Upper with Membrane Regions

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2024 112 531.4, filed May 3, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to an upper for an article of footwear, for example, an upper for a sports shoe. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper comprises a first membrane region having a first set of characteristics, and second membrane region located in an area of the upper which is different from the first membrane region and having a second set of characteristics, a first value of at least one of the characteristics of the second set of characteristics being different from a second value of the corresponding characteristic of the first set of characteristics.

The present disclosure also relates to a shoe, for example, a sports shoe, with embodiments of such an upper.

A shoe is commonly described as the combination of an upper and a sole. Typically, the upper covers regions such as the instep, the toe, the medial side, the lateral side, and the heel of a wearer's foot and provides an opening to allow the wearer to step inside the footwear.

Membrane materials have properties such as waterproofness, breathability, wind tightness and elasticity which are desirable in the field of sports apparel and of shoes in general. These qualities have made them a beneficial material in several applications. Membrane materials are used to provide a waterproof insert to a shoe.

In shoes, such membrane materials are also used as upper, but generally the instep of these shoes is tight because such materials tend to be quite bulky. To mitigate the difficult instep, often heel and tongue tabs are provided on the shoe to be able to apply the required force to step in.

Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an upper for a shoe which minimizes or eliminates the above-described problems. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure can also provide an upper with which a shoe can be easily put on and with which a shoe does not slip of when in use. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can also provide an upper with which a shoe is watertight and still is comfortable even during intensive use.

The above-mentioned objects are at least partially achieved by the subject matter of the following embodiments. Other suitable features of the present disclosure capable of achieving the above-mentioned objects are described throughout the disclosure.

A first embodiment (I) of the present disclosure is directed towards an upper for an article of footwear, in particular for a sports shoe, comprising a first membrane region having a first set of characteristics; and a second membrane region located in an area of the upper which is different from the first membrane region and having a second set of characteristics, wherein a first value of at least one of the characteristics of the second set of characteristics is different from a second value of the corresponding characteristic of the first set of characteristics.

In a second embodiment (II), in the upper according to the first embodiment (I), the position of the first membrane region with respect to the position of the second membrane region is configured to provide at least one of the following functions when the upper is in use: facilitate the instep into the upper, provide reliable hold when using the upper, and improve the waterproofness of the upper.

In a third embodiment (III), in the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(II), the first and the second set of characteristics include at least one of elasticity, vapor permeability and waterproofness.

In a fourth embodiment (IV), in the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(III), the first membrane region is more elastic than the second membrane region and the first membrane region is located at the ankle region and/or the heel region and/or the tongue region of the upper in use.

In a fifth embodiment (V), in the upper according to the third (III) or fourth (IV) embodiment, the first value of the elasticity is comprised between 10% and 120%, or between 20% and 100%, or between 30% and 80% and the second value of the elasticity is comprised between 1% and 30%, or between 1% and 20%, or between 1% and 30%.

In a sixth embodiment (VI), in the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(V), the first membrane region has higher waterproofness properties than the second membrane region and the first membrane region is located closer to a lower surface of the upper in use.

In a seventh embodiment (VII), in the upper according to the third (III) or sixth (VI) embodiment, the first value of the vapor permeability is comprised between 3 and 15 RET, and the second value of the vapor permeability is comprised between 3 and 15 RET.

In an eighth embodiment (VIII), the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(VII) further comprises a connecting region between the first membrane region and the second membrane region.

In a ninth embodiment (IX), in the upper according to the eighth embodiment (VIII), the first membrane region is made of a first membrane, the second membrane region is made of a second membrane and the connecting region is a join assembling the first membrane and the second membrane.

In a tenth embodiment (X), in the upper according to the ninth embodiment (IX), the join assembling the first membrane and the second membrane comprises at least one of an adhesive, a tape, a welded laser connection, a vibration connection, an infrared, IR, connection, a supersonic connection, a hot bar connection/hot pressing connection, a seam with stiches.

