Insole and sole with shovel-shaped TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plate

By using a shovel-shaped TPU plate and a thermoplastic polyurethane central support layer in the midsole of the athletic shoe, the problem of foot tightness caused by the existing carbon plate structure is solved, achieving better sports comfort and stability, and providing good propulsion.

CN223541478UActive Publication Date: 2025-11-14JIANGXI BAIYING SPORTS TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520093884.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-15
Publication Date
2025-11-14
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

While existing carbon plate structures provide good support and torsional rigidity in the midsole of athletic shoes, their excessive rigidity can cause tightness in the sole of the foot during long runs, increasing foot fatigue and potentially leading to discomfort and potential injury risks.

Method used

Featuring a shovel-shaped TPU plate design, combined with a central support layer made of thermoplastic polyurethane, the shovel-shaped structure and multiple structural pressure points provide flexibility and cushioning performance, increasing sports comfort and stability.

Benefits of technology

It improves exercise comfort, reduces foot fatigue, enhances heel cushioning and stability, provides good propulsion, and reduces risks during long-term exercise.

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Abstract

The insole and the sole with the shovel-shaped TPU plate comprise an insole body, the top face of the insole body is provided with a wrapping part extending upwards along the peripheral contour, the bottom face of the insole body is provided with an insole lower layer for stabilizing the rear sole of a foot, the two sides of the half sole part of the insole body are each provided with a protruding part, and the bottom of the insole lower layer is provided with a containing cavity. When the shoe is used, the bearing part firstly makes contact with impact force brought by the foot sole, then the impact force is transmitted to the supporting parts and finally diffused to the positioning pieces at the ends of the supporting parts, pressure is buffered through the structure pressure bearing points, the stability of the heel is improved, the exercise comfort is improved, and the exercise risk is reduced; then the gravity center of the human body transits from the rear sole to the front sole, the design of the shovel-shaped structure of the middle supporting layer can keep the foot sole in a comfortable posture all the time when the foot sole moves, foot fatigue caused by long-term running is relieved, meanwhile, a certain springboard effect is provided, and good pushing force is provided for movement.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a midsole and sole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate, belonging to the field of sports shoe soles. Background Technology

[0002] Athletic shoes, designed specifically for sports and everyday activities, typically feature shock absorption, support, durability, and good grip. Their design takes into account the dynamic needs of the foot during exercise, continuously realizing various functional applications. The midsole, as the core component of an athletic shoe, plays a crucial role in achieving these functionalities.

[0003] With technological advancements, more materials and innovative technologies are being introduced into midsole manufacturing, such as embedded air cushions and carbon plates. Currently, carbon plate structures are mostly full-length or half-length, increasing the overall or partial rigidity of the shoe. However, prolonged running in these shoes can easily lead to excessive tightness in the soles of the feet, increasing foot fatigue. While this rigidity provides good support and anti-torsion performance to some extent, it cannot provide better propulsion while ensuring support. On the contrary, it may lead to discomfort and potential injury risks during exercise due to a lack of sufficient flexibility. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate. This addresses the issue that current carbon plate structures are mostly full-length or half-length, which increases the overall or partial rigidity of the shoe. However, prolonged use for running can lead to excessive tightness in the sole, increasing foot fatigue. While this rigidity provides good support and anti-torsion performance to some extent, it cannot provide better propulsion while ensuring support. In fact, it may cause discomfort and potential injury risks during exercise due to insufficient flexibility.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate, comprising a midsole body, the top surface of which is provided with a wrapping portion extending upward along the outer contour, the bottom surface of which is provided with a lower midsole layer for stabilizing the heel, a protrusion on both sides of the forefoot portion of the midsole body, a receiving cavity at the bottom of the lower midsole layer, a central support layer embedded in the receiving cavity, the central support layer forming a forefoot portion and a support portion sequentially from front to back, the forefoot portion having a limiting opening, the support portion having several fitting grooves on both sides, a support portion between every two fitting grooves, and a positioning piece at the end of the support portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the end of the forefoot portion away from the support portion extends upward and curves upward, with the angle of the curved portion being greater than 15°. The forefoot portion and the support portion are connected to form a shovel-shaped structure, which increases the rigidity of the sole and provides good anti-torsion performance and propulsion force.

