UPPER FOR A SHOE WITH A MICROSTRUCTURE SURFACE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2024 124 309.0, filed Aug. 26, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an upper for a shoe, such as for a sports shoe. Specifically, the disclosure relates to upper features of a ball contact area with a microstructure surface to provide improved ball control when a wearer contacts a ball with the foot.

BACKGROUND

A shoe may be described as the combination of an upper and a sole structure. 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. The sole is connected to the upper such that its top side faces the foot, and its bottom side touches the ground during ordinary use of the shoe.

The upper for a shoe generally provides a number of functionalities. The upper provides an enclosure for receiving the foot, stabilizes the foot during movements, protects the foot against the environment, and, in cases of certain sport shoes, provides a surface specifically adapted to the needs of the wearer. Particularly, athletic footwear should be comfortable to wear, stabilize the foot, support the wearer in any kind of performance aspects like, e.g., acceleration and attenuate the stress from the bounce between the foot and the ground when doing exercises. The footwear should support movements and should avoid physical injury of the wearer.

Uppers for shoes used in athletic activities such as soccer, rugby, football and other ball sports are widely used and are popular among wearers. Such uppers are becoming more and more important and have specific requirements in order to improve performing such athletic activities.

As an example of such requirements, enhanced grip of the shoe upper to the ball may be mentioned. Such enhanced grip bears the potential that a player can control the ball to a greater extent. In particular, the contact of the shoe with the ball is of great importance, and the surface of the shoe upper plays an important role. One way to realize an increased grip between the upper and ball is to provide a texture on an exterior surface of the shoe upper. Another way to realize an increased grip is to provide the upper with protrusions. Both ways can increase the energy transfer from the upper to the ball during shooting.

It is known that there are different types of kicks. For instance, there are curled passes, flat passes, straight shots, curled shots, or the like. For the different types of kicks there may be different arrangements of elements on the upper of the shoe. Nevertheless, a proper spin is desired for any kind of a controlled kick. This may be helpful because otherwise, the ball would be fluttering. However, such fluttering may also be desired for some kicks, such as knuckle ball shots.

Despite the substantial advances in the field of sports footwear, there remains a need for further improvement. Current designs often struggle to balance durability with the flexibility required for optimal ball control. Many known systems do not adequately address the dynamic nature of sports, where the interaction between the shoe and the ball can vary significantly depending on the type of movement, such as dribbling, shooting, or passing.

One particular problem attributable to current shoe uppers is that ball control features, which are specifically designed to improve grip for kicking the ball (i.e., shooting, and/or passes), also provide at the same time a relatively high level of grip for rather soft ball touches, such as dribbling, first touch and/or short distance passing. However, for the latter types of touches, a high level of grip is often not useful, as it leads to a too sticky feeling between the shoe and the ball.

Against this background, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an improved upper for a shoe. The upper may provide a ball contact area which ensures increased grip for kicking, while at the same time providing smooth ball control properties with less grip suitable for dribbling, first touch and/or short distance passing. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may improve design options available for the manufacturer of an upper for a shoe. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a respective shoe comprising such an upper.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an upper for a shoe with a ball contact area comprising a microstructure surface. The microstructure surface may comprise a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend when contact is made with a ball. The plurality of protrusions can have a shape of a pillar and, when engaged with the ball, can assist with shooting and/or passing the ball.

A first embodiment (I) of the present disclosure is directed to an upper for a shoe, comprising a ball contact area comprising a microstructure surface; wherein the microstructure surface comprises a plurality of protrusions; wherein the microstructure surface is configured to assist with shooting or passing a ball in that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable; and wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has the shape of a pillar.

In a second embodiment (II), in the upper of the first embodiment (I), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises an aspect ratio defined by a height of a protrusion compared to a width of the protrusion of greater than or equal to 1.1 and less than or equal to 10.

In a third embodiment (III), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(II), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a width of greater than or equal to 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

In a fourth embodiment (IV), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(III), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a height of greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

In a fifth embodiment (V), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(IV), a pitch between two adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is greater than or equal to 1.1 times a width; and less than or equal to 4 times the width.

In a sixth embodiment (VI), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(V), a pitch between two adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm.

In seventh embodiment (VII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (V)-(VI), the pitch is essentially uniform between the adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions.

In an eighth embodiment (VIII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(VII), the microstructure surface comprises a contact portion defined by aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions, the top surfaces facing away from the upper, wherein a contact surface coverage is greater than or equal to 3% and less than or equal to 50%, the coverage being defined by the aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions compared to the microstructure surface.

In a ninth embodiment (IX), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(VIII), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a length substantially perpendicular to a width and a height, the length and the width being along a contour of the upper, wherein the length is greater than or equal to 0.8 times the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width.

In a tenth embodiment (X), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(IX), the microstructure surface is arranged at least partially in a medial toe portion, a medial metatarsal portion, a medial distal tarsal portion, a lateral toe portion, a lateral metatarsal portion, a lateral distal tarsal portion, an intermediate toe portion, an intermediate metatarsal portion, or an intermediate distal tarsal portion of the upper.

In an eleventh embodiment (XI), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(X), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has an essentially circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal horizontal cross-section, the cross-section being a cut through the protrusion normal to a direction along a height of the protrusion, wherein the cross-section is located at a midpoint of the height of the protrusion.

In a twelfth embodiment (XII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(XI), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a Shore A hardness of greater than or equal to 30 Shore A and less than or equal to 110 Shore A.

In a thirteenth embodiment (XIII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(XII), the microstructure surface comprises a base element, wherein the plurality of protrusions is arranged on the base element, wherein at least two protrusions of the plurality of protrusions are connected by the base element.

In a fourteenth embodiment (XIV), in the upper of the thirteenth embodiment (XIII), the base element and each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is formed integrally.

In a fifteenth embodiment (XV), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(XIV), the base element forms a substantially continuous outermost layer of a part of the upper extending in a forefoot and/or midfoot portion of the upper.

In a sixteenth embodiment (XVI), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XIII)-(XIV), at least one profile element is arranged on an outer surface of the upper, wherein the at least one profile element comprises the base element and the plurality of protrusions.

In a seventeenth embodiment (XVII), in the upper of the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), the at least one profile element comprises one or more sub-profile elements that are separated from one another, wherein the at least one profile element is arranged in a grid-like or island-like pattern.

In an eighteenth embodiment (XVIII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(XVII), the microstructure surface comprises a thermoset elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer.

In a nineteenth embodiment (XIX), in the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(XVIII), the ball contact area is configured to assist with shooting or passing a ball in that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend substantially upon contact with the ball.

In a twentieth embodiment (XX), in the upper of the nineteenth embodiment (XIX), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is configured to not bend substantially upon contact with the ball during a dribbling event.

In a twenty-first embodiment (XXI), in the upper of the nineteenth embodiment (XIX), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend such that a side portion of each protrusion or a top portion of each protrusion touches an outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion upon contact with the ball.

A twenty-second embodiment (XXII) is directed to an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, comprising a ball contact area comprising at least one profile element arranged on an outer surface of the upper; wherein the at least one profile element comprises a microstructure surface comprising a plurality of protrusions; wherein the profile element is configured to assist with shooting or passing a ball; and wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has the shape of a pillar.

In a twenty-third embodiment (XXIII), in the upper of the twenty-second embodiment (XXII), the profile element comprises a thermoset elastomer.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment (XXIV), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXIII), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises an aspect ratio defined by a height of a protrusion compared to a width of the protrusion of at greater than or equal to 1.1 and less than or equal to 10.

In a twenty-fifth embodiment (XXV), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXIV), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a width of greater than or equal to 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

In a twenty-sixth embodiment (XXVI), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXV), a pitch between two adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is greater than or equal to 1.2 times a width and less than or equal to 3 times of the width.

In a twenty-seventh embodiment (XXVII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXVI), each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a height of greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

In a twenty-eighth embodiment (XXVIII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXVII), the microstructure surface comprises a contact portion defined by aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions, the top surfaces facing away from the upper, wherein a contact surface coverage is greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 70%, the coverage being defined by the aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions compared to the microstructure surface.

In a twenty-ninth embodiment (XXIX), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXVIII), each protrusion comprises a Shore A hardness of greater than or equal to 30 Shore A and less than or equal to 110 Shore A.

In a thirtieth embodiment (XXX), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXIX), the microstructure surface comprises a base element, wherein the plurality of protrusions and the base element are formed by molding the profile element, such that the plurality of protrusions is formed integrally with the base element.

In a thirty-first embodiment (XXXI), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXX), the at least one profile element comprises at least one macro-protrusion that is larger than any one of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions.

In a thirty-second embodiment (XXXII), in the upper of the thirty-first embodiment (XXXI), the macro-protrusion has a width of greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm and a height of greater than or equal to 1.3 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

In a thirty-third embodiment (XXXIII), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXXII), the at least one profile element extends at least partially in a medial toe portion, a medial metatarsal portion, or a medial distal tarsal portion of the upper.

In a thirty-fourth embodiment (XXXIV), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXXIII), the at least one profile element has an essentially rhombus, circular, or grid-like shape.

In a thirty-fifth embodiment (XXXV), in the upper of any one of embodiments (XXII)-(XXXIV), the profile element is a first profile element, wherein the upper comprises a second profile element, wherein the second profile element is spaced apart from the first profile element.

A thirty-sixth embodiment (XXXVI) is directed to a shoe comprising the upper of any one of embodiments (I)-(XXXV), and a sole attached to the upper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the present disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

In the following, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a different perspective.

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a close up shot of box A-A, as indicated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic figure of a microstructure surface along with protrusions in an ordinary state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic figure of two protrusions from a top view and one protrusion from a side view, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of materials used for the microstructure surface of FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a close up shot of box B-B, as indicated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 8 in a close up shot of box C-C, as indicated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a detailed schematic figure of a part of a microstructure surface of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a part of a microstructure surface of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic figure of a microstructure surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following only some possible embodiments 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 a number of ways and combined with each other whenever compatible and certain features may be omitted in so far as they appear dispensable. In particular, 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 aspects/embodiments have to be present for realizing the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure. The disclosed aspects/embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one aspect/embodiment with one or more features of another aspect/embodiment. Specifically, the skilled person will understand that features, and/or functional elements of one aspect/embodiment can be combined with technically compatible features, and/or functional elements of any other aspect/embodiment of the present disclosure given that the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure.