In an eleventh embodiment (XI), in the upper according to the tenth embodiment (X), the first membrane region is a first zone within a membrane, the second membrane region is a second zone within the same membrane and the connecting region is a third zone within the membrane connecting the first zone and the second zone.

In a twelfth embodiment (XII), in the upper according to the eleventh embodiment (XI), the first zone and second zone within the membrane are created by at least one of different thicknesses, different densities and/or different material compositions.

In a thirteenth (XIII) embodiment, in the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(XII), the first membrane region and/or the second membrane region include a laminated structure with a carrier and a membrane layer, and the carrier is made of at least one of an engineered mesh, a knit, in particular a weft or warp knitted fabric, or a woven fabric.

In a fourteenth embodiment (XIV), in the upper according to the thirteenth embodiment (XIII), the engineered mesh, the knit, in particular a weft or warp knitted fabric, or the woven fabric are stretch fabrics.

In a fifteenth embodiment (XV), in the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(XIV), the first membrane region is inserted into the second membrane region.

In a sixteenth embodiment (XVI), in the upper according to the fifteenth embodiment (XV), the first membrane region inserted into the second membrane region has a U-shape, a rectangular shape, a trapezoid shape, a triangular shape, or a V-shape.

In a seventeenth embodiment (XVII), in the upper according to the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), the first membrane region inserted into the second membrane region is U-shaped, and the upper further comprises an outer layer substantially overlapping the first membrane region and attached to the second membrane region in the vicinity or on top of the connecting region.

In an eighteenth embodiment (XVIII), in the upper according to the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), the first membrane region inserted into the second membrane region is U-shaped, and the upper further comprises an inner layer substantially overlapped by the first membrane region and attached to the second membrane region in the vicinity or below the connecting region, and an optional seam between first membrane region and second membrane region is located on the outward facing surface.

In a nineteenth embodiment (XIX), the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(XVIII) further comprises a shoelace.

In a twentieth embodiment (XX), in the upper according to the nineteenth embodiment (XIX), the shoelace is attached to at least two eyestay elements, and each eyestay element holds a loop of the shoelace close to a point of fixation of each eyestay element on the upper.

In a twenty-first embodiment (XXI), in the upper according to the twentieth embodiment (XX), the at least two eyestay elements are fixed in the vicinity of or to the connecting region of the upper.

In a twenty-second embodiment (XXII), in the upper according to the eighteenth (XVIII), twentieth (XX), or twenty-first (XXI) embodiment, the eyestay elements are fixed on the outer layer. In some embodiments, the eyestay elements follow the edge of the outer layer which is fixed to the second membrane region.

In a twenty-third embodiment (XXIII), in the upper according to the twentieth (XX) or twenty-second (XXII) embodiment, the at least two eyestay elements comprise a last eyestay element located at the rear of the upper, namely in the middle of the ankle region of the upper when in use.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment (XXIV), the upper according to the twentieth (XX) or twenty-third embodiment (XXIII) further comprises a top eyestay supporting element located adjacent to at least two eyestay elements and holding a loop of the shoelace at a distance of the points of fixation of the at least two eyestay elements.

In a twenty-fifth embodiment (XXV), the upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(XXIV) further comprises at least one third membrane region having a third set of characteristics which is different from the first and the second set of characteristics.

A twenty-sixth embodiment (XXVI) is directed towards a shoe comprising an upper according to any of embodiments (I)-(XXV).

In the following only some possible embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these, and a multitude of other embodiments are applicable without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The presented embodiments can be modified in several ways and combined with each other whenever compatible and certain features may be omitted in so far as they appear dispensable. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

It is to be understood that not all features of the described embodiments must be present for realizing the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. Specifically, the skilled person will understand that features, and/or functional elements of one embodiment can be combined with technically compatible features, and/or functional elements of any other embodiment of the present disclosure.

