RUNNING SHOE SOLE WITH CHANNEL CUSHIONING

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to the field of shoe technology, in particular for sports and leisure shoes, and concerns a sole for a running shoe, as well as the use of a sole for the production of a running shoe. State of the art

[0002] A variety of running shoes with various cushioning systems are known in the state of the art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles featuring a gel core in the heel area to ensure vertical cushioning during impact are widespread. Furthermore, improvements in vertical cushioning properties have been achieved by placing individual spring elements in the heel area between the outsole and insole.

[0003] While the aforementioned soles improve the vertical cushioning properties of the shoes, they cannot provide satisfactory cushioning for the horizontal forces acting on the sole and shoe. Forces with a large horizontal component occur particularly frequently on downhill slopes and, due to a lack of adequate cushioning, are one of the main causes of common knee and hip pain.

[0004] WO 2016 184 920 by the applicant discloses a sole comprising downwardly protruding, laterally open, segmented, and groove-shaped elements. Under the influence of the forces occurring during walking, the groove-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings close. Segmenting the sole also segments the cushioning effect, creating non-cushioned or less cushioned areas in the sole. Other soles known from the prior art are disclosed in US 2004 154 189 A1, US 2008 276 494 A1, and DE 28 16 619 A1. Description of the invention

[0005] In many sporting activities, such as running, the shoe's initial contact with the ground occurs in the heel area. As a result, the passive forces acting on the shoe in this area are significantly greater than in the forefoot or midfoot area of the sole. Passive force is the force acting upon impact, while active force, for example, is the force exerted by the wearer upon push-off. To accommodate this circumstance, running shoes generally feature particularly pronounced cushioning in the heel area. While such a design at least allows for sufficient vertical cushioning, this pronounced cushioning has a negative impact on the overall weight of the shoe. As a result, state-of-the-art running shoes either have unsatisfactory cushioning and / or are heavy.

[0006] Another disadvantage of conventional running shoe soles is their short lifespan. Extended use often results in a significant loss of cushioning effect. This is often caused by fatigue of the cushioning material.

[0007] It is therefore the general object of the invention to further develop the state of the art in the field of running shoes and preferably to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In advantageous embodiments, a sole with an improved cushioning effect is provided, which is preferably lightweight.

[0008] In further embodiments, a sole with a cushioning effect is provided which has improved durability over a longer period of time.

[0009] The general object of the invention is solved in a general manner by the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims and the disclosure as a whole.

[0011] The sole according to the invention for a running shoe comprises a soft-elastic midsole having an underside that comes into contact with the ground at least partially during running. The midsole also has a plurality of transversely extending channels arranged in a horizontal plane in a lateral region of the midsole. At least some of the channels (3a, 3b) are arranged in the forefoot region (FFB) and / or at least some of the channels are arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or at least some of the channels are arranged in the heel region (FB) of the midsole. The channels are each delimited in the running direction by a front wall and a rear wall and each have an elongated shape in cross-section along the running direction.Under the effect of vertical and / or longitudinal forces occurring during running, the channels are deformable vertically in the longitudinal direction up to the closure, whereby the channels have two sides in cross-section that are essentially parallel to each other and to the underside.

[0012] The longitudinally elongated cross-section of the channels achieves a significantly improved cushioning effect, in contrast to channels without such an elongated shape, e.g., a circular or square cross-section, without creating a floating sensation due to a significant loss of stability caused by the channels. In a running shoe sole according to the invention, the channel cushioning of the midsole interacts with the material-induced cushioning of the soft-elastic midsole. The elongated shape of the channels ensures optimal coordination of the cushioning effects.

[0013] Compared to other cushioning systems, such as gel cushions, the channels offer the advantage of significantly reducing the weight of the running shoe.

[0014] Directional information as used in the present disclosure is to be understood as follows: A horizontal plane of the sole describes a plane which is substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. It is also understood that the horizontal plane can also be slightly curved. This can be the case, for example, if the sole, as is typical for running shoes, is slightly curved vertically upwards in the forefoot area and / or the heel area. The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by an axis from the heel area to the forefoot area and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The transverse direction Q of the sole runs transverse to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. The transverse direction thus runs along a transverse axis of the midsole.In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V refers to a direction from the underside of the sole in the direction of the insole, or in the operative state in the direction of the wearer's foot, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the midsole.

[0015] Furthermore, the lateral region of the midsole refers to a region along the lateral inner and outer sides of the midsole of a running shoe pair, wherein the region extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the lateral region is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The medial region of the midsole refers to a region along the longitudinal axis in the middle of the midsole, which extends in the transverse direction of the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the medial region is a few centimeters, for example 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The person skilled in the art understands that the horizontal extent of the lateral region and the medial region can vary depending on the respective shoe size.

[0016] For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is understood to be a recess, which can typically be tubular. The channels run transversely across the sole, i.e., they are arranged essentially transversely to the running direction and parallel to the running surface or the ground. Generally, a channel is defined entirely or partially by channel walls. Typically, the channels are empty. However, it is also possible for the channels to be filled in some embodiments, for example, with an elastically deformable foam or with a gas.

[0017] According to the present invention, the channels are each defined by a front and a rear wall. Furthermore, the channels can have a top and bottom wall. A wall can be formed by a flat surface, or, in particular, the front and rear walls can be formed by two or more surfaces that form one or more folding edges. The term "folding edge" also encompasses embodiments that are slightly rounded and therefore not completely square. Such a folding edge therefore runs along the channel and thus in the transverse direction of the midsole and essentially transverse to the running direction.

[0018] It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the deformability of the channels may include, for example, the vertical collapsibility of the channel walls and / or the shearability of the channel in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the phrase "bottom surface that comes into contact with the ground during walking" also includes embodiments in which the midsole is coated with another lower layer, such as a full-surface or segmented outsole. In such cases, contact with the ground is at least partially achieved by such an outsole.

[0020] The elongated shape of the channels in the transverse direction can, for example, have a square or oval cross-section.

[0021] The midsole has a plurality of channels, in particular at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7 or at least 8 channels.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the channels have lateral openings in the lateral region of the midsole. The channels are preferably vertically and / or horizontally deformable in the longitudinal direction under the action of vertical and / or longitudinal forces occurring during walking until the lateral openings are closed.

[0023] Typically, the upper and lower canal walls can touch each other under the influence of the forces occurring during running.

[0024] In further embodiments, at least some of the channels are arranged in the heel area and additionally some of the channels are arranged in the forefoot area and / or some of the channels are arranged in the midfoot area of the midsole. Preferably, at least some of the channels are arranged in the forefoot area, some of the channels are arranged in the midfoot area and some of the channels are arranged in the heel area of the midsole. In such embodiments, at least one channel is arranged in the heel area, the midfoot area and the forefoot area. Since some of the channels are arranged in the forefoot area, some in the midfoot area and some in the heel area of the midsole, the channels are preferably distributed substantially over the entire midsole. As a result, the weight of the sole can be reduced thanks to the recesses.In addition, it has been shown that it is beneficial for the running feel, especially for the cushioning effect, if channels are arranged not only in the heel and midfoot area, but also in the forefoot area.

[0025] In some embodiments, the channels are completely bounded by the midsole, at least in the lateral area, thereby optimizing the overall cushioning effect consisting of the cushioning effect of