While the embodiments below are described primarily with reference to an upper for a shoe, such as 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.

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 those skilled in the art in the art in light of the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

Further, not all features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps may be expressly indicated by reference signs for the sake of brevity and clarity. This particularly applies, where the skilled person recognizes that such features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps are present in a plurality. One example of which may be the protrusions 151.

Definitions

The “toe portion” as used herein may comprise portions in proximity of the big toe, and/or of the big toe knuckle.

Unless otherwise stated, the term “substantial” or “substantially” as used in the present context may be understood to a great or significant extent or for the most part or essentially. In particular, manufacturing tolerances are included by this term.

The term “and/or” is only an association relationship describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and/or B may represent three conditions: i.e., independent existence of A, existence of both A and B and independent existence of B. In addition, the character “/” in the disclosure usually represents that previous and next associated objects form an “or” relationship.

The terms “bottom,”, “top”, “one end,”, “the other end,”, “outer side,”, “upper,” “above,” “inner side,” “under,” “below,” “horizontal,” “coaxial,” “central,” “end,” “part,” “length,” “outer end,” etc., which indicate the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings.

The terms “upper,” “above,” “below,” “under,” and the like as used in the present disclosure to indicate a relative position in space are used for the purpose of facilitating explanation to describe a garment, element, part, object and/or feature shown in the drawings relative to the relationship of another garment, element, part, object and/or feature.

Upper with Microstructure

In some embodiments, a shoe, such as a sports shoe, comprises a ball contact area comprising a microstructure surface; a, wherein the microstructure surface comprises a plurality of protrusions; b, wherein the microstructure surface is configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball in that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable; and c, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has the shape of a pillar.

In this manner, the upper may provide higher grip for shooting a ball (and/or generally for ball touches with a higher foot-to-ball impact forces), while at the same time a lower grip for smooth ball control (and/or generally for ball touches with a lower foot-to-ball impact forces than shooting or higher foot-to-ball impact forces). A lower grip may be suitable for rather soft touches of a ball (which may include dribbling, first touch and/or short distance passes). Overall, this may be useful for ball sports like soccer.

Thereby, one of the problems associated with conventional shoes, i.e., that a high level of grip during shooting is always accompanied with a high level of grip during dribbling, may be resolved. For example, in a conventional shoe a high level of grip between a ball and a shoe for such dribbling and/or slight passes may lead to deceleration of ball rotation, which may thereby disturb or interrupt the dribbling.

The microstructure surface disclosed herein may provide a force-dependent grip. For example, the force-dependent grip may provide for an increased grip for kicking a ball, e.g., for high foot-to-ball impact forces. Such high foot-to-ball impact forces may occur, for instance, during shooting and/or passing of a ball. At the same time, the microstructure surface may provide less grip for low foot-to-ball impact forces. These may occur, for instance, during dribbling, first touch and/or short distance passing. Further, the microstructure surface may provide a relatively high coefficient of friction and therefore high grip in general for kicking. Additionally, the microstructure surface may provide a relatively small deviation of the coefficient of friction during different environmental conditions, e.g., in wet conditions as compared to dry conditions. Thus, a consistent grip may be achieved for both wet and dry conditions. Thereby, a reduction of grip under wet conditions (which typically occurs in conventional shoes) can be avoided.

The microstructure surface may include a plurality of protrusions, each shaped like a pillar and elastically bendable. The arrangement and placement of the protrusions may be designed to enhance the performance of the upper for a shoe during activities such as shooting and passing a ball.

As described elsewhere herein, the plurality of protrusions may be defined by specific dimensions, including their aspect ratio, width, height, length, and/or pitch. These dimensions may be beneficial in ensuring that the microstructure surface operates effectively.

The elastically bendable nature of each protrusion may help in extending the contact time between the shoe and the ball, thereby providing better control and precision than a conventional shoe upper. This design may address the challenge of maintaining consistent ball control under varying conditions, such as different ball speeds and angles of contact. For instance, when a ball makes contact with the microstructure surface disclosed herein, the protrusions may bend elastically, providing a controlled deformation that aids in the manipulation of the ball. This elastic bending may be facilitated by the material properties and structural design of the protrusions. This may ensure that they substantially return to their original shape after contact. Thereby the integrity of the microstructure surface may be maintained. The bending of the protrusions may provide an advantage by increasing the surface area of the upper that can contact a ball, which may facilitate improved kicking. In some embodiments, the amount of bending of the protrusions may depend on the impact force. For instance, bending may increase as the impact force increases. The impact force may be understood as the force with which the wearer's foot strikes the ball.

In some embodiments, the pillar shape of each protrusion may provide a uniform response to a force applied during ball contact, which can result in a more predictable and accurate ball trajectory as compared to a non-uniform response. For example, the pillar shape of each protrusion may ensure a uniform response to, e.g., external forces, such as the impact force from striking a ball. The pillar shape may be beneficial for the clastic bending mechanism, as it provides a consistent deformation pattern.

In some embodiments, the protrusions may be integrated into the microstructure surface. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be uniformly distributed across the microstructure surface. The protrusions may allow for a consistent and stable configuration of the upper of the shoe that enhances the overall functionality of the upper of the shoe.

To further highlight the advances of the present disclosure, an analysis of the travel trajectory of a ball along the upper may be helpful. The term “travel trajectory” may refer to the relative movement between the upper and ball while the ball and the upper are in contact. In an example embodiment, the ball may contact the upper first in a first contact portion and may move along a ball contact area toward a second contact portion, where the ball last contacts the upper. From the second contact portion, the ball may accelerate away from the upper. The first contact portion may be arranged closer to a sole rim than the second contact portion. The second contact portion may be arranged closer to an instep portion than the first contact portion. This movement of the ball may be more or pronounced depending on the type of kick. For instance, movement of the ball between the first contact portion and the second contact portion may differ from shooting as compared to passing.

Various physical effects may take place during the travel trajectory including but not limited to the Magnus effect. The Magnus effect may be understood as a phenomenon in fluid dynamics describing a force acting on a spinning (i.e., rotating) object, such as a ball, moving through a fluid, such as air. When a spinning ball moves through air, it may experience a force perpendicular to the direction of its travel path. For short distance passing, the Magnus effect may play a less prominent factor.

The shots referred to herein require a different arrangement of protrusions on the upper so as to take into consideration the different travel trajectory of the ball (as compared to flat passes for instance). Said shots are typically kicks that are stronger than other type of kicks, such as mere passes. Although there may be variations from one player to another player, the skilled person is still able to distinguish between shots and other type of kicks, such as passing. Shots often occur during a game, and the medial and top side of the first metatarsal joint and bone portions are generally used for contacting the ball during shots. In particular, the foot may be tilted laterally, and the ball upon impact may travel along the surface of the upper towards a lateral posterior direction.

By contrast, flat passes, short distance passes, dribbling, soft passes or the like have different travel trajectories of the ball.

The upper for a shoe described herein may beneficial for both of these types of kicks (e.g., shots and passing/dribbling), thus providing advantages over conventional shoes.

The ball contact area may be understood as a region, portion, surface part or the like that may contact a ball. In particular, the ball contact area may be the area that contacts the ball during shooting. Due to the deformation of a ball during shooting (e.g., compression of the ball when the ball is being struck), the ball contact area may be larger than the area covered if the ball merely rests on the upper (e.g., without shooting).

Each of the plurality of protrusions may be elastically bendable. This means that the protrusions can bend, e.g., in response to an external force, such as a force provided by a ball, and return to their original shapes after the force is removed (e.g., the elastic deformation can be reversed). Moreover, the bending may occur substantially in an elastic deformation range of the protrusion's material. In such an elastic deformation range, the material's stress and strain may behave according to a linear relationship (e.g., Young's Modulus). In contrast, plastic bending means that some of the deformation imparted during bending cannot be reversed.

The upper described herein may be useful in conjunction with a sports shoe, such as a soccer shoe. However, the upper described herein may be used with any kind of article of footwear including, but not limited to football shoes, hiking boots, sneakers, basketball shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, cross-training shoes, etc. Moreover, the upper may be used in conjunction with shoes for any kind of athletic activity. The term athletic activity is to be understood such that it may encompass one or more and/or any combination of at least the following non-exhaustive list: aerobics, athletic exercises, running, hiking, climbing, group fitness classes, walking, cycling, yoga, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, doing a workout, volleyball, gymnastics, weightlifting, cross-training, baseball, softball, rugby, field hockey, wrestling, squash, track and field (such as sprinting, long jump, high jump), cross-country skiing.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, one or more protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprise an aspect ratio defined by a height of a protrusion compared to a width of the protrusion of at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, or at least 1.5; and/or of at most 10, at most 9, at most 8, at most 7, at most 6, at most 5, at most 4, or at most 3.

The geometric relationship between the height and width of each protrusion may directly influence the aspect ratio. This geometric relationship ensures that the protrusions maintain a specific shape and size, which may be beneficial for their elastic bendability and overall functionality.

The introduction of the aspect ratio ranges disclosed herein may provide several advantages to the upper disclosed herein. First, by defining the aspect ratio to be within a certain range, the protrusions may be optimized for their intended function of assisting with shooting and/or passing a ball. The aspect ratios disclosed herein may ensure that the protrusions are neither too short and wide nor too tall and narrow, either of which could compromise their elastic properties and effectiveness.

A higher aspect ratio within the defined aspect ratio range may ensure that the protrusions have sufficient height to interact effectively with the ball, while the width is controlled to maintain stability and prevent excessive bending or deformation. The balance between the height and the width may enhance the tactile feedback and control a wearer experiences when making contact with the ball, thereby improving performance in sports activities.

Additionally, the ranges for the aspect ratio disclosed herein may provide flexibility in design while ensuring that the protrusions remain within a functional range. These ranges may allow for variations in manufacturing processes and materials without compromising the performance characteristics of the shoe upper.

Overall, the introduction of the aspect ratio ranges disclosed herein may enhance the functionality, performance, and versatility of the shoe upper, making it more effective for sports applications.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, one or more protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprise a width of at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.08 mm, or at least 0.1 mm; and/or of at most 1.0 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.5 mm, or at most 0.3 mm.

Embodiments of the protrusions having a width disclosed above may provide a precise dimensional characteristic to the protrusions, ensuring that the protrusions are sufficiently wide to provide the desired mechanical properties, such as elasticity and durability, which may be beneficial for assisting with shooting and/or passing a ball. The minimum width may ensure that the protrusions are robust enough to withstand repeated contact with the ball without breaking or deforming permanently.

