Composite soles and shoes

Abstract

This invention discloses a composite sole, comprising an upper midsole, a rigid support layer, and a lower midsole stacked on top of each other. The forefoot area of ​​the rigid support layer curves upward, and the midfoot area has an upward arc, forming a forefoot lever; the midfoot area of ​​the lower midsole convexes downward, forming a second midfoot lever. The forefoot and midfoot levers constitute a double-lever structure of the composite sole, which, while maintaining propulsion in the forefoot area, also provides propulsion to the midfoot area after a change in landing pattern. The two sides of the bottom of the composite sole curve upward, and the midfoot area convexes downward, creating a boat-shaped arc in the bottom structure, which facilitates a rapid transition from the midfoot or rearfoot to the forefoot, improving the overall forward rolling performance of the shoe. A shoe is also disclosed. The composite sole and shoe of this invention can simultaneously enhance forefoot and midfoot propulsion, thereby improving the overall athletic performance of the shoe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of footwear, and more particularly to a composite sole and a shoe incorporating the sole. Background Technology

[0002] In marathon racing, athletes' landing patterns change, primarily falling into three categories: forefoot strike, midfoot strike, and heel strike. Heel strike is generally used less frequently than forefoot or midfoot strikes. Therefore, improving forefoot and midfoot propulsion is crucial for athletes to achieve good results in races.

[0003] Currently, major sports brands focus more on forefoot propulsion in the development of racing shoes. They adjust the forefoot leverage point and the force arm of the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints by embedding a hard support layer in the midsole and layering high-elastic midsole materials to improve the performance of racing shoes. However, they have not addressed the issue of how to improve the midfoot propulsion effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a composite sole and shoe that employs a double-lever principle, enabling the composite sole to maintain excellent forefoot propulsion while also providing midfoot propulsion during the later stages of the run when the athlete's landing pattern changes. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A composite outsole includes an upper midsole, a rigid support layer, and a lower midsole stacked together. The forefoot area of ​​the rigid support layer curves upward, and the midfoot area has an upward curvature to form a forefoot lever. The midfoot area of ​​the lower midsole convexes downward to form a midfoot lever. The forefoot lever and the midfoot lever constitute a double-lever structure of the composite outsole, which can provide propulsion to the midfoot area after the landing mode changes, while maintaining propulsion in the forefoot area.

[0006] Furthermore, the rigid support layer includes a first support portion, a second support portion, and a third support portion. The first support portion is located in the forefoot region, the second support portion is located in the midfoot region, and the third support portion is located in the heel region. The first support portion has an upward curve to increase the push-off rolling speed, and the second support portion has an upward curve to enhance the propulsion force during push-off.

[0007] Furthermore, the toe of the composite sole has an overhang of 50-60mm, the overhang of the first support part is 35-40mm, and the height of the highest point of the upward arc of the second support part from the ground is 25-30mm.

[0008] Furthermore, the forefoot area of ​​the lower midsole has a uniform density and is designed to fit the curvature of the first support portion of the rigid support layer, so as to keep the dynamic deformation of the material consistent during the push-off process.

[0009] Furthermore, a cavity unit is provided in the heel area of ​​the lower midsole, and the third support part of the rigid support layer is located on the upper part of the cavity unit to improve the shock absorption and cushioning effect of the sole and reduce the weight of the sole.

[0010] Furthermore, the rigid support layer is provided with three reinforcing ribs that connect the first support part and the second support part. The length of the reinforcing rib in the middle position is greater than the length of the reinforcing ribs on both sides, so as to increase the rigidity of the rigid support layer.

[0011] Furthermore, the lower midsole has a convex position at 37% to 45% of the heel-toe direction of the sole, with a convex height of 2 to 4 mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the composite sole also includes an outsole, which is located below the lower midsole. The outsole has a corresponding convex structure to fit the curvature of the lower midsole.

[0013] Furthermore, the toe and heel areas of the composite sole are upturned to form a boat-shaped composite sole together with the convex structure on the lower midsole and outsole.

[0014] A shoe comprising the aforementioned composite sole.

[0015] The composite sole of this invention features an upward-curving forefoot region in its rigid support layer, forming a forefoot lever; and a downward-curving midfoot region in the lower midsole, forming a midfoot lever. These forefoot and midfoot levers constitute the dual-lever principle of the composite sole, providing excellent propulsion in the forefoot region while also offering rearward propulsion to the midfoot region as the landing pattern changes. The bottom of the composite sole has a boat-shaped arc, facilitating a rapid transition from the midfoot or rearfoot to the forefoot and improving forward rolling. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1a This diagram shows the position of the center line of pressure between the foot and the shoe when the midfoot strikes the ground.

