Shoe with H-shaped spring plate

Abstract

The disclosed invention consists of a one-piece spring plate (32) as part of a shoe (10), in particular a sports shoe (10), comprising a body made of a fibre-containing composite material wherein the one-piece spring plate (32) is formed as part of a sole body (30), the one-piece spring plate (32) is curved like the sole of the user in its course from the anterior foot section (A) through the midfoot section (B) to the posterior foot section (C), thereby providing enhanced suspension characteristics in any type of terrain. In order to achieve this, the integral spring plate (32) is shaped in an H shape with an outer side strip (320), an inner side strip (321), a connecting rod (324) between the midfoot section (B) and the anterior foot section (A), from which connecting rod a first missing branch of the two strips (320, 321) with a forked gap (322) in the anterior foot section (A) is integrally formed on a first side and a second missing branch of the two strips (320, 321) with a forked gap (322) in the anterior foot section (A) is integrally formed on a second side. According to the invention, in the course of the posterior foot section (C), the missing second branches of the two strips (320, 321) are integrally formed with a central recess (323), with rounded and borderless edges, and the total length (l) of the spring plate (32) is less than or equal to the maximum length (Z) of the midsole (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention includes an integral spring plate as part of a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, comprising a body made of a fiber-containing composite material, wherein the integral spring plate is inserted, molded and / or fixed above or below the sole interlayer as part of the sole body, the integral spring plate being curved in a manner similar to the user's foot in its course from the forefoot portion through the midfoot portion to the heel portion, and a shoe comprising the spring plate and an outsole having a suspension structure. Background Technology

[0002] Shoes, and more specifically, their soles, bear considerable compressive loads. This is especially true for athletic shoes, where the ground reaction force generated when the heel contacts the ground and during the push-off phase at the end of a stride can exceed the wearer's body weight by several times. Therefore, the sole structure must provide sufficient cushioning comfort to prevent premature muscle or bone fatigue or injury. Furthermore, it must be able to withstand these forces within an acceptable lifespan.

[0003] A shoe, particularly a sprint shoe, is known from EP1048233, having a plate arranged in the sole region of the shoe, wherein the plate extends substantially along the entire length of the sole region and is substantially planar in the forefoot portion to allow the plate to bend elastically in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] The design of sprint shoes aims to elastically store energy during exercise. With each strike, the forefoot section of the shoe deforms as the foot and toes roll. During the subsequent push-off with the toes, the foot straightens, and the shoe returns to its original straight shape. This process is repeated with each step during running.

[0005] To improve rebound, US 6553692 discloses a complex arrangement for the heel area of ​​a shoe that converts compressive motion in the sole into compression or extension of horizontally arranged coil springs. Furthermore, the cushioning system has a large remaining volume, making the aforementioned difficulties unavoidable. Moreover, the design is so complex that economically manufacturing a corresponding shoe is inconceivable.

[0006] Recent developments have moved away from flat carbon plates, as seen in DE102006059658. This paper introduces a complex and delicate spring structure. This structure is significantly more expensive to produce and cumbersome to use, so this approach is unlikely to be adopted.

[0007] To improve stability by reinforcing the components, EP3868243 introduced a curved hollow tube made of fiber composite material. However, these sole structures, including at least two reinforcing members, are too stiff to achieve a spring-like effect. While this solution appears to work well in preventing lateral locomotion, it results in poorer rolling characteristics in the shoe.

[0008] Currently known athletic shoes with spring plates operate on a principle very similar to a spring: the sole bends to store energy when the user steps, and releases energy as the user moves forward. Development has progressed towards several carbon fiber plates and more refined structures to improve the suspension of any support railing.

[0009] US2022142296 describes a two-piece spring plate having an outer strip and an inner strip. The two strips are respectively arranged within the midsole or outsole, and their cross-section is curved according to the arch of the foot. A connecting structure between the two strips is also mentioned, which is formed of a flexible material, and therefore its material differs from that of the strips themselves.

[0010] In the realm of cutting-edge high-performance running shoes, a popular trend is to embed this carbon plate within the midsole, either at the top or bottom. This carbon plate acts like a spring, accumulating energy as the wearer bends with each step and then releasing the stored energy as the wearer propels forward.

[0011] Typically, these boards are carefully designed to mimic the natural contours of the human foot. While they perform well on smooth, flat surfaces such as roads, they have limitations when facing uneven terrain, and their weight increases unnecessarily. This limitation stems from an inherent design principle that forces the board to bend predominantly vertically relative to the wearer's movements.