[0007] Furthermore, the wrapping part is connected to the protrusion, and the edge of the wrapping part extends to both sides of the midsole body, improving the wrapping of the shoe body and increasing the anti-rollover performance.

[0008] Furthermore, the front palm section of the receiving cavity is provided with several limiting strips, which are embedded in the limiting opening.

[0009] Furthermore, the limiting port is strip-shaped or grid-shaped.

[0010] Furthermore, the rear palm section of the receiving cavity is provided with a plurality of fitting blocks, the shape of which is adapted to the fitting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the receiving cavity is formed by opening a positioning groove along the outer contour of the rear foot section of the midsole body, and part of the positioning piece is embedded in the positioning groove, while the other part protrudes from the opening of the positioning groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the forefoot portion and the support portion are integrally connected.

[0013] Furthermore, the central support layer is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is lightweight while maintaining good elasticity.

[0014] A sole is also provided, which is locally made from the aforementioned midsole, and further includes an outsole disposed at the bottom of the midsole body.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: When the user is running, the support part first comes into contact with the impact force from the sole of the foot, then transmits it to several support parts, and finally diffuses it to the positioning plate at the end of the support part. Multiple structural pressure points buffer the pressure, naturally disperse the impact force, improve the cushioning ability and stability of the heel, increase exercise comfort, and reduce exercise risks. Then, the body's center of gravity transitions from the heel to the forefoot, and the forefoot part corresponding to the metatarsal bones naturally presents a bending angle. When the angle is greater than 15°, it can maintain a comfortable posture of the sole of the foot during foot movement, relieve foot fatigue caused by long-term running. At the same time, the shovel-shaped structure design provides a certain "springboard effect", allowing the user to immerse themselves in a relaxed and continuous dynamic experience, providing good propulsion for exercise. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a midsole and outsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the midsole body;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the centrally located support plate;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the layered structure of the midsole and outsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the shoe sole structure.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Example 2.

[0023] Key reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Midsole body; 11. Wrapping part; 12. Lower midsole layer; 121. Receiving cavity; 1211. Limiting strip; 1212. Positioning strip; 122. Fitting block; 13. Protrusion; 2. Central support layer; 21. Forefoot part; 211. Limiting opening; 2111. Support part; 2112. Positioning piece; 22. Supporting part; 221. Fitting groove; 3. Outsole. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 This utility model provides a midsole technical solution with a shovel-shaped TPU plate:

[0027] The system includes a midsole body 1, the top surface of which has a wrapping portion 11 extending upward along the outer contour, the bottom surface of which has a lower midsole layer 12 for stabilizing the heel, and both sides of the forefoot portion of the midsole body 1 have a protrusion 13. The bottom of the lower midsole layer 12 has a receiving cavity 121, and a central support layer 2 is embedded in the receiving cavity 121. The central support layer 2 forms a forefoot portion 21 and a support portion 22 from front to back. The forefoot portion 21 has a limiting opening 211, and both sides of the support portion 22 have several fitting grooves 221. A support portion 2111 is provided between every two fitting grooves 221, and a positioning piece 2112 is provided at the end of the support portion 2111.

[0028] Reference Figure 1In this embodiment, in order to increase the rigidity and support of the midsole, the central support layer 2 is fitted into the receiving cavity 121. The midsole of conventional sports shoes can only rely on its material properties to produce corresponding functions, such as cushioning and rebound. In this embodiment, the combination of the midsole body 1 and the central support layer 2 is used to increase rigidity and support while ensuring the material properties of the midsole body 1.