[0017] Figure 1b This diagram shows the center line of pressure exerted by the foot on the shoe when the foot strikes the ground in a forefoot-landing configuration.

[0018] Figure 2a This diagram illustrates the principle of knee joint rotation when the forefoot lands.

[0019] Figure 2b This is a diagram illustrating the principle of hip joint rotation when the midfoot strikes the ground.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the composite sole in this invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a front view of the composite sole in this invention.

[0022] Figure 5This is a perspective view of the rigid support layer of the composite sole in this invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a front view of the rigid support layer of the composite sole in this invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the lever effect of the rigid support layer in the forefoot area.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the propulsion effect in the foot area of ​​the rigid support layer.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the lower midsole and outsole of the composite sole in this invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a top view of the lower midsole and outsole of the composite sole in this invention.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the lower midsole and outsole of the composite sole in this invention.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram comparing the structure of the sole of the test shoe of this invention with that of a regular shoe sole. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the composite sole and shoe of this invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figure 3-4 As shown, the composite sole of the present invention includes an upper midsole 1, a rigid support layer 2, and a lower midsole 3, which are stacked together. The forefoot area of ​​the rigid support layer 2 is curved upward to form a forefoot lever; the midfoot area of ​​the lower midsole 3 is convex downward to form a midfoot lever. The forefoot lever and the midfoot lever constitute the double-lever principle of the composite sole of the present invention, so as to maintain excellent propulsion in the forefoot area while also providing propulsion to the midfoot area after the change in landing mode.

[0032] like Figure 5-6 As shown, the rigid support layer 2 includes a first support portion 21, a second support portion 22, and a third support portion 23. The first support portion 21 is located in the forefoot region, the second support portion 22 is located in the midfoot region, and the third support portion 23 is located in the heel region. Compared to existing rigid support layers, without changing the upward tilt of the first support portion 21, the upward tilt of the first support portion 21 is increased. Simultaneously, the upward curvature of the second support portion 22 is increased. These limitations on the first and second support portions 21 aim to increase the push-off rolling speed and enhance the propulsive force during push-off.

[0033] Preferably, such as Figure 12As shown, the toe curvature ① of the shoe in this invention is 50-60mm, the curvature ② of the first support part 21 is 35-40mm, and the height ③ of the highest point of the upward arc of the middle foot in the second support part 22 to the ground is 25-30mm.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the solid line represents the leverage effect of a standard rigid support layer; the dashed line represents the leverage effect of an enhanced rigid support layer in this invention, which increases the upward tilt of the rigid support layer without changing the tilt position. With the rear power arm L and gravity remaining constant, the front power arm A of the enhanced rigid support layer is larger than the front power arm B of the standard rigid support layer. When the applied force F is the same, the extension torque of the enhanced rigid support layer increases, thus improving the performance of the extension motion.

[0035] like Figure 8 As shown, the solid line represents the midfoot propulsion effect of a standard rigid support layer, while the dashed line represents the midfoot propulsion effect of the enhanced rigid support layer in this invention, which improves the curvature of the midfoot rigid support layer. In the figure, G represents gravity, F represents the resultant reaction force acting on the shoe, F' represents the forward force, F” represents the upward force, α represents the angle between the midfoot curvature of the rigid support layer and the fulcrum, and β represents the angle between the resultant reaction force and the forward force.

[0036] Formula (1): β = 90° - α;

[0037] Formula (2): F' = F cosβ;

[0038] From formulas (1) and (2), we can obtain F' = F cos(90° - α).

[0039] Increasing the upward curvature of the foot in the rigid support layer makes the α of the enhanced rigid support layer larger than that of the ordinary rigid support layer. According to the mathematical formula, F' will increase, thereby increasing the forward propulsion force by increasing the upward curvature of the foot in the rigid support layer.

[0040] like Figure 9-10 As shown, the lower midsole 3 convexes downwards in the midfoot area, and an outsole 4 is disposed below the lower midsole 3. A corresponding convex structure is formed on the outsole 4 to conform to the curvature of the lower midsole 3. Furthermore, compared to the upward curvature of the toe portion of existing soles, the toe portion of the composite sole of this invention has a greater upward curvature. Therefore, the composite sole of this invention has an upward curvature in the toe and heel areas and a downward curvature in the midfoot area, resulting in a boat-shaped overall sole curvature. This facilitates a rapid transition from the midfoot or rearfoot to the forefoot, achieving excellent rolling performance.

