Sole structure and shoe

Abstract

Supporting pieces are arranged on the peripheries of a heel area and a middle area of a midsole of the sole structure, the supporting pieces can support the heel area and the middle area of the midsole, the heel area and the middle area of the midsole can form a stable movement supporting system, and the defect that the midsole is soft and prone to collapse is overcome. And support performance reduction after long-time exercise is avoided. When a wearer wears the shoes, the supporting pieces can also play a role in wrapping the heels and the middle portions of the feet of the wearer, the circumferential supporting effect of a rigid frame is formed, the intorsion (transition introversion) of the feet during running / jumping is restrained, and the ankle spraining risk is reduced.

Description

A sole structure and a shoe Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of footwear, specifically to a sole structure and a shoe. Background Technology

[0002] Shoe soles typically consist of multiple parts made of different materials to meet the needs of durability, stability, and cushioning. Current shoe sole structures mainly include a midsole and an abrasion-resistant outsole. The midsole usually uses highly elastic materials to ensure good cushioning or energy return under compressive loading. The abrasion-resistant outsole is located at the bottom of the midsole and typically uses materials such as rubber to give the outsole high abrasion resistance or grip. Besides abrasion resistance and good elasticity, good support performance is also an important factor that designers need to consider to prevent foot injuries during exercise.

[0003] Therefore, how to make the sole structure take into account high elasticity, support and wear resistance has been a technical problem that has always been of concern to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a sole structure that balances high elasticity, support, and abrasion resistance. Another purpose of this application is to provide a shoe including the above-described sole structure.

[0005] This application provides a shoe sole structure, including:

[0006] Midsole, wherein the midsole is made of elastic material;

[0007] A support member, the support member including at least a first main body portion, the first main body portion being nested on the outer peripheral wall of the heel region and the middle region of the midsole, and the first main body portion being connected to the outer peripheral wall;

[0008] Abrasion-resistant sole, which is at least partially attached to the bottom surface of the midsole.

[0009] In this embodiment, support members are provided around the heel and midfoot areas of the midsole. These support members provide support to the heel and midfoot areas, forming a stable support system that compensates for the softness and tendency to collapse of the midsole, preventing a decline in support performance after prolonged exercise. When the wearer is wearing the shoe, the support members also wrap around the heel and midfoot, forming a circumferential support "rigid frame" to suppress pronation (excessive inversion) of the foot during running / jumping, reducing the risk of ankle sprains.

[0010] Furthermore, the durable sole can increase the friction between the shoe and the ground, thus improving the shoe's grip.

[0011] In one example, the support further includes a second body portion, the second body portion being connected to the lower side of the first body portion along at least a portion of the area, the second body portion being folded toward the wear-resistant sole side to be embedded into the bottom surface connected to the midsole.

[0012] In one example, the second main body includes first split segments located on both sides of the central region along a first direction, and the abrasion-resistant sole has an avoidance structure that avoids the first split segments; wherein the first direction is parallel to the width direction of the sole structure.

[0013] In one example, the second main body further includes a second split segment located in the heel region, the second split segment being situated between the midsole and the abrasion-resistant sole.

[0014] In one example, the support further includes a third body portion, the upper side of which at least a portion is connected to the third body portion, the third body portion being folded inward to connect the midsole to the surface opposite to the wear-resistant bottom.

[0015] In one example, the third main body is provided on the upper side of the first main body at a local position. The third main body includes a first segment located on both sides of the central region along a first direction; the first direction is parallel to the width direction of the sole structure.

[0016] In one example, the third main body includes a second segment located at the rear end of the heel region away from the middle region along a second direction; wherein the second direction is the length direction of the sole structure.

[0017] In one example, the upper edge segment of the first main body located between the first segment and the second segment has a notch, and the outer peripheral wall of the midsole protrudes and is embedded inside the notch.

[0018] In one example, the outer peripheral wall of the heel region is provided with at least one protrusion, and the first main body is provided with a hollow portion that is recessed and engaged with the protrusion; or, the outer peripheral wall of the heel region is provided with at least one recess, and the first main body is provided with a protrusion that is recessed and engaged with the recess.

[0019] Alternatively / and, the wear-resistant base includes a central portion and a peripheral portion connected to at least part of the central portion in a circumferential direction, wherein the central portion and the peripheral portion are made of different materials.

[0020] Or / and, the material of the support includes TPU;

[0021] Or / and, the material of the midsole includes EVA;

[0022] Or / and, the material of the wear-resistant base is rubber.

[0023] This application also provides a shoe, including an upper and a sole structure as described in any of the above claims, wherein the upper is connected to the sole structure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a shoe sole structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the sole structure shown in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 4 is a side view of the sole structure shown in Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the midsole structure in the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the support component in the sole structure shown in Figure 1.

