Midsole, sole structure, and article of footwear

Abstract

A midsole, a sole structure and an article of footwear incorporating the sole structure. The midsole has a forefoot region, a midfoot region and a heel region connected in sequence along a length direction. The midsole includes a central region and a peripheral region disposed around a periphery of the central region. The central region and the peripheral region are made of different materials, and the central region has a hardness less than that of the peripheral region. The central region includes a midsole body and a plurality of protrusions integrally provided on the midsole body. The plurality of protrusions correspond to at least the forefoot region and the heel region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of consumer goods technology, and more particularly to a midsole, a sole structure having the midsole, and footwear articles having the sole structure. Background Technology

[0002] Shoes are an indispensable part of human life. Typically, shoe soles need to provide good support to mitigate the risk of deformation during prolonged use. However, increasing sole rigidity to improve support can lead to decreased foot comfort after extended wear.

[0003] Therefore, how to balance high support and good comfort in shoe soles has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a midsole, a sole structure having the midsole, and a footwear article using the sole structure.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a midsole having a forefoot area, an arch area, and a heel area sequentially connected along its length. The midsole includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. Along the length of the midsole, the length of the central region accounts for at least 60% of the total length of the midsole, and along the width of the midsole, the width of the central region accounts for at least 55% of the total width of the midsole. The central region is made of a first material, and the peripheral region is made of a second material different from the first material. The hardness of the central region is less than that of the peripheral region. The central region includes a midsole body and a plurality of protrusions integrally disposed on the midsole body. The plurality of protrusions correspond at least to the forefoot area and the heel area.

[0006] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the ratio of the hardness of the central region to the hardness of the surrounding region is 0.5 to 0.8.

[0007] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first material and the second material are respectively ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and the density ratio of the first material to the second material is 0.4 to 0.7.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the first material is at least one of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, and the second material is cork.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the middle area and the surrounding area are set up or bonded together.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the midsole also includes a covering area extending integrally from the edge of the peripheral region away from the central region, at least partially extending along the thickness direction of the midsole. The covering area is made of a second material.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, multiple bumps also correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the bump includes a first surface facing away from the midsole body, the first surface being inclined relative to a plane defined by both the length direction and the width direction.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the angle between the first surface and the aforementioned plane is 5° to 15°.

[0014] A second aspect of this application provides a sole structure including a first outsole and a second outsole. The sole structure also includes a midsole as described above, the midsole being sandwiched between the first outsole and the second outsole.

[0015] A third aspect of this application provides a footwear article including an upper and a sole structure as described above, wherein the upper and sole structure are connected.

[0016] In the aforementioned midsole and the shoe sole structure and footwear products using the aforementioned midsole, the second material used in the peripheral area has a relatively high hardness, thus providing higher support. This improves the deformation resistance of the peripheral area and mitigates the problem of the midsole easily collapsing after prolonged use. Furthermore, the first material used in the middle area has a relatively low hardness, and since the middle area corresponds to a large portion of the user's foot during use, it enhances foot comfort. Simultaneously, the presence of multiple protrusions in the middle area improves its support, allowing it to maintain both high support and shock absorption performance, mitigating the problem of the middle area itself collapsing after prolonged use due to reduced hardness. Therefore, the midsole achieves a balance between high support and good comfort. Moreover, compared to technical solutions that set different hardnesses in other parts of the sole structure (such as the first outsole), this application sets different hardnesses in the midsole, making the lower-hardness middle area more easily felt by the user, thus further improving foot comfort. In addition, compared with the related technologies that set up a grid-like reinforcing rib on the midsole, the multiple protrusions in this application not only improve the support of the middle area, but also make the midsole easier to bend and rebound due to the groove between two adjacent protrusions, thus improving the flexibility of the midsole. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a footwear product provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a footwear product provided for another embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 or Figure 2 The image shows a bottom view of the midsole of the footwear product's sole structure.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The enlarged view shown is of the midsole at point IV.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the midsole along the cutting line VV is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0025] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a footwear article 1, wherein the footwear article 1 of this application refers to any type of clothing for the feet, and the term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, athletic shoes, sandals, flip-flops, slippers, slippers, sleep shoes, casual shoes, sports shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes or rugby shoes, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, dance shoes, urban dance shoes, etc.).

