Sole structure for a shoe

Abstract

The sole structure of a shoe further enhances grip. The sole structure (2) comprises a longitudinally extending sole body (3). The sole body (3) has a plurality of columnar sections (30) provided on the underside (3B) of the sole body (3). The lower surface (30a) of each columnar section (30) forms a ground contact surface. The outer circumferential surface of each columnar section (30) has a plurality of transverse projections (32, 32').

Description

STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a sole structure for a shoe and in particular to an improvement of the sole structure to increase grip.

[0002] The published Japanese patent application 2021-79610 describes in paragraphs

[0028] ,

[0040] and Fig. 21 A sole for a footwear article in which several column-shaped projections (20bp) are provided on the underside of the sole. With such a sole, not only can slip resistance and grip properties on the ground contact surface be improved, but the area of ​​the total ground contact surface can also be increased and the stability on the ground can be enhanced.

[0003] However, further improvement in the grip of the sole is necessary for a shoe. From this perspective, the development of the sole was desired.

[0004] The present invention was made taking these circumstances into account, and its object is to provide a sole structure for a shoe that can further improve grip. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. OVERVIEW

[0005] A sole structure for a shoe according to the present invention comprises a longitudinally extending sole body. The sole body contains a plurality of column-shaped sections provided on an underside of the sole body. The lower surface of the column-shaped sections has a ground contact surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped sections has a plurality of transversely extending projections.

[0006] According to the present invention, several column-shaped sections provided on the underside of the sole body come into contact with the ground as soon as the shoe touches down. At this point, the ground contact surface on the lower surface of the respective column-shaped sections provides grip. Furthermore, the projections provided on the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped sections come into contact with the ground due to a load exerted on the column-shaped sections at the moment of contact, as soon as the column-shaped sections tilt. At this point, the grip during contact with the ground can be further improved due to the behavior of the projections.

[0007] At the time of stress, the column-shaped sections can tilt in such a way that the protrusions come into contact with the ground.

[0008] The multitude of projections can be provided axially and circumferentially on the side located at a proximal end towards the side located at a distal end of the column-shaped sections.

[0009] The distal end of the protrusions may have a corner with an edge.

[0010] The upper surface of the sole body can form a contact surface with the foot, with which the sole of a shoe wearer comes into direct or indirect contact via an insole. The sole body can function both as a midsole, providing cushioning to the foot of the shoe wearer, and as an outsole, which comes into contact with the ground.

[0011] The sole body can be formed in one piece with the columnar sections and projections.

[0012] The sole structure can be created through additive manufacturing using a 3D printer.

[0013] The 3D printer can be a fused deposition modeling 3D printer.

[0014] As mentioned above, the grip can be further improved with the sole structure of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] For a more comprehensive understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the embodiments which are shown in more detail in the accompanying drawings and described below with reference to examples of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective overall view of a shoe utilizing the sole structure according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of the shoe. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a rear view of the shoe by Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the shoe. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic top view of an exemplary basic module of a three-dimensional, elastic structure made of plastic fibers, which forms the sole structure of Fig. 1 forms. Fig. 5A is a schematic top view of an exemplary first pattern attached to a top layer (or first layer) of the base module of Fig. 5 is arranged. Fig. 5B is a schematic top view of an exemplary second pattern attached to a second layer immediately below the first layer of the base module of Fig. 5 is arranged. Fig. 5C is a schematic top view of an exemplary third pattern, which is attached to a third layer immediately below the second layer of the base module of Fig. 5 is arranged. Fig. 5D is a schematic top view of an exemplary fourth pattern, which is located on a fourth layer immediately below the third layer of the base module of Fig. 5 is arranged. Fig. Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a section of the sole body and the columnar sections of the sole structure of Fig. 1, which is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7 along a line VI-VI corresponds. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 6 along a line VII-VII. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation showing the deformation of the sole body of Fig. 6, as soon as the load is applied. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation showing the deformation of the sole body of Fig. 6, as soon as the load is applied. Fig. Figure 10 shows a first alternative embodiment of Fig. 6, which is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11 along a line XX corresponds to. Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 10 along a line XI-XI. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic representation showing the deformation of the sole body of Fig. 10, as soon as the load is applied. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic representation showing the deformation of the sole body of Fig. 10, as soon as the load is applied. Fig. Figure 14 shows a second alternative embodiment of Fig. 6, which is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 15 along a line XIV-XIV corresponds. Fig. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 14 along a line XV-XV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0017] The Fig. Figures 1 to 9 show a sole structure for a shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention and the shoe incorporating such a sole structure. In these drawings, the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 represent an external appearance of the shoe utilizing the present embodiment; Fig. Figures 5 to 5D show an exemplary basic module of a three-dimensional, elastic fiber structure (or 3D filament structure) that forms the sole structure; Fig. Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section view (i.e., a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7 along a line VI-VI) of column-shaped sections provided on the sole body and the underside thereof; Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the columnar sections (i.e., a cross-sectional view of Fig. 6 along a line VII-VII); and the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the function of the columnar sections.