[0029] Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, in order to provide good anti-torsional performance and propulsion, the end of the forefoot 21 away from the support 22 extends upward and curves upward, with the angle of the curved part being greater than 15°. The forefoot 21 and the support 22 are connected to form a shovel-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the upward angle of the forefoot 21 is designed to be greater than 15°, which is more in line with the action of lifting the heel when exercising. When the center of gravity of the human body transitions from the heel to the forefoot, the metatarsal bones of the foot naturally present a bending angle. When the angle is greater than 15°, it can maintain a comfortable posture of the sole of the foot during exercise, improving exercise comfort. At the same time, the design of the shovel-shaped structure provides a certain "springboard effect", allowing the user to immerse themselves in a relaxed and continuous dynamic experience, providing good propulsion for exercise.

[0030] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, in order to increase the wrapping effect and prevent rollover, the wrapping part 11 is connected to the protrusion 13, and the edge of the wrapping part 11 extends to both sides of the midsole body 1.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 In this embodiment, in order to prevent the forefoot of the central support layer 1 from sliding, the forefoot section of the receiving cavity 121 is provided with a plurality of limiting strips 1211, the limiting strips 1211 being embedded in the limiting opening 211, the limiting opening 211 being strip-shaped. In order to ensure the stability of the rearfoot of the central support layer 1, the rearfoot section of the receiving cavity 121 is provided with a plurality of fitting blocks 122, the shape of the fitting blocks 122 being adapted to the fitting groove 221.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3In this embodiment, the receiving cavity 121 is formed by opening a positioning groove 1212 along the outer contour of the heel section of the midsole body 1. Part of the positioning piece 2112 is embedded in the positioning groove 1212, and another part protrudes from the opening of the positioning groove 1212. In this embodiment, the heel of the central support layer 2 is designed as a support part 2111 structure with corresponding support parts 2111 on both sides. Several support parts 2111 form several pressure bearing points. When people exercise, the support part 22 first comes into contact with the impact force brought by the sole of the foot, and then transmits it to several support parts 2111, and finally diffuses it to the positioning piece 2112 at the end of the support part 2111. The pressure is buffered by multiple structural pressure bearing points, and the impact force is naturally dispersed, improving the cushioning ability and stability of the heel and increasing the comfort of exercise.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 To facilitate production and reduce material rigidity, the forefoot portion 21 and the support portion 22 are integrally connected. The central support layer 2 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In this embodiment, the forefoot portion 21 and the support portion 22 are produced as a single unit, simplifying the production process and saving costs. Furthermore, the use of thermoplastic polyurethane material is significant. Conventional support structures using carbon fiber plates are made of carbon fiber, which has high rigidity and strength but is not suitable for long-term running, as it can easily lead to excessive tightness in the foot and increase foot fatigue. In this embodiment, the central support layer 2 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, which has excellent high elasticity and tensile strength characteristics without being overly rigid. During use, it not only provides a good energy return experience but is also highly durable and recyclable, improving the environmental friendliness of the material.

[0034] Reference Figure 5 This embodiment provides a shoe sole made of the aforementioned midsole body 1, and also includes an outsole 3. The outsole 3 is disposed at the bottom of the midsole body 1. The material of the outsole 3 can be either foamed EVA or thermoplastic rubber. In the case of foamed EVA material, other materials such as EPDM, POE, OBCs, and TPE are added for modification. The outsole 3 made of this modified foamed EVA material has the characteristics of high resilience, high stability, good cushioning performance, and low compression deformation, and can be used for sports needs in various climatic conditions. The outsole 3 made of thermoplastic rubber material has the characteristics of excellent low temperature resistance, high coefficient of friction, and high elasticity, and can cope with the sports needs in cold weather. Users can choose different materials of outsole 3 combined with midsole body 1 to use the shoe sole according to different application scenarios.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 This utility model provides a midsole technical solution with a shovel-shaped TPU plate:

[0037] The system includes a midsole body 1, the top surface of which has a wrapping portion 11 extending upward along the outer contour, the bottom surface of which has a lower midsole layer 12 for stabilizing the heel, and both sides of the forefoot portion of the midsole body 1 have a protrusion 13. The bottom of the lower midsole layer 12 has a receiving cavity 121, and a central support layer 2 is embedded in the receiving cavity 121. The central support layer 2 forms a forefoot portion 21 and a support portion 22 from front to back. The forefoot portion 21 has a limiting opening 211, and both sides of the support portion 22 have several fitting grooves 221. A support portion 2111 is provided between every two fitting grooves 221, and a positioning piece 2112 is provided at the end of the support portion 2111.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, in order to increase the rigidity and support of the midsole, the central support layer 2 is fitted into the receiving cavity 121. The midsole of conventional sports shoes can only rely on its material properties to produce corresponding functions, such as cushioning and rebound. In this embodiment, the combination of the midsole body 1 and the central support layer 2 is used to increase rigidity and support while ensuring the material properties of the midsole body 1.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, in order to provide good anti-torsional performance and propulsion, the end of the forefoot 21 away from the support 22 extends upward and curves upward, with the angle of the curved part being greater than 15°. The forefoot 21 and the support 22 are connected to form a shovel-shaped structure. In this embodiment, the upward angle of the forefoot 21 is designed to be greater than 15°, which is more in line with the action of lifting the heel when exercising. When the center of gravity of the human body transitions from the heel to the forefoot, the metatarsal bones of the foot naturally present a bending angle. When the angle is greater than 15°, it can maintain a comfortable posture of the sole of the foot during exercise, improving exercise comfort. At the same time, the design of the shovel-shaped structure provides a certain "springboard effect", allowing the user to immerse themselves in a relaxed and continuous dynamic experience, providing good propulsion for exercise.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, in order to increase the wrapping effect and prevent rollover, the wrapping part 11 is connected to the protrusion 13, and the edge of the wrapping part 11 extends to both sides of the midsole body 1.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 In this embodiment, in order to prevent the forefoot of the central support layer 1 from sliding, the forefoot section of the receiving cavity 121 is provided with a number of limiting strips 1211, which are embedded in the limiting opening 211. In order to ensure the stability of the rearfoot of the central support layer 1, the rearfoot section of the receiving cavity 121 is provided with a number of fitting blocks 122, which are adapted to the shape of the fitting groove 221.

[0042] Reference Figure 6 In this embodiment, in order to prevent the forefoot of the central support layer 1 from shifting forward and backward during movement, the limiting opening 211 is grid-shaped, and in addition to the longitudinal cut, a transverse cut is set to ensure the stability of the central support layer 1.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 In this embodiment, the receiving cavity 121 is formed by opening a positioning groove 1212 along the outer contour of the heel section of the midsole body 1. Part of the positioning piece 2112 is embedded in the positioning groove 1212, and another part protrudes from the opening of the positioning groove 1212. In this embodiment, the heel of the central support layer 2 is designed as a support part 2111 structure with corresponding support parts 2111 on both sides. Several support parts 2111 form several pressure bearing points. When people exercise, the support part 22 first comes into contact with the impact force brought by the sole of the foot, and then transmits it to several support parts 2111, and finally diffuses it to the positioning piece 2112 at the end of the support part 2111. The pressure is buffered by multiple structural pressure bearing points, and the impact force is naturally dispersed, improving the cushioning ability and stability of the heel and increasing the comfort of exercise.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 To facilitate production and reduce material rigidity, the forefoot portion 21 and the support portion 22 are integrally connected. The central support layer 2 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In this embodiment, the forefoot portion 21 and the support portion 22 are produced as a single unit, simplifying the production process and saving costs. Furthermore, the use of thermoplastic polyurethane material is significant. Conventional support structures using carbon fiber plates are made of carbon fiber, which has high rigidity and strength but is not suitable for long-term running, as it can easily lead to excessive tightness in the foot and increase foot fatigue. In this embodiment, the central support layer 2 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, which has excellent high elasticity and tensile strength characteristics without being overly rigid. During use, it not only provides a good energy return experience but is also highly durable and recyclable, improving the environmental friendliness of the material.