[0027] The footwear article 1 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200. The upper 200 is connected to the sole structure 100, thereby jointly defining a receiving cavity (not shown) for receiving a user's foot. The upper 200 and the sole structure 100 can be joined together in any desired manner, for example, by adhesives or bonding agents, stitching, or other mechanical connections. The upper 200 can be made of any desired material or constructed without departing from the art. For example, at least a portion of the upper 200 may include woven textile components, knitted textile components, natural leather components, synthetic leather components, polymer components, etc.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the sole structure 100 may include multiple components. For example, the sole structure 100 may include a first outsole 104, a midsole 105, and a second outsole 106 stacked sequentially. The first outsole 104, midsole 105, and second outsole 106 can be joined together in any desired manner, such as by adhesives or bonding agents, fastening, stitching, or other mechanical connections. It is understood that in use, the first outsole 104 is closer to the ground than the second outsole 106, and the second outsole 106 is closer to the foot than the first outsole 104. The first outsole 104 may be made of abrasion-resistant materials such as rubber or cork to improve its abrasion resistance. The second outsole 106 may be made of materials such as sponge, memory foam, or gel padding to improve its sweat absorption and breathability. Figure 2 As shown, in some other embodiments, the sole structure 100 may also include only the first outsole 104 and the midsole 105, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0029] The midsole 105 has two perpendicular length directions L, width directions W, and thickness directions H. The midsole 105 has a forefoot area 101, an arch area 102, and a heel area 103 connected sequentially. In use, the forefoot area 101 of the midsole 105 supports the forefoot, the arch area 102 supports the arch, and the heel area 103 supports the heel. The length direction L of the midsole 105 refers to the direction in which the forefoot area 101, arch area 102, and heel area 103 connect. The width direction W of the midsole 105 refers to the lateral distance between the side of the midsole 105 closest to the center of the foot and the side furthest from the center. The thickness direction H of the midsole 105 refers to the direction along the ground towards the user's foot. Although the length direction L, width direction W, and thickness direction H are indicated in the figure with specific vector directions, it can be understood that the opposite directions can also be used to represent the length direction L, width direction W, and thickness direction H.

[0030] To improve the comfort of the sole structure 100, this application modifies the structure of the midsole 105. Please refer to... Figure 3 The insole 105 includes a central region 10A and a peripheral region 10B surrounding the outer periphery of the central region 10A. The central region 10A is made of a first material, and the peripheral region 10B is made of a second material different from the first material, such that the central region 10A and the peripheral region 10B have different hardnesses. In this application, the hardness of the central region 10A is less than the hardness of the peripheral region 10B.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ratio of the hardness of the central region 10A to the hardness of the peripheral region 10B can be set to 0.5 to 0.8. In this embodiment, the hardness of the central region 10A can be set to 35 to 45 degrees, and the hardness of the peripheral region 10B can be set to 55 to 65 degrees. The hardness mentioned above refers to the Shore C type hardness measured using a Shore hardness tester.

[0032] Along the length direction L, the length of the middle region 10A can be set to account for at least 60% of the total length of the midsole 105; optionally, the length of the middle region 10A can account for at least 75% of the total length of the midsole 105. Along the width direction W, the width of the middle region 10A can be set to account for at least 55% of the total width of the midsole 105; optionally, the width of the middle region 10A can account for at least 65% of the total width of the midsole 105. Thus, in use, the middle region 10A can correspond to most of the forefoot area, most of the arch area, and most of the heel area of ​​the user's foot. It is understood that the above length and width proportions can also be changed according to actual conditions, so that the middle region 10A can correspond to a larger area of ​​the user's foot in use. The total length and width of the midsole 105 can be measured based on the footwear 1 under unloaded conditions (i.e., no weight is applied to it other than the weight of the footwear 1 itself). Specifically, the forefoot area 101 of the midsole 105 is defined to have a forefoot position P1, and the heel area 103 of the midsole 105 is defined to have a heel position P2. The total length of the midsole 105 is the distance between the heel position P2 and the forefoot position P1. The shape of the middle region 10A can be irregular; therefore, the length and width of the middle region 10A refer to the maximum length and maximum width of the middle region 10A.