[0018] Here, a running shoe serves as an example of a shoe. In the following explanation (where the same applies to the following variants one to six), "upwards (top) and "downwards (bottom)" refer to an upward or downward direction, respectively, or a vertical direction of the shoe; "forwards (front) and "backwards (back)" refer to a forward or backward direction, respectively, or a longitudinal direction of the shoe; and "a width or lateral direction" means a transverse direction of the shoe.

[0019] For example, in Fig. 2, a schematic side view of the shoe, “upwards” and “downwards” have the meaning “upwards” and “downwards” respectively in Fig. 2, “forwards” and “backwards” have the meaning “direction from right to left” in Fig. 2, and “a latitude direction” has the meaning “out of the side” and “into the side” in Fig. 2, that is, “a direction perpendicular to the leaf”.

[0020] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a shoe 1 of the present embodiment comprises a sole structure 2 extending longitudinally over the entire length of the sole 1 and a shaft U (see dash-dot line) provided on the sole structure 2 and covering a foot of a shoe wearer.

[0021] The sole structure 2 includes a sole body 3 that extends longitudinally. The sole body 3 has a heel area H, a midfoot area M, and a forefoot area F, corresponding to a heel section, an arch section, and a forefoot section of the wearer's foot, respectively. The sole body 3 has a sole contact surface 3A (partially shown as a dashed line) on its upper surface, with which the sole of the wearer's foot comes into direct or indirect contact via an insole (not shown) or the like. The sole contact surface 3A forms a curved surface that curves slightly in the longitudinal direction along the shape of the wearer's sole.

[0022] A heel cup section 3C, extending along the circumference of the heel area H, is provided above the sole body 3, predominantly at the heel area H of the sole body 3. The heel cup section 3C extends upwards from the sole contact surface 3A of the sole body 3, thus enclosing and supporting the heel area of ​​the wearer's foot. The shoe 1 is manufactured by firmly attaching the lower section of the upper U to the sole contact surface 3A and the heel cup section 3C by gluing or similar means.

[0023] On the underside 3B of the sole body 3, a plurality of column-shaped sections 30 are provided (details of which are described below), extending essentially in a top-to-bottom direction. The expression "essentially" is introduced for the following reason: If the underside 3B of the sole body 3 is flat and extends longitudinally, the columnar projections 30 extending beneath the flat underside 3B can be said to extend vertically or from top to bottom. However, the underside 3B of the sole body 3 need not necessarily be flat in its longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in this example, the underside 3B may also be convexly curved and curve upwards at a posterior heel end and a toe section. In this case, the columnar sections 30 at the posterior heel end and toe section extend diagonally downwards or vertically. Therefore, the phrase "essentially (direction from top to bottom)" is used to include such an example.

[0024] The sole body 3 is formed in one piece with the column-shaped sections 30 (in this example also with the heel cap section 3C). Furthermore, the sole body 3 is formed from a three-dimensional, elastic structure together with the column-shaped sections 30 (also with the heel cap section 3C).

[0025] The three-dimensional, elastic structure can be manufactured using various processes. For example, in addition to FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), where molten plastic is extruded through a nozzle to form the shape, SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), where powdered material is sintered by laser irradiation, and CLIP (Continuous Liquid Interface Production), where liquid resin is cured with ultraviolet light, are used. However, the manufacturing process is not limited to these methods. Therefore, the three-dimensional, elastic structure can be not only a 3D filament structure formed from plastic filaments, but also a three-dimensional lattice structure, and so on. Furthermore, the three-dimensional, elastic structure may not be a box structure enclosed on all sides by wall sections.

