UPPER FOR A SHOE WITH A BALL CONTACT AREA

Abstract

An upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a ball contact area comprising a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, a sole facing side portion and an instep facing side portion. Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elastically bendable such that each protrusion is configured to bend substantially in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis upon contact with a ball, and such that each of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend such that the instep facing side portion touches an outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.

Claims

1. An upper for a shoe, comprising: a ball contact area comprising a plurality of protrusions; wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, a sole facing side portion, and an in-step facing side portion; and wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend in a substantially perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis up-on contact with a ball, and such that each of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend such that the instep facing side portion touches an outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.

2. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a triangular cross-section.

3. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a top edge and a bottom edge along the longitudinal axis being substantially parallel to each other.

4. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a substantially quadrangular-shaped longitudinal section.

5. The upper of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis forms an acute angle with a heel to toe axis of the upper of at least 45 in a toe portion of the upper, or at most 45 in a medial midfoot portion of the upper.

6. The upper of claim 1, wherein a first protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is arranged in a toe portion of the upper and a second protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is arranged further rearward with respect to the first protrusion, and wherein an acute angle with a heel to toe axis of the upper of the first protrusion is greater than an acute angle with the heel to toe axis of the upper of the second protrusion.

7. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a shape selected from the group consisting of: a ridge, a rip, a lamella, and a fin.

8. The upper of claim 1, wherein a travel trajectory is defined on the upper and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each protrusion, wherein a first travel direction of the travel trajectory is arranged in a toe portion of the upper and extends from the toe portion towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper, and wherein a second travel direction of the travel trajectory is arranged in a medial portion of the upper and extends from a lower medial midfoot portion towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper.

9. The upper of claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions protrude from an outer surface of the upper.

10. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a height in a protruding direction of at least 0.5 mm and at most 5 mm.

11. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a width perpendicular to a protruding direction and to the longitudinal axis of at least 0.1 mm and at most 1.5 mm.

12. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a length along the longitudinal axis of at least 2 mm and at most 40 mm.

13. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion is spaced apart in a medial portion of the upper from a sole of the shoe by at least 5 mm.

14. The upper of claim 1, wherein the ball contact area is arranged at least partially in at least one of a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, a first metatarsal joint portion, a first metatarsal bone portion, an upper medial midfoot portion, or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper.

15. The upper of claim 1, wherein at least two protrusions from the plurality of protrusions are connected by a base element on the outer surface of the upper.

16. The upper of claim 15, wherein the at least two protrusions are integrally formed with the base element and are arranged in a first group of the ball contact area.

17. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a material composed of at least one of rubber, elastomer, casting polyurethane, or silicone.

18. The upper of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a material having a hardness in the range of 30-60 Shore A.

19. The upper of claim 1, wherein the sole facing side portion and the instep facing side portion are on opposing sides of a plane along the longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the upper.

20. A shoe, comprising: an upper according to claim 1; and a sole attached to the upper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0175] 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 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 disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0176] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary upper for a shoe, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0177] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a different perspective.

[0178] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a different perspective.

[0179] FIG. 4 shows a schematic figure of protrusions in an ordinary state and in a bent state, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0180] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary upper for a shoe, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0181] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a different perspective.

[0182] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a different perspective.

[0183] FIG. 8 shows a zoomed in view of a portion of FIG. 6.

[0184] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary upper for a shoe, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0185] FIG. 10 shows a portion of FIG. 9 in a different perspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0186] 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.

[0187] For instance, there are curled passes, flat passes, striking shots or the like. For the different types of shots different arrangements on the upper of the shoe can be produce unique spin. Proper spin is desired for any kind of shot, because otherwise, the ball would be fluttering. Shoe uppers according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhanced grip to achieve various advantages described herein.

[0188] In the following possible embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these, and a multitude of other embodiments are applicable without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The presented embodiments can be modified in 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.

