BERARDI, Dino (Corso Vendemini 4, Savignano Sul Rubicone, I-47039, IT)
Claims
1. A shoe suitable for football or five-a-side football comprising an upper (2) which helps to form an inner compartment (4) suitable for accommodating a user's foot, the upper (2) comprising:
- a first side (21) and a second side (22) ;
- an upper portion (23) at least partly connecting the first and second sides (21, 22) ; the shoe being characterised in that it comprises a plurality of inserts (5) which:
- are inserted in corresponding casings (50) which are spaced out and are made between the compartment (4) and the outer surface (20) of the upper (2) ; - extend in a straight line transversal to the heel (24) - toe (25) direction of the shoe (1) ;
- create corresponding rounded projections (53) of the outer surface (20) of the upper (2); at least one of the inserts (5) extending from the first side (21) to the second side (22) of the upper (2), passing across the upper portion (23) of the upper (2) .
2. The shoe according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one/each of the inserts (5) extends substantially along the whole length of the corresponding casing (50) .
3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one/each of the inserts (5) is made in a single body.
4. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterised in that at least one/each of the inserts (5) extending from the first side (21) to the second side (22) of the upper (2) is made in a single body.
5. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least two of the insert (5) extend from the first side (21) to the second side (22) of the upper (2) passing across the upper portion (23) of the upper (2) .
6. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that starting from the toe (25) and moving towards the heel (24) of the shoe (1) at least the first two inserts (5) extend from the first side (21) to the second side (22) of the upper (2) passing across the upper portion (23) of the upper (2) .
7. The shoe according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that a plurality of the inserts (5) extending from the first side (21) to the second side (22) of the upper (2) and inserted in corresponding casings (50) are separate from each other and are each made in a single body.
8. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises a sole (3) to which the upper (2) is connected.
9. The shoe according to claim 8, characterised in that at least one of the inserts (5) extends between its first and second ends (51, 52) , the first end (51) being close to the join (54a) between the first side (21) of the upper (2) and the sole (3) , the second end (52) being close to the join (54b) between the second side (22) and the sole (3) .
10. The shoe according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that at least two of the inserts (5) extend between their first and second ends (51, 52), the first end (51) being close to the join (54a) between the first side (21) of the upper (2) and the sole (3) , the second end (52) being close to the join (54b) between the second side (22) and the sole (3).
11. The shoe according to any of the claims from 8 to 10, characterised in that at least two of the inserts (5) are positioned along the first side (21) and extend between the join (54a) between the first side (21) and the sole (3) and the opening (26) in the upper (2) intended for insertion of the foot in the inner compartment (4) .
12. The shoe according to any of the claims from 8 to 11, characterised in that at least two of the inserts (5) are positioned along the second side (22) and extend between the join (54b) between the second side (22) and the sole (3) and the opening (26) in the upper (2) intended for insertion of the foot in the inner compartment (4) .
13. The shoe according to any of the claims from 8 to 12, characterised in that the upper (2) comprises eyestays (27), at least two of the inserts (5) being positioned along the first side (21) and extending between the join (54a) between the first side (21) and the sole (3) and the eyestays (27) .
14. The shoe according to any of the claims from 8 to 13, characterised in that at least two of the inserts (5) are positioned along the second side (22) and extend between the join (54b) between the second side (22) and the sole (3) and the eyestays (27) .
15. The shoe according to any of the claims from 8 to 14, characterised in that the sole (3) comprises a plurality of studs .
16. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one insert (5) extends only along the first side (21) or only along the second side (22) of the upper (2) .
17. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least two of the inserts (5) extend parallel with each other, said at least two inserts (5) which extend parallel with each other being side by side.
18. The shoe according to claim 17, when it depends directly or indirectly on claim 5, characterised in that at least two of the inserts (5) extending from the first side (21) to the second side (22) of the upper (2) extend along planes which are parallel with each other.
19. The shoe according to claim 18, characterised in that the planes which are parallel with each other are set at an angle of between 18° and 20° relative to a surface (500) supporting the shoe (1) .
20. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one insert (5) is positioned close to the toe (25) of the shoe (1) •
21. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one insert (5) is positioned close to the heel (24) of the shoe (1) .
22. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the inserts (5) are distributed at predetermined intervals from the heel (24) to the toe (25) of the shoe (1) along the first side (21) .
23. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the inserts (5) are distributed at predetermined intervals from the heel (24) to the toe (25) of the shoe (1) along the second side (22) .
24. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one/each insert (5) has a cross-section (55) at a right angle to its linear extension which is constant along the linear extension of the insert (5) .
25. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one/each insert (5) comprises a tubular element extending transversally to the heel (24) - toe (25) direction of the shoe (1) .
26. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one/each insert (5) comprises a groove (57) extending along the insert (5) , the groove (57) facing towards the inner compartment (4) .
27. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one/each insert (5) is made of a material which is at least partly elastic and is suitable for storing elastic potential energy during a first step of the contact between the shoe (1) and a ball, returning the energy during a second step of the contact between the shoe (1) and the ball, the second step coming immediately after the first step.
28. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one/each insert (5) is made of plastic material or rubber.
29. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the space interposed between at least ' two casings (50) is between 1 and 4 centimetres.
30. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the thickness of the inserts (5) along the heel (24) - toe (25) direction of the shoe (1) is between 0.5 and 1.5 centimetres.
31. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the upper (2) comprises a layer (59) of material below the outer surface (20) of the upper (2), the inserts (5) being interposed between the outer surface (20) of the upper (2) and the layer (59) of material.
32. The shoe according to claim 31, characterised in that it comprises seams (58) which connect the outer surface (20) of the upper (2) and the layer (59) of material to form at least one/each casing (50) containing a corresponding insert (5). 1
33. The shoe according to claim 32, characterised in that the at least one/each casing (50) is delimited by two seams (58) which extend parallel with each other.
34. The shoe according to claim 32 or 33, characterised in that at a right angle to the linear extension of the insert
(5) the distance between the seams (58) of the same casing (50) is the same for each casing (50) .
35. The shoe according to claim 32 or 33 or 34, characterised in that the distance between two seams (58) of each casing (50) is between 5 mm and 10 mm.
36. The shoe according to any of the claims from 32 to 35, characterised in that the seams (58) forming the casings (50) for the inserts (5) are a different colour to the upper.
37. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the outer surface (20) of the upper (2) is at least partly made of leather.
38. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that, with the heat from the foot, at least one/each insert (5) expands, accentuating the corresponding rounded projection (53) .
39. The shoe according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises holes (60) in the outer surface (20) of the upper (2) along at least one/each projection (53) for optimising heat exchange between at least one/each insert (5) and the outside environment. |
Description
Shoe
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a shoe, particularly suitable for playing football or five-a-side football, sports which are widespread and enjoyed in many countries around the world, for example European nations . In football or five-a-side football ball control by the player's feet is a very important variable.
Background Art
To improve ball control above all in the event of rain, there are prior art shoes with rubber protuberances applied on the outside of the upper. For example, said protuberances are applied by gluing, creating protrusions and projections close to the toe of the shoe.
The football shoes described above have several disadvantages.
In particular, in such shoes the rubber inserts are directly visible and as well as being unsightly there could be the risk of them coming unstuck, separating from the upper.
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention has for an aim to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.
The present invention also has for an aim to provide a shoe suitable for playing football and five-a-side football which is particularly strong to optimise ball control and at the same time improve shooting power.
Another aim of the present invention is to provide a shoe suitable for playing football and five-a-side football which allows an improved assembly speed.
These aims and others, which are more apparent in the description which follows, are achieved, in accordance with
the present invention, by a football shoe with the structural and functional features described in the appended independent claims . Alternative embodiments of the shoe are described in the corresponding appended dependent claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention is described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of a shoe according to the present invention; Figures 3 and 4 are the two side views of a shoe according to the present invention;
Figures 5 and 6 are partial views, in cross-section, of a detail of the upper of the shoe according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
The present invention relates to a football or five-aside football shoe, labelled 1 by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention in the accompanying drawings. Although the shoe 1 was designed and developed specifically for football applications, the shoe 1 could also be used as a walking shoe. The shoe 1 comprises an upper 2 which helps to form an inner compartment 4 suitable for accommodating a user's foot. In particular, the inner compartment 4 is formed by the combination of the upper 2 and a sole 3.