[0026] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional, elastic structure is formed (or created / 3D-printed) by additive manufacturing using a 3D printer. The FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) process is preferably used in such a 3D printer. This process utilizes thermoplastic materials such as nylon, polyester, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PU (polyurethane), thermoplastic elastomers, and the like, or rubber and the like.Furthermore, the three-dimensional, elastic structure in this embodiment is a 3D filament structure in which a number of unidirectionally extending first plastic filaments are arranged along a first direction and spaced parallel to each other on a horizontal plane, and a number of unidirectionally extending second plastic filaments, which cut the first plastic filaments, are arranged along a second direction and spaced parallel to each other on the horizontal plane to form a plastic layer on the horizontal plane, and such plastic layers are then stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction with a small gap between them to form multiple plastic layers.

[0027] With such a three-dimensional, elastic structure, cushioning properties in the top-to-bottom direction can be achieved not only due to the elasticity of the plastic fibers themselves, but also due to the small distance between the respective plastic layers, which are vertically adjacent to each other. Therefore, for example, by using wear-resistant plastic fibers, a sole structure can be achieved that is excellent not only in terms of cushioning and stability, but also in terms of durability, such as wear resistance, and grip.In this case, it is not necessary to manufacture a midsole to ensure cushioning properties and stability relative to the wearer's foot, nor an outsole to ensure durability, such as the wear resistance of the ground contact surface and grip. Furthermore, it is not necessary to connect the midsole to the outsole by gluing, fusing, or similar methods. According to the present embodiment, the sole body can function as both the midsole and the outsole.

[0028] Next, we will turn to the Fig. 5 to 5D received, the drawings are for explaining a basic module that forms the above-mentioned three-dimensional elastic structure, and show an exemplary basic module.

[0029] Here, for example, a three-dimensional, elastic structure is provided by a structure in which layers of plastic with plastic filaments, arranged in a polygonal shape on a horizontal plane, are stacked vertically on top of each other.

[0030] The basic module 50 in Fig. 5 is shown by four vertically (or perpendicular to the sheet of the drawing) superimposed layers of plastic by different lines (see a solid line, a dash-dot line, a dash-two-dot line and a dashed line).

[0031] The basic module 50 is composed of a first pattern 51, which is positioned on a top layer (a first layer) and separated by a solid line (see Fig. 5, Fig. 5A), a second pattern 52, which is positioned on a second layer immediately next to and below the first layer and is defined by a dash-dot line (see Fig. 5, Fig. 5B), a third pattern 53, which is positioned on a third layer immediately next to and below the second layer and is defined by a dash-two-dot line (see Fig. 5, Fig. 5C), and a fourth pattern 54, which is positioned on a fourth layer immediately next to and below the third layer and is separated by a dashed line (see Fig. 5, Fig. 5D). Patterns one to four (51 to 54) are made of plastic filaments (plastic fibers).

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the first pattern 51 has a pair of octagonal frame bodies 51a spaced apart from each other and a small, square frame body 52a positioned between the frame bodies 51a. Opposite sides of the frame body 52a coincide with the sides of the frame bodies 51a. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the second pattern 52 has a pair of square frame bodies 51b, spaced apart from each other and chamfered at each corner, and a square frame body 52b, which is smaller than the square frame bodies 51b and positioned between the frame bodies 51b. Opposite sides of the frame body 52b coincide with the sides of the frame bodies 51b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the third pattern 53 has a pair of square frame bodies 51c spaced apart from each other, and a square frame body 52c that is larger than the square frame bodies 51c and positioned between the frame bodies 51c, with each corner chamfered. Opposite sides of the frame body 52c coincide with the sides of the frame bodies 51c. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5D, the fourth pattern 54 has a pair of small, square frame bodies 51d spaced apart from each other, and a large, octagonal frame body 52d positioned between the frame bodies 51d. Opposite sides of the frame body 52d coincide with the sides of the frame bodies 51d.

[0033] Layers one to four of the three-dimensional elastic structure 5 are structured such that patterns one to four 51 to 54 are positioned for coverage and distribution in each layer. The three-dimensional elastic structure 5 is structured such that layers one to four are stacked vertically, and the vertically adjacent layers are brought into contact and attached to one another via the plastic filaments. Furthermore, with respect to areas below the fourth layer, the patterns from the third pattern 53 to the second pattern 52 are repeated sequentially, followed by the first to fourth patterns 51 to 54 in ascending and descending order.