[0189] It is to be understood that not all features of the described embodiments have to be present for realizing the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. Specifically, the skilled person will understand that features, and/or functional elements of one embodiment can be combined with technically compatible features, and/or functional elements of any other embodiment of the present disclosure given that the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure.

[0190] 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 according to the disclosure can equally be applied in a plurality of different technical fields and/or use cases.

[0191] 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 person 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.

[0192] To avoid redundancies, reference is also made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which also apply to the following detailed description.

[0193] The toe portion as used herein may comprise portions in proximity of the big toe, and/or of the big toe knuckle.

[0194] The upper medial midfoot portion as used herein may comprise portions in proximity of the first metatarsal bone, and/or the medial midfoot bones such as the cuneiform and navicular bones.

[0195] 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. Unless specified otherwise, when referring to a direction or dimension, the term about, substantial or substantially means a first direction or dimension is +/10% of a second direction or dimension.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] The indefinite articles a, an, and the include plural referents unless clearly contradicted or the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0200] The term comprising is an open-ended transitional phrase. A list of elements following the transitional phrase comprising is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list can also be present. The phrase consisting essentially of limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the component. The phrase consisting of limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and excludes any material not specified.

[0201] Where a range of numerical values comprising upper and lower values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the disclosure or claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more ranges, or as list of upper values and lower values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or value and any lower range limit or value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed.

[0202] FIGS. 1 to 3 show an exemplary upper 101 for a shoe 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in three different perspectives (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3).

[0203] The upper 101 comprises a ball contact area 150 comprising a plurality of protrusions 151. Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis LA (as indicated in FIG. 2), a sole facing side portion 151a (as seen for example in FIG. 4) and an instep facing side portion 151b (as seen for example in FIG. 4). The ball contact area 150 is configured to assist with shooting a ball 80 (as seen for example in FIG. 4) in that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is elastically bendable such that each protrusion 151 is configured to bend substantially in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis LA upon contact with the ball 80, and such that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is configured to bend such that the instep facing side portion 151b touches an outer surface of the upper 101 or an adjacent protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151.

[0204] As can be gathered from FIG. 1, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may have the shape of at least one of a ridge, a rip, a lamella or a fin. For instance, the protrusions 151 may have a major axis, such as a length, which is greater than a minor axis, such as a width. Moreover, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may have a beveled edge on one, or on both ends, along the longitudinal axis LA. The beveled edge may be formed by removing material from the edge at a specific angle and/or by cutting a sloping surface along the edge. The angle of the bevel may vary depending on the intended purpose and/or aesthetic considerations.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 2, a heel to toe axis HT is shown. Further, a longitudinal axis LA is indicated of an exemplary protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 of a toe portion 105 (the respective longitudinal axis LA has the suffix 105). The longitudinal axis LA_105 forms an acute angle with the heel to toe axis HT of the upper 101 of at least 45, or at least 50, or at least 65, or at least 85 in a toe portion 105 of the upper. In addition, a longitudinal axis LA is indicated of an exemplary protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 of an upper medial midfoot portion 112 of the upper 101 (the respective longitudinal axis LA has the suffix 112). The longitudinal axis LA_112 forms an acute angle with the heel to toe axis HT of at most 45, or at most 35, or at most 25, or at most 15 in an upper medial midfoot portion 112 of the upper 101.

[0206] Moreover, as an example shown in FIG. 2, a first protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is arranged in a toe portion 105 of the upper 101 and a second protrusion 151 is arranged further rearward with respect to the first protrusion 151 (e.g., in the upper medial midfoot portion 112). The acute angle of the first protrusion 151 (in the toe portion 105) may be greater than the acute angle of the second protrusion 151 (in the upper medial midfoot portion 112), for example greater by at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40.

[0207] Further still, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may have a substantially quadrangular-shaped longitudinal section, such as a trapezoidal-shaped longitudinal section. The longitudinal section is a cross-section along the longitudinal axis LA of the elongate protrusion 151.