[0012] On uneven terrain, this drawback becomes particularly noticeable, causing considerable inconvenience. The consistent rigidity of the plate keeps the shoe in a flat orientation, effectively preventing it from adapting to changing terrain. Consequently, this leads to reduced grip and stability, thus affecting the overall performance of the shoe. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The aforementioned disadvantages known in the prior art will be eliminated by the one-piece spring plate of the present invention and the shoe equipped with the one-piece spring plate of the present invention.

[0014] The unique design of the integrated spring plate, which is incorporated into the shoe as part of the sole, allows the shoe to adapt optimally to different terrains.

[0015] The design of the integrated spring plate according to the invention aims to maintain the spring effect of a known standard plate when dealing with the shape of carbon components, thereby improving adaptability to terrain and enhancing shock absorption in the forefoot and heel. Attached Figure Description

[0016] A further understanding of various aspects of the invention can be obtained by referring to the detailed description below in conjunction with the associated drawings briefly described below.

[0017] It should be noted that in different described embodiments, the same parts have the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosure contained throughout the specification can be similarly applied to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component symbols.

[0018] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of an athletic shoe is shown, in which a single spring plate is clearly visible between the midsole and the outsole, and the spring plate may also be placed between the upper and the midsole.

[0020] Figure 2 A top view of the integrated spring plate is shown, illustrating the outer contour of the sole midsole and the schematic bending states and different tips of the outer and inner slats. Figure 3a Only a top view of the spring plate is shown, which includes information about the shape and size of the forked gap and the end recess, while Figure 3b The different bending deformations of the outer and inner strips of the spring plate are shown during use. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Reference Appendix Figure 1 The illustration shows a footwear 10 according to the invention, which specifically includes an upper 20, a sole body 30, and an outsole 40, and most preferably has a suspension structure.

[0022] In the following description, terms such as 'top,' 'bottom,' 'inner side,' and 'outer side' will be used; those skilled in the art will readily understand that these terms refer to the position of the athletic shoe 10 in its normal operating position (i.e., in use), as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 As depicted in the text.

[0023] The upper 20 includes a flexible hollow body shaped to receive the user's foot and for this purpose is provided with a top opening 21 to allow for a fit to the footwear 10.

[0024] Preferably, the upper 20 is obtained using a 'knitting' technique, i.e., the upper has a flexible sock-like structure obtained by thermoforming a seamless knitted fabric tube formed into a single workpiece by a knitting machine. However, other types of uppers made from materials best suited to the desired application may be provided.

[0025] For reference, the upper 20 can be subdivided into three regions, named according to their position relative to the user's foot: the upper 20 defines a forefoot region 23, which corresponds to the portion of the upper 20 positioned above the user's toes and includes the toe tip P of the shoe; a midfoot region 24, which corresponds to the portion of the upper 20 positioned in the upper middle part of the user's foot; and a heel region 25, which corresponds to the portion of the upper 20 positioned near the heel T of the shoe 10. Furthermore, the upper 20 includes a sole region 22, which corresponds to the portion of the shoe located on the sole of the user's foot. The upper 20 also defines an inner lining (…). Figure 1 (Not visible in the middle) and outer inner side 26, both of which pass through each of regions 23 to 25 on opposite sides of the foot from the toe tip P to the heel T.

[0026] A known, advantageously releasable type of lacing device 27 is preferably associated with the upper 20, preferably disposed at the top of the upper, and preferably disposed near the midfoot region 24 and the opening 21. The lacing device 27 is adapted to adjust the size of the internal cavity defined by the upper 20 so that the upper conforms to the shape of the user's foot, and also facilitates the insertion and removal of the foot relative to the internal cavity.

[0027] The sole body 30 includes at least one sole interlayer 31 adapted to be associated with the upper 20 to support the sole of the user's foot. Preferably, the sole interlayer 31 is formed of a paving element configured to substantially replicate the contour of the sole of the user's foot and is made of a favorable flexible material preferably having a hardness between 47 Shore C and 53 Shore C (according to ISO 868), capable of providing comfort to the user and effectively cushioning impact during walking or running. Preferably, the sole interlayer 31 comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, most preferably a polyamide elastomer material, such as polyether block amide (PEBA).

[0028] The spring plate 32 is particularly effective when used in conjunction with the outsole 40, which has a suspension structure.