[0034] In this way, five thin plastic filaments extend transversely and longitudinally at predetermined intervals within the three-dimensional, elastic structure to form each layer on the horizontal plane. All layers are then stacked on top of each other and connected by the filaments in the vertical direction (i.e., the thickness direction) to form the three-dimensional fiber structure. Therefore, favorable elasticity can be achieved in every direction—longitudinal, transverse, and vertical—and a considerable weight reduction is possible compared to prior art materials such as EVA, rubber, and the like.

[0035] Next, Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section of a section of the sole body 3 and the columnar sections 30, and Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional shape of the columnar sections 30. In the respective drawings, the cut surfaces shown are black. The direction from left to right in Fig. 6 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the columnar section 30, for example, has the shape of a cylinder (or the shape of a prism, such as a triangular prism, a square prism, a hexagonal prism, and the like, can be used). A plurality of projections 32, 32' are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the columnar section 30, projecting transversely (i.e., radially outward). In this embodiment, the respective projections 32, 32' are positioned radially to each other at approximately 45 degrees around the circumference of the columnar section 30. In the respective drawings, the length of the columnar section 30 and the size of the respective projections 32, 32' are exaggerated for illustrative and explanatory purposes. The projection length of the respective transversely projecting projections 32, 32' is preferably at least 0.2 mm.

[0036] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the respective projections 32, 32' are provided at several positions of the column-shaped section 30 in the axial and circumferential directions. That is to say, the projections 32, as shown in Fig. 6 shown, are in several positions (in Fig. 6 e.g. three positions) in the axial direction (or in Fig. 6 in the direction from top to bottom) from the side located at a proximal end (or in Fig. 6 of a side located at an upper end) to the side located at a distal end (or in Fig. 6 of a side located at a lower end) of the columnar section 30. Similarly, the projections 32' are provided at several positions (in Fig. 6 e.g. two positions) in the axial direction (or in Fig. 6 in the direction from top to bottom) from the side located at a proximal end (or in Fig. 6 of a side located at an upper end) to the side located at a distal end (or in Fig. 6 a side located at a lower end) of the column-shaped section 30. The respective projections 32 are positioned at equal axial intervals along the column-shaped section 30, but the intervals between the respective projections 32 need not be equal. However, the respective projections 32' need not be positioned at equal axial intervals along the column-shaped section 30. In this embodiment, the axial positions of the respective projections 32' are offset from the axial positions of the respective projections 32. The respective projections 32' are located between the respective axially adjacent projections 32, but the axial positions of the respective projections 32' can also be displaced from the axial positions of the respective projections 32.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in 7, the leads are 32 at several positions (in Fig. 7 e.g. eight positions) are provided along the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped section 30. Similarly, the projections 32' are provided at several positions (in Fig. 7 e.g. eight positions) are provided along the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped section 30. The respective projections 32 are positioned at equal circumferential intervals around the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped section 30 (the same applies to the respective projections 32'), however, the intervals between the respective projections 32 need not be equal (the same applies to the respective projections 32'). In this embodiment, the circumferential positions of the respective projections 32' are offset from the circumferential positions of the respective projections 32. The respective projections 32' are located between the respective circumferentially adjacent projections 32.The reason for the circumferential positions of the respective projections 32' being offset from the circumferential positions of the respective projections 32 is to prevent obstruction between the respective projections 32' and the respective projections 32 when the column-shaped section 30 tilts and bends under load.

[0038] The number of projections 32, 32' is not limited to the numbers mentioned above, as there can be more or fewer. Furthermore, the respective projections 32, 32' have, for example, the shape of a rectangular prism or a square prism; however, the cross-sectional shape of the respective projections 32, 32' is not limited to a rectangle or a square, but other shapes are also possible. In both cases, the distal end of the respective projections 32, 32' preferably has a corner with an edge.

[0039] The lower surface 30a of the columnar section 30 has a ground contact surface. The lower surface 30a is formed with a plurality of downward-projecting projections 31. Each projection 31 has a lower surface 31a. Fig. Figure 6 shows the state in which the lower surface 30a of the columnar section 30 is in contact with the ground C via the projections 31. Furthermore, these projections 31 can also be omitted.

[0040] When forming the sole structure 2 by the aforementioned 3D printer, the respective projections 31, 32, 32' as well as the sole body 3 and the column-shaped sections 30 are formed together in one piece.