[0208] As can be further gathered from FIGS. 1 to 3, at least two protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may differ in at least one of their shape, dimensions, and/or orientation. Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may protrude from the outer surface of the upper 101. Hence, they may extend into the free environment.

[0209] The ball contact area 150 may be arranged at least partially in at least one of a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, a first metatarsal joint portion, a first metatarsal bone portion, an upper medial midfoot portion 112, and/or an intermediate midfoot portion 120.

[0210] The ball contact area 150 may comprise one or more portions of the following: an intermediate and/or medial toe portion, a medial metatarsal portion (which could be near the sole 102), an intermediate and medial instep portion (which may be similar to the intermediate midfoot portion 120 as described elsewhere herein), and a front heel portion. The term intermediate may refer to the portions between lateral and medial. The term intermediate may be called dorsal.

[0211] FIG. 4 shows a schematic figure of a plurality of protrusions 151 in an ordinary state and in a bent state, according to some embodiments.

[0212] Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, which is directed into the image plane of FIG. 4. Further, each protrusion 151 has a sole facing side portion 151a (on one side of the longitudinal axis) and an instep facing side portion 151b (on the other side of the longitudinal axis). Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 has a substantially triangular cross-section. The cross-section is along a plane, the normal of said plane being parallel to the longitudinal axis, i.e., directed into the image plane of FIG. 4. Moreover, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 has a top edge at a top portion 151d and a bottom edge at a bottom portion 151c. Both edges are directed along the longitudinal axis, i.e., directed into the image plane of FIG. 4, and substantially parallel to each other. Attributable to the triangular cross-section, the bottom portion 151c may have two edges.

[0213] As indicated in this FIG. 4, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may be configured to bend by a bending angle of at least 5, or at least 10, or at least 15, or at least 20, or at least 25, or at least 30, or at least 35, or at least 40, or at least 45. As can be seen, by way of the bending angle, the sole facing side portion 151a may be directed upwards at least partially when the protrusion 151 is bent. Moreover, the instep facing side portion 151b may be directed to the upper and/or to a sole of the shoe 100 when the protrusion 151 is bent.

[0214] FIG. 4 also shows the height h in a protruding direction of each of the protrusion 151. As described elsewhere herein, the height may be at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, and/or at most 5 mm, or at most 4.5 mm, or at most 4 mm, or at most 3.5 mm, or at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm. Further, FIG. 4 shows the width w of each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151, which is perpendicular to the protruding direction and to the longitudinal axis LA. As described elsewhere herein, the width w may be at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm; and/or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1.25 mm, or at most 1.0 mm, or at most 0.9 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm. The length of each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is measured along the longitudinal axis (as seen for example in FIG. 2, i.e., along the longitudinal axis LA_105 of the toe portion 105, or along the longitudinal axis LA_112 of the upper medial midfoot portion 112). In some embodiments, the protrusions 151 may have a maximum length, so that there may be no protrusions 151 extending continuously across the ball contact area 150. This has the advantage that recesses 155, 155, 155, such as channels, may be provided between protrusions 151, for instance along a medial to lateral or lateral to medial direction as described elsewhere herein.

[0215] A channel may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, and/or irregular shapes and/or combinations thereof. The cross-sectional shape may depend on the channel's width, depth, and/or angles of its sides. The width of the channel may refer to the distance between its two substantially parallel sides. It may be measured perpendicular to the direction of flow, e.g., the flow of water (e.g., due to rain). The depth of a channel may refer to a vertical distance between a bottom of the channel and a top of the channel. It may be usually measured from the channel bed to a reference point. The channel may also be described by way of its slope or gradient. Such slope or gradient may describe the change in elevation along its length. It may represent a measure of how steeply the channel inclines or declines. Variations in the slope or gradient may be advantages in case the rain is to be guided rather quickly from one point of the upper to another one. Slope is typically expressed as a ratio or a percentage. One or more of the recesses 155, 155, 155 described herein may alternatively or additionally be implemented by way of passages, conduit, tubes, ducts, canal, corridor, groove, or the like.

