the stud to the chassis, which is secured against rotation. This is particularly important, if studs are used which are not rotationally symmetric but which are oblong or asymmetric, so that a correct orientation is relevant. This is shown in Figure 2, where it can be seen that the oblong projections 11 have a different orientation depending on their position on the chassis 10.

0031Furthermore, it is conceivable to individually design the projections so that only one stud 30 fits to the corresponding projection 11. This is preferable, if the studs 30 are not only differently oriented at different positions of the chassis but also comprise an individual shape. In this case the use of numbers or color coding can facilitate the assignment during assembly of the modular soccer shoe. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a projection 11, which unambiguously defines the orientation of the corresponding stud due to its shoulders of different length. In the two presented preferred embodiments metallic threads 12 are preferably arranged in the center of each projection 11, which can be engaged by the screw 31 of the stud 30 Each screw 31 preferably extends through a recess in the stud, which can be either threaded or non-threaded.

0032Finally, a further embodiment is conceivable, wherein the chassis 10 does not comprise projections and wherein instead each stud 30 has an upper projection (not shown) extending through the opening 4 on the lower side of the upper and engaging a recess of the chassis 10, which is designed to correspond in shape so that it can mate with the projection of the stud 30. Also in this embodiment a sufficient stability of the shoe is assured by clamping the lower side of the upper of the shoe between the stud and the chassis. In a further modification neither the chassis 10 nor the stud 30 comprise a projection. Only the screw 31 or another mounting means penetrates the opening 4 and anchors the stud to the chassis. Such a simplified embodiment is for example preferred for rotationally symmetric screw studs, as for example shown in Figure 5b, where it is not necessary to affix the stud in a certain orientation due to its symmetric shape.

0033Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the upper 1. This module can be provided like a common upper of a shoe. Known materials such as (artificial) leather, a fabric, net materials or the like may be used. Although Figure 4 shows a continuous upper, the upper side of the upper may also comprise a plurality of openings, for example for ventilation. Using laces 7 or other means the upper can be attached to the foot.

0034However, whereas known uppers only encompass the foot from above and on the sides, the upper 1 according to the invention comprises additionally a lower side 3, which at least partly encompasses the foot from below. As a result, the upper has its sock-like shape. Apart from the already mentioned openings 4 for attaching the studs, the lower side 3 may have further openings (not shown), for example for an improved ventilation of the interior of the shoe.

0035Figure 4 shows additional reinforcing elements 5, which are arranged in the front and the heel part of the upper of the shoe. A premature abrasion of these regions of the upper, which are subjected to increased wear, is thereby avoided. The reinforcing elements may be provided by plastic materials such as TPU, which are glued or injected onto the upper or by further material layers which are sewn onto the upper or by any other method connected thereto.

0036Furthermore, the lower side 3 of the upper comprises preferably a coating 6 which serves to avoid the adhesion of dirt. This coating may for example be made from PTFE based materials such as that sold under the trade mark Teflon®. In Figure 4 , the coating 6 is schematically indicated by the coarse hatch on the lower side 3. Furthermore, it is conceivable to protect not only the ends of the lower side but also the other regions against a premature wear by applying a particular abrasion-resisting coating.

0037Figures 5a and 5b present examples of preferred embodiments of studs 30, wherein Figure 5a presents an oblong stud and Figure 5b a rotationally symmetric stud 30, which is already attached to the chassis. Both studs preferably comprise a seal 32 which in the mounted state contacts the lower side 3 of the upper. Due to the contact pressure of the stud 30 against the chassis and thereby against the clamped lower side of the upper, the seal 32 is slightly compressed and reliably seals the opening 4 against the penetration of humidity and dirt. The seal 32 can for example be provided as a circumferential sealing lip, as shown in Figure 5a, or as a sealing ring of the embodiment of Figure 5b. Alternatively, the seal can be arranged on the lower side 3 of the upper 1 of the shoe (not shown) or be arranged around the projections 11 of the chassis 10 (not shown).

0038In addition to the positive fit to the projection 11, the stud of the embodiment of Figure 5a is anchored to the chassis 10 by means of the screw 31. In this context it is possible to arrange the head of the screw 31 so that it is sunk into the stud or to use it as an additional profile element, which exceeds the stud body 33 in a downward direction. Preferably, the screw 31 and in particular its head are made from a stable material such as a metal or a highly stable plastic material to avoid any damage which could impair or render impossible the disassembly of the modular soccer shoe.

0039Conversely, it is also possible to arrange only threads inside the stud, which are engaged by a screw or a similar mounting means extending from the chassis. The possibility of fundamentally different mounting means for the studs 30 (clipping or a magnetic fixation) was already mentioned above.

0040In the embodiment of Figure 5b, the stud comprises notches 35 on the side, which can be engaged by a suitable tool for mounting or detaching. To avoid a premature wear, the outermost region 34 of the stud of this embodiment is made from a metal, preferably aluminum. Other materials, such as ceramics and suitable plastics are also conceivable.

0041The described modular design of the soccer shoe according to the invention allows the possibility of offering individual modules (upper, chassis, studs) independently from each other so that the player himself can build his shoe. A customer could for example interactively select the individual components on a web-site on the internet wherein the selected combination of modules or only single modules can subsequently be ordered. However, the components of the studded shoe of the invention can also be sold by retail shops, providing in addition the option for a custom manufacture of the components, in particular the chassis and the upper. In addition, retail shops could collect used components of the described shoe. Due to its modular design, a used shoe can easily be separated into its components, which are made from substantially only one material (for example the upper being made from leather, the chassis being made from a composite material and the metal studs). Accordingly, the studded shoe of the invention facilitates also its recycling.