[0033] Furthermore, the intermediate region 10A includes a midsole body 10 and a plurality of protrusions 20 disposed on the midsole body 10. The plurality of protrusions 20 are spaced apart along the length direction L on the intermediate region 10A, and are also spaced apart along the width direction W on the intermediate region 10A. Considering that the forefoot area 101 and the heel area 103 bear the most weight of the human body, the plurality of protrusions 20 at least correspond to the forefoot area 101 and the heel area 103, thereby improving the support of the intermediate region 10A. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 20 may also correspond to the arch area 102, thereby further improving the support of the intermediate region 10A.

[0034] In this application, the second material used in the peripheral area 10B has a relatively high hardness, thus providing superior support. This enhances the deformation resistance of the peripheral area 10B and mitigates the problem of the midsole 105 easily collapsing after prolonged use. Furthermore, the first material used in the middle area 10A has a relatively low hardness, and since the middle area 10A corresponds to a large portion of the user's foot during use, it improves foot comfort. Simultaneously, the middle area 10A features multiple protrusions 20, which enhance its support. This allows the middle area 10A to maintain both high support and shock absorption, mitigating the problem of the middle area 10A easily collapsing after prolonged use due to reduced hardness. Therefore, the midsole 105 achieves a balance between high support and good comfort. Moreover, compared to the technical solution of setting different hardness areas in other parts of the sole structure 100 (such as the first outsole 103), this application sets different hardness areas on the midsole 105. The midsole 105 is closer to the user's foot, so the middle area 10A with lower hardness is more easily felt by the user, which is more conducive to improving the comfort of the foot.

[0035] In addition, compared with the related technologies that set a grid-like reinforcing rib on the midsole, the multiple protrusions 20 of this application not only improve the support of the middle area 10A, but also make the midsole 105 easier to bend and rebound because there is a groove 30 between two adjacent protrusions 20, thus improving the flexibility of the midsole 105.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first material and the second material each comprise ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The density of EVA in the first material is lower than that in the second material, resulting in a lower hardness in the central region 10A compared to the peripheral region 10B. Additionally, the lower density of EVA in the first material also helps to reduce the overall weight of the midsole 105. During manufacturing, EVA resin can be used as the main masterbatch, with the addition of crosslinking agents, foaming agents, and colorants, etc., and then foamed in a mold to form the central region 10A or the peripheral region 10B of the midsole 105. By adjusting different foaming ratios, molding temperatures, or molding times, the foaming density of the EVA resin can be controlled, thereby resulting in different densities for the first and second materials. In some embodiments, the ratio of the density of the first material to the density of the second material can be set to 0.4 to 0.7. In this embodiment, the density of the first material is 0.1 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.14 g / cm 3 The density of the second material is 0.2 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.25 g / cm 3 .

[0037] Furthermore, the intermediate region 10A and the peripheral region 10B can be integrally formed. Therefore, the intermediate region 10A and the peripheral region 10B can be bonded together without the need for other adhesives, reducing the risk of separation after prolonged use and avoiding the risk of delamination. During manufacturing, a cold preform produced by a single injection molding process from the second material can be placed at the edge of a foaming mold, and the first material can be placed in the center of the foaming mold. After multiple processes such as heating and foaming, pressurizing and setting, and cooling, the first and second materials are integrally bonded within the foaming mold.

[0038] In other embodiments, the first material may include at least one of polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the second material may include cork. This ensures that the hardness of the intermediate region 10A is less than that of the peripheral region 10B. Furthermore, the intermediate region 10A and the peripheral region 10B may be integrally formed or bonded together. In this embodiment, the intermediate region 10A and the peripheral region 10B may be bonded together. This helps to improve the bonding strength between the intermediate region 10A and the peripheral region 10B, reducing the risk of separation after prolonged use.