[0216] FIGS. 5 to 7 show an exemplary upper 201 for a shoe 200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in three different perspectives (FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7).

[0217] Upper 201 corresponds to the remaining embodiments described herein and mostly differences are highlighted but also common features are presented. The reference signs correspond to the remaining embodiments in here with an increase in the counter of hundreds by one, i.e., upper 201 corresponds to upper 101 of the remaining embodiments described herein.

[0218] Upper 201 is a lace-less upper 201, which can save time while putting on a shoe 200 comprising such upper 201. Such a lace-less upper 201 avoids the possibility that the laces might tangle and result in accidents or injuries.

[0219] In addition, a travel trajectory TT of the ball is indicated on upper 201, which is, however, also applicable to any other embodiment described herein and not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Specific illustration of the travel trajectory TT is only left out in other figures for the sake of clarity.

[0220] The travel trajectory TT may comprise of one or more travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2 (as exemplarily indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7). A first travel direction TD1 is indicated, which is substantially arranged in the toe portion of the upper 201. The first travel direction TD1 may extend from the toe portion, in particular from the toe tip towards the instep portion of the upper 201. The second travel direction TD2 is substantially arranged in the medial portion 110 of the upper 201. The second travel direction TD2 may extend from the lower medial midfoot portion towards the instep portion of the upper 201. As can be further gathered from FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of intermediate travel directions TDi are indicated, which are arranged substantially in portions between the first travel direction TD1 and the second travel direction TD2. The intermediate travel directions TDi smoothly transition from an orientation substantially corresponding to the first travel direction TD1 to an orientation substantially corresponding to the second travel direction TD2. As understood, although in FIG. 6 two intermediate travel directions TDi are indicated and in FIG. 7 one intermediate travel direction TDi is indicated, a plurality thereof exist.

[0221] As mentioned herein, the travel trajectory TT may comprise one or more of the travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2. As an example, when the first contact portion is in a toe portion of the upper 201, the ball may travel along the travel direction TD1 at first and then along the travel direction TD2, ending in a second contact portion in proximity to the instep portion of the upper 201.

[0222] As understood, a plurality of exemplary travel trajectories TT can be present. For instance, a player may shoot the ball slightly differently compared to the foregoing example. For instance, the first contact portion may be in proximity to a Metatarsal bone. In such an example, that the travel direction TD1 indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may not be comprised by the travel trajectory TT, i.e., during this shot.

[0223] The travel trajectory TT comprises one or more of the depicted travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2. This may be explained, without wishing to be bound by theory, in that the ball may be deformed during a shot. Thereby, a rather large surface of the upper 201 may be in contact during ball impact, as described elsewhere herein.

[0224] The longitudinal axis LA of each protrusion 151 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2 in the respective portions of the upper 201. As the travel trajectory TT comprises one or more of these travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2, the longitudinal axis LA of each protrusion 151 may also be oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel trajectory TT. The travel trajectory TT may be directed upwards and rearwards of the upper 201. It may start from multiple points along a rim of the sole 202 of the shoe 200. It may extend towards the intermediate midfoot portion 120.

[0225] Further to the foregoing analysis of the travel trajectory TT of the ball, it may be possible that the travel trajectory of the ball is reversed for instance in case of so-called top spin shots. For such shots, the first ball contact portion may be rearward and/or towards the shoe opening. The second ball contact portion may be towards the toc portion 105. For such top spin shots, a top spin is required and/or desired. During this type of shot, the foot hits the ball substantially in a center and moves through in an upward direction of the ball. As understood by the skilled person, the travel trajectory TT of the ball for these kind of shots may be opposite to the travel trajectory TT described elsewhere herein.

[0226] As understood, a plurality of protrusions 151 may be arranged on the upper 201 such that at least one of the protrusion 151 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to a respective type of shot, such as a curved shot, a straight shot, or the like.