[0030] The reference numerals in Figures 1 to 6 are explained as follows:

[0031] 1. Midsole; 1-1 Heel area; 1-2 Mid-section area; 1-3 Front area; 11. Raised section; 12. Raised section; 13. Extension section; 1A. Ventilation hole; 14. Groove; 15. Outer perimeter wall;

[0032] 2 Supporting component; 211 Hollowed-out section; 21 First main body section; 22 Second main body section; 221 First segment; 23 Third main body section; 231 First section; 232 Second section;

[0033] 3. Wear-resistant bottom; 3-1. Middle section; 3-2. Peripheral section; 31. Protective head. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a shoe sole structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1 from another perspective; Figure 3 is a bottom view of the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the midsole of the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the support member of the shoe sole structure shown in Figure 1.

[0036] This application provides a shoe, which includes an upper and a sole structure, which are connected to each other. The upper and sole structures together form a space to accommodate the foot. The structure and materials of the upper are not described in detail in this application; please refer to existing technology.

[0037] In this embodiment, the sole structure includes a midsole 1, a support member 2, and an abrasion-resistant sole 3. The midsole 1 is made of an elastic material to provide good elasticity. The material of the midsole 1 can be ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), which is soft, elastic, and provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning, reducing impact and improving comfort. It is also lightweight and flexible, allowing for natural foot flexion. Alternatively, the midsole 1 can be made of other materials such as polyurethane (PU) foam, as long as the elasticity requirements during wear are met.

[0038] The abrasion-resistant sole 3 is at least partially attached to the bottom surface of the midsole 1. That is, the abrasion-resistant sole 3 can be completely located on the bottom surface of the midsole 1, or it can be partially located on the bottom surface of the midsole 1. For example, the front end of the abrasion-resistant sole 3 may be folded over to the front side of the midsole 1 to form a protective head 31, and the rear end of the abrasion-resistant sole 3 may be folded over to the rear side of the midsole 1 to form a rear protective portion. The abrasion-resistant sole 3 is made of a material that is more durable than the midsole 1. For example, the abrasion-resistant sole 3 may include a rubber material, which may be natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a combination of both. Examples of rubber types include butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, urethane rubber, polynorbornene rubber, methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS) rubber, styrene-ethylene-butene (SEBS) rubber, silicone rubber, and mixtures thereof. Rubber compounds can be raw materials, re-grinding materials, and mixtures thereof.

[0039] Wear-resistant soles typically feature anti-slip patterns. These patterns can be arranged in multiple directions and can be divided into sections to improve grip, enhance friction during sudden stops and changes of direction, prevent slippage, and adapt to complex road surfaces.

[0040] Support component 2 has greater stiffness than midsole 1, primarily serving to provide auxiliary support to midsole 1, thereby enhancing its stability and anti-torsion capabilities. Support component 2 can be made of polyurethane elastomer, such as TPU, a polymer elastomer material that falls between rubber and plastic, combining elasticity and rigidity. TPU provides strong support and limits excessive heel deformation. Furthermore, compared to rubber, TPU is lighter, reducing the overall weight of the shoe. Additionally, TPU has superior abrasion and bending resistance, extending the lifespan of the shoe sole and making it suitable for high-intensity sports.

[0041] Of course, the material of support 2 can also be other materials, such as PU.

[0042] In this embodiment, the midsole 1 includes a conjoined heel region 1-1, a mid-section region 1-2, and a forefoot region 1-3. When a human foot of a size corresponding to the sole structure is placed in the foot cavity of the shoe and supported on the sole structure, the heel region typically includes a portion of the sole structure corresponding to the posterior portion of the human foot, including the calcaneus. The forefoot region 1-3 typically includes a portion of the sole structure corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals and phalanges of the human foot (which may be interchangeably referred to herein as "metatarsopsomia" or "MPJ" joints). The mid-section region 1-2 of the sole structure is located between the heel region 1-1 and the forefoot region 1-3, and typically includes a portion of the sole structure corresponding to the arch region of the human foot (including the navicular joint).

[0043] The support member 2 includes at least a first main body portion 21, which surrounds the outer peripheral walls 15 of the heel region 1-1 and the middle region 1-2 of the midsole 1. The first main body portion 21 is generally U-shaped and can be nested on the outer peripheral walls 15 of the heel region 1-1 and the middle region 1-2 of the midsole 1, and the first main body portion 21 is connected to the outer peripheral walls 15 of the midsole 1. The support member 2 can completely cover the entire outer peripheral wall 15 of the midsole 1 in the heel region 1-1 and the middle region 1-2, or it can cover a part of the outer peripheral wall 15, with the other parts of the outer peripheral wall 15 exposed outside the support member 2.

