Sole structure with banking effect

Abstract

Sole structure (2) for a shoe (1), wherein the sole structure (2) comprises: a sliding element (4) configured to slide in a transverse direction of the sole structure, wherein the sliding element (4) is configured to slide to a medial side of the sole structure (2) when pressure is applied to a lateral section of the sole structure (2), and wherein the sliding element (4) is configured to slide to a lateral side of the sole structure (2) when pressure is applied to a medial section of the sole structure (2).

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sole structure for a shoe and a shoe. 2. State of the art

[0002] For many types of sports and in various training exercises, cutting movements—that is, movements involving a rapid change of direction—are essential. A cutting movement can also involve acceleration in a primarily lateral or medial direction. Popular examples of cutting movements include V-cuts in basketball or soccer, skater jumps in coordination and endurance training, and general side-shuffle movements.

[0003] The effectiveness of cutting movements is primarily limited due to injury prevention mechanisms. In particular, cutting movements can lead to excessive inversion moments at the ankle joint, caused by adverse misalignment of the foot and shaft segments, and when the ankle joint is near the limit of its range of motion, the ankle ligaments may be susceptible to injury.

[0004] Such misalignment can be counteracted by creating a banking effect, which leads to improved ankle alignment and keeps the ankle joint out of dangerous positions, thereby increasing performance and reducing the risk of injury. This protective mechanism has been termed the banking effect and results in increased performance, particularly during cutting movements.

[0005] Implementations of the banking effect within footwear have been achieved through the use of cushioning elements. For example, according to EP 4 268 659 A1, a first cushioning element (e.g., a medial cushioning element) can have a higher compressibility than a second cushioning element (e.g., a lateral cushioning element).

[0006] However, this solution limits the tilt angle of the footplate because the differing stiffness of the opposing sections of the damper also causes some compression. Furthermore, the compression distance is limited by the height of the damping element. Additionally, the damping element is always compressed during linear movements, which is generally undesirable. Linear movements are those without a lateral component, such as walking forward or backward, and more generally, movements involving a straight rolling motion of the foot.

[0007] JP 2005-224 335 A discloses a functional elastic layer between the insole and outsole of an orthodontic shoe. This functional elastic layer also includes, on its medial side, a readily compressible elastic material element, made, for example, from a semi-rigid, rubber-like elastic resin sponge. It is formed from a flexible, sheet-like body connected to a lateral, difficult-to-compress elastic material element.

[0008] EP 4 176 753 A1 relates to a sole structure for footwear with a flexible forefoot area. The forefoot area of ​​the sole structure includes an upper plate coupled to a lower plate (i.e., an outsole) by a support. The support is oriented along a heel-to-toe direction (i.e., along the length of the sole structure) to allow the lower and upper plates to pivot in both a lateral and a medial direction (e.g., around a longitudinal axis of the footwear). Additionally, a midsole surrounds the support and extends between the upper and lower plates to provide resistance that counteracts the relative rotation between them. The midsole can be tuned to provide a desired level of resistance, which may differ on both the medial and lateral sides.

[0009] The restoring force in this solution, however, is solely due to the elastic properties of the midsole between the two plates. This can lead to rather low torsional stability and a tendency towards excessive tilting. Furthermore, compression can also occur in the lateral or medial parts of the sole during linear running.

[0010] US 9 756 904 B2 concerns sole structures that include one or more spike arrangements with movable spikes that improve the grip of the running shoe over an entire range of motion, including during banking on a turn, and that position a runner's foot in a more natural position relative to the runner's center of mass during banking.

[0011] However, the spike arrangements move laterally to create the banking effect. This means that the plate containing the spike arrangements moves relative to the spikes. This increases the risk of injury due to reduced stability, as the footplate on which the foot rests shifts.

[0012] DE 10 2013 202 353 A1 relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, comprising a cushioning element with randomly arranged particles of an expanded material and a control element. The control element does not contain expanded material and reduces gravitational movements in a first area of ​​the cushioning element compared to shear movements in a second area of ​​the cushioning element.

[0013] DE 10 2013 202 306 A1 relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, which comprises a midsole and an element. The midsole has randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, and the material of the midsole at least partially surrounds the element. The element also has a greater torsional stiffness in at least one direction than the expanded material of the midsole.

[0014] DE 102 44 435 A1 relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole, in particular of a sports shoe, with an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged to slide in at least two directions below the upper sliding surface.

[0015] DE 102 44 433 A1 relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole, in particular of a sports shoe, comprising an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged to slide in at least two directions below the upper sliding surface. The upper sliding surface is preferably designed as the underside of an upper heel cup (3) and the lower sliding surface as the top side of a lower heel cup (2), wherein the upper and lower heel cups are essentially shaped like a section of a spherical surface.

[0016] The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing an improved sole structure that reduces the disadvantages discussed above. In particular, the sole structure should provide a relatively large tilting angle while simultaneously minimizing the risk of ankle tilting or injury in general, and furthermore, making optimal use of the limited available vertical space. 3. Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention addresses these problems through the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0018] A sole structure according to the invention comprises a sliding element configured to slide in a transverse direction of the sole structure, wherein the sliding element is configured to slide to a medial side of the sole structure when pressure is applied to a lateral section of the sole structure, and wherein the sliding element is configured to slide to a lateral side of the sole structure when pressure is applied to a medial section of the sole structure.