Furthermore, embodiments of the protrusions having a width disclosed above may ensure that the protrusions are not excessively wide, which could otherwise hinder their ability to bend elastically and negatively impact the tactile feedback and control provided to the wearer. By defining an upper limit on the width, this feature may maintain the balance between flexibility and structural integrity, allowing the protrusions to bend elastically upon contact with the ball, thereby enhancing the wearer's ability to control the ball during play.

The protrusions, being within the defined width range, may be able to bend elastically and provide a controlled response upon contact with the ball, thereby assisting with shooting and passing. This controlled response may be a direct result of the specified dimensions, which may ensure that the protrusions are neither too thin to be fragile nor too thick to be inflexible.

Thus, the features introduced by this embodiment may bring about a structural configuration of the protrusions that may enhance the overall functionality and performance of the upper in assisting with ball control during sports activities.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, one or more protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprise a height of at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm; and/or of at most 1.2 mm, at most 1.1 mm, or at most 1.0 mm.

This height range may ensure that the protrusions can be sufficiently prominent to interact effectively with a ball or the like. This may enhance the tactile feedback and control during shooting and/or passing.

The lower limit of the height may ensure that the protrusions are not too short to be ineffective in providing the desired elastic bendability and grip.

Conversely, the upper limit may ensure that the protrusions are not excessively tall, which could otherwise lead to instability or discomfort during use. The specified height range balances the need for effective ball control with the comfort and structural integrity of the shoe upper.

By defining these height parameters, the new features may bring a controlled and/or optimized interaction between the shoe upper and the ball. This may enhance the performance characteristics of the shoe.

The elastic bendability of the protrusions, combined with their pillar shape and height, may ensure that the microstructure surface can deform when contacted by, for example, a ball. This deformation may provide a consistent and reliable grip on the ball and may improve the accuracy and power of shots and passes, as the protrusions may flex and substantially return to their original shape. This may serve to maintain consistent contact between the ball and the upper when kicking a ball.

Additionally, the disclosed height range may contribute to the durability of the protrusions, as it prevents the protrusions being too fragile or prone to breakage. Overall, these new features may bring a significant improvement in the functional performance of the shoe upper as compared to shoe uppers that do not comprise the protrusions, particularly in sports applications where precise ball control may be crucial.

The protrusions may have different heights as understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the height may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the height may depend on the desired aspect ratio or vice versa. In an example embodiment, the height may be at most 0.7 mm to provide a minimum aspect ratio of 1.2.

In some embodiment of the upper as described herein, a pitch between two adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions may be at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, or at least 1.4 times the width of the protrusions; and/or at most 4, at most 3, at most 2, at most 1.8, or at most 1.6 times the width of the protrusions.

The pitch may be the distance between the centers of two adjacent protrusions.

The features introduced by this embodiment may define the pitch of the protrusions in relation to the width of the protrusions, thereby influencing the performance characteristics of the shoe's upper.

For example, when the pitch between two adjacent protrusions is at least 1.1 times the width, the protrusions may be spaced sufficiently apart to allow for independent elastic bending of the protrusions (for example, the protrusions may bend without interfering with adjacent protrusions), which can enhance ball control by providing a more responsive surface than a shoe upper without the protrusions disclosed herein.

As the pitch increases to at least 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 times the width of the protrusions, the spacing may allow for even greater independent movement of each protrusion than a pitch of 1.1 times the width of the protrusions, potentially improving the precision and effectiveness of ball handling, shooting, and/or passing alike.

Conversely, when the pitch is at most 4, 3, 2, 1.8, or 1.6 times the width of the protrusions, the protrusions may be positioned closer together than when the pitch is smaller than 1.6 times the width of the protrusions, which can create a more cohesive and uniform surface. This closer spacing may enhance the overall grip and contact area with the ball, providing a more consistent and controlled interaction as compared to a pitch smaller than 1.6 times the width of the protrusions.

The disclosed ranges of pitch relative to the width of the protrusions may allow for fine-tuning the balance between independent movement and cohesive surface interaction, thereby optimizing the shoe's performance characteristics for different types of sports and player preferences. These variations in pitch can directly affect the tactile feedback and control a player experiences, making the shoe more adaptable to various playing conditions and styles.

By defining the pitch in relation to the width, the resulting features of the protrusions may ensure that the microstructure surface can be tailored to achieve the desired balance of flexibility, control, and responsiveness, ultimately enhancing the functionality and performance of the sports shoe.

The width used to define the pitch in this embodiment may be the average width of the protrusion, as understood by one having skill in the art.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, a pitch between two adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions may be greater than 0.1 mm and less than 2 mm, or greater than 0.2 mm and less than 1 mm.

This range of the pitch may further contribute to the advantages mentioned above.

For example, a pitch between adjacent protrusions of greater than 0.1 mm and less than 2 mm (or greater than 0.2 mm and less than 1 mm) may ensure a precise and controlled interaction between the shoe's upper and the ball. By defining the pitch within these ranges, several advantages may be realized. First, the density of the protrusions on the microstructure surface may be optimized, which may enhance the grip and control over the ball during shooting and/or passing.

The closer spacing of the protrusions within the provided range may allow for a more uniform and continuous contact surface as compared to protrusions spaced outside the provided range, thereby reducing slippage and increasing the accuracy of ball handling.

Additionally, the specified pitch range may contribute to the elastic bendability of the protrusions, as spacing the protrusions in the specified pitch range may ensure that the protrusions are neither too sparsely packed nor too densely packed, which could otherwise compromise their ability to bend elastically. This balance may be crucial for maintaining the intended functionality of the microstructure surface. For example, each protrusion may be able to deform and return to its original shape to assist with ball control effectively.

Furthermore, the disclosed pitch range may also influence the durability and wear resistance of the upper. Protrusions that are too closely packed may wear down more quickly due to increased friction and contact with the ball, whereas those that are too far apart may not provide sufficient grip. Therefore, the disclosed pitch range strikes a balance, thereby enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the shoe's upper.

Accordingly, refining the structural parameters of the microstructure surface may improve the functionality and effectiveness of the shoe in sports applications, and may ensure that the wearer can achieve better control, precision, and durability during use as compared to a conventional shoe.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the pitch is essentially uniform for each pair of adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions. For example, the pitch between adjacent protrusions can vary by less than or equal to 15%.

By ensuring that the pitch is essentially uniform, the design of the shoe upper may achieve a consistent and predictable interaction between the shoe and the ball. The essential uniformity in pitch may contribute to a more controlled and reliable performance during activities such as shooting and/or passing a ball as compared to a shoe upper that does not exhibit essential uniformity. The essentially uniform pitch may ensure that the forces exerted on the ball are evenly distributed across the contact area, thereby enhancing the precision and accuracy of ball handling.

Additionally, the essentially uniform pitch may aid in maintaining the structural integrity of the microstructure surface, as the essentially uniform spacing of protrusions may help to prevent localized stress concentrations that could lead to premature wear or damage.

Having an essentially uniform pitch may also facilitate the manufacturing process, as an essentially uniform pitch can simplify the design and production of molds, templates, and/or any kind of production lines used to create the microstructure surface.

Furthermore, the essentially uniform pitch may contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the shoe, providing a visually consistent pattern that may be perceived as more professional or high-quality by consumers.

Overall, the embodiment where the pitch is essentially uniform for each pair of adjacent protrusions may enhance the functional performance of the shoe by ensuring consistent ball contact. Further, the essentially uniform pitch may improve the durability of the microstructure surface by preventing stress concentrations. Further, the essentially uniform pitch may streamline the manufacturing process, and potentially increase the aesthetic value of the product.

Though described above as being essentially uniform, in some embodiments the pitch may not be uniform, e.g., the pitch may vary for two or more of the plurality of protrusions.

Aggregated Top Surfaces

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the microstructure surface may comprises a contact portion defined by aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions, the top surfaces facing away from the upper, wherein a contact surface coverage is greater than 3% and less than 50%, greater than 5% and less than 30%, or greater than 5% and less than 15%, the coverage being defined by the aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions compared to the microstructure surface.

The aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions may face away from the upper, thereby creating a distinct contact portion that may interact directly with the ball.

The aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions may collectively form a contact portion that interfaces with the ball during shooting and/or passing. The aggregated top surfaces facing away from the upper may ensure that the contact portion is positioned to engage with the ball. This positioning may enhance the ball control capabilities of the shoe.

Furthermore, the contact surface coverage may be within specific ranges. This contact surface coverage may be defined by comparing the aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions to the overall microstructure surface. The coverage range may introduce a quantitative measure that may ensure that the microstructure surface has a balance between grip and flexibility.

A lower contact surface coverage percentage within the range may ensure that the protrusions remain sufficiently spaced to maintain their elastic bendability, which may be helpful for assisting with ball control.

Conversely, a higher contact surface coverage percentage within the range may ensure that there is enough surface area in contact with the ball to provide the necessary grip and control during shooting and/or passing.

Defining the contact surface coverage in this manner may ensure that the upper provides a consistent and reliable performance. This may enhance the wearer's ability to control the ball effectively. Therefore, having a contact surface coverage percentage within the range disclosed herein may improve the functionality of the shoe by optimizing the interaction between the microstructure surface and the ball.

Length, Arrangements, Cross-Section, Material

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprises a length substantially perpendicular (for example, within ten degrees of being perpendicular) to a width and a height, the length and the width being along a contour of the upper, wherein the length is greater than or equal to 0.8 time the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width, or greater than or equal to 0.9 times the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width, or the length is essentially equal (for example, within ten percent of being equal) to the width.

The disclosed ratios of length to width may ensure that the protrusions maintain a consistent and predictable orientation relative to the surface of the upper, which may enhance the control and interaction with the ball during shooting and/or passing.

The length and width of each protrusion may be aligned along the contour of the upper. For example, the protrusions may follow the natural curvature and shape of the shoe. Thereby, the protrusions may provide a seamless integration with the overall design and may ensure, for instance, that the microstructure surface does not interfere with the shoe's aesthetics.

The length of each protrusion may be greater than or equal to 0.8 times the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width, which may provide a balanced proportion that is neither too elongated nor too short, thereby optimizing the elastic bending properties and the tactile feedback during ball contact.

In some embodiments, the length may be greater than or equal to 0.9 times the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width, which narrows the range further and may ensure a more refined balance, enhancing the precision and consistency of the performance of the protrusions.