[0029] The suspension bracket 41 is a single, integrated component, and the number of suspension brackets 41 can be as follows: Figure 1The diagram shows only one, or possibly four or more, distributed completely around the upper 20 and the sole body 30 relative to the ground. Of course, the form of the suspension bracket 41, the associated ground support surface 42, and the free space 43 between one or more of the suspension brackets 41 can vary, wherein... Figure 1 A preferred example is shown in the figure.

[0030] To achieve the spring effect, a single-body, one-piece spring plate 32 is inserted, molded, and / or fixed above or below the sole interlayer 31 as part of the sole body 30.

[0031] The integrated spring plate 32 includes an outer strip 320 and an inner strip 321, each extending on either side of the longitudinal axis L and connected by a connecting rod 324. The two strips 320 and 321 extend along the outer contour of the sole interlayer 31 from the forefoot portion A, through the midfoot portion B, to the heel portion C, giving the outer strip 320 and inner strip 321 a tapered shape, wherein the spring plate 32 is a single component. The spring plate 32 is fixed between the upper 20 and the outsole 40, on top of or below the sole interlayer 31, or even inserted into the body of the sole interlayer 31 in a known manner.

[0032] The spring plate 32 and all its components are made of carbon fiber, aramid fiber, or glass fiber composite materials to achieve the required stiffness. This material combines excellent elasticity with weight reduction. The preferred material for the spring plate is a carbon fiber composite material with the carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix. Alternatively, aramid (Kevlar=Aramid) fibers, short for aramid fiber or glass fiber, can also be used. These materials combine high stiffness, low energy loss, and light weight.

[0033] Alternatively, spring steel or other elastic metal alloys can be used. Plastic materials like Pebax or Hytrel have advantages in injection molding manufacturing; however, they can only achieve the necessary elastic properties through additional fiber reinforcement.

[0034] The thickness of all spring plate 32 assemblies is between approximately one and three millimeters, due to the risk of breakage under high loads. The most preferred thickness is 1 mm for the integral spring plate 32.

[0035] In the forefoot portion A, a forked gap 322 is provided between the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321, extending to the connecting rod 324, wherein the tips on the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 are curved or corrugated. From the midfoot portion B to the rearfoot portion C, the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 are separated and spaced apart, and curve from the connecting rod 324 to the rearfoot portion C. The two strips 320, 321 and the connecting rod 324 are formed into a generally H-shaped integral spring plate 32. At the end of the forefoot portion A and the outer end of the rearfoot portion C, tips are formed at 320 and 321, respectively, extending outward from the connecting rod 324. Sharp or pointed edges are avoided along the entire integral spring plate 32.

[0036] In the foot section B of the integrated spring plate 32, a central recess 323 is cut out starting from the connecting rod 324, which separates the two strips 320 and 321.

[0037] Figure 2 The components of the spring plate 32 and their relative orientation are shown in detail. The outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 act as long, tongue-shaped springs, storing energy during bending and releasing it at the end of the gait cycle. To allow the two strips 320, 321 to function as springs independently of each other, they are connected only by a single connecting rod 324 or bridging structure 324. The forked gap 322 and the central recess 323 must be designed accordingly.

[0038] The connecting rod 324 between the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321, like the other components, is made of the same material as the rest of the spring plate 32, and therefore all components are molded to each other.

[0039] Importantly, the central recess 323 at the center of the one-piece spring plate 32 is large enough that a portion of the central part of the user's foot can directly contact the soft midsole 31 for better comfort and shock absorption.

[0040] The total length of the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 must be designed so that the heel area H of the foot rests directly against the midsole 31 in the area without the integrated spring plate 32. This means that the heel area H is effectively spaced apart from the spring plate 32 on the midsole 31. The rear portion C of the integrated spring plate 32 protrudes only in the direction of the heel area H, but does not reach the heel area H of the foot. Therefore, the heel area H is completely unaffected by the plate 32, thus providing excellent shock absorption during landing.

[0041] The two strips 320 and 321 bifurcate in the forefoot portion A, with the outer strip 320 terminating at the outer tip 1 and the inner strip 321 terminating at the inner tip 2. The two strips 320 and 321 are connected only in the forefoot portion A by a connecting rod 324, and each of the outer tip 1 and the inner tip 2 is rounded rather than pointed, just like the other outer edges of the strips 320 and 321.