[0227] As seen for example in FIG. 7 and applicable to all embodiments described herein, each protrusion 151 may be spaced apart in an intermediate midfoot portion 120 of the upper 201 from a sole 202 of the shoe 200 by at least 5 mm, or at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm, or at least 16 mm, or at least 20 mm. Moreover, no protrusion 151 may be arranged in a lower medial portion 111 of the upper 201 in direct proximity of at least one of a sole 202 of the shoe 200, a lateral portion 115 of the upper (as seen for example in FIG. 3), and/or a heel portion 125 of the upper 201.

[0228] In particular, as exemplarily indicated in FIGS. 1 and 7, in some embodiments, either no protrusion 151 is arranged in a lower medial midfoot portion 111 of the upper 101 or flat or non-bendable protrusions may be arranged in the lower medial midfoot portion 111 of the upper 101. These flat or non-bendable protrusions may be manufactured in various ways including but not limited to 3D printing or the like.

[0229] As exemplarily indicated in FIG. 7, the shoe 100, 200 may be provided with studs 180, which may be also referred to as cleats. These may serve to provide traction for the player 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 can be integrally formed with the sole 202 of the shoe 200. 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 are over-injected with a base material. The base material may comprise portions of the sole 202. In various examples, 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.

[0230] FIG. 8 shows a part of FIG. 6 in a detailed perspective. As noted elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, at least two protrusions 251 from the plurality of protrusions 251 may be connected by a base element 156 on the outer surface of the upper 201. Said at least two protrusions 151 may be integrally formed with the base element 156. Said at least two protrusions 151 may be arranged in a first group 160 of the ball contact area 150. In this figure, six exemplary protrusions 151 are connected by the base element 156 and six protrusions 151 form one group 160, which is arranged in a toe portion 105 of the upper 201.

[0231] The base element 160 may have a thickness (in a protruding direction PT, as indicated in FIG. 4, of the protrusions 151) of at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm; and/or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first 156 and/or second 156 base element encompass an area on the upper 201 corresponding to the sum of each bottom portion's area of the protrusions 151 on said base element 156, 156. The first 156 and/or second 156 base element may be greater by a factor of at least 1.05, or at least 1.1, or at least 1.15 than the sum of each bottom portion's area of the one or more protrusions 151 on said base element 156, 156; and/or of at most 1.3, or at most 1.25, or at most 1.2, or at most 1.15 than the sum of each bottom portion's area of the one or more protrusions 151 on said base element 156, 156.

[0233] In some embodiments, the contour of the base element(s) 156, 156 may correspond to the contour of the bottom portion of each of the protrusions 151 but being projected slightly outward. In some embodiments, there may be connections between each contour. In some embodiments, the space between each protrusion 151 of the same group 160, 160 may be covered by the base element(s) 156, 156 completely.

[0234] Moreover, as indicated in FIG. 8, the base element 160 may pass substantially through a middle part of each protrusion 151.

[0235] Further still, in some embodiments, the ball contact area 150 may comprise at least two further protrusions 151 being integrally formed with a further base element 156 and arranged in a second group 160. The second group 160 may be arranged also in a toe portion 105 of the upper 201. However, as described elsewhere herein, the second group 160 may also be arranged further rearward (as indicated for example in FIG. 5). It can be seen that the first group 160 and the second group 160 are spaced apart greater than any two neighboring protrusions 151 of the first group 160 or the second group 160. This allows the formation of recesses (e.g., channels) as described below, for allowing water and dirt to flow through.

[0236] Further, the ball contact area 150 comprises a recess 155 arranged between the first group 160 and the second group 160. A further recess 155 is indicated in this figure, which is arranged in proximity to the first group 160 and/or the second group 160 towards a rearward end thereof. The recesses 155, 155 may adopt the shape of channels or the like as described elsewhere herein.