The upper 2 comprises:
- a first side 21 and a second side 22; - an upper portion 23 at least partly connecting the first and second sides 21, 22.
The shoe 1 comprises a plurality of inserts 5 which:
- are inserted in corresponding casings 50 which are spaced out and are made between the compartment 4 and the outer surface 20 of the upper 2;
- extend in a straight line transversal to the heel 24 - toe 25 direction of the shoe 1;
- create corresponding rounded projections 53 of the outer surface 20 of the upper 2.
As shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the casing 50 completely surrounds the corresponding insert 5.
At least one of the inserts 5 extends from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2, passing across the upper portion 23 of the upper 2. The casings 50 are made in the upper 2. At least one, but preferably each insert 5 extends substantially along the entire length of the corresponding casing 50. The casing 50 is in close contact with the corresponding insert 5 and holds it stably in position.
It is important that the casings 50 are spaced out because if they were right next to each other the projections 53 would be right alongside each other, creating a more even surface which would partly cancel out the effect of the projections 53. Moreover, if the projections 53 were right alongside each other, when playing on wet or muddy ground, it is more likely that the space between one projection 53 and the next would become full of mud and rendered inefficient. In general, the projections 53 improve ball control, providing greater precision and reliability when shooting and passing. Moreover, the projections 53 increase the effect generated on the ball when it is struck with the inside or outside of the foot.
At least one, preferably each of the inserts 5 is made in a single body. This allows a fast shoe 1 assembly speed, since only one insert 5 is inserted in each casing 50. At least one of the inserts 5, extending from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2, is made in a single body.
At least two of the inserts 5 extend from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2, passing across the upper portion 23 of the upper 2.
Starting from the toe 25 and moving towards the heel 24, at least the first two inserts 5 extend from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2, passing across the upper portion 23 of the upper 2.
A plurality of the inserts 5 extending from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2 and inserted in corresponding casings 50 are separate from each other and are each made in a single body. Preferably, each of the inserts 5 extending from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2 is made in a single body.
Advantageously, the shoe 1 comprises a sole 3 to which the upper 2 is connected. The upper 2 and the sole 3 are usually joined by stitching and/or gluing.
The following is a description of a set of devices which allow an increase in the likelihood of contact between the projections 53 and the ball. The Applicant has ascertained that a correct distribution of the projections 53 along the surface of the shoe 1 is very important for optimising ball control.
At least one of the inserts 5 extends between its first and second ends 51, 52, the first end 51 being close to the join 54a between the first side 21 of the upper 2 and the sole 3, the second end 52 being close to the join 54b between the second side 22 and the sole 3.
At least two of the inserts 5 extend between their first and second ends 51, 52, the first end 51 being close to the join 54a between the first side 21 of the upper 2 and the sole 3, the second end 52 being close to the join 54b between the second side 22 and the sole 3. In this way, the sole 3 and the inserts 5 create a supporting frame for the upper 2, facilitating distribution of the force and making a kick more efficient not just in terms of precision, but also power output .
At least two of the inserts 5 are positioned along the
first side 21 and extend between the join 54a between the first side 21 and the sole 3 and the opening 26 in the upper 2 intended for insertion of the foot into the inner compartment 4. At least two of the inserts 5 are positioned along the second side 22 and extend between the join 54b between the second side 22 and the sole 3 and the opening 26 in the upper 2 intended for insertion of the foot into the inner compartment 4. The upper 2 comprises eyestays 27, at least two of the inserts 5 being positioned along the first side 21 and extending between the join 54a between the first side 21 and the sole 3 and the eyestays 27.
At least two of the inserts 5 are positioned along the second side 22 and extend between the join 54b between the second side 22 and the sole 3 and the eyestays 27.
Advantageously, the sole 3 comprises a plurality of studs. These studs may be more or less pronounced, but are important to improve the grip between the shoe and the ground, above all, on grass.
As shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 4, at least one insert 5 extends only along the first side 21 or only along the second side 22 of the upper 2.
Preferably, at least two of the inserts 5 extend parallel with each other, said at least two inserts 5 which extend parallel with each other being side by side. This means that the inserts 5 which are close to each other can strike the ball with the same angle of impact, applying a similar action to the ball. In this way, the tangential tensions which allow the ball to be directed in a more refined way are applied on lines which substantially have a similar shape irrespective of the point of contact between the shoe and the ball. This consideration suggests that one may learn to kick a ball precisely in an easier and faster way using the shoe 1 according to the invention.