[0042] The bifurcation with two separate tips 1 and 2 allows the inner tip 2 to provide proper support to the big toe area during gait propulsion, while the outer tip 1 independently supports the other toes. In this way, the big toe area and other toes are connected, but not rigidly, providing adaptability to uneven terrain. When climbing with the toe areas, the two tips 1 and 2 together provide a stable base support.

[0043] The connecting rod 324 or bridging member 324 acts as a semi-rigid joint, allowing the strips 320 and 321 to bend independently, thereby maintaining their spring function and adapting to uneven terrain, while still providing lateral stability, especially when muscles are fatigued and it is difficult to maintain the correct foot position during gait.

[0044] Independent bending of plate 32 can be achieved in the regions of the two separate tips 1 and 2 and in the posterior portion C of the separate strips 320 and 321.

[0045] To better understand the different possible bends of the two strips 320 and 321, Figure 3a and 3b In the middle, the outer strip 320 is shown in black, the inner strip 321 is shown in white / grey, and the connecting rod 324 is... Figure 3a The image is also shown as partially black and partially white. From the midfoot section B to the rearfoot section C, the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 are separated and spaced apart, and extend from the connecting rod 324 to the rearfoot section C. The two strips 320, 321 and the connecting rod 324 are formed into a generally H-shaped integral spring plate 32.

[0046] The lateral strip 320 and the medial strip 321 separate in the posterior portion C of the foot and converge in the mid-foot portion B. A single bifurcation, namely the central recess 323, is shown in the posterior portion C of the foot, and a single bifurcation, namely the forked gap 322, is shown in the anterior portion A of the foot.

[0047] The upper forked or forked gap 322 of the spring plate 32 in the forefoot section A has a maximum opening d, which gradually narrows in the direction of the connecting rod 324 to avoid straight edges. Depending on the total length l of the plate 32, the maximum opening d is preferably in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, and particularly preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm. This allows the outer tip 1 and the inner tip 2 to bend independently and in opposite directions.

[0048] For all sizes of spring plates 32, the width e of the connecting rod 324 should be between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 22 mm, depending on the total length l of the plate 32. As shown, the connecting rod 324 extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L between the forked gap 322 and the lower central recess 323.

[0049] The maximum length f of the central recess 323 in the foot mid-section B of the spring plate 32 is between 100 mm and 220 mm, and the maximum width g is between 30 mm and 70 mm. Similarly, the sidewalls are curved and have no sharp edges to prevent predetermined breakage points and the risk of injury.

[0050] The overall dimensions of the spring plate 32 must be designed to ensure that, depending on the shoe size, it fits the shape of the insole interlayer 31, and that neither side protrudes beyond the insole interlayer. The total length l of the integrated spring plate 32, i.e., the sum of the forefoot portion A, the midfoot portion B, and the heel portion C, should not exceed 3 / 4 of the maximum length Z of the corresponding insole interlayer 31.

[0051] To illustrate the curvature of the spring plate 32 based on the anatomical curvature of the user's foot, Figure 3b The cross-section passing through the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 is shown, thus, as mentioned above, the height difference between the inner strip 321 and the outer strip 321 is also evident. Due to the semi-rigid connection, the mutual bending of strips 320 and 321 can be achieved depending on the load, such as... Figure 3b As shown. Therefore, the athletic shoe 10 is best suited for different terrains. This allows the integrated spring plate 32, as well as the inner strip 321 and its inner and outer strips 320 and their outer sides of the athletic shoe 10, to achieve independent spring effects.

[0052] like Figure 3b As shown, depending on the load, the outer strip 320 and the inner strip 321 can bend relative to each other, with the bending occurring on the connecting rod 324. Therefore, the spring effect is optimized.

[0053] The design features two longitudinally spaced missing forks 322, 323, a pre-formed connecting rod 324, rounded corners throughout, no sharp edges, a sufficiently large central recess 323, and a short design with a total length l less than or equal to the length of the sole interlayer 31, thereby forming an optimized one-piece spring plate 32.

[0054] The integrated spring plate 32 bends to a minimum in the midfoot section B along the longitudinal axis L from the forefoot section A, and then bends away in the opposite direction in the rearfoot section C.

[0055] At least one elastic suspension bracket 41 should be made of EVA or other polymer materials with different densities in order to impart different mechanical properties depending on the arrangement on the footwear.