[0044] In this embodiment, a support member 2 is provided around the heel area 1-1 and the middle area 1-2 of the midsole 1. The support member 2 can support the heel area 1-1 and the middle area 1-2 of the midsole 1, forming a stable sports support system. This compensates for the softness and tendency to collapse of the midsole 1, and prevents the support performance from decreasing after prolonged exercise. When the wearer wears the shoe, the support member 2 can also wrap around the wearer's heel and midfoot, forming a circumferential support of a "rigid frame," inhibiting foot pronation (excessive inversion) during running / jumping, and reducing the risk of ankle sprains.

[0045] Furthermore, the durable outsole 3 on the bottom can increase the friction between the shoe and the ground, improving the shoe's grip.

[0046] In this embodiment, the support member 2 of the sole structure further includes a second main body 22. The second main body 22 is connected to at least a portion of the lower side of the first main body 21. The second main body 22 is folded towards the abrasion-resistant sole 3 to connect to the bottom surface of the midsole 1, where the bottom surface of the midsole 1 is the surface facing the abrasion-resistant sole 3. The second main body 22 and the bottom surface can be bonded together using adhesive components. Alternatively, the second main body 22 and the midsole 1 can be integrally molded using an injection molding process.

[0047] In this embodiment, the support member 2 includes a second main body 22 that can be folded onto the bottom surface of the midsole 1. The second main body 22 and the first main body 21 are arranged at an angle, which can further enhance the support member 2's wrapping of the heel area 1-1 and the middle area 1-2 of the midsole 1, and the support is more stable.

[0048] The first main body 21 includes an upper edge and a lower edge, both of which extend circumferentially, roughly in a U-shape. In this embodiment, the entire lower edge of the first main body 21 can be provided with a second main body 22, resulting in higher support stability for the support member 2. Alternatively, a portion of the lower edge of the first main body 21 can be provided with the second main body 22. This allows for a smaller material usage for the support member 2 while still meeting support requirements, resulting in a lighter and more compact sole structure.

[0049] The following is a specific arrangement of the second main body 22, described in detail below.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, the second main body 22 includes two first split segments 221 located on both sides of the central region 1-2 along a first direction. The two first split segments 221 can be symmetrically arranged about the center longitudinal plane of the sole structure. The first split segments 221 can enhance the support performance of the central region 1-2 of the midsole 1 and improve the protection effect on the ankle. The abrasion-resistant sole 3 has an avoidance structure to avoid the first split segments 221. The first split segments 221 are located where the abrasion-resistant sole 3 is not, which can reduce the weight of the sole structure and improve the aesthetics of the shoe to a certain extent. The first direction is parallel to the width direction of the sole structure.

[0051] The second main body 22 also includes a second segment located in the heel region. The second segment can be continuously arranged along its length, or it can be further divided into several segments for easier molding. The second segment is located between the midsole 1 and the wear-resistant sole 3, thus ensuring a more reliable fixation of the second main body 22. Specifically, a groove 14 can be provided on the midsole 1, and the second segment is located inside the groove 14, so that after the second segment is combined with the midsole 1, the second segment does not protrude from the midsole 1, and the two form a flat surface.

[0052] To further improve the support performance of the support member 2, the following settings are made to the sole structure in this application.

[0053] In this embodiment, the support member 2 further includes a third main body portion 23. At least a portion of the upper edge of the first main body portion 21 is connected to the third main body portion 23. The third main body portion 23 is folded inward to connect to the surface of the midsole 1 facing away from the abrasion-resistant sole 3. In this embodiment, the third main body portion 23 can further connect to the surface of the midsole 1 facing away from the abrasion-resistant sole 3, and the third main body portion 23 can be embedded inside the midsole 1 to increase the reliability of the connection between the third main body portion 23 and the midsole 1.

[0054] Similarly, the entire upper edge of the first main body 21 can be provided with a third main body 23, or the third main body 23 can be provided at a local position on the upper edge of the first main body 21. The size and shape of the third main body 23 at different locations on the midsole 1 can also be different.

[0055] In this embodiment, the third main body 23 includes a first section 231, which is located on both sides of the central region 1-2 along a first direction; the first direction is parallel to the width direction of the sole structure. The first section 231 can increase the support stiffness and torsional resistance of the central region 1-2 of the midsole 1, further improve the support for the ankle, and reduce the possibility of ankle sprains.

[0056] In this embodiment, the third main body 23 includes a second segment 232, which is located at the rear end of the heel region 1-1 away from the middle region 1-2 along a second direction; wherein the second direction is the length direction of the sole structure. The section of the upper side of the first main body 21 located between the second segment 232 and the first segment 231 may not have the third main body 23. In this embodiment, the second segment 232 in the heel region can form a more stable support structure with the two first segments 231, which is beneficial for improving the support and protection of the ankle.