[0041] Preferably, such as Figure 11As shown, the lower midsole 3 has a downward convexity of 2–4 mm in the midfoot strike area, with better athletic performance at a convexity of 2 mm. The convex position is located at 37%–45% of the heel-toe direction of the sole, with even better performance at a convex position of 41%. This downward convex structure is similar to the fulcrum of a lever, acting as a lever for rapid transitions during movement, thus providing support and propulsion. When the athlete lands with their midfoot, the hip joint is the main axis of rotation. The downward convex structure increases the relative distance between the contact point and the hip joint, thereby increasing the hip joint's rotational lever arm and improving the moment of inertia. At the same time, it conserves work at the hip joint, maintains a high knee lift gait, and exerts a midfoot propulsion effect.

[0042] Figure 1a , Figure 1b The locations of the pressure center lines for different landing methods were defined. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The rotation axis was defined for different landing methods. Figure 1b and Figure 2a This shows that when an athlete lands on their forefoot, the center of pressure on the shoe is located approximately 60% of the way along the heel-toe direction of the sole, and the primary axis of rotation for the athlete's leg is the knee joint; Figure 1a and Figure 2b As shown, when the distal ankle and knee joints become fatigued, the athlete's landing pattern changes from forefoot strike to midfoot strike, and the main rotation axis shifts from the knee joint to the hip joint. The position of the pressure center line of the foot on the shoe is approximately 41% along the heel-toe direction of the sole. Therefore, the preferred position of the lower midsole 3 in the midfoot strike area is 37% to 45% of the heel-toe direction of the sole, especially 41%. This ensures that the fulcrum of the lever is aligned with the position of the pressure center line when the midfoot strikes, thereby maximizing the levering effect and mid-foot propulsion.

[0043] Furthermore, the forefoot area of ​​the lower midsole 3 has a uniform density and is set to fit the curvature of the first support part 21 of the hard support layer 2 so that the dynamic deformation of the material remains consistent during the push-off process; a cavity unit 31 is provided at the heel position of the lower midsole 3, and the third support part of the hard support layer is located on the upper part of the cavity unit to improve the shock absorption and cushioning effect of the sole, reduce the weight of the sole, and improve the athletic performance of the sole.

[0044] Both the upper insole 1 and the lower insole 3 are made of one, two, or more of the following materials: nylon elastomer, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer, ethylene-octene copolymer, ethylene-octene block copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, high-styrene rubber, brominated butyl rubber, cis-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, and chloroprene rubber. They are characterized by a hardness of 40-45C and a density of 0.12-0.18 g / cm³. 3 The aforementioned material is lightweight, soft, and elastic, providing excellent shock absorption and rebound for the midfoot and forefoot during running.

[0045] The rigid support layer 2 is provided with three reinforcing ribs 24 extending from the toe to the heel, connecting the first support part 21 and the second support part 22, to increase the rigidity from the midfoot to the forefoot. The length of the reinforcing rib in the middle position is greater than that of the reinforcing ribs on both sides, which facilitates the forward rolling of the pressure center line and makes the force transmission more rapid. The specific shape of the reinforcing ribs 24 is not limited. The rigid support layer 2 can be a support plate made of Shore D hardness 50-95, such as phenolic resin or thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, nylon elastomer, polyether ester elastomer, polyketone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, ABS, or a composite material formed with inorganic fillers or long or short fibers.

[0046] Outsole 4 is made of one, two, or more of the following materials: styrene-butadiene rubber, brominated butyl rubber, butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, nylon elastomer, polyurethane (thermoplastic polyurethane, cast polyurethane, compounded polyurethane), thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer, ethylene-octene copolymer, ethylene-octene block copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and high-styrene rubber. These materials possess excellent slip resistance and fatigue abrasion resistance, allowing outsole 4 to be made with the thinnest possible thickness, meeting the actual needs of running activities. This effectively reduces the thickness and weight of the sole, achieving the functional requirement of lightweight shoes and providing the wearer with a better wearing experience.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the upper insole 1 includes a flange portion 11, and a protective space for accommodating the foot is formed between the main body of the upper insole 1 and the flange portion 11.

[0048] like Figure 12The diagram shows a structural comparison between the composite sole of the present invention and the sole of a conventional carbon fiber running shoe. In this comparison, ① represents the toe angle, ② represents the angle of the first support portion, ③ represents the height from the highest point of the upward arc of the midfoot of the second support portion to the ground, and ④ represents the downward convexity of the midfoot region of the lower midsole.

[0049] Sole structure The sole of the present invention Ordinary carbon fiber plate running shoe sole Toe curl 50~60mm 40~50mm The warp of the first support section 35~40mm 30~35mm The height of the highest point of the upward arc of the middle foot in the second support section from the ground 25~30mm 20~25mm The lower convexity of the midfoot area of ​​the lower midsole 2mm downward convex level

[0050] Based on the table above, compared to ordinary shoe soles, the composite sole of the present invention has the following functional points:

[0051] 1. Zone I has increased the toe lift and the first support part of the hard support layer to accelerate the rolling speed when pushing off.