At least two of the inserts 5 extending from the first side 21 to the second side 22 of the upper 2 extend along
planes which are parallel with each other.
The parallel planes are set at an angle of between 20° and 80° relative to a surface 500 supporting the shoe 1.
At least one insert 5 is positioned close to the toe 25 of the shoe 1.
At least one insert 5 is positioned close to the heel 24 of the shoe 1.
The inserts 5 are distributed at predetermined intervals from the heel 24 to the toe 25 of the shoe 1 along the first side 21.
The inserts 5 are distributed at predetermined intervals from the heel 24 to the toe 25 of the shoe 1 along the second side 22.
At least one/each insert 5 has a constant cross-section 55 along the linear extension of the insert 5. That cross- section 55 is measured at a right angle to the extension of the insert 5. The shape and dimensions of the cross-section 55 are therefore substantially constant.
At least one/each insert 5 is made of material which is at least partly elastic and is suitable for storing elastic potential energy during a first step of the contact between the shoe 1 and the ball, returning the energy during a second step of the contact between the shoe 1 and the ball, this second step coming immediately after the first step. In this way, the speed of the ball is increased, particularly when it is struck with the laces.
Advantageously, at least one/each insert 5 is made of plastic material or rubber. Advantageously, at least one/each insert 5 is made of semi-rigid material. In particular, said at least one/each insert 5 may be folded to adapt to the shape of its casing 50. At least one/each insert 5 comprises a tubular element extending transversally to the heel 24 - toe 25 direction of the shoe 1.
At least one/each insert 5 comprises a groove 57 extending along the insert 5, the groove 57 facing towards the inner compartment 4. The tubular shape or the groove 57 of the insert 5 promotes the at least partially elastic
deformation of the insert 5.
Advantageously, the space interposed between at least two casings 50 is between 1 and 4 centimetres.
The width of the inserts 5 measured along the heel 24 - toe 25 direction of the shoe 1 is between 0.5 and 1.5 centimetres .
Advantageously, the upper 2 comprises a layer 59 of material below the outer surface 20 of the upper 2, the inserts 5 being interposed between the outer surface 20 of the upper 2 and the layer 59 of material.
The shoe 1 may comprise a lining 590 delimiting the inner compartment 4. Advantageously, the lining 590 is in direct contact with the layer of material 59. In at least some portions of the upper 2 between the lining 590 and the outer surface 20 of the upper 2 there may be a layer of foam rubber .
The shoe 1 comprises seams 58 which connect the outer surface 20 of the upper 2 and the layer 59 of material to form at least one/each casing 50 which contains a corresponding insert 5. This embodiment allows the casings
50 to be produced extremely rapidly.
At least one/each casing 50 is delimited by two seams 58 which extend parallel with each other.
In the preferred embodiment, at a right angle to the linear extension of the insert 5 the distance between the seams 58 of the same casing 50 is the same for each casing 50.
The distance between the seams 58 of each casing 50 is between 5 mm and 10 mm. The seams 58 which form the casings 50 for the -inserts 5 are a different colour to the upper.
The outer surface 20 of the upper 2 is at least partly made of leather. This allows the shoe 1 to have a very attractive appearance. Moreover, the leather allows an excellent friction coefficient with the ball. Advantageously, the outer surface 20 of the upper 2 is at least partly painted, preferably with a type of paint (known
to experts in the field) able to improve the friction coefficient between the shoe 1 and the ball.
In one particular embodiment, with the heat from the foot, at least one/each insert 5 expands, accentuating the corresponding rounded projection 53.
Advantageously, with the heat from the foot, at least one/each insert 5 is moulded, ergonomically adapting to the shape of the foot. To optimise the heat exchange between at least one/each insert 5 and the outside environment, holes 60 are made in the outer surface 20 of the upper 2 along at least one/each projection 53.
The invention brings important advantages.
First, it allows optimisation of ball control and striking power without compromising the appearance of the shoe 1 and camouflages the inserts below the outer surface 20 of the upper 2.
Another important advantage is assembly speed.
The details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all of the materials used, as well as the dimensions may vary according to requirements.