[0237] As can be gathered from FIG. 8, the protrusions 151 of the first group 160 and/or the second group 160 are arranged substantially parallel to one another along their longitudinal axis LA. Further, the protrusions 151 of the first group 160 and/or the second group 160 may be spaced substantially equidistantly from one another. Moreover, FIG. 8 shows that the distance between two adjacent protrusions 151 may be at least 0.5 times the height of one of the protrusions 151, such as the anterior protrusion 151, or at least 0.75 times the height of one of the protrusions 151, or at least 1 time the height of one of the protrusions 151.

[0238] The description of the base element(s) 156, 156, the first group 160 and/or the second group 160 may equally be applicable to any other embodiment described herein. Further, the number and arrangement of the groups 160, 160 is not limited to the example of FIG. 8. For instance, FIG. 5 indicates four groups 160, 160, 160, 160, each of which may be provided with a respective base element. A first group 160 is arranged in a toe portion 105 having six protrusions 151. A second group 160 is arranged in portion encompassing a part of a toe portion 105 and a part of an upper medial midfoot portion 112 having six protrusions 151. A third group 160 is arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion 112 having two protrusions 151. A fourth group 160 is again arranged in a toe portion 105 having six protrusions 151. Further, FIG. 5 indicates two recesses 155, in a similar way as FIG. 8.

[0239] As a further example of the arrangement of groups, FIG. 1 indicates two groups 160, 160, each of which may be provided with a respective base element. It is noted that the indication of the groups is not limited to these examples, the skilled person derives from, e.g., FIG. 1 that the upper 101 may comprise eight groups, three of which in a toc portion 105 and the remainder of which being in rearward portions with respect to the toe portion 105. Exemplarily, FIG. 1 indicates three recesses 155, 155, 155 arranged between the groups 160, 160. In some embodiments, at least two protrusions 151 from the plurality of protrusions 151 may be connected by a base element 156 on the outer surface of the upper 101. Said at least two protrusions 151 may be integrally formed with the base element 156.

[0240] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an exemplary upper 301 for a shoe 300, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0241] Upper 301 corresponds to the remaining embodiments described herein and mostly differences are highlighted but also common features are presented.

[0242] Upper 301 comprises a tongue 390 configured to be folded so as to overlap at least partially laces of the upper 301.

[0243] The ball contact area 150 described elsewhere herein is a first ball contact area 150, and the tongue 390 comprises a second ball contact area 350 comprising a plurality of protrusions 151 according to any one of the embodiments described herein. As can be seen, the second ball contact area 350 may be configured to substantially abut the first ball contact area 150 when the tongue 390 is folded.

[0244] In some embodiments, one or more protrusions 151 may be arranged in a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, an intermediate midfoot portion, and/or a lateral portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions 151 being spaced apart by a first average distance. Further, one or more protrusions 151 may be arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion and/or a first metatarsal joint portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions 151 being spaced apart by a second average distance. The first average distance may be greater than the second average distance.

[0245] This may have the advantage that the closer spacing of protrusions in certain areas may provide a cushioning effect, which can reduce pressure points and increase comfort during activities that involve a lot of foot movement or impact. In addition, the strategic placement of protrusions can reinforce high-stress areas of the shoe, potentially improving the durability and lifespan of the product. The arrangement of protrusions can also be designed to create a visually appealing pattern, which may enhance the marketability of the shoe. Depending on the design, the spacing between protrusions can also affect the breathability of the upper, with larger spaces allowing for more air circulation. By adjusting the spacing of protrusions, the design can influence how weight and pressure are distributed across the foot, which can be beneficial for reducing fatigue and improving the wearer's gait.

[0246] In some embodiments, one or more protrusions 151 may be arranged in a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, an intermediate midfoot portion, and/or a lateral portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions 151 having a first average density of protrusions. Further, one or more protrusions 151 is/are arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion and/or a first metatarsal joint portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions 151 having a first average density of protrusions 151. The first average density may be lower than the second average density.