[0041] Next, the function and effect of the present embodiment will be described using the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 with reference to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 explained. In the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In the left direction of the drawings, the direction of the shoe points forward, and in the right direction of the drawings, the direction of the shoe points backward.

[0042] At the moment the shoe 1 touches the ground, as soon as the sole body 3, for example from the rear of the heel, hits the ground, the lower surfaces 30a of the column-shaped sections 30 at the rear of the heel come into contact with the ground through the projections 31 (see Fig. 6) At this point, the lower surface 31a of the respective projections 31 exhibits grip relative to the ground.

[0043] Furthermore, at the moment of impact, as soon as a shock load is exerted on the rear heel end of the sole body 3, the column-shaped sections 30 at the rear heel end tilt due to this shock load and are deformed by bending. At this point, as in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the distal end of each column-shaped section 30 tilts backward or forward, causing each column-shaped section 30 to bend backward or forward.

[0044] As soon as, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when the respective column-shaped sections 30 are tilted backwards to be bent, the front side (or left side of the drawing) of the respective column-shaped sections 30 stretches elastically, while the back side (or right side of the drawing) of the respective column-shaped sections 30 contracts elastically. However, as shown in Figure 8, when the respective column-shaped sections 30 are tilted backwards to be bent, the front side (or left side of the drawing) of the respective column-shaped sections 30 stretches elastically. Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the respective column-shaped sections 30 are inclined forward to be bent, the rear side (or the right side of the drawing) of the respective column-shaped sections 30 stretches elastically, while the front side (or the left side of the drawing) of the respective column-shaped sections 30 contracts elastically.

[0045] Next come the projections 32 (and 32') positioned on the elastically stretched side of the respective column-shaped sections 30, as shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows the surface in contact with the ground (C). At this point, the grip during ground contact can be further improved due to the behavior of the projections 32 (and 32'). Because the projections 32 (and 32') have a corner with an edge, in this case, at the moment of contact with the ground, adhesion can be achieved through frictional resistance at the edge of the corner (so-called "edge action"), thereby further increasing the grip.

[0046] In contrast, as in the Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in 9, the elastically contracted side (or the right side of) approximates Fig. 8, the left side of Fig. 9) The projections 32 (and 32') positioned on the respective column-shaped sections 30 abut each other, thereby reducing the distance between the axially adjacent projections 32 (and also between the axially adjacent projections 32'). Even in this case, an adequate distance between the axially adjacent projections 32 (and also between the axially adjacent projections 32') is ensured, so that mutual obstruction between the axially adjacent projections 32 (and also between the axially adjacent projections 32') can be prevented. In addition, in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 For illustrative purposes only the respective projections 32 on the elastically contracted side of the respective column-shaped sections 30 are shown, and the respective projections 32' are not shown.

[0047] After the shoe 1 is placed on the foot, the respective column-shaped sections 30 can deform as shown when the load is transferred from the heel area H via the midfoot area M to the forefoot area F of the sole body 3. Fig. 8 or Fig. 9 shown. In addition, the forefoot area F bends strongly at the metatarsophalangeal joint (i.e., MTP joint) as soon as the foot enters the push-off phase. At this point, the respective column-shaped sections 30 deform at the metatarsophalangeal joint or the toe section as shown in Fig. 8 or Fig. 9 shown.

[0048] Just as when placing the foot on the ground, the grip during this step can also be further improved because the respective projections 32 (and 32') on the elastically stretched side of the respective column-shaped sections 30 come into contact with the ground C, due to the behavior of the projections 32 (and 32'). Furthermore, the grip can be further improved because the projection 32 (and 32') has a corner with an edge at its end face, due to a so-called "edge effect" of the edge at the corner. This allows sufficient push-off force to be exerted on the ground C at the moment of the toe section's push-off movement without causing slippage.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, because the respective projections 32, 32' positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections 30 are arranged in the radial direction, even if the inclination direction of the respective column-shaped sections 30 is a cross-sectional direction (i.e., a diagonal / transverse direction) relative to the longitudinal direction, each of the respective projections 32, 32' on the outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections 30 comes into contact with the ground C, thus further improving the grip. For example, the respective column-shaped sections 30 incline transversely during a sideways step in sports, and thus sufficient grip can be achieved.