[0052] 2. In Zone II, the height of the highest point of the second support section of the midfoot rigid support layer from the ground is increased, thereby enhancing the propulsive force during push-off.

[0053] 3. In Zone II, the mid-waist low-arc area of ​​the test shoe sole protrudes downward by 2mm in the midfoot area, which increases the hip joint rotation arm when the midfoot strikes the ground, providing efficient mid-section thrust.

[0054] 4. The toe and heel areas of the shoe sole are upturned to form a boat-shaped composite sole together with the convex structure on the lower midsole and outsole, which has excellent rolling performance.

[0055] Preferably, the upper midsole 1 and lower midsole 3 of the composite sole are made of nylon elastomer material to provide optimal force feedback performance in conjunction with the rigid support layer 2; the outsole 4 is made of cast polyurethane, which has excellent abrasion resistance with the following properties: hardness (Shore A) 62, density 1.20g / cm3, tensile strength 13.4MPa, elongation at break 632%, right-angle tear strength 59.6N / mm, Akron abrasion (1.61km) 0.03cm3, DIN abrasion 11mm3, yellowing resistance level 4, and aging resistance level 4.

[0056] To verify that the composite sole and shoe of this invention have excellent athletic performance, test shoes and ordinary shoes were selected for comparative experiments.

[0057] Table 1 Comparison of parameters between test shoes and ordinary shoes

[0058]

[0059] The test shoes and regular shoes used essentially the same materials; the differences lay in the curvature of the rigid support layer and the sole. The biomechanical parameters of the right foot of multiple runners were measured on the treadmill at the same speed. The results are as follows:

[0060] Table 2 Comparison Test Results

[0061]

[0062] The above comparative test results show that, compared with ordinary shoes, the test shoe of the present invention has a greater rolling speed with the ground when pushing off; a greater forward peak propulsion force during the push-off phase; and less total work done by the ankle and hip joints during flexion and extension compared to ordinary shoes.

[0063] The composite sole and shoe of this invention adopt the double lever principle, which maintains excellent forefoot propulsion while providing midfoot propulsion for elite runners in the later stages when their landing pattern changes. The entire sole forms a boat-shaped arc and is equipped with a rigid support layer, which is of positive significance for providing efficient rolling for the midfoot to the forefoot transition.

[0064] The present invention has been further described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific descriptions herein should not be construed as limiting the substance and scope of the present invention. Various modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art after reading this specification are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the embodiments of the present invention will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0065] If the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

Claims

1. A composite shoe sole, characterized in that, It includes a layered upper midsole, a rigid support layer, and a lower midsole; the forefoot area of ​​the rigid support layer is upturned, and the midfoot area has an upward curve to form a forefoot lever; the midfoot area of ​​the lower midsole is convex downward to form a midfoot lever; The rigid support layer includes a first support part and a second support part. The first support part is located in the forefoot area, and the second support part is located in the midfoot area. The first support part has an upward curve to increase the rolling speed during push-off, and the second support part has an upward curve to enhance the propulsion force during push-off. The toe curve of the composite outsole is 50-60mm, the toe curve of the first support part is 35-40mm, the height of the highest point of the upward curve of the second support part from the ground is 25-30mm, and the downward convexity of the lower midsole is 2-4mm. The forefoot lever and midfoot lever form a dual-lever structure in the composite sole, which provides propulsion to the midfoot area while maintaining propulsion in the forefoot area, and also provides propulsion to the midfoot area after the landing pattern changes.

2. The composite sole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid support layer includes a third support portion located in the heel region.

3. The composite sole as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The forefoot area of ​​the lower midsole has a uniform density and is designed to fit the curvature of the first support portion of the rigid support layer, so as to keep the dynamic deformation of the material consistent during the push-off process.

4. The composite sole as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The lower midsole has a cavity unit in the heel area, and the third support part of the rigid support layer is located on the upper part of the cavity unit to improve the shock absorption and cushioning effect of the sole and reduce the weight of the sole.

5. The composite sole as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid support layer has three reinforcing ribs that connect the first support part and the second support part. The length of the reinforcing rib in the middle position is greater than the length of the reinforcing ribs on both sides, so as to increase the rigidity of the rigid support layer.

6. The composite sole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower convex position of the midsole is 37% to 45% of the heel-toe direction of the sole.

7. The composite sole as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an outsole, which is located below the lower midsole. The outsole has a corresponding convex structure to fit the curvature of the lower midsole.

8. The composite sole as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The toe and heel areas of the composite sole are upturned to form a boat-shaped composite sole together with the convex structure on the lower midsole and outsole.

9. A shoe, characterized in that, Includes the composite sole as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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