[0045] Reference Figure 5 This embodiment provides a shoe sole made of the aforementioned midsole body 1, and also includes an outsole 3. The outsole 3 is disposed at the bottom of the midsole body 1. The material of the outsole 3 can be either foamed EVA or thermoplastic rubber. In the case of foamed EVA material, other materials such as EPDM, POE, OBCs, and TPE are added for modification. The outsole 3 made of this modified foamed EVA material has the characteristics of high resilience, high stability, good cushioning performance, and low compression deformation, and can be used for sports needs in various climatic conditions. The outsole 3 made of thermoplastic rubber material has the characteristics of excellent low temperature resistance, high coefficient of friction, and high elasticity, and can cope with the sports needs in cold weather. Users can choose different materials of outsole 3 combined with midsole body 1 to use the shoe sole according to different application scenarios.

[0046] In use, the central support layer 2 is embedded into the receiving cavity 121 at the bottom of the midsole body 1. The central support layer 2 forms a forefoot part 21 and a support part 22 from front to back. The forefoot part 21 is provided with a limiting opening 211. The support part 22 is provided with several fitting grooves 221 on both sides. A support part 2111 is provided between every two fitting grooves 221. The end of the support part 2111 is provided with a positioning piece 2112. After the central support layer 2 is embedded into the midsole body 1, it is connected to the outsole 3 to form a sole. When the user runs, the support part 22 first contacts the impact force from the sole of the foot, and then transmits it to the several support parts 21. 11. Finally, the pressure is diffused to the end positioning piece 2112 of the support part 2111. Multiple structural pressure points buffer the pressure, naturally disperse the impact force, improve the cushioning ability and stability of the heel, increase the comfort of exercise, and reduce the risk of injury. Then, the body's center of gravity transitions from the heel to the forefoot, and the metatarsal bones of the foot naturally present a bending angle. When the angle is greater than 15°, it can maintain a comfortable posture of the sole of the foot during movement, relieve foot fatigue caused by long-term running. At the same time, the shovel-shaped structure design provides a certain "springboard effect", allowing users to immerse themselves in a relaxed and continuous dynamic experience, providing good propulsion for exercise.

[0047] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate, comprising a midsole body (1), characterized in that: The top surface of the midsole body (1) is provided with a wrapping part (11) extending upward along the outer contour. The bottom surface of the midsole body (1) is provided with a midsole lower layer (12) for stabilizing the heel. The forefoot part of the midsole body (1) is provided with a protrusion (13) on both sides. The bottom of the midsole lower layer (12) is provided with a receiving cavity (121). A central support layer (2) is embedded in the receiving cavity (121). The central support layer (2) forms a forefoot part (21) and a support part (22) from front to back. The forefoot part (21) is provided with a limiting opening (211). The support part (22) is provided with several fitting grooves (221) on both sides. A support part (2111) is provided between every two fitting grooves (221). A positioning piece (2112) is provided at the end of the support part (2111). The forefoot part (21) and the support part (22) are connected to form a shovel-shaped structure.

2. The midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The forefoot portion (21) extends upward from the end away from the support portion (22), and the angle of the upward part is greater than 15°.

3. The midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wrapping part (11) is connected to the protrusion (13), and the edge of the wrapping part (11) extends to both sides of the midsole body (1).

4. The midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front section of the receiving cavity (121) is provided with several limiting strips (1211), and the limiting strips (1211) are embedded in the limiting opening (211).

5. A midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting port (211) is strip-shaped or grid-shaped.

6. The midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear palm section of the receiving cavity (121) is provided with a number of fitting blocks (122), the shape of which is adapted to the fitting groove (221).

7. A midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 4, characterized in that: The receiving cavity (121) is formed by opening a positioning groove (1212) along the outer contour of the rear foot section of the midsole body (1). Part of the positioning piece (2112) is embedded in the positioning groove (1212), and the other part protrudes from the opening of the positioning groove (1212).

8. A midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The forefoot (21) and the support (22) are integrally connected.

9. A midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the central support layer (2) is thermoplastic polyurethane.

10. A shoe sole, made from a midsole with a shovel-shaped TPU plate as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: It also includes an outsole (3), which is located at the bottom of the body (1).