[0019] The sliding element according to the invention creates a banking effect by sliding to a specific side of the sole structure. For example, when pressure is applied to the lateral section of the sole structure, the sliding element slides to the medial side and can push the medial side of the sole structure upwards, while the lateral side is pushed downwards by the applied pressure. This creates a banking effect that is particularly pronounced because, compared to prior art solutions, one side of the sole structure is lowered and the opposite side is raised. Furthermore, since pressure is applied to both the lateral and medial sections of the sole structure during linear movements, the sliding element would not slide and no undesirable banking effect would occur.

[0020] The sole structure can be configured such that the thickness of the medial section of the sole structure increases as the sliding element moves towards the medial side of the sole structure, and conversely, the thickness of the lateral section of the sole structure increases as the sliding element moves towards the lateral side of the sole structure. In this way, the angle formed between the top and bottom surfaces of the sole structure is modified by the movement of the sliding element. If, before the movement of the sliding element, the top and bottom surfaces of the sole structure were essentially parallel, after movement of the sliding element, both surfaces may become inclined relative to each other. Moving the sliding element in the opposite direction can return both surfaces to an essentially parallel alignment.

[0021] The sliding element can cause an upper surface of the sole structure to tilt relative to a lower surface of the sole element. This creates a pronounced banking effect resulting from the movement of the sliding element.

[0022] The sole structure may further include a foot support element configured to interact with the sliding element such that the sliding element slides toward the medial side of the sole structure when pressure is applied to a lateral portion of the foot support element, and conversely, the sliding element slides toward the lateral side of the sole structure when pressure is applied to a medial portion of the foot support element. The foot support element faces and supports the sole of the foot of a wearer of the shoe. The foot support element may substantially cover the entire sole of the foot. Alternatively, the foot support element may cover a portion of the sole. The interaction between the wearer and the sole structure occurs substantially through the foot support element. The foot support element may define the aforementioned upper surface.

[0023] The sole structure can further comprise at least one sliding surface inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the sole structure, and at least one pressure element configured to interact with the sliding surface such that the sliding element is caused to slide when pressure is applied to the sole structure. The inclination of the sliding surface splits the pressure applied to the pressure element into a vertical and a horizontal component. The vertical component is orthogonal to the horizontal plane defined by the sole structure, while the horizontal component is parallel to the horizontal plane defined by the sole structure. The horizontal force component causes movement of the sliding element.In this way, the sliding element is caused to slide simply by providing an inclined sliding surface that interacts with a pressure element.

[0024] The pressure element can be implemented using a sliding surface. Thus, the horizontal movement described above can be achieved by two contacting sliding surfaces, where at least one of the surfaces is inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the sole structure.

[0025] At least one end of the sliding element can include a sliding surface or a pressure element. Thus, movement of the sliding element is caused by pressure exerted on the end of the sliding element that includes a sliding surface or a pressure element.

[0026] The sole structure may further comprise a ground-facing element, with the sliding element enclosed between the ground-facing element and the foot support element. The ground-facing element may be positioned opposite the foot support element and define the interaction of the sole structure with the ground, possibly via one or more further elements, such as an outsole. The ground-facing element may define the lower surface of the aforementioned sole structure.

[0027] At least sections of the lateral and / or medial edges of the floor-facing element and the footrest element must be unconnected and movable relative to each other. This allows the footrest element to be freely tilted relative to the floor-facing element to achieve the desired banking effect.

[0028] The element facing the floor and / or the foot support element may include a sliding surface. This sliding surface may interact with a pressure element or a corresponding sliding surface on the sliding element to cause the sliding element to move when a force or pressure is applied across the sliding surface.

[0029] The sliding element can be positioned in the forefoot section of the sole structure, preferably corresponding to the metatarsal fat pads. Positioning the sliding element in the anterior part of the sole structure enhances the banking effect because the forefoot is wider than the midfoot and posterior sections, and therefore exerts the greatest force on the sliding element during lateral movements. Furthermore, more pressure is typically exerted on the forefoot than on the posterior foot during lateral movements, resulting in a more pronounced banking effect. This particularly improves the performance of lateral movements involving plantar flexion, i.e., extension at the ankle.

[0030] The element facing the ground can include at least one stud. Studs improve the shoe's traction, especially on suitable ground surfaces. For example, the studs on soccer cleats improve traction on grass. A stud improves traction in all directions, including lateral movements, where the banking effect becomes important.

[0031] The sliding element can be arranged in an overlapping manner with the at least one stud. In this way, the sliding element and the stud can interact, particularly during lateral movements. The stud improves the shoe's traction and prevents slippage, while the sliding element creates a banking effect to improve foot alignment and keep the ankle joint out of dangerous positions.

[0032] The sole structure can further comprise an upper sliding element and / or a lower sliding element, wherein the upper sliding element and the lower sliding element are configured to interact with the sliding element. The foot support element can be connected to or encompass the upper sliding element, and / or the element facing the ground can be connected to or encompass the lower sliding element. The upper sliding element and the lower sliding element can interact with the sliding element and cause the sliding element to slide when pressure is applied to the upper and / or lower sliding element. The upper sliding element, the lower sliding element, and the sliding element can form a unit or component that can be integrated into a shoe to achieve a banking effect as described herein. The upper sliding element and / or the lower sliding element can be integral with the sole structure according to the invention.

[0033] The upper sliding element and / or the lower sliding element may comprise at least one sliding surface inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the sole structure and configured to interact with a sliding surface or pressure element of the sliding element such that the sliding element is caused to slide when pressure is applied to the sole structure. Thus, the inclined sliding surface generates a horizontal force component that causes the sliding element to slide or move, thereby producing a banking effect as described herein.