[0039] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the midsole 105 may further include a covering region 10C extending integrally from the edge of the peripheral region 10B away from the central region 10A. At least a portion of the covering region 10C extends along the thickness direction H. The covering region 10C is made of the second material described above, and the covering region 10C is integrally connected to the peripheral region 10B. Therefore, the support of the midsole 105 can be further improved.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, where Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the midsole 105 along the length direction L is shown, with the section passing through one row of protrusions 20 and the midsole body 10, thus the row of protrusions 20 and the midsole body 10 are shown by the section line; another row of protrusions 20 adjacent to this row is partially obscured, and the obscured portion is shown by a dashed line. Each protrusion 20 includes a first surface 20A facing away from the midsole body 10 and a second surface 20B connecting to the midsole body 10. The first surface 20A and the second surface 20B are two opposing surfaces of the protrusion 20 along the thickness direction H. The second surface 20B may be approximately parallel to a plane defined by the length direction L and the width direction W (this plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction H), while the first surface 20A is inclined relative to the aforementioned plane. The first surface 20A may be inclined from the aforementioned plane toward the forefoot position P1 or the heel position P2.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, each protrusion 20 also includes a first end 201 and a second end 202 disposed opposite to each other along the length direction L. Since the first surface 20A is inclined relative to the plane defined by the length direction L and the width direction W, the first end 201 and the second end 202 protrude from the midsole body 10 at different heights. Specifically, the height T1 of the first end 201 protruding from the midsole body 10 is greater than the height T2 of the second end 202 protruding from the midsole body 10.

[0042] Multiple protrusions 20 are defined as a first protrusion 21 and a second protrusion 22. The arrangement direction of the first end 201 and the second end 202 in the first protrusion 21 is opposite to that in the second protrusion 22. For example, in the first protrusion 21, the first end 201 and the second end 202 are arranged sequentially along the direction from the forefoot area 101 to the arch area 102. In the second protrusion 22, the second end 202 and the first end 201 are arranged sequentially along the direction from the forefoot area 101 to the arch area 102. In this application, two adjacent protrusions 20 are respectively the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22. In some embodiments, two adjacent protrusions 20 along the length direction L are respectively the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22. That is, in two adjacent protrusions 20 along the length direction L, the first surface 20A of one protrusion 20 is inclined from the aforementioned plane toward the forefoot position P1, and the first surface 20A of the other protrusion 20 is inclined from the aforementioned plane toward the heel position P2.

[0043] Furthermore, two adjacent protrusions 20 along the width direction W can be configured as a first protrusion 21 and a second protrusion 22. That is, among the two adjacent protrusions 20 along the width direction W, the first surface 20A of one protrusion 20 is inclined from the aforementioned plane toward the foremost toe position P1, and the first surface 20A of the other protrusion 20 is inclined from the aforementioned plane toward the rearmost heel position P2.

[0044] Because the first surface 20A is tilted, the first end 201 and the second end 202 of the protrusion 20 protrude from the midsole body 10 at different heights. Therefore, during the force application process, the first surface 20A of some of the protrusions 20 can provide a forward-tilting support force to the foot, improving the comfort of the foot when walking. Moreover, protrusions with the same structure (not shown) can be provided simultaneously on the first outsole 104, that is, two adjacent protrusions 20 on the first outsole 104 are the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22 (i.e., the first surfaces 20A of the two adjacent protrusions 20 are tilted in opposite directions). This allows multiple protrusions of the first outsole 104 to work together during use, making the friction between the sole structure 100 and the ground more dispersed, thus improving the anti-slip effect of the sole structure 100. The first surfaces 20A of the two adjacent protrusions 20 of the midsole 105 are tilted in opposite directions, which facilitates the interlocking of the protrusions 20 of the midsole 105 with the protrusions of the first outsole 104, improving the bonding force between the midsole 105 and the first outsole 104.