[0057] In this embodiment, the upper edge of the first main body 21 located between the first section 231 and the second section 232 has a notch, and the protrusion 11 on the outer peripheral wall 15 of the midsole 1 is embedded inside the notch. This improves the bonding ability between the midsole 1 and the support member 2, and also enhances the aesthetics of the shoe.

[0058] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 15 of the heel region 1-1 is provided with at least one protrusion 12, and the first main body 21 is provided with a hollow portion 211 that is concave-convexly fitted with the protrusion 12; the concave-convex fit connection helps to improve the reliability of the connection between the midsole 1 and the support member 2, and also increases the aesthetics. At the same time, the hollow portion 211 can also reduce the weight while maintaining rigidity (the support wing of the heel region 1-1 to the side support member 2).

[0059] In another embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 15 of the heel region 1-1 is provided with at least one recess (or groove), and the first main body 21 is provided with a protrusion that fits into the recess, which can also improve the reliability of the connection between the midsole 1 and the support member 2.

[0060] In this embodiment, the wear-resistant base 3 includes a central portion 3-1 and a peripheral portion 3-2 connected to at least part of the central portion 3-1 in the circumferential direction. The central portion 3-1 and the peripheral portion 3-2 are made of different materials. For example, the easily worn areas of the wear-resistant base 3 can use a highly wear-resistant material (e.g., two-color, two-density rubber), while other areas (e.g., the waist portion) can use soft rubber to improve flexibility. Alternatively, the easily worn areas of the wear-resistant base 3 can have a thicker rubber layer to improve wear resistance, while the thickness of the wear-resistant base 3 in non-stressed areas can be relatively thin to reduce the overall weight.

[0061] In addition, without affecting the performance of the midsole 1, several ventilation holes 1A can be set on the midsole 1 to improve the heat dissipation of the foot to a certain extent. On the other hand, the weight of the sole structure is also relatively light.

[0062] Furthermore, at least a portion of the midsole 1 may have an upwardly extending extension 13 to better wrap around the foot and enhance its protection.

[0063] The shoes provided in this application include the sole structure of any of the above embodiments, and the upper is connected to the sole structure.

[0064] In the description of embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A shoe sole structure, characterized in that, include: The midsole (1) is made of an elastic material; the support member (2) includes at least a first main body (21), which is nested on the outer peripheral wall of the heel region (1-1) and the middle region (1-2) of the midsole (1), and the first main body (21) is connected to the outer peripheral wall; the abrasion-resistant sole (3) is at least partially attached to the bottom surface of the midsole (1); the support member (2) also includes a third main body (23), which is connected to the upper side of the first main body (21) along at least a portion of the area, and the third main body (23) is folded inward to connect the surface of the midsole (1) away from the abrasion-resistant sole (3).

2. The sole structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (2) also includes a second main body (22), which is connected to the lower side of the first main body (21) along at least a portion of the area. The second main body (22) is folded toward the wear-resistant bottom (3) to be embedded in the bottom surface of the connecting midsole (1).

3. The sole structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second main body (22) includes first split segments (221) on both sides of the central region (1-2) arranged along a first direction, and the abrasion-resistant sole (3) has an avoidance structure that avoids the first split segments (221); wherein the first direction is parallel to the width direction of the sole structure.

4. The sole structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second main body (22) also includes a second split segment located in the heel region, the second split segment being located between the midsole (1) and the abrasion-resistant sole (3).

5. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The third main body (23) is provided on the upper side of the first main body (21) at a partial position. The third main body (23) includes a first section (231). The first section (231) is located on both sides of the middle region (1-2) arranged along a first direction. The first direction is parallel to the width direction of the sole structure.

6. The sole structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third main body (23) includes a second section (232) located at the rear end of the heel region (1-1) away from the middle region (1-2) along a second direction; wherein the second direction is the length direction of the sole structure.

7. The sole structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first main body (21) has a notch in the upper edge segment between the first section (231) and the second section (232), and the outer peripheral wall of the middle bottom (1) protrudes (11) and is embedded in the notch.

8. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the heel region (1-1) is provided with at least one protrusion (12), and the first main body (21) is provided with a hollow part (211) that is interlocked with the protrusion (12); or, the outer peripheral wall of the heel region (1-1) is provided with at least one recess, and the first main body (21) is provided with a protrusion that is interlocked with the recess; or / and, the wear-resistant sole (3) includes a middle part (3-1) and a peripheral part (3-2) connected to at least part of the circumferential direction of the middle part (3-1), the middle part (3-1) and the peripheral part (3-2) are made of different materials or / and, the material of the support member (2) includes TPU; or / and, the material of the midsole (1) includes EVA; or / and, the material of the wear-resistant sole (3) is rubber.

9. A shoe, characterized in that, It includes an upper and a sole structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper is connected to the sole structure.

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