[0034] The upper sliding element and / or the lower sliding element may include at least one pressure element configured to interact with a sliding surface of the sliding element, causing the sliding element to slide when pressure is applied to the sole structure. In this embodiment, the sliding surface is located on the sliding element. The sliding surface may be inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the sole structure. When pressure is applied to the lateral or medial portion of the sole structure, a horizontal force component is generated, causing the sliding element to slide or move, thus producing a banking effect as described herein.

[0035] The sole structure can further include a pivot point, with the upper sliding element connected to the lower sliding element at the pivot point. The pivot point allows the upper sliding element to rotate relative to the lower sliding element, creating a banking effect. In addition, the pivot point increases the stability of the sole structure.

[0036] The pivot point can be achieved using a screw and nut. This allows for quick assembly of the sole structure and a secure connection between the upper and lower sliding elements. The upper sliding element can rest rotatably on the lower sliding element, enabling at least some degree of tilting without deformation of either the upper and / or lower sliding element. This can be achieved using a nut and screw, with a gap between the upper and / or lower sliding element and the nut and / or screw. Additionally, at least some degree of tilting can be achieved through deformation of the upper and / or lower sliding element, which can be made elastic for this purpose.In general, the pivot point can be realized by other means of connecting the upper sliding element to the lower sliding element, so that translational movement of the upper and lower sliding elements along a horizontal plane is prevented, while at the same time rotational movement is allowed at least to some extent.

[0037] The pivot point can be located closer to a medial side of the sole structure than to a lateral side. This arrangement increases the possible inclination angle and the banking effect on the medial side of the sole structure, which is advantageous during cutting movements. A typical offset of the pivot point in the context of the present invention can be 5% to 40%, preferably 10% to 30%, more preferably about 20% of the foot width. With respect to the width of the foot support element at the position of the sliding element, the pivot point can be offset from a transverse center of the width of the foot support element towards the medial or lateral side at a distance of 5% to 35% of the width of the foot support element, preferably 10% to 30%, more preferably 15% to 25%.

[0038] The sliding element can include an opening, and the pivot point can be located at least partially within the opening. Thus, the pivot point can provide further guidance for the sliding element and limit its movements to some extent.

[0039] Tilting the upper surface of the sole structure relative to a lower surface of the sole element can define an angle of inclination, wherein a maximum angle of inclination is 5 degrees or more, and preferably at most 20 degrees, more preferably at most 10 degrees. The inventors have found that this range of angle of inclination improves the alignment of the foot shaft and keeps the ankle joint out of dangerous positions during lateral movements.

[0040] The sole structure can be configured to allow tilting in only one direction—medially and laterally—preferably only in the medial direction. This allows for a targeted banking effect. In particular, a banking effect only on the medial side during lateral movements is advantageous.

[0041] A first end of the sliding element can comprise a first sliding surface, and a second end of the sliding element can comprise a second sliding surface, wherein the first sliding surface is essentially flat and the second sliding surface has a concave shape. The concave shape results in a high restoring force at a maximum tilt angle when the cutting motion is complete, because the maximum gradient of the sliding surface is located on the inner portion of the sliding surface. Thus, pressure is exerted on this inner portion first. The gradient of the sliding surface on the outer portion of the sliding surface is comparatively smaller, so the restoring force acting on the sliding element is smaller.The advantage is that only a tilt in one direction is allowed, but at the same time a high restoring force is available to return the foot support element to a horizontal position after the cutting movement has ended.

[0042] The footrest element can be elastic. This allows the sliding element to deform the footrest element elastically as it slides. For example, the side of the footrest element on which pressure is applied (the "driven side") cannot lower as far as the opposite side (the "reaction side") is raised by the sliding element. This can be achieved by configuring the sliding surface and the pressure element on the driven side so that the opposite sliding surface of the sliding element raises the footrest element higher on the reaction side than it would be raised by the lever rotating around the pivot point. Because the footrest element can be elastically deformable, the reaction side bends upwards. Thus, the footrest element is not a simple rocking mechanism, but is actively pushed upwards on the reaction side and elastically deformed by the sliding element.

[0043] The sliding element can be made of nylon, polyoxymethylene (POM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and / or polyamide (PA). These materials offer low friction and sufficient strength while remaining relatively lightweight. Other elements of the sole structure, particularly the sliding surfaces / pressure elements or the components incorporating these surfaces / pressure elements, can also be made of the listed materials.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a shoe comprising a sole structure as described herein and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The technical properties of the sole structure shown or described, its advantages, and the improvements over the prior art are also applicable to the shoe, which is in particular a sports shoe. The same applies conversely. The shoe can be a tennis shoe, a soccer shoe, a basketball shoe, or a training shoe. The upper can be coupled either to the foot support element or to the element facing the ground.

[0045] The upper can be coupled to the sole structure in such a way that the upper surface of the sole structure can tilt relative to the lower surface of the sole element. In this way, the banking effect described herein can be created without being restricted by the upper. 4. Brief description of the characters

[0046] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the following figures: Fig. 1: illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2: illustrates an embodiment of a unit or component comprising an upper sliding element, a lower sliding element and a sliding element arranged between the upper sliding element and the lower sliding element according to the present invention; Fig. 3: illustrates another embodiment of a unit or component comprising an upper sliding element, a lower sliding element and a sliding element arranged between the upper sliding element and the lower sliding element according to the present invention; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B: show a further embodiment of a unit or component comprising an upper sliding element, a lower sliding element and a sliding element arranged between the upper sliding element and the lower sliding element according to the present invention; Fig. 5: illustrates another embodiment of a unit or component comprising an upper sliding element, a lower sliding element and a sliding element arranged between the upper sliding element and the lower sliding element according to the present invention; Fig. 6: illustrates another embodiment of a unit or component comprising an upper sliding element, a lower sliding element and a sliding element arranged between the upper sliding element and the lower sliding element according to the present invention; and Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B shows an embodiment of a sole structure according to the present invention. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0047] Only a few possible embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and a multitude of other embodiments are applicable without deviating from the scope of the invention. The embodiments shown can be modified and combined with one another in various ways, provided they are compatible, and certain features can be omitted if they appear dispensable. In particular, the disclosed embodiments can be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

[0048] It is understood that not all features of the described aspects / embodiments need to be present to realize the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure, which is defined by the subject matter of the claims. The disclosed aspects / embodiments can be modified by combining certain features of one aspect / embodiment with one or more features of another aspect / embodiment. In particular, the person skilled in the art will understand that features and / or functional elements of one aspect / embodiment can be combined with technically compatible features and / or functional elements of any other aspect / embodiment of the present disclosure, provided that the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure.