In some embodiments, the length is essentially equal (for example, within ten percent of being equal) to the width, which may provide a configuration where the protrusions exhibit uniform bending characteristics in all directions, which may maximize the effectiveness of the microstructure surface in assisting with ball control.

The ratios of length to width disclosed herein may ensure that the protrusions are neither too rigid nor too flexible, thereby providing the amount of resistance and elasticity needed for improved ball handling.

The features introduced in embodiments with the length to width ratios disclosed herein may bring a higher level of precision and performance to the shoe's upper, making it particularly suitable for sports where ball control is critical.

It is understood by the skilled person that the length and/or the width as described in here may be parallel, e.g., in line with respect to the upper. In this manner, the length and/or the width may be distinguished from, e.g., the height, which is normal to the upper.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the microstructure surface may be arranged at least partially in a medial toe portion, a medial metatarsal portion, a medial distal tarsal portion, a lateral toe portion, a lateral metatarsal portion, a lateral distal tarsal portion, an intermediate toe portion, an intermediate metatarsal portion, or an intermediate distal tarsal portion of the upper.

This arrangement of the microstructure surface may facilitate a more comprehensive and strategic placement of the microstructure surface as compared to shoes without the microstructure surface, thereby enhancing the functionality and performance of the shoe.

Providing the microstructure surface in one or more of the disclosed regions of the upper may ensure that the plurality of protrusions, each having the shape of a pillar and being elastically bendable, are positioned to interact with a ball during various phases of foot movement. This placement of the microstructure surface may allow for improved control, accuracy, and power in shooting and/or passing a ball as compared to a shoe without the microstructure surface. For example, the elastically bendable protrusions can effectively engage with the ball across multiple contact points on the shoe.

By extending the microstructure surface to these various portions, the shoe can provide a more consistent and reliable performance as compared to shoes that do not have the microstructure surface. This may be the case regardless of the specific area of the foot that makes contact with the ball.

Providing the microstructure surface thereby may provide for enhanced versatility and adaptability to the shoe, as it may ensure that the benefits of the microstructure surface are not confined to a single area but are distributed across multiple regions of the upper.

Distribution of the microstructure surface as described can lead to a more balanced and effective interaction with the ball as compared to shoes without the microstructure surface, thereby improving the overall performance of the wearer.

Moreover, the microstructure surface may be arranged on a tongue of the upper, when present, and/or on a heel portion of the upper. The arrangement of the microstructure surface on the tongue, when present, may ensure that the microstructure surface is present in said intermediate metatarsal portion, and/or in said intermediate distal tarsal portion. The arrangement of the microstructure surface on a heel portion may provide a microstructure surface that is configured to assist with backheel shooting and/or passing.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has an essentially circular, essentially elliptical, essentially rectangular, essentially triangular, or essentially polygonal horizontal cross-section, the cross-section being a cut through the protrusion normal to a direction along the height of the protrusion, the cross-section being located at a midpoint of the height of the protrusion. “Essentially” may refer to a shape that is within ten percent of the stated shape. For example, a shape that is essentially circular may be within ten percent of being a circle.

The cross-sectional shape of the protrusions may introduce additional features that may enhance the functionality and versatility of the upper.

Specifically, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may have an essentially circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal horizontal cross-section. This variety in cross-sectional shapes may allow for tailored interactions between the shoe and the ball, potentially optimizing grip, control, and the overall tactile response during shooting and passing a ball.

The cross-section may be defined as a cut through the protrusion normal to a direction along the height of the protrusion. This may ensure that the shape is consistent and precise at any given height. This precision in defining the cross-section may ensure that the mechanical properties, such as elasticity and bending behavior, are uniform and predictable. This may thereby enhance the performance reliability of the upper.

In some embodiments, the cross-section may be located at a midpoint of the height of the protrusion, which may provide a representative sample of the shape and dimensions of the protrusion at a point where the bending stress may be most significant. The cross-sectional shapes disclosed may ensure that the structural integrity and functional characteristics of the protrusions are optimized for their intended purpose of assisting with ball control.

The introduction of these cross-sectional shapes and the cross-section location may contribute to a more refined and adaptable design of the upper. This may allow for improved customization and performance in various sporting activities.

By offering a range of cross-sectional shapes, the design can cater to different playing styles and preferences, thereby enhancing the overall wearer experience.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprises a Shore A hardness of greater than or equal to 30 Shore A and less than or equal to 110 Shore A, greater than or equal to 50 Shore A and less than or equal to 100 Shore A, or greater than or equal to 70 Shore a and less than or equal to 90 Shore A.

The Shore A hardness as disclosed herein may provide advantages in terms of bending of the protrusions and a respective restoring force once the protrusions are bent. In turn, this may give additional benefits in assisting ball control.

Moreover, this Shore A hardness may ensure a smoother transition for shots (e.g., compared to harder, conventional shoes). This may be advantageous for shots as well as for passing.

Shore hardness is a measure of the resistance a material has to indentation. Different kinds of Shore hardness scales may be used for measuring the hardness of different materials, e.g., soft rubbers, rigid plastics, or super soft gels. Generally, the higher the number on the scale, the harder the material. A difference between the scales, e.g., Shore A and Shore D is that Shore A may be specified to measure flexible rubbers while Shore D may be specified for harder, rigid materials. The ranges may overlap at some levels, for instance at higher levels.

The ranges of Shore A hardness for the protrusions disclosed herein may fine-tune the material properties of the protrusions. Such fine-tuning may enhance the shoe's ability to assist with shooting and passing a ball by providing a more consistent and reliable interaction between the ball and the microstructure surface as compared to shoes that do not have protrusions with the hardness disclosed herein. Furthermore, the ranges of Shore A hardness for the protrusions disclosed herein may ensure that the protrusions are optimally balanced in terms of hardness and elasticity, providing the best possible performance for the intended use in sports activities.

Base Element

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the microstructure surface may comprise a base element, wherein the plurality of protrusions is arranged on the base element, wherein at least two protrusions of the plurality of protrusions are connected by the base element.

This base element may act as a structural platform that may support the protrusions, ensuring their stability and uniform distribution across the ball contact area. The inclusion of the base element may introduce a specific mechanism of communication between the protrusions and the upper, as the base element may provide a cohesive structure that may integrate the protrusions with the rest of the shoe's upper material. This integration may maintain the functional integrity of the microstructure surface, as it may allow the protrusions to bend elastically while remaining securely attached to the upper.

Furthermore, the base element may facilitate the arrangement of the protrusions in a precise and controlled manner, which may optimize their placement for effective ball control. Connecting at least two protrusions through the base element may enhance the mechanical stability and durability of the microstructure surface. The connection between the protrusions via the base element may ensure that the forces exerted on one protrusion during ball contact are distributed across multiple protrusions, thereby reducing the likelihood of individual protrusions becoming detached or damaged. This interconnected structure may also contribute to a more consistent and reliable performance of the microstructure surface as compare to shoes without the microstructure surface, as the collective behavior of the protrusions can be more predictably controlled.

Additionally, the base element's role in connecting the protrusions may facilitate the manufacturing process, thereby allowing for more efficient production techniques that may ensure uniformity and quality of the microstructure surface.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the base element and each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be formed integrally.

The plurality of protrusions being formed integrally with the base element may have the advantage that manufacturing thereof is improved. Further, mechanical integrity may be enhanced, and, thereby, longevity of the upper may be improved. For example, there may be less portions which are subject to stress peaks or the like due to the absence of attachment mechanisms, such as adhesives or the like.

In some embodiments, not all of the protrusions may be formed integrally with the base element. For instance, at least two, three, four, five, etc. protrusions may be integrally formed with the base element.

The base element and one or more of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions being integrally formed may be understood in such a manner that they are formed as one unitary piece. Thereby, the respective protrusions and the base element may not be separate pieces. For instance, one or more or each of the protrusions of the plurality of the protrusions may be molded into the base layer.

In some embodiments, the protrusions may be formed separately and attached to the shoe upper and/or to the base element. In such embodiments, the protrusions may be joined to the upper and/or the base element by using an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be joined to the shoe upper and/or base element by curing the adhesive, e.g., by thermal or UV curing.

The integral formation of the base element and the plurality of protrusions may strengthen the structural integrity and durability of the shoe upper and enhance the functional performance and manufacturing efficiency, making it a significant advancement over non-integral designs.

In some embodiments, not integrally forming the base element and the plurality of protrusions may provide advantages over integrally forming the base element and the plurality of protrusions. For instance, providing for separate pieces instead of providing integrally formed elements may provide an advantage in the ability to construct more complex arrangements. In addition, further functionalities may be more easily imparted. Thereby, it may be understood that the choice between integrally forming the elements and providing separate pieces may depend on various factors such as the intended use, manufacturing processes, material properties, desired outcome, desired functionalities and/or cost considerations.

In embodiments in which the base element and the protrusions are not formed integrally, the protrusions and the base element may be formed from different materials. For example, the material of the base element may comprise a lower elastic stiffness than the material of the protrusions, such that a decrease of a pliability of the upper may be as low as possible. At the same time the protrusions may be provided with a sufficient amount of bending stiffness to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball. In some embodiments, the base element may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer and the plurality of protrusions may comprise a thermoset elastomer, as thermoset elastomers typically comprise a higher stiffness as compared to thermoplastic elastomers. Other embodiments in which the material of the base element may comprise a higher elastic stiffness than the material of the protrusions may also be implemented.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the base element may forms a substantially continuous outermost layer of a part of the upper extending in a forefoot and/or midfoot portion of the upper.

This continuous outermost layer may provide a cohesive and unified surface that may enhance the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the shoe. Embodiments with the continuous outermost layer may provide several advantages to the shoe's design and functionality.

First, a continuous outermost layer may contribute to the durability and longevity of the shoe, as a continuous outermost layer may offer a protective barrier against wear and tear, for example in high-stress areas such as the forefoot and midfoot.

Second, the continuous outermost layer may improve the shoe's comfort and fit, as a continuous layer can provide a smoother and more uniform surface that conforms better to the shape of the foot, reducing the potential for irritation and pressure points as compared to shoes with discontinuous outermost layers. Additionally, the continuous outermost layer may enhance the upper's performance characteristics, for example in sports shoes. This enhancement may be achieved by providing a more stable and supportive structure that can assist in maintaining proper foot alignment and distributing pressure more evenly during dynamic movements as compared to shoes with discontinuous outermost layers.