[0050] Furthermore, because the respective projections 32, 32' are provided on the outer circumferential surface, i.e., on the side surface, according to the present embodiment, the respective column-shaped sections 30 thus exhibit a corrugation on their side surface. Therefore, even if the lower surface 31a of the respective projections 31 and the lower surface 30a of the respective column-shaped sections 30 wear down through use of the shoe 1, the adhesive function can be maintained by the buckling of the respective column-shaped sections 30. Moreover, the fact that the respective projections 32, 32' are provided on the side of the respective column-shaped sections 30 located at a proximal end ensures that such an adhesive function is maintained for a longer period of time. <Erste alternative Ausführungsform>

[0051] The Fig. Figures 10 to 13 show a variant of the column-shaped section according to the embodiment identified above, each of which Fig. Figures 6 to 9 correspond to the embodiment identified above. In these drawings, the same reference numerals denote elements that are identical to or functionally similar to those in the embodiment identified above.

[0052] In the embodiment identified above, an example was shown in which the respective projections 32, 32' have the shape of a rectangular prism or a square prism, and the cross-sectional and longitudinal shapes of the respective projections 32, 32' are a rectangle and a square, respectively. In contrast, in this first alternative embodiment, the respective projections 32, 32' have the shape of a triangular prism, and the cross-sectional shape is a rectangle or a square, while the longitudinal shape is a triangle. Furthermore, a projection 32" in the shape of a right-angled triangle in longitudinal section is provided at the lower end of the respective column-shaped sections 30. In this case as well, the distal end of the respective projections 32, 32', 32" has a corner with an edge at the distal end.Furthermore, in the embodiment mentioned above, a plurality of projections 31 are provided on the lower surface 30a of the column-shaped sections 30, however, in this first alternative embodiment the projections 31 have been omitted.

[0053] The first alternative embodiment produces an effect very similar to the embodiment identified above. That is, at the moment the shoe 1 is placed on the ground during the movement of the load and at the moment of the push-off movement, as soon as the several column-shaped sections 30 tilt (or are bent), as in the Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the distal end of each column-shaped section 30 tilts backward or forward, causing the respective column-shaped sections 30 to buckle and bend backward or forward. At this point, the projections 32" (and 32, 32') positioned on the elastically stretched side of the respective column-shaped sections 30 come into contact with the ground C. Subsequently, the grip during contact with the ground can be further improved due to the behavior of the projections 32" (and 32, 32'). In this case, because the projections 32" (and 32, 32') have a corner with an edge at their distal end, the grip can be further enhanced at the moment of contact with the ground due to a so-called "edge effect" of the corner's edge at the distal end.This allows sufficient pushing force to be transferred to the ground C at the time of a push-off movement of the toe section, without causing slippage.

[0054] In addition, in this first alternative embodiment, unlike in the embodiment identified above, the projections 31 are not provided on the lower surface 30a of the several column-shaped sections 30. Fig. Figure 10 shows the state in which the lower surface 30a of the columnar sections 30 (and the lower surface of the projections 32") are in direct contact with the ground C. <Zweite alternative Ausführungsform>

[0055] The Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows a further variant of the column-shaped section according to the embodiment identified above, which Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 of the embodiment identified above or the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 corresponds to the first alternative embodiment. In these drawings, the same reference numerals denote elements that are identical or functionally similar to those in the embodiment identified above and the first alternative embodiment.

[0056] In the first alternative embodiment, an example was shown in which the respective projections 32, 32' have the shape of a triangular prism, with a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape and a triangle in longitudinal section, whereas in the second alternative embodiment, both the cross-sectional and longitudinal shapes of the respective projections 32, 32' are trapezoidal. In this case as well, the respective projections 32, 32' have a vertex with an edge at its distal end. The second alternative embodiment also produces an effect as similar as the embodiment identified above and the first alternative embodiment. <Dritte alternative Ausführungsform>

[0057] In the embodiment mentioned above and in the first and second alternative embodiments, an example was shown in which a plurality of transversely projecting projections 32, 32', 32" are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections 30. However, these projections can also be produced by forming a plurality of recesses on the outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections 30. Furthermore, the projection may not be such a transversely extending section as shown in the embodiment mentioned above and in the first and second alternative embodiments, and may instead be formed as part of a surface irregularity on the outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections 30.