[0049] In the present figures and description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the sake of clarity and brevity, certain aspects of components or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail if such detail would be obvious to the person skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein and / or if such detail would obscure a more relevant aspect of the embodiments.

[0050] As the person skilled in the art understands, and / or to avoid redundancies, reference is also made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which also apply to the following detailed description. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity and clarity, not all features, parts, elements, aspects, components and / or steps are explicitly indicated by reference numerals. This applies in particular where the person skilled in the art recognizes that such features, parts, elements, aspects, components and / or steps are present in multiples.

[0051] In the figures described below, the medial side of the shoe, the sole structure, or the elements / components are assumed to be on the left side of the respective figure, while the lateral side is assumed to be on the right side. The terms "lateral" and "medial" are defined based on the anatomy of the human foot. The medial side of the foot faces the midline of the body, while the lateral side faces away from the midline.

[0052] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention by means of a cross-section through a forefoot section of a shoe 1, which comprises a sole structure 2 according to the invention and an upper 3. The shoe is a football boot, but the invention can be applied to a wide range of shoes, in particular sports shoes. Examples include basketball shoes, running shoes, tennis shoes, training shoes, etc.

[0053] The sole structure 2 comprises a sliding element with a medial section 4a and a lateral section 4b. It is understood that sections 4a and 4b are connected and that, due to their cross-sectional properties, they Fig. 1 appear as separate components. From now on, the sliding element will be designated with the reference symbol 4.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1. The sliding element 4 rests on the upper part 3, which wraps around the foot. The upper part 3 can be provided with a low-friction surface, allowing the sliding element 4 to move easily in a transverse direction of the sole structure 2. A transverse direction is understood as a lateral-to-medial direction or a direction that is essentially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure 2 or the shoe 1. Thus, the sliding element 4 is configured to slide in a direction indicated by the arrow 5. Fig. 1 is indicated.

[0055] The sole structure 2 also includes a foot support element 6 on which the foot rests. In other embodiments, the foot support element 6 is covered by an insole, a sock liner, or the like, but this does not change the basic principles of the invention. The foot support element 6 comprises a medial section 6a and a lateral section 6b, which are again defined with respect to the foot. Furthermore, the support element comprises two pressure elements 7a and 7b, which are designed as downward-pointing projections of the foot support element 6. The medial pressure element 7a is arranged on the medial section 6a of the foot support element 6, whereas the lateral pressure element 7b is arranged on the lateral section 6b of the foot support element 6. The medial pressure element 7a is in contact with the medial section 4a of the sliding element 4, whereas the lateral pressure element 7b is in contact with the lateral pressure element 4b.

[0056] The medial section 4a and the lateral section 4b of the sliding element both comprise inclined sliding surfaces. The surfaces are inclined or slanted relative to a plane defined by the sole structure 2. In the example of Fig. 1. Such a plane would be perpendicular to the projection plane, and the sliding trajectory of the sliding element, designated by reference numeral 5, would lie in this plane. Exemplary angles of the slope of the sliding surfaces shown in the embodiments described herein include 10°–45°, more preferably 10°–30°, and most preferably about 20°. As described below, the angle of the slope of a sliding surface need not be constant but can vary over the sliding surface.

[0057] Pressure exerted by the foot on the medial section 6a of the foot support element 6, for example during a cutting motion, is transferred by means of the pressure element 7a to the sliding surface of the medial section 4a of the sliding element 4. Due to the inclination of the sliding surface of the medial section 4a of the sliding element 4, the sliding element 4 is caused to slide towards the lateral side of the sole structure or shoe. Consequently, the inclined sliding surface of the lateral section 4b of the sliding element pushes the lateral side 6b of the foot support element 6 upwards by means of the pressure element. Simultaneously, the medial section 6a of the foot support element 6 is lowered, while the pressure element 7a pushes the inclined surface of the medial section of the sliding element 4 downwards. In this way, the entire foot support element is inclined towards the medial side of the sole structure 2 or the shoe, thus creating a pronounced banking effect.Typical inclination angles achieved in the embodiments of the present invention are in the range of 1 to 20 degrees.

[0058] If pressure is now exerted on the lateral side of the sole structure 2, for example because the wearer has finished a cutting movement and is shifting weights from the medial to the lateral side, the lateral pressure element 7b interacts with the inclined sliding surface of the lateral section 4b of the sliding element 4.

[0059] The pressure or force exerted on this inclined surface causes the sliding element 4 to move towards the medial side of the sole structure 2 or the shoe 1. The lateral pressure element 7b pushes the inclined sliding surface of the lateral section 4b of the sliding element 4 downwards. Simultaneously, the inclined sliding surface of the medial section 4a of the sliding element 4 pushes the lateral pressure element 7a upwards. As a result, the foot support element 6 tilts back towards the lateral side and into the neutral, horizontal position.