While the embodiments below are described primarily with reference to an upper for an article of footwear, for example, an upper for a sports shoe, the skilled person will recognize that the disclosure can equally be applied in a plurality of different technical fields and/or use cases. For example, embodiments of the membrane could also be used for outdoor clothing like outerwear such as waterproof jackets, softshell jackets, ski or snowboard jackets, rain pants, 3-in-1 jackets, mountaineering shells or rain ponchos, and technical fabrics like gloves, tents shelters or backpacks and bags, to provide specific performance features such as waterproofing, wind proofing, and breathability.

Throughout the present figures and specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to the skilled person in the art considering the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

As understood by the skilled person and/or to avoid redundancies, reference is also made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which also apply to the following detailed description.

Where a range of numerical values comprising upper and lower values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the disclosure or claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more ranges, or as list of upper values and lower values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or value and any lower range limit or value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed.

The term “membrane” as used herein may refer to a specialized layer or coating applied to fabric to impart specific functional properties, such as waterproofing, breathability, or insulation. Membranes are thin, flexible, and typically made from polymers or other synthetic materials. They are designed to alter the performance characteristics of the fabric, enhancing its functionality for various applications. They may function as a kind of selective filter that is integrated into the fabric structure to perform specific filtration functions. Membranes can be applied to both natural and synthetic fabrics and are commonly used in outdoor apparel, sportswear, and technical textiles.

The term “elasticity” as used herein may refer to the property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape and size after being stretched or deformed. It is a measure of how well a material can withstand deformation and recover its initial form when the applied force is removed.

The term “vapor permeability” or “water vapor permeability” (WVP) as used herein, also related to the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), is a measure of the ability of a material to allow water vapor to pass through it. It quantifies the rate at which water vapor diffuses or permeates through a material per unit of time and unit of area under specific conditions. Vapor permeability may typically be expressed with a Thermal Evaporative Resistance (TER) value defined by the ISO 11092 standard. The vapor permeability may also be expressed in units such as grams per square meter per day (g/m/day) or grams per square meter per hour (g/m/h). Various standardized test methods, such as ASTM E96, are used to measure vapor permeability.

The term “waterproofness” as used herein may refer to the property of a material or structure that prevents the passage or penetration of liquid water. It indicates the ability of a material to function as a barrier against water ingress, thereby protecting underlying surfaces or contents from moisture damage. Waterproofness is often quantified and evaluated through standardized testing methods, such as a hydrostatic pressure test (e.g., ASTM D5385 for roofing membranes). This test assesses the ability of a material to withstand water infiltration under controlled laboratory conditions.

The term “zone” as used herein may refer to a distinct area or region that is defined by specific characteristics, boundaries, or criteria.

The term “eyestay” as used herein may refer to the part of a shoe upper where the shoelaces are threaded through. It is typically located on the vamp region of the shoe, extending from the toe region to the throat line (the opening of the shoe where the foot enters). The eyestay consists of a series of reinforced holes, loops, or eyelets through which the shoelaces are passed to secure the shoe onto the foot.

The term “comprising” is an open-ended transitional phrase. A list of elements following the transitional phrase “comprising” is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list can also be present. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the component. The phrase “consisting of” limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and excludes any material not specified.

It is noted that the headlines in the present disclosure are provided solely for the purpose to assist in keeping an overview during reading. The headlines do not mean that features of the respective embodiments cannot be combined.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an upper for an article of footwear, for example, an upper for a sports shoe, is provided, which comprises a first membrane region having a first set of characteristics and a second membrane region located in an area of the upper which is different from the first membrane region and having a second set of characteristics, wherein a first value of at least one of the characteristics of the second set of characteristics is different from a second value of the corresponding characteristic of the first set of characteristics.

In this manner, incorporating two membrane regions with different sets of characteristics values in the upper of a sports shoe can provide the ability to customize its performance attributes, adapt it to variable conditions, improve its comfort and performance, enhance its durability and longevity, and customize its weight and flexibility. This can result in a shoe that offers improved functionality, comfort, and versatility for the wearer.