[0056] List of reference numerals 10 Footwear / Athletic Shoes T-back P toe tip 20 shoe upper 21 Top opening 22 bottom area 23. Forefoot area 24 mid-foot area 25 posterior region 26 outer and inner sides 27 Shoelace assembly 30 shoe sole body 31. Insole interlayer (preferably an insole) Z (maximum length of the corresponding midsole layer) 32 Integrated spring plate (H-shaped plate) Total length (I) <鞋底夹层长度的3 4)A. Forefoot section (phalangeal region) B-foot midsection C. The posterior segment of the foot (the tarsal region is open) 320 Outer strip (with a pointed, curved tip) 1. Outer tip 321 inner side strip (longer than 320) 2. Inside tip 322 Forked gap (with d in A) The maximum opening of the upper part of the fork / fork-shaped gap. 323 Central recess (with f and g in B) f length The maximum width of g in B 324 connecting rod / bridging structure e width L longitudinal axis H Heel area 40 suspension structure 41 Suspension Bracket 42 Ground support surface 43 Free Space

Claims

1. A one-piece spring plate (32) as part of a shoe (10), particularly an athletic shoe (10), comprising a body made of a fiber-containing composite material, wherein the one-piece spring plate (32) is inserted, molded, and / or fixed above or below a sole interlayer (31) as part of a sole body (30), and the one-piece spring plate (32) is curved in a manner similar to the user's foot in its course from the forefoot portion (A), through the midfoot portion (B), to the heel portion (C). Its features The integrated spring plate (32) is formed in an H-shape and includes: - A lateral strip (320) extends along the outer contour of the sole interlayer (31) in a manner similar to the foot anatomy, from the posterior portion (C) to the forefoot portion (A), curving at a rounded corner, and terminating at the lateral tip (1) at the forefoot portion (A). - The inner strip (321), which is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the outer strip (320), extends along the inner contour of the sole interlayer (31) in a manner similar to the foot anatomy, extending from the rear portion (C) to the fore portion (A) with its inner tip (2) curved into a rounded corner. - A connecting rod (324) located between the midfoot portion (B) and the forefoot portion (A), wherein in First side - The first missing bifurcation of the two strips (320, 321) with a forked gap (322) in the forefoot portion (A) is integrally formed, while Second side - In the course of the posterior segment (C), the missing second bifurcation of the two strips (320, 321) is integrally formed with the central recess (323). The integral spring plate (32) is rounded and has no border edges, and the total length (l) of the spring plate (32) is less than or equal to ¾ of the maximum length (Z) of the sole interlayer (31) that interacts with the integral spring plate (32).

2. The integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the forked gap (322) having separate tips (1, 2) in the forefoot portion (A) has a maximum opening (d), the maximum opening gradually narrowing in the direction of the connecting rod (324), and the maximum opening (d) is preferably in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, particularly preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

3. The integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the direction of the integral spring plate (32), it bends to a minimum in the middle part of the foot (B) from the forefoot portion (A) along the longitudinal axis (L) and thereby bends away in the opposite direction in the region of the hindfoot portion (C), forming a waist-tucked shape.

4. The integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting rod (324) extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) between the forked gap (322) and the lower central recess (323).

5. The integrated spring plate (32) according to claim 4, wherein for all sizes of spring plates (32), the width (e) of the connecting rod (324) shall be between 10 mm and 30 mm, and preferably between 12 mm and 22 mm for average shoe size.

6. The integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central recess (323) in the foot midsection portions (B) and (C) of the spring plate (32) has a maximum length (f) between 100 mm and 220 mm and a maximum width (g) between 30 mm and 70 mm, wherein all sidewalls are curved and have no sharp edges.

7. The integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all the strips (320, 321) and the connecting rod (322) comprise the same carbon fiber-based composite material and / or aramid fiber-based composite material and / or glass fiber-based composite material to achieve the desired stiffness.

8. The integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the constant thickness of all spring plate (32) assemblies is between one and three millimeters, most preferably 1 mm.

9. A shoe (10) comprising an upper (20), a sole interlayer (31), and an outsole (40), characterized in that, An integral spring plate (32) according to any one of the preceding claims is arranged between the sole interlayer (31) and the outsole (40), and the outsole (40) has a suspension structure including at least one suspension bracket (41), each suspension bracket being equipped with at least one ground support surface (42) arranged along the contour of the sole interlayer (31), thereby providing multiple free spaces (43).

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