[0060] In general, the angle of inclination at the medial section 4a of the sliding element must be as low as possible so that the footrest element 6 does not begin to tilt abruptly, but instead transitions smoothly from the neutral position to the banking position. Conversely, the angle of inclination must be high enough so that a force or pressure transmission onto the sliding element 4 activates the banking effect.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1. The inclined sliding surface of the lateral section 4b of the sliding element is concave. Therefore, when the sliding element 4 begins to slide back towards the medial side of the sole structure 2, the lateral pressure element 7b is in contact with the steeper section of the sliding surface, resulting in a large restoring force. In contrast, when the sliding element 4 has almost reached the medial side, the lateral pressure element 7b is in contact with the shallow angled section of the sliding surface, and the restoring force is comparatively small. This is also why the sliding element 4 cannot be pushed further in the medial direction. Therefore, in the embodiment of Fig. 1. No banking effect occurs on the lateral side.

[0062] Assuming that Fig. Figure 1 shows the right shoe of a pair of shoes. Typically, the left shoe would also only allow a banking effect in a medial direction (of the left foot). This banking effect is described as symmetrical. In other embodiments, an asymmetrical banking effect with respect to a pair of shoes can be achieved by allowing a banking effect on the medial side in one shoe (e.g., the right shoe) and on the lateral side in the other shoe (e.g., the left shoe). With respect to a particular foot, the banking would be opposite (medial vs. lateral), but from an absolute standpoint, the banking would be in the same direction (the left or right side of the wearer). Such an embodiment can be advantageous, for example, for running, where the direction of lateral acceleration is always the same.

[0063] The sole structure in the embodiment of Fig. 1 also includes a ground-facing element 8 arranged beneath the section of the upper 3 that wraps under the foot. In this exemplary embodiment, the ground-facing element 8 is configured to touch the ground, but in other embodiments, the ground-facing element may not directly touch the ground. For example, an outsole may be arranged beneath the ground-facing element, configured to touch the ground. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 The ground-facing element 8 comprises a plurality of studs, three of which are shown in cross-section and are designated by reference numerals 9a, 9b and 9c respectively. The stud 9b, which is located in the middle, completely overlaps the sliding element 4, whereas the outer studs 9a and 9c partially overlap the sliding element 4, depending on the position of the sliding element 4, i.e., whether it is in the neutral position on the medial side of the sole structure 2 or the shoe 1, or in the banking position on the lateral side of the sole structure 2 or the shoe 1, as described above.

[0064] The sole structure 2 also includes a pivot point 10 around which the foot support element 6 rotates when it moves from the neutral position to the banking position and vice versa. The pivot point 10 in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 is realized by a screw 10a. The head of the screw rests against the lower surface of the element 8 facing the ground. The shank of the screw 10a extends through the element 8 facing the ground, the section of the upper part 3 that wraps under the foot, and the foot support element 6. It is held in place by a matching nut 10b, which is partially located in the foot support element 6. Thus, the screw 10a and the nut 10b secure the sole structure 2. Since there is a small gap between the foot support element 8 and the screw 10a and nut 10b, the foot support element 8 can still rotate and tilt relative to the element 8 facing the ground. Additionally, the foot support element 8 is flexible to a certain extent.

[0065] The pivot point 10 is offset towards the medial side of the sole structure. It does not lie on a longitudinal axis of the sole structure 2 and / or the shoe 1. This makes it possible to increase the maximum inclination or banking angle. Typical offsets in the context of the present invention can be 5% to 40%, preferably 10% to 30%, more preferably about 20% of the foot width. With respect to the width of the foot support element 6 at the position of the sliding element 4, the pivot point can be offset from a transverse center of the width of the foot support element 6 towards the medial or lateral side at a distance of 5% to 35% of the width of the foot support element, preferably 10% to 30%, more preferably 15% to 25%.

[0066] In general, suitable materials for all embodiments presented herein include nylon, polyoxymethylene (POM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and / or polyamide (PA) or other materials that provide low friction and sufficient strength, but also a relatively low weight.

[0067] Having described the principle underlying the present invention, additional embodiments will now be described.

[0068] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a unit or component 11 comprising an upper sliding element 12, a lower sliding element 13, and a sliding element 4 arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13. The unit or component 11 can be integrated into a sole structure according to the invention. Alternatively, the upper sliding element 12 and / or the lower sliding element 13 can be formed integrally with the rest of the sole structure. For example, the upper sliding element 12 can be an integral part of a previously described foot support element, and the lower sliding element 13 can be an integral part of a previously described ground-facing element.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 the sliding element 4 comprises four sliding surfaces, namely an upper sliding surface 14a and a lower sliding surface 14b on the medial side 4a and an upper sliding surface 14c and a lower sliding surface 14d on the lateral side 4b.

[0070] Corresponding to the four sliding surfaces of the sliding element 4 are four pressure elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. Pressure element 7a is located on the underside of the upper sliding element 12 and contacts the upper medial sliding surface 14a of the sliding element 4. Pressure element 7b is located on the top side of the lower sliding element 13 and contacts the lower medial sliding surface 14b of the sliding element 4. Pressure element 7c is located on the underside of the upper sliding element 12 and contacts the upper lateral sliding surface 14c of the sliding element 4. Pressure element 7d is located on the top side of the lower sliding element 13 and contacts the lower lateral sliding surface 14d of the sliding element 4. Just like the lateral sliding surface of the embodiment of Fig. 1 all sliding surfaces 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d are concave.

[0071] The unit or component 11 also includes a pivot point 10 around which the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13 can rotate relative to each other to create a banking effect in a sole structure as described herein. The pivot point 10 in this example is realized by two adjacent barrel-shaped projections, each located on the upper 12 and lower 13 sliding elements, respectively.