[0058] Furthermore, the projection can be a rib of a specific length in the axial or circumferential direction of the respective column-shaped sections 30. With regard to the circumferential direction, the projections can be an annular section or a ring-shaped section extending around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections 30. That is to say, in Fig. 7 of the embodiment mentioned above, the respective projections 32 or 32' can be connected to each other around the entire circumference. <Vierte alternative Ausführungsform>

[0059] In the embodiment mentioned above and in the first to third alternative embodiments, an example was shown in which a plurality of projections 32, 32', 32" are arranged radially (or spaced apart from one another by approximately 45 degrees circumferentially) on the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped sections 30; however, the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The respective projections 32, 32', 32" can be spaced apart from one another by approximately 90 degrees circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the column-shaped sections 30. <Fünfte alternative Ausführungsform>

[0060] In the embodiment mentioned above and in the first to fourth embodiments, an example was shown in which the respective column-shaped sections 30 have the shape of a cylinder or a prism, and the size of the cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circle, a rectangle, etc.) is not varied in the axial direction. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The size of the cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circle, a rectangle, etc.) of the respective column-shaped sections 30 can be varied in the axial direction. That is, the respective column-shaped sections 30 can be conical in the axial direction.The respective column-shaped sections 30 can be inversely conical, especially from the side located at a proximal end to the side located at a distal end (that is, the diameter or size increases from the side located at a proximal end to the side located at a distal end). Such an inversely conical shape is difficult to form using a conventional forming process with a mold; however, such an inversely conical shape can be easily formed using the forming process with a 3D printer according to the present invention. <Sechste alternative Ausführungsform>

[0061] In the embodiment mentioned above and in the first to fourth embodiments, an example was shown in which the respective column-shaped sections 30 are axially extending support elements, such as cylindrical or prism-shaped parts; however, the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The respective column-shaped sections 30 can be a profile (or tread profile) that is usually applied to the lower surface of a shoe and extends, for example, in a rib-like or plate-like manner along the underside 3B of the sole body 3.

[0062] In this case, it is preferred that the respective column-shaped sections formed by the above-mentioned profile are shaped in such a way that they buckle easily in order to easily produce the effects of the present invention.

[0063] In the case of a rib profile extending along the underside 3B of the sole body 3, the cross-sectional shape (in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of a trapezoidal shape can be used (with the upper base having a short length on the side of the underside 3B and the lower base having a long length on the ground contact surface side) to cause the respective column-shaped sections to buckle slightly at the time of contact.

[0064] Furthermore, in the case of a plate profile extending along the underside 3B of the sole body 3, such a profile may have V-shaped cut lines on the underside 3B of the sole body 3, and the side wall surface of the respective profiles may be an inclined surface, causing the respective profiles to buckle slightly at the time of placement.

[0065] In the aforementioned respective embodiments and alternative embodiments, an example has been shown in which the sole structure of the present invention is applied to a running shoe; however, the application of the present invention is not limited to such an example. The present invention is also applicable to other sports shoes, such as street shoes, soccer shoes, and the like, as well as to shoes that are not sports shoes.

[0066] As mentioned above, the present invention is useful for a sole structure of a shoe, which can further improve grip. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2021-79610

[0002]

Claims

[1] Sole structure (2) for a shoe (1), wherein the sole structure (2) comprises a longitudinally extending sole body (3), wherein the sole body (3) contains a plurality of column-shaped sections (30) which are provided on a bottom side (3B) of the sole body (3), wherein a lower surface (30a) of the respective column-shaped sections (30) has a ground contact surface and an outer circumferential surface of the respective column-shaped sections (30) has a plurality of transversely extending projections (32, 32'). [2] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein the column-shaped sections (30) incline at the time of a load such that the projections (32, 32') come into contact with the ground. [3] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections (32, 32') are provided axially and circumferentially on a side located at a proximal end towards a side located at a distal end of the column-shaped sections (30). [4] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein a distal end of the projections (32, 32') has a corner with an edge. [5] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the sole body forms a sole contact surface (3A) with which a sole of the foot of a shoe wearer comes into direct or indirect contact via an insole, wherein the sole body (2) functions both as an intermediate sole which provides cushioning properties to a foot of the shoe wearer and as an outsole which comes into contact with the ground. [6] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein the sole body (3) is formed in one piece with the column-shaped sections (30) and the projections (32, 32'). [7] Sole structure (2) according to claim 1, wherein the sole structure (2) is formed by additive manufacturing using a 3D printer. [8] Sole structure (2) according to claim 7, wherein the 3D printer is a fused deposition modeling 3D printer.

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