[0045] like Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the angle θ between the first surface 20A and the plane defined by the length direction L and the width direction W is 5° to 15°. This allows the first surface 20A of the protrusion 20 to provide a forward-tilting support force to the foot during force application, improving foot comfort while walking. Optionally, the angle θ is 5° to 8°, more specifically, approximately 5°, 6°, 7°, 7.5°, 8°, or any value within the range of any two of the above values.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the ratio of the height of the second end 202 to the height of the first end 201 (i.e., T2 / T1) is 1 / 5 to 4 / 5. This facilitates the first surface 20A of the protrusion 20 in providing forward-tilting support to the foot during force application, improving foot comfort during walking. Optionally, the ratio can be approximately 1 / 5, 2 / 5, 3 / 5, 4 / 5, or any value within the range of any two of the above values. In this embodiment, the height difference between the first end 201 and the second end 202 is 1 mm to 2 mm, more specifically, approximately 1.5 mm.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned plane, the outer contour of the protrusion 20 is trapezoidal, and the protrusion 20 includes a lower base edge 20C and an upper base edge 20D disposed opposite each other along the length direction L. The lower base edge 20C is located at the first end 201, and the upper base edge 20D is located at the second end 202. By placing the higher first end 201 at the lower base edge 20C, the support and shock absorption performance of the protrusion 20 can be further improved. In other embodiments, the outer contour of the protrusion 20 can also be circular, elliptical, or other polygonal (such as rectangles, squares, triangles, etc.).

[0048] In some specific embodiments, the side length of the upper bottom edge 20D can be set to 8 mm to 10 mm, and the side length of the lower bottom edge 20C can be set to 10 mm to 12 mm. Optionally, the side length of the upper bottom edge 20D is approximately 8.6 mm, and the side length of the lower bottom edge 20C is 11.5 mm.

[0049] In some embodiments, chamfers R are connected to both ends of the upper bottom edge 20D, and the radius of the chamfers R is 1.5 mm to 2 mm. By setting appropriate chamfers, the stress of the protrusion 20 is more dispersed when it is deformed under pressure, so that the support of the protrusion 20 will not be significantly reduced after long-term use.

[0050] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any appropriate changes and variations made to the above embodiments within the essential spirit and scope of this application fall within the scope of this application's disclosure.

Claims

1. A midsole, wherein along its length, the midsole has a forefoot area, an arch area, and a heel area connected sequentially, characterized in that, The midsole includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. Along the length direction, the length of the central region accounts for at least 60% of the total length of the midsole, and along the width direction of the midsole, the width of the central region accounts for at least 55% of the total width of the midsole. The central region is made of a first material, and the peripheral region is made of a second material different from the first material. The hardness of the central region is less than that of the peripheral region. The intermediate region includes a midsole body and a plurality of protrusions integrally disposed on the midsole body, the plurality of protrusions corresponding at least to the forefoot area and the heel area.

2. The midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the hardness of the central region to the hardness of the peripheral region is 0.5 to 0.

8.

3. The midsole according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first material and the second material are both ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and the density ratio of the first material to the second material is 0.4 to 0.

7.

4. The midsole according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first material is at least one of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, and the second material is cork.

5. The midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central area and the surrounding area are integrally formed or bonded together.

6. The midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The midsole also includes a covering area integrally extending from the edge of the peripheral region away from the central region, at least a portion of the covering area extending along the thickness direction of the midsole, the covering area being made of the second material.

7. The midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of bumps also correspond to the arch area of ​​the foot.

8. The midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bump includes a first surface facing away from the midsole body, the first surface being inclined relative to a plane defined by the length direction and the width direction.

9. The midsole according to claim 8, characterized in that, The angle between the first surface and the plane is 5° to 15°.

10. A shoe sole structure, comprising a first outsole and a second outsole, characterized in that, The sole structure further includes a midsole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the midsole being sandwiched between the first outsole and the second outsole.

11. A footwear product, comprising an upper, characterized in that, The footwear product further includes the sole structure according to claim 10, wherein the upper is connected to the sole structure.

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