[0072] The sliding element 4 as well as the upper 12 and the lower 13 sliding element in the example of Fig. 1 are symmetrical. Thus, in contrast to the embodiment of Fig. 1. A banking effect is achieved in both a lateral and a medial direction. In particular, when the sliding element 4 is moved in a lateral direction, it causes the upper sliding element 12 to raise its lateral side and lower its medial side relative to the lower sliding element 13. Conversely, when the sliding element 4 is moved in a medial direction, it causes the upper sliding element 12 to raise its medial side and lower its lateral side relative to the lower sliding element 13. In the neutral position, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13 are parallel to each other and no banking effect occurs.

[0073] Just like in the embodiment of Fig. 1. The sliding element 4 is moved by pressure or force applied to the medial or lateral section of the upper sliding element 12. Thus, pressure or force applied to the medial section of the upper sliding element 12 causes the sliding element 4 to move towards the lateral side, and pressure applied to the lateral side of the upper sliding element 12 causes the sliding element 4 to move towards the medial side. This is achieved by the interaction of the pressure elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d with the corresponding inclined or sloping sliding surfaces 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d.

[0074] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a unit or component 11 comprising an upper sliding element 12, a lower sliding element 13, and a sliding element 4 arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13. The embodiment of Fig. 3 resembles the embodiment of Fig. 2. In this example as well, the unit or component 11 is symmetrical, so that a banking effect is achieved in both a medial and a lateral direction. The sliding element 4 comprises four sliding surfaces 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, which interact with corresponding pressure elements 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d on the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13, respectively.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 3 shows unit or component 11 in an inclined position, in which a banking effect occurs on the medial side. Just as in the embodiment of Fig. 2. The embodiment of Fig. 3. Due to their symmetrical nature, they also tend to lean towards the lateral side.

[0076] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows a further embodiment of a unit or component 11 comprising an upper sliding element 12 and a lower sliding element 13 and a sliding element 4 arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13. Fig. 4A shows unit or component 11 in a neutral position, whereas Fig. 4B shows the unit or component 11 in an inclined position. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Instead of pressure elements, the upper 12 and lower 13 guide elements comprise sliding surfaces 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d, which interact with the corresponding sliding surfaces 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d of the sliding element 4. Thus, the sliding surfaces 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d have a similar angle of inclination to the sliding surfaces 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d.

[0077] The embodiment of the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B also includes a pivot point 10, which is implemented as an upper pivot element connected to a lower pivot element, thereby connecting the upper 12 and lower 13 sliding elements. The sliding element 4 includes an opening 16 in which the rod is movably arranged. Thus, the upper / lower pivot elements and the opening 16 limit the movements of the sliding element 4 and form a guide for the support element 4. As an alternative to an upper and lower pivot element, a screw and nut, as present in other embodiments described herein, can be used. Yet another alternative would be to form the upper and lower sliding elements, including their pivot point, integrally.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of a unit or component 11 comprising an upper sliding element 12, a lower sliding element 13, and a sliding element 4 arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments, so the description of the previous figures also applies to it. Fig. 5 is applicable.

[0079] The embodiment of Fig. Section 5 comprises guide sections 16, 16b, 16c, and 16d. The guide sections 16, 16b, 16c, and 16d are essentially walls that prevent the upper guide element 12, the lower guide element 13, and the sliding element 4 from rotating relative to each other. Fig. 5. Guide section 16a is located on the anterior medial side of the upper guide element 12, guide section 16b is located on the anterior medial side of the lower guide element 13, guide section 16c is located on the anterior lateral side of the upper guide element 12, and guide section 16d is located on the anterior medial side of the lower guide element 13. There are similar guide sections on the posterior sides of the upper 12 and lower 13 guide elements, which are described in Fig. 5 are not shown. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1 is the pivot point 10 of the embodiment of Fig. 5 realized by a screw 10a and a nut 10b.

[0080] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of a unit or component 11 comprising an upper sliding element 12, a lower sliding element 13, and a sliding element 4 arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments, so the description of the previous figures also applies to it. Fig. 6 is applicable. In contrast to the embodiments of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5 is the embodiment of Fig. 6 is not symmetrical. The medial section 4a of the sliding element 4 has a lower height than the lateral section 4b of the sliding element 4. Furthermore, the medial pressure elements 7a and 7b are smaller than the medial pressure elements 7c and 7d. The upper and lower sliding surfaces of the lateral section 4b of the sliding element 4 are concave, whereas the upper and lower sliding surfaces of the medial section 4a of the sliding element 4 are flat, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0081] In the neutral position of the sliding element 4, the lateral pressure elements 7c and 7d rest on the flat sections of the concave sliding surfaces 14c and 14d. These sections are not yet inclined relative to the plane defined by the sole structure or the sliding path of the sliding element 4. Therefore, when pressure or a force is applied to the lateral section of the upper sliding element 12, there is no horizontal force component pushing the sliding element 4 towards its medial side. In contrast, when pressure or a force is applied to the medial side of the upper sliding element 12, the pressure elements 7a and 7b are in contact with the inclined sliding surfaces 14 and 14b of the medial section 4a of the sliding element. Therefore, there is a horizontal force component pushing the sliding element 4 towards its lateral side and lifting the upper sliding element 12 on its lateral side.Thus, in this embodiment, banking is only possible to the medial side, but not to the lateral side.

[0082] Once the sliding element 4 has moved to the lateral side of the unit or component 11, the pressure elements 14c and 14d now contact the sections of the lateral sliding surfaces 14c and 14d of the sliding element 4 that have the largest angle of inclination. Thus, a force or pressure exerted on the lateral section of the upper sliding element 12 now produces a horizontal force component that pushes the sliding element 4 towards the medial side and returns it to the neutral position. Due to the large angle of inclination of the sliding surfaces 14ca and 14d in the inclined position of the upper sliding element 12, the initial restoring force will be quite large.

[0083] Furthermore, the foot support element 6 is elastic. This allows the sliding element 4 to elastically deform the foot support element 6 when slid. The side of the foot support element 6 on which pressure is applied (the "driven side") does not lower as much as the opposite side (the "reaction side") is raised by the sliding element 4. In this exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by configuring the sliding surfaces 14a and 14b at a smaller angle compared to the opposing sliding surfaces 14c and 14d. When pressure is applied to the medial side (the driven side) of the upper sliding element 12, the sliding element 4 moves toward the lateral side (the reaction side).Since the opposing sliding surfaces 14c and 14d have a steeper angle than the medial sliding surfaces 14a and 14b, the lateral side of the upper sliding element 12 is actively lifted and bends upwards due to its elasticity. Thus, the lateral side of the upper sliding element 12 is lifted more than would be geometrically possible with a simple rocker mechanism.

[0084] The Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B shows an embodiment of a sole structure 2 according to the present invention in a view from below ( Fig. 7A) and a top view ( Fig. 7B). The sole structure comprises an upper sliding element 12 and a lower sliding element 13 and a sliding element 4 arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13, similar to those in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 embodiments shown. In the embodiment of Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, the upper sliding element 12 is integral with the foot support element 6, and the lower sliding element 13 is integral with the foot support element 8. In other embodiments, however, the upper sliding element 6, the lower sliding element 8, and the sliding element 4 could form a unit or component 11, as previously described (for example, with respect to the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B), which could be enclosed between the foot support element 6 and the element 8 facing the ground.

[0085] The underside of the sole structure 2 comprises the ground-facing element 8, which includes a number of studs, three of which are designated by reference numerals 9a, 9b, and 9c. The sliding element 4 is arranged over the three studs 9a, 9b, and 9c and extends from the medial stud 9a, across the middle stud 9b, to the lateral stud 9c (see figure). Fig. 7A).

[0086] The upper surface of the sole structure 2 includes the foot support element 6 (see Fig. 7B). In this example, the foot support element 6 covers a section of the sole and extends from the metatarsal bones to the center of the arch. In other embodiments, the foot support element may cover the entire length of the foot or a different section. Furthermore, the foot support element 6 does not cover the entire width of the sole structure 2. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, the element 8 facing the ground extends beyond the foot support element 6. Thus, the foot support element 6, which is received within the element 8 facing the ground, is freely inclined to achieve a banking effect, as described herein.

[0087] In Fig. 7B is the position of the sliding element 4, which is arranged between the upper sliding element 12 and the lower sliding element 13, marked by the rectangle 17. The foot support element 6 and the element 8 facing the floor are connected by a screw 10a (see Fig. 7A) secured by the sliding element 4 and into a corresponding nut 10b (see Fig. 7B).

[0088] In general, in all embodiments, the width of the sliding element 4 should be as large as possible to adequately support the foot without excessive overhang of the foot support element 6 in the lateral and medial directions. On the other hand, the width of the sliding element must be small enough to allow the slider to still move. Therefore, a preferred width of the sliding element is a minimum of 60% and a maximum of 90% of the maximum width of the upper at the metatarsal joints.

[0089] In general, in all embodiments, the height of the sole structure, including the sliding element 4, should be as small as possible to avoid a high sole. In some embodiments, the foot support element 6 would extend over the entire length of the sole of a foot. In other embodiments, only a portion of the sole of the foot is covered by the foot support element 6. In still other embodiments, the sole structure would comprise several sliding elements and corresponding sliding surfaces as described herein. These sliding elements can be arranged along the length of the sole structure, for example, between a foot support plate and a cleat plate. In one embodiment, the sole structure comprises a first sliding element in a midfoot region and a second sliding element in a heel region.In another embodiment, the sole structure comprises a first sliding element and at least one further sliding element in a forefoot area to adequately support a foot support element extending in the forefoot area. In yet another embodiment, the sole structure comprises at least one sliding element in the midfoot area.

[0090] The length, i.e., the dimension of a single sliding element 4 in a longitudinal direction, is limited to maintain the sliding function. The length of a single sliding element is preferably no more than 15% of the total length of the shoe. The sliding element 4 can generally be arranged in a rotated position relative to a transverse axis of the sole structure or the shoe. This allows banking not only in a purely transverse direction but also in an intermediate direction between a purely longitudinal and a purely transverse direction. In an extreme embodiment, the sliding element can be rotated up to 90 degrees to the transverse axis of the sole structure or the shoe, so that it lies essentially along a longitudinal axis of the shoe. This would allow banking in a longitudinal direction.

[0091] In the described embodiments, the sliding element 4 is returned to its neutral position by a force or pressure acting on either the medial or lateral section of the sole structure 2. In these embodiments, the restoring force is generated by at least one inclined surface that splits the force or pressure acting on the sole structure into a vertical and a horizontal component. The horizontal force component pushes the sliding element 4 back to its original position. In other embodiments, not shown in the figures, the restoring force can be provided by a spring element that either pushes or pulls the sliding element 4 back into its neutral position. In these embodiments, a single inclined sliding surface would be sufficient to create a banking effect.

[0092] A sole structure according to this embodiment comprises a sliding element configured to slide in a transverse direction across the sole structure, wherein the sliding element is configured to slide toward a first side of the sole structure when pressure is applied to an edge section of the sole structure, and a spring element configured to push or retract the sliding element toward a second side of the sole structure opposite the first side. This embodiment may incorporate one or more of the features of the previously described embodiments. In other words, it may be combined with the previous embodiments or subcombinations of their features. However, unlike those embodiments, it is not necessary to apply pressure or force to the opposite side of the sole structure to return the sliding element to its original position.Rather, this is achieved through the spring element.

Claims

[1] Sole structure (2) for a shoe (1), wherein the sole structure (2) comprises: a sliding element (4) configured to slide in a transverse direction of the sole structure, wherein the sliding element (4) is configured to slide to a medial side of the sole structure (2) when pressure is applied to a lateral section of the sole structure (2), and wherein the sliding element (4) is configured to slide to a lateral side of the sole structure (2) when pressure is applied to a medial section of the sole structure (2). [2] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure (2) is configured such that the thickness of the medial section of the sole structure (2) increases when the sliding element (4) slides to the medial side of the sole structure (2), and wherein the sole structure (2) is configured such that the thickness of the lateral section of the sole structure (2) increases when the sliding element (4) slides to the lateral side of the sole structure (2). [3] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the sliding of the sliding element (4) causes an upper surface of the sole structure (2) to tilt relative to a lower surface of the sole structure (2). [4] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 1-3, further comprising a foot support element (6) configured to interact with the sliding element (4) such that the sliding element (4) slides to the medial side of the sole structure (2) when pressure is applied to a lateral section of the foot support element (6), and such that the sliding element (2) slides to the lateral side of the sole structure (2) when pressure is applied to a medial section of the foot support element (6). [5] Sole structure (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising: at least one sliding surface (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the sole structure (2); and at least one pressure element (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) configured to interact with the sliding surface (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) such that the sliding element (4) is caused to slide when pressure is applied to the sole structure (2). [6] Sole structure (2) according to claim 5, wherein at least one end of the sliding element (2) comprises a sliding surface (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) or a pressure element. [7] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 4-6, further comprising a ground-facing element (8), wherein the sliding element (4) is enclosed between the ground-facing element (8) and the foot support element (6). [8] Sole structure (2) according to claim 7, wherein at least sections of the lateral and / or medial edges of the element (8) facing the ground and the foot support element (6) are not connected and are movable relative to each other. [9] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 7-8, wherein the element (8) facing the ground and / or the foot support element (6) comprises a sliding surface (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d). [10] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the sliding element (4) is arranged in a forefoot section of the sole structure (2), preferably corresponding to metatarsal fat pads. [11] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 7-10, wherein the element (8) facing the ground comprises at least one stud (9a, 9b, 9c). [12] Sole structure (2) according to claim 11, wherein the sliding element (4) is arranged in an overlapping manner with the at least one stud (9a, 9b, 9c). [13] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 1-12, further comprising an upper sliding element (12) and / or a lower sliding element (13), wherein the upper sliding element (12) and the lower sliding element (13) are configured to interact with the sliding element (4). [14] Sole structure (2) according to claim 13, wherein the upper sliding element (12) and / or the lower sliding element (13) comprise at least one sliding surface (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the sole structure (2) and configured to interact with a sliding surface (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) or a pressure element of the sliding element (4) such that the sliding element (4) is caused to slide when pressure is applied to the sole structure (2). [15] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 13-14, wherein the upper sliding element (12) and / or the lower sliding element (13) comprise at least one pressure element (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) configured to interact with a sliding surface (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) of the sliding element (4) such that the sliding element (4) is caused to slide when pressure is applied to the sole structure (2). [16] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 13-15, further comprising a pivot point (10), wherein the upper sliding element (12) is connected to the lower sliding element (13) at the pivot point (10). [17] Sole structure (2) according to claim 16, wherein the pivot point (10) is realized by a screw (10a) and a nut (10b). [18] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 16-17, wherein the pivot point (10) is arranged closer to a medial side of the sole structure (2) than to a lateral side. [19] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 16-18, wherein the sliding element (4) comprises an opening (16) and wherein the pivot point (10) is arranged at least partially in the opening (16). [20] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 3-19, wherein the inclination of the upper surface of the sole structure (2) in relation to a lower surface of the sole structure (2) defines an angle of inclination, wherein a maximum angle of inclination is 5 degrees or more and preferably not more than 10 degrees. [21] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 3-20, wherein the sole structure (2) is configured such that tilting in only one of a medial direction and a lateral direction is possible, preferably only in the medial direction. [22] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 6-21, wherein a first end (4a) of the sliding element (4) comprises a first sliding surface (14a, 14b) and a second end (4b) of the sliding element (14c, 14d) comprises a second sliding surface (14c, 14d), wherein the first sliding surface (14a, 14b) is substantially flat and wherein the second sliding surface (14c, 14d) comprises a concave shape. [23] Sole structure (2) according to one of claims 1-22, wherein the sliding element (2) comprises nylon, polyoxymethylene, POM, polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, polyamide-imide, PAI, polyetherimide, PEI, polyetheretherketone, PEEK and / or polyamide, PA. [24] Shoe (1), comprising: a sole structure (2) according to any one of claims 1-23; and an upper part (3) that is coupled to the sole structure (2). [25] Shoe (1) according to claim 24, wherein the upper part (3) is coupled either to the foot support element (6) or to the element (8) facing the ground. [26] Shoe (1) according to claim 24, wherein the upper part (3) is coupled to the sole structure (2) in such a way that the upper surface of the sole structure (2) can tilt in relation to the lower surface of the sole structure (2).

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