[0247] In any of the embodiments of the upper described herein, the instep facing side portion of each of the protrusions may encompass at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the instep facing side of each of the protrusion. In other words, each of the plurality of protrusions may be configured to bend such that at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the instep facing side of each of the protrusion touches the outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion of the plurality of protrusions.

[0248] In any of the embodiments of the upper described herein, the first group may be arranged in a toe portion of the upper, wherein the longitudinal axis LA of the one or more protrusions of the first group is oriented substantially from a medial to a lateral portion of the upper, wherein the longitudinal axis LA forms an acute angle with a heel to toc axis of the upper of at least 45, or at least 50, or at least 55, or at least 60, or at least 65, or at least 70, or at least 75, or at least 80, or at least 85.

[0249] In any of the embodiments of the upper described herein, the second group may be arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion, such as in proximity of the first metatarsal bone, and/or the medial midfoot bones such as the cuneiform and navicular bones, and/or in an intermediate midfoot portion, wherein the longitudinal axis of the one or more protrusions of the second group is oriented from a medial portion to a toe portion of the upper, wherein the longitudinal axis forms an acute angle with a heel to toe axis of the upper of at most 45, or at most 40, or at most 35, or at most 30, or at most 25, or at most 20, or at most 15 in an upper medial midfoot portion of the upper.

[0250] In any of the embodiments of the upper described herein, the protrusions 151 may be implemented by curved protrusions 151 and/or by altering the angle of adjacent protrusions 151, which may be substantially aligned along their longitudinal axis LA.

[0251] In any of the embodiments of the upper described herein, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 comprises a material including at least one of rubber, elastomer, casting polyurethane, and/or silicone. Further, in all of the above embodiments, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may comprise a material having a hardness in the range of 30-60 Shore A, or 35-55 Shore A, or 40-50 Shore A, or 40-45 Shore A.

[0252] The upper and the lower limits of the ranges of the hardness values may be combined with one another.

[0253] In any 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] For example, the following are exemplary embodiments for upper according to the present disclosure.

[0256] 1a. An upper for a shoe, comprising: a. a ball contact area comprising at least one protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the upper; b, wherein the ball contact area is arranged at least partially in a toe portion of the upper; and c, wherein no protrusion protruding from the outer surface is arranged in a lower medial midfoot portion of the upper.

[0257] 1b. An upper for a shoe, the upper comprising a. a ball contact area comprising at least two protrusions protruding from an outer surface of the upper; b, wherein the ball contact area is arranged at least partially in a toe portion of the upper; and c, wherein the at least two protrusions are connected by a base element on the outer surface of the upper.

[0258] 1c. An upper for a shoe, the upper comprising a. a ball contact area comprising a plurality of protrusions; b, wherein a travel trajectory TT is defined on the upper and/or on the ball contact area, wherein the travel trajectory comprises one or more travel directions, wherein a first travel direction is arranged in a toe portion of the upper and extends from the toe portion, in particular from a toe tip, towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper, wherein a second travel direction is arranged in a medial portion of the upper and extends from a lower medial midfoot portion towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper, wherein one or more intermediate travel directions are arranged in between the first travel direction and the second travel direction and wherein an orientation of the one or more intermediate travel directions varies between an orientation corresponding to the one of the first travel direction and an orientation corresponding to the one of the second travel direction, wherein the variation is continuous and/or monotonous from a toe portion of the upper to a medial portion of the upper; and c, wherein a longitudinal axis of the one or more protrusions is oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel trajectory.

[0259] 1d. An upper for a shoe, the upper comprising a. a ball contact area arranged at least in a toe portion of an outer surface of the upper, the ball area comprising one or more protrusions, projecting from the outer surface in a first direction; b, wherein the one or more protrusions each have an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis; c, wherein the one or more protrusions each have a top edge and a bottom edge along the longitudinal axis being substantial parallel to each other.

[0260] While various embodiments have been described herein, they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but can be interchanged to meet various situations as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0261] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate identical or functionally similar elements. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, some embodiments, in certain embodiments, etc., indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0262] The examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art. are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.