The integration of the continuous outermost layer with the microstructure surface comprising a plurality of elastically bendable protrusions shaped like pillars, as described elsewhere herein, may also enhance the overall functionality of the shoe.

The continuous outermost layer may provide a stable foundation for the microstructure surface, ensuring that the protrusions maintain their intended positions and effectiveness in assisting with shooting and/or passing a ball.

This synergy between the continuous outermost layer and the microstructure surface may result in a shoe that offers superior performance, comfort, and durability as compared to shoes that do not have such attributes, making it particularly well-suited for sports applications where these attributes are highly valued.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the base element may comprise a height of at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm; and/or of at most 1 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.5 mm, or at most 0.3 mm.

The lower limit of the height of the base element may ensure sufficient durability, while the upper limit of the height of the base element may enable the upper to remain as pliable as possible.

Profile Element

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, at least one profile element may be arranged on an outer surface of the upper, wherein the at least one profile element may comprise the base element and the plurality of protrusions.

The profile element is designed to enhance the functionality and performance of the shoe by providing additional structural and functional features.

In some embodiments, the profile element may be directly provided to the outer surface of the upper (for example, the profile element and the outer surface of the upper may be formed integrally), which may ensure a seamless integration that maintains the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of the shoe.

The inclusion of the profile element on the outer surface may serve to augment the microstructure surface of the ball contact area, which already comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball.

The feature of having at least one profile element on the outer surface of the upper may provide several advantages. First, the profile element may provide an additional layer of interaction between the shoe and the ball, potentially enhancing grip and control during play. Second, the profile element may contribute to the durability and wear resistance of the upper by offering an extra layer of material that can absorb impact and reduce abrasion.

In some embodiments, the profile element may comprise a base element and a plurality of protrusions, which may mirror the microstructure surface's design. This configuration may ensure that the profile element not only complements but also enhances the existing functional attributes of the upper. The base element may serve as the foundational structure to which the plurality of protrusions is attached. This configuration may ensure stability and uniformity in the arrangement of the plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions on the profile element may be elastically bendable, similar to those on the microstructure surface. This configuration may thereby provide consistent performance characteristics across the entire upper, and may ensure that the shoe offers a uniform response to ball contact, regardless of the specific area of the upper that comes into contact with the ball.

The integration of the profile element with its base element and protrusions thus may bring a synergistic enhancement to the shoe's overall performance. This may thereby contribute to improved ball control, increased durability, and potentially offering a more refined aesthetic appeal.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the at least one profile element may comprises one or more sub-profile elements that may be separated from one another, wherein the at least one profile element may be arranged in a grid-like and/or island-like pattern.

The arrangement of the at least one profile element in a grid- or island-like pattern may allow the upper to have flexibility where the upper is not covered by a profile element or a sub-profile element. This flexibility may be imparted by having gaps in between profile or sub-profile elements. In embodiments where the profile element extends substantially continuously, e.g., without having one or more gaps between sub-profile elements, the upper may be relatively stiff as compared to an upper that has one or more gaps.

For example, the one or more sub-profile elements may introduce a hierarchical structure to the microstructure surface. This hierarchical structure may allow for a more nuanced interaction with the ball, potentially increasing the precision and control during shooting and passing. The one or more sub-profile elements may be separated from one another, which may ensure that each sub-profile element can independently interact with the ball, thereby providing a more distributed and flexible contact surface. This separation may also prevent the sub-profile elements from interfering with each other, thereby maintaining the integrity of the microstructure surface's overall performance.

The grid-like pattern may provide a uniform distribution of the protrusions across the ball contact area. This grid-like pattern may enhance consistency of ball control, as it may ensure that the protrusions are evenly spaced and may collectively contribute to the desired elastic bending and interaction with the ball.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one profile element may be arranged in an island-like pattern, which can create distinct zones of interaction on the microstructure surface. This island-like pattern may be beneficial for creating specialized areas on the shoe's upper that cater to different aspects of ball handling, such as zones optimized for shooting, passing, or dribbling. The island-like arrangement may also provide a more targeted approach to ball control, allowing for specific areas of the shoe to be fine-tuned for particular functions.

The island-like and/or grid-like patterns may bring a higher degree of customization and functionality to the shoe's upper as compared to shoes that do not comprise these features, thereby enhancing the wearer's ability to control the ball with greater precision and effectiveness. By incorporating these features, the shoe's upper may offer improved performance characteristics as compared to shoes that do not comprise these features, catering to the specific needs of wearers in various sports scenarios.

Material/Functionality of Bending

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the microstructure surface comprises a thermoset elastomer, such as polyurethane (“PU”), rubber and/or silicone, and/or the microstructure surface may comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyamide (“PA”), thermoplastic polyether block amide (“PEBA”), and/or thermoplastic polyester elastomer (“TPEE”).

The inclusion of materials such as polyurethane, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, thermoplastic polyether block amide and thermoplastic polyester elastomer may introduce mechanisms of communication between the components of the microstructure surface and the ball contact area. These materials are known for their unique properties, such as flexibility, durability, and elasticity, which may enhance the performance characteristics of the upper.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, a majority by weight of the upper may be made from a base material, and a majority by weight of the microstructure surface may be made from the same base material. In this embodiment, the base material may be thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, thermoplastic polyether block amide, or thermoplastic polyester elastomer. This may provide the advantage that the whole upper can be recycled. The majority by weight may correspond to more than 50%, more than 70%, or more than 90% of the weight of the upper and respectively of the microstructure surface.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the ball contact area may be configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball in that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be elastically bendable such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be configured to bend substantially upon contact with the ball.

This elastic bendability may ensure that the protrusions can deform upon contact with the ball, providing a more controlled and precise ball handling experience.

Furthermore, each protrusion may be designed in the shape of a pillar, which may contribute to the structural integrity and consistency of the microstructure surface.

The configuration of each protrusion to bend substantially upon contact with the ball introduces a new level of adaptability and responsiveness to the shoe's upper. This bending mechanism may allow the protrusions to absorb and redistribute the force exerted by the ball, thereby enhancing the wearer's control over the ball during shooting and passing maneuvers.

The specific shape and elastic properties of the protrusions work in tandem to create a surface that not only grips the ball effectively but also adapts to the varying forces encountered during gameplay.

In some embodiments, each protrusion may be configured to bend substantially around a root point of each protrusion on the microstructure surface upon contact with the ball during a shooting event.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be configured to not bend substantially upon contact with the ball during a dribbling event.

Such embodiments may introduce a mechanism of communication between the protrusions and the ball, whereby the protrusions may be tailored to provide a distinct interaction during dribbling as opposed to shooting or passing. For instance, this mechanism may be achieved by a structural rigidity of the protrusions.

The structural rigidity of the protrusions may ensure that the protrusions remain largely unyielding when subjected to the forces exerted during dribbling. The structural rigidity may be achieved through material selection or structural design, as described elsewhere herein. The structural rigidity may ensure that the protrusions maintain their shape and position even under the dynamic and repetitive forces encountered during dribbling.

The structural rigidity of the protrusions during dribbling may provide some advantages to the upper for a shoe. First, the structural rigidity may enhance ball control during dribbling by providing a consistent and predictable surface interaction, thereby allowing the wearer to maintain better control over the ball. The structural rigidity of the protrusions may ensure that the ball does not slip or deviate unexpectedly, which is crucial for precision in dribbling maneuvers. Second, the structural rigidity may complement the clastic bendability of the protrusions during shooting and/or passing, as described elsewhere herein. This may be achieved by differentiating the functional response of the protrusions based on the type of ball contact.

This dual functionality may ensure that the shoe upper can adapt to different phases of play, and specifically to different types of ball contact. This may thereby provide optimal performance whether the player is dribbling, shooting, and/or passing.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be elastically bendable such that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may be configured to bend such that a side portion of each protrusion or a top portion of each protrusion touches an outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion upon contact with the ball.

The elastic bendability of each protrusion may ensure that when the ball makes contact with the upper, the protrusions may flex and deform in a controlled manner. This deformation may allow the side or top portions of the protrusions to make contact with the outer surface of the upper or with adjacent protrusions, thereby creating a dynamic interaction that may enhance the grip and control over the ball.

This elastic bendability may provide advantages to the upper for a shoe, particularly in the context of sports shoes. First, the ability of the protrusions to bend and touch the upper or adjacent protrusions may increase the surface area in contact with the ball, thereby improving the frictional interaction and providing better ball control as compared to a conventional shoe. This may be beneficial for activities such as shooting and passing, where precise control over the ball is crucial. Second, the elastic bendability of the protrusions may allow the protrusions to return to their original shape after deformation, ensuring that the upper maintains its functional properties over time and with repeated use. This durability is essential for sports shoes, which may be subject to significant wear and tear.

Additionally, the interaction between the protrusions and the upper or adjacent protrusions may create a cushioning effect, absorbing some of the impact forces when the ball strikes the upper. This cushioning effect may enhance the comfort for the wearer and potentially reduce the risk of injury.

Overall, the elastic bendability of each protrusion to touch the upper or adjacent protrusions upon ball contact may introduce a mechanism that may enhance ball control, durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal of the shoe upper.

In some embodiments, protrusions may have a height that allows the protrusions to be deformed in such a manner that the top portion of the protrusion may touch the outer surface of the upper.

Upper with Profile Element

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, may comprise a ball contact area comprising at least one profile element arranged on the outer surface of the upper;

• • a, wherein the at least one profile element comprises a microstructure surface comprising a plurality of protrusions;
  • b, wherein the profile element is configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball; and
  • c, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has the shape of a pillar.

The features, the technical properties, the embodiments, the advantages and the improvements over conventional shoes described above are likewise applicable to embodiments having a profile element (as far as this is technically meaningful as understood by the skilled person). Same applies vice versa.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the profile element may comprises thermoset elastomers, rubber, or silicone.

These materials may provide sufficient stiffness and support and may contribute to enhanced ball control for shooting and/or passing a ball. In addition, these materials may be relatively easy to procure, are cost-effective, and are widely accepted in the sector of soles for shoes.

The inclusion of thermoset elastomers, rubber, or silicone in a profile element may offer several advantages, particularly in applications where durability, flexibility, and resistance to various environmental factors are critical.

Thermoset elastomers are known for their excellent mechanical properties and resistance to deformation under stress. Once cured, they may not melt or soften upon reheating, which makes them ideal for applications requiring long-term stability. Further, thermoset elastomers may generally be resistant to a variety of chemicals, oils, and solvents, making them suitable for harsh chemical environments. Thermoset elastomers provide a good balance of rigidity and flexibility, which is important for maintaining shape while allowing some movement.

Rubber offers excellent resilience, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear. It can withstand repeated stretching and compressing, making it suitable for dynamic applications. Depending on the type (e.g., nitrile, EPDM), rubber can offer good resistance to oils, fuels, and other chemicals. Rubber may be highly flexible and elastic, making it ideal for applications requiring frequent movement or deformation.

Silicone is known for its outstanding thermal stability, and it can maintain its properties over a wide temperature range. It is also resistant to UV light, ozone, and weathering, which contributes to its longevity in outdoor applications. Silicone exhibits excellent resistance to many chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents, which makes it ideal for use in chemically aggressive environments. Silicone offers excellent flexibility and elasticity, even at low temperatures, which is crucial for maintaining performance in cold environments.

In summary, the use of thermoset elastomers, rubber, or silicone in a profile element may provide a robust solution that leverages the unique properties of each material to meet the requirements of the upper as described in here.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprises an aspect ratio defined by a height of a protrusion compared to a width of the protrusion of at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, or at least 1.5; and/or of at most 10, at most 8, at most 6, at most 4, or at most 3.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a width of at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.08 mm, or at least 0.1 mm; and/or of at most 1.0 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.5 mm, or at most 0.3 mm.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, a pitch between two adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is greater than or equal to 1.2 times the width of a protrusion and less than or equal to 3 times of the width of a protrusion, or greater than or equal to 1.2 times the width of a protrusion and less than or equal to 2 times of the width of a protrusion of the two adjacent protrusions.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprises a height of greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the microstructure surface may comprises a contact portion defined by aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions, the top surfaces facing away from the upper, wherein a contact surface coverage is greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 25% and less than or equal to 50%, or greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 40%, the coverage being defined by the aggregated top surfaces of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions as compared to the microstructure surface.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may comprise a Shore A hardness of greater than or equal to 30 Shore A and less than or equal to 110 Shore A, greater than or equal to 35 Shore A and less than or equal to 60 Shore A, or greater than or equal to 40 Shore A and less than or equal to 55 Shore A.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the microstructure surface may comprises a base element, wherein the plurality of protrusions and the base element may be formed by molding the profile element, such that the plurality of protrusions may be formed integrally with the base element.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the at least one profile element may comprises at least one macro-protrusion, which may be larger than any one of the protrusions of the plurality of protrusions.

The macro-protrusion may provide further functionalities to the upper. In some embodiments, the macro-protrusion (or a plurality thereof, if provided) may work in tandem with the remaining protrusions of the microstructure surface, thereby providing a more tailored functionality.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the macro-protrusion may have a width of greater than or equal to 0.8 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm and/or a height of greater than or equal to 1.3 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, which can further contribute to improved ball control.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the at least one profile element may extend at least partially in a medial toe portion, a medial metatarsal portion, or a medial distal tarsal portion of the upper.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the at least one profile element may have an essentially rhombus, circular and/or grid-like shape and/or pattern.

The grid-like pattern may provide a uniform distribution of the protrusions across the ball contact area. The grid-like pattern may enhance consistency of ball control, as it may ensure that the protrusions are evenly spaced and can collectively contribute to the desired elastic bending and interaction with the ball.

Also, the rhombus shape and the circular shape may provide their own specific advantages in improving ball control while additionally allowing for specific advantages in terms of manufacturing and the like.

In some embodiments of the upper as described herein, the profile element may be a first profile element, wherein the upper may comprise a second profile element, wherein the second profile element may be spaced apart from the first profile element. This arrangement may allow for more refined ball control, as the second profile element may allow fine tuning the functionalities of the upper.

In some embodiments, a shoe, in such as a sports shoe may comprise an upper according to any one of the embodiments described herein; and a sole attached to the upper.

The technical properties shown or described for the upper, and the advantages and the improvements over conventional shoes are likewise applicable to the sports shoe.

In some embodiments, the upper may be attached to the sole by any suitable attachment. Attaching the upper of a shoe to the sole may involve various methods and techniques depending on the type of shoe, the materials used, and/or the desired level of durability and robustness of the upper. For instance, attaching the upper of a shoe to a sole may include cementing/adhesive bonding, which is a common method, in which for instance a strong adhesive is applied to one or both of the upper and the sole. Subsequently, they may be pressed together and allowed to bond.

In some embodiments, an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, may comprise a ball contact area comprising a microstructure surface; a, wherein the microstructure surface comprises a plurality of protrusions; b, wherein the microstructure surface is configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball in that each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable; c, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a shape dimensioned to allow for anisotropic bending behavior, for instance, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions may have an elongated shape seen along a contour of the upper.

The technical properties, the embodiments, the advantages and the improvements over conventional shoes described previously are likewise applicable to the upper with the ball contact area (as far as this is technically meaningful as understood by a person having skill in the art). Same applies vice versa.

Providing a shoe upper with a ball contact area may provide the advantage that the protrusions allow for a direction-dependent bendability.

Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions having an elongated shape may mean that there may be a dimension along a first axis of the shape which may be larger than one or both dimensions along the remaining axes that are substantially perpendicular to the first axis. It is understood that when dimensions are described herein, manufacturing tolerances may be taken into consideration. Although not always explicitly expressed (e.g., by using the term “substantially”), it is understood that the parts, elements, units, shapes described herein comprise such manufacturing tolerances. Thus, the dimensions described herein may vary slightly.

For instance, the length of each protrusion may be at least 1.5 times the width, at least 2 times the width, at least 2.5 times the width, or at least 3 times the width, and/or at most 6 times the width, at most 5.5 times the width, at most 5 times the width, at most 4.5 times the width, or at most 4 times the width.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1 to 3 show an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3).

The upper 101 may comprise: a ball contact area 140 comprising a microstructure surface 150. The microstructure surface 150 may comprise a protrusion 151. In some embodiments, the microstructure surface 150 may comprise a plurality of protrusions 152 (not all of the protrusions 151 are provided with reference signs for the sake of brevity) that comprises a group of many protrusions 151. Due to their microstructure nature, the protrusions 151 may not be easily recognizable from FIG. 1 only. The protrusions 151 may be best seen in FIG. 3. The microstructure surface 150 may be configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball in that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 is elastically bendable. Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may have the shape of a pillar (as indicated inter alia in FIG. 4).

The microstructure surface 150 may be configured to assist with shooting (e.g., kicking, strong passes, or the like), and to assist with passing (e.g., dribbling, first touch and/or short distance passing) a ball. Thereby, the microstructure surface 150 may provide for advantages in different situations of a play as described elsewhere herein in greater detail.

It is to note that shooting and/or passing as referred to herein may comprise any possible action in which the player arranges the shoe such that the upper 101 contacts the ball. Shooting as referred to herein may mean that the player is kicking the ball with a rather fast foot movement in an attempt to score a goal. In particular, shooting may comprise strong shots, such as a power shot, i.e., a shot struck with maximum force, often used for long-range attempts. Another example may be a curled shot, i.e., a shot struck with the medial side of the upper, wherein the player typically wraps his leg around the ball and follows through to the outside of his body. Another example may be a volley, i.e., a shot taken directly from the air, generating significant power. Another example may be a half-volley, i.e., a shot struck just as the ball is bouncing off the ground, allowing for a powerful strike. Another example may be a free kick (when struck with power), i.e., a direct shot on goal from a set-piece situation, hit with significant force. Another example may be a penalty kick (when struck with power), i.e., a shot taken from the penalty spot, often hit with great power to beat the goalkeeper. Another example may be a placed shot, i.e., a shot focused on accuracy, aiming to place the ball out of the goalkeeper's reach. Another example may be a chip shot, i.e., a delicate shot intended to loft the ball over the goalkeeper with minimal power. Another example may be a side-footed shot, i.e., a controlled and accurate shot using the side of the foot, typically less powerful, but typically less difficult to place. Further examples are well encompassed by the present disclosure.

Passing as referred to herein may comprise less powerful kicks and it may mean that the player is kicking the ball toward another player in an attempt to hand over possession to that player. In particular, passing may comprise high passes and/or flat passes, wherein for high passes the ball impact during kicking typically is more toward the upper side of the foot, as compared to flat passes. Another example may be a curled pass, which corresponds in its technique to the curled shot as explained above. Another example may be a side-footed pass, corresponding in its technique to the side-footed shot as explained above, wherein the side-footed pass may typically be used for flat and/or short distance passes. Further examples are well encompassed by the present disclosure.

One having skill in the art may understand that different types and/or examples of shots as listed above may at least partially overlap and different types and/or examples of passes as listed above may at least partially overlap. Further, one having skill in the art may understand that a possible range of velocity for shots may overlap with a possible range of velocity for passes.

Low-impact ball contacts as referred to herein may comprise dribbling, i.e., moving the ball with a series of controlled touches, often focusing on maneuverability rather than power. Another example may be a first touch, i.e., the initial touch used to control the ball, emphasizing precision and control. Another example may be short distance passes, when played with a relatively low velocity.

The microstructure surface 150 may be arranged at least partially in a medial toc portion 105, a medial metatarsal portion 110, a medial distal tarsal portion 115, a lateral toe portion 120, a lateral metatarsal portion 125, a lateral distal tarsal portion 130, an intermediate to portion 126, an intermediate metatarsal portion 127, and/or an intermediate distal tarsal portion 128 of the upper 101.

The medial toe portion 105 as referred to herein may include a portion of the upper 101 corresponding to the respective toes. However, the medial toe portion 105 is not limited thereto. In particular, it is not limited specifically to the respective toes as such. As understood by the skilled person, also adjacent tissue, e.g., tissue adjacent to the toes, may be included.

The medial metatarsal portion 110 as referred to herein may include for instance a medial and/or top side of the first metatarsal bone.

The medial distal tarsal portion 115 as referred to herein may include for instance a medial and top side of the 1st cuneiform bone and/or the navicular bone. It may be particularly beneficial in case profile elements, as described elsewhere herein, may be arranged in and/or extend to a proximity to the navicular bone.

The lateral toe portion 120 as referred to herein may include for instance a lateral and/or a top side of the 5th toc.

The lateral metatarsal portion 125 as referred to herein may include for instance a lateral and/or top side of the 5th metatarsal bone.

The lateral distal tarsal portion 130 as referred to herein may include for instance a lateral and top side of the lateral cuneiform bone and/or the cuboid bone.

It is to note that the respective “intermediate” portion, i.e., the intermediate toe portion 126, the intermediate metatarsal portion 127, and/or the intermediate distal tarsal portion 128 are located between the respective lateral and medial portions.

In some embodiments, one or more or each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may have an essentially circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal horizontal cross-section, the cross-section being a cut through the protrusion 151 normal to a direction along the height of the protrusion 151. The cross-section be located at a midpoint of the height of the protrusion 151. This shape may be best seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 9, 11, 12.

One or more or each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 of may comprise a Shore A hardness of greater than or equal to 30 Shore A and less than or equal to 110 Shore A, or greater than or equal to 50 Shore A and less than or equal to 100 Shore A, or greater than or equal to 70 Shore A and less than or equal to 90 Shore A.

In some embodiments, the microstructure surface 150 may extend substantially continuously across the front portion piece of the upper 101. In some embodiments, the microstructure surface 150 may be molded as a substantially whole sheet, forming a base element 156 (best seen in FIG. 4 and also described with reference to FIG. 4 in greater detail) and the plurality of protrusions 152 in an integral manner, as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, the microstructure surface 150 may be joined to one or more further layers. Thereby, the combination may form a layered structure for the front portion of the upper 101. The layered structure can then be cut and joined (e.g., including, but not limited to, by sewing) to further portions, parts, elements, components or the like of the upper 101. The material of the microstructure surface 150 may be any kind of material. For instance, the microstructure surface 150 may comprise a thermoset elastomer, such as polyurethane, rubber and/or silicone, and/or the microstructure surface may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, thermoplastic polyether block amide, and/or thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Preferably the material of the microstructure surface 150 may comprise TPU.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments the base element 156 may form a substantially continuous outermost layer of a part of the upper 101 extending in a forefoot and/or midfoot portion of the upper 101.

In some embodiments, the ball contact area 140 may be configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball in that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be elastically bendable such that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be configured to bend substantially upon contact with the ball during a shooting or passing event. For example, each protrusion 151 may be configured to bend such that an angle between each protrusion 151 and the microstructure surface may be at least 30 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 50 degrees during a shooting or passing event. Further, as generally applicable to embodiments disclosed herein, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be configured to not bend substantially upon contact with the ball during a dribbling event.

In this manner, the upper 101 may provide various advantages. For example, the microstructure surface 150 may provide a force-dependent grip, and hence, provide increased grip for shooting a ball, e.g., for high-impact ball contacts. These may occur, for instance, during kicking a ball. At the same time, the microstructure surface 150 may provide less grip for low-impact ball contacts. These may occur, for instance, during dribbling, first touch and/or short distance passing.

Further, in some embodiments, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be elastically bendable such that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be configured to bend such that a side portion of each protrusion 151 or a top portion of each protrusion 151 may touch an outer surface of the upper 101 or an adjacent protrusion 151 upon contact with the ball.

FIG. 1 also shows a shoe 100, such as a sports shoe, the shoe 100 comprising the upper 101 and a sole 102 attached to the upper 101.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the shoe 100 may be provided with studs 180 (two are indicated for brevity), which may be also referred to as cleats. The studs 180 may serve to provide traction for the wearer on a ground, in particular soft grounds such as grass fields or the like. The use of studs is known in the field of ball sports activities, such as soccer or football (e.g., American football), rugby or the like. In some examples, the studs 180 can be integrally formed with the sole 102 of the shoe 100. The studs 180 may be at least partially injected onto a base material. In various examples, prefabricated stud tips may be placed in a mold and may be over-injected with a base material. The base material may comprise portions of the sole 102. In some embodiments, the studs 180 may comprise TPU. Integrally formed or injected studs 180 have the advantage that no screws are needed and/or that the studs 180 do not need replacement. Nevertheless, it is also possible to apply interchangeable studs 180 or screw-on studs 180.

In some embodiments, the microstructure surface 150 may additionally or alternatively be arranged on a tongue of the upper 101, when present, and/or on a heel portion of the upper 101.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic figure of the microstructure surface 150 along with the protrusions 151, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows a schematic figure of two protrusions 151 from a top view and one protrusion 151 from a side view, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may comprise an aspect ratio defined by a height p_h (inter alia indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5) of a protrusion 151 compared to a width p_w (inter alia indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5) of the protrusion 151 of at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, or at least 1.5; and/or of at most 10, at most 8, at most 6, at most 4, or at most 3.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may have a width p_w of at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.08 mm, or at least 0.1 mm; and/or of at most 1.0 mm, at most 0.7 mm, at most 0.5 mm, or at most 0.3 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may comprise a height p_h of at least 0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm; and/or of at most 1.2 mm, at most 1.1 mm, or at most 1.0 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a pitch pt between two adjacent protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 is at least 1.1, at least 1.2, at least 1.3, at least 1.4, or at least 1.4 times the width p_w; and/or at most 4, at most 3, at most 2, at most 1.8, or at most 1.6 times the width p_w of a protrusion 151.

Further, a pitch pt between two adjacent protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pitch pt may be essentially uniform for each pair of adjacent protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152.

As described elsewhere herein, in some embodiments the pitch pt may not be uniform, e.g., the pitch pt may vary for two or more of the plurality of protrusions 151.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the microstructure surface 150 may comprise a contact portion 157 defined by aggregated top surfaces 158 of the protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152, the top surfaces 158 facing away from the upper 101 and the base element 156. As shown, the contact portion 157 may include any number of top surfaces 158. In some embodiments, the contact portion 157 may include all of the top surfaces 158. In some embodiments, the contact portion 157 may include fewer than all of the top surfaces 158. Further, a coverage of the plurality of protrusions 152 may be greater than or equal to 3% and less than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 30%, or greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 15%. As mentioned elsewhere herein, the coverage may be defined by the aggregated surface area of the top surfaces 158 of the protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 as compared to the surface area of the microstructure surface 150. As shown in FIG. 4, the coverage may be the sum of surface areas of the top surfaces 158 divided by the total surface area of the microstructure surface 150 (in FIG. 4, only the base element 156 is indicated, the surface area of which may, in some embodiments, correspond to the surface area of the microstructure surface 150).

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may comprise a length p_1 that is substantially perpendicular to a width p_w and a height p_h, the length p_h and the width p_w being along a contour of the upper 101, wherein the length p_1 may be greater than or equal to 0.8 times the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width, or greater than or equal to 0.9 times the width and less than or equal to 1.2 times the width, or the length p_1 may be essentially equal to the width p_w.

In some embodiments, the microstructure surface 150 may comprise the base element 156, wherein the plurality of protrusions 151 may be arranged on the base element 156, wherein at least two protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 are connected by the base element 156. The base element 156 is also indicated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

In some embodiments, the base element 156 and one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 can be formed integrally. However, as described elsewhere in here, one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 can be formed separately from the base element 156 and may be subsequently attached to the base element 156.

Integrally forming elements, e.g., forming the base element 156 and one or more protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 as one unitary piece, may also be known as a monolithic or integral design. This type design may offer several advantages in various contexts. For instance, strength and durability may be provided, since unitary pieces may often have fewer points of weakness and/or potential failure compared to assemblies of multiple components. This may result in increased overall strength and durability. Further, unitary pieces may substantially reduce the need for separate parts, fasteners, or connectors. Unitary pieces may also lead to cost savings in production. Moreover, unitary pieces can reduce the overall weight of the resulting structure and/or product. This may be particularly advantageous in the context of soles for shoes, where weight savings may be a significant role. Further, unitary pieces may provide improved performance as wearing, vibration, noise associated with separate moving parts, or the like may be reduced. Further, by eliminating the need for additional components, parts, elements, or the like, unitary pieces may reduce material costs, labor costs, and/or assembly time, resulting in cost savings. In addition, fewer components may often mean simplified constructions, which could lead to reduced material waste during production and disposal. This may contribute to more sustainable and eco-friendly products.

In some embodiments, one or more of the protrusions 151 of the plurality of the protrusions 152 is/are molded into the base layer 156. Thereby, the base layer 156 and the respective protrusions 151 may be formed integrally. For instance, this is described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

In some embodiments, the protrusions 151 described herein may be understood as microstructure protrusions 151. For determining dimensions thereof, it is practicable to use a dimension that may be prominently representative of the protrusion 151. For the width p_w, the midpoint of the height p_h was found useful to determine this dimension. That is, because the width p_w at the very top/very bottom of the protrusion 151 may be relatively low/large.

Also indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a side angle α. The respective angled side surface of the protrusion 151 may extend along the entire height p_h of the protrusion 151 or alternatively only extend partially from the top surface 158 along the height p_h of the protrusion 151.

In some embodiments, the side angle α may be at least 0°, at least 1°, at least 2°, at least 3°, at least 4°, at least 5°, at least 10°, at least 15°, or at least 20°, and/or at most 40°, at most 30°, at most 25°, at most 20°, at most 15°, at most 10°, or at most 5°. One having skill in the art may readily select respective ranges as far as the combination of the upper and the lower limit is technically meaningful.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of materials used for the microstructure surface 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In particular, the diagram shows a coefficient of friction (CoF) along the y-axis over a respective squeezing pressure along the x-axis, for samples A, D and for a reference sample (R). The reference sample does not comprise a microstructure surface and is a textile coated with PU foil. The squeezing pressure is measured for the examined microstructure surface against a reference surface like a ball. All test results are shown for dry (A, D, R) and for wet conditions (A′, D′, R′). The samples are described in greater detail in the table below.

As shown in FIG. 6, sample A, and in particular sample D, may provide a larger increase of the CoF in relation to a squeezing pressure, as compared to the reference type R. This may ensure that a force-dependent friction characteristic is provided, in wet as well as in dry conditions.

Some specific examples of microstructure surface and the protrusions are shown in the following table. This table is shown merely for the purpose of illustration and without the intention to limit the scope of protection which is defined by the claims.

					Side	Contact
	Cross-	Width	Height	Pitch	angle	surface	Aspect
Sample	section	(mm)	(mm)	(mm)	(°)	coverage	ratio

A	square	0.1	0.4	.35	0	9.4%	4
B	circular	0.2	0.6	.5	0	12.6%	3
C	circular	0.13	0.7	.5	0	5.3%	5.4
D	circular	0.125	0.5	.385	10	9.6%	4
F	circular	0.4	0.5	.58	0	37%	1.25

FIGS. 7 to 9 show an upper 701 for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, according to some embodiments. Differences between embodiments previously described are highlighted below, but some common features are also presented.

In some embodiments, the upper 701 comprises the ball contact area 140 and the microstructure surface 150, as described elsewhere herein.

A first profile element 160 (best seen in FIG. 8 und 9) may be arranged on an outer surface of the upper 701, wherein the first profile element 160 may comprise the base element 156 (best seen in FIG. 8 und 9) and the plurality of protrusions 152.

The first profile element 160 may comprise one or more sub-profile elements 165 (shown in FIG. 7) that may be separated from one another. The first profile element 160 may be arranged in a grid-like and/or island-like pattern, as best seen in FIG. 7.

In FIGS. 7 to 9 the first profile element 160, along with the microstructure surface 150, may be arranged in the medial toe portion 105 and the intermediate toe portion 126, the medial metatarsal portion 110 and the intermediate metatarsal portion 127, or the medial distal tarsal portion 115.

In some embodiments, the first profile element 160 may comprise the microstructure surface 150 having a grid-like shape.

Further, a second profile element 160′ may be provided with a microstructure surface 150 having a rhombus-like shape. In some embodiments, the second profile element 160′ may be located within the first profile element 160 (for example, the second profile element 160′ may be have a smaller surface area than the first profile element 160 such that the second profile element 160′ may fit within the first profile element 160).

In some embodiments, the macro-protrusions 155 may be arranged on the first profile element 160, and may be arranged adjacent to the microstructure surface 150. In some embodiments, the macro-protrusions 155 are approximately 1 mm wide and 1-3 mm high.

In some embodiments, the material of the profile elements 160, 160′ may be rubber.

Manufacturing: In some embodiments, the first profile element 160 and the second profile element 160′ may be formed from rubber in a mold. They may then be joined to an outer surface of a layered structure of an upper (for example, the upper 701). The layered structure can be any state-of-the-art type, e.g., comprising woven or knitted fabrics, non-woven textiles, leather, artificial leather, foam layers etc., as well as eventually a coating on top, e.g., a TPU or PU foil layer. An adhesive, such as a hot-melt adhesive, may be used to join the profile elements to the layered structure, for example via heat pressing.

The arrangement of the first profile element 160 in a grid or island pattern allows the upper 701 to still be pliable by having gaps in between profile elements, where the upper is not covered by a profile element. For example, if the first profile element 160 extend continuously over the upper 701, the upper 701 would be relatively stiff as compared to having gaps as described, due to the properties of rubber.

Different microstructure surfaces 150 can be arranged on different profile elements 160, thereby providing different friction properties to different zones, which may be appreciated by the wearer. For example, profile elements 160 can be arranged in any of the lateral and/or intermediate portions, which may have a lower width and/or aspect ratio as compared to profile elements 160 arranged in any of the medial portions.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show an upper 1001 for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 shows a detailed schematic figure of a part of the microstructure surface of the embodiment of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a part of the microstructure surface of the embodiment of FIG. 10. Differences from embodiments previously described are highlighted, but common features are also presented.

The upper 1001 may comprise the ball contact area 140 comprising the first profile element 160 arranged on the outer surface of the upper 1001; the first profile element 160 may comprise the microstructure surface 150 comprising the plurality of protrusions 152 (which comprise the protrusions 151 shown in FIG. 10). The first profile element 160 may be configured to assist with shooting and/or passing a ball. Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152 may have the shape of a pillar, as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, the upper 1001 may not be limited to the first profile element 160. For example, at least the second profile element 160′ may be located on the upper 1001. However, as can be seen in FIG. 10, the upper 101 can comprise several profile elements 160, in particular nine profile elements 160, 160′ are shown on FIG. 10, though more or fewer may be provided. In some embodiments, there may be one or more profile elements 160, 160′, e.g., arranged in the medial side of the upper 1001, that do not comprise a microstructure surface 150.

In some embodiments, the profile elements 160, 160′ may have a rhombus-like shape. In some embodiments, the second profile element 160′ may not be within the first profile element 160, but may be located adjacent to the first profile element 160.

In some embodiments, the first profile element 160 may be spaced apart from the second profile element 160′. This spacing may have the effect that the upper 1001 may maintain its flexibility, as the profile elements 160, 160′ may be made from elastomers or rubber material. The space in between the profile elements 160, 160′ (which can be provided for instance by way of an island-like or grid-like pattern as described elsewhere herein) may provide for this flexibility.

In some embodiments, the macro-protrusions 155 may be arranged on the first profile element 160, and may be arranged adjacent to the microstructure surface 150. The macro-protrusions 155 may be larger than any one of the protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 152. In some embodiments, the macro-protrusions 155 may have a width of approximately 1 mm and/or a height of approximately 1-3 mm.

In some embodiments, the material of the profile elements 160, 160′ may be rubber.

In some embodiments, the profile elements 160, 160′ may comprise thermoset elastomers, rubber, and/or silicone. The pitch, height, width, length, and aspect ratio may be similar to the embodiments disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, one or more protrusion 151 may comprise a Shore A hardness of greater than or equal to 30 Shore A and less than or equal to 110 Shore A, greater than or equal to 35 Shore A and less than or equal to 60 Shore A, or greater than or equal to 40 Shore A and less than or equal to 55 Shore A.

As shown in FIG. 10, at least one of the profile elements 160, 160′ may extend at least partially in the medial toe portion 105, the medial metatarsal portion 110, or the medial distal tarsal portion 115 of the upper 1001.

As an example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 may have the dimensions listed for sample F in the table above.

In some embodiments, the profile elements 160, 160′, each provided with the microstructure surface 150, may be arranged in strategically beneficial portions of the upper 1001, i.e., in a toe portion, metatarsal portion, and/or distal tarsal portion of the upper 1001 (as indicated for instance in FIG. 1).

FIG. 11 shows the microstructure surface 150 of a profile element 160 in greater detail. The base element 156 is also shown. The dimensions are listed in the table above (sample F). In some embodiments, the height of the base element b_h may be about 0.5 mm.

As described herein, the profile elements 160, 160′ may provide for enhanced grip between the upper 1001 and a ball. The microstructure surface 150 comprised by the profile elements 160, 160′ may beneficially enhance the functionalities, via increasing a specific contact pressure. This may further improve the grip, in particular in wet conditions.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic figure of the microstructure surface 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The microstructure surface 150 depicted herein may be combined with other embodiments described herein, in which the protrusions 151 (not all of the protrusions 151 are provided with a reference numeral in FIG. 13) are described such that they have an elongated shape seen along a contour of the upper (for example, the upper 101, the upper 701, or the upper 1001).

By having an elongated shape, the protrusions 151 provide for a first direction D1, which may be substantially perpendicular to an elongated axis of the protrusions 151. Furthermore, the protrusions 151 provide for a second direction D2, which may be substantially parallel (for example, within ten degrees of being parallel) to the elongated axis of the protrusions 151. The elongated shape of the protrusions 151 allow the protrusions 151 to bend more easily in the first direction D1 than in the second direction D2. In other words, the protrusions 151 may be more resistant to bending in the first direction D1 than in the second direction D2. The higher resistance to bending in the first direction D1 may provide for an increased friction between the protrusions 151 and a ball when the protrusions 151 are contacted by a ball. The lower resistance to bending in the second direction D2 may provide a lower friction between the protrusions 151 and a ball when the protrusions 151 are contacted by a ball. As described elsewhere herein, this has the advantage to allow for a direction-dependent bendability.

In some embodiments, the length of the protrusions 151 as disclosed herein may vary across the disclosed embodiments.

For example, the length of each protrusion 151 may be approximately at least 1.5 times the width, at least 2 times the width, at least 2.5 times the width, or at least 3 times the width, and/or at most 6 times the width, at most 5.5 times the width, at most 5 times the width, at most 4.5 times the width, or at most 4 times the width.

Manufacturing of the Shoe Upper

The embodiments disclosed herein can be provided via various manufacturing processes.

In some embodiments, the uppers described herein that comprise the microstructure surface 150 (for example, the upper 101, the upper 701, the upper 1001, etc.) may be formed by an extrusion process. Thereby, the material may be transferred from an extruder onto a cylindrical mold having the negative pattern of the microstructure surface 150 (i.e., including the protrusions). Thereby, a continuous sheet of the microstructure surface 150 can be produced, which is then cut, joined to further layers of a layered structure, and the layered structure may then be joined eventually to further pieces of the upper (101, 701, 1001) of the shoe 100.

Any embodiments described herein comprising profile elements 160 may also be produced by using the above-described process.

In some embodiments, a manufacturing process may be employed where profile elements 160 are shaped under heat and pressure in a mold. The so formed profile elements 160 remain in said mold, and adhesive may be applied to the bottom surface of the profile elements 160. Subsequently, the mold with the profile elements 160 may be heat pressed to a layered structure of an upper (101, 701, 1001), thereby joining both. The same process may also be used in embodiments that do not include the profile elements 160.

In an alternative way of manufacturing, for example if the material is TPU, an initial element and/or an outer layer, which may already be arranged on the layered structure of the upper, are heat pressed with a mold. Thereby, they may be embossed and/or debossed to create the microstructure surface 150, while the profile elements 160 are already arranged on the upper. The remainder of the upper (101, 701, 1001) may be embossed and/or debossed simultaneously.

In an alternative way of manufacturing, forming the microstructure surface 150 onto the outer layer and/or initial element may be achieved by milling or stamping.

In an alternative way of manufacturing, the profile elements 160 and/or the microstructure surface 150 may be formed with high-frequency welding or vacuum forming.

In an alternative way of manufacturing, the microstructure surface 150 may be formed by printing the protrusions 151 onto the base element 156, e.g., via screen printing or additive manufacturing.

In an alternative way of manufacturing, the base element 156 may be covered by a cover layer, e.g., a foil, which comprises apertures, wherein the protrusions may extend through the apertures.

These are various examples, and the specific way of manufacturing is not limited to these examples.

In any one or more of the embodiments of the upper described herein, mentioning of “first”, “second” or the like merely corresponds to naming of elements, parts, groups or the like. This naming is not to be construed limiting but solely serves the purpose to illustrate the present disclosure.

It is noted that any one or more of the embodiments described herein and/or examples may be combined with further aspects as described herein and details of the embodiments and/or examples may also be omitted, as will be understood by the skilled person. The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the embodiments and/or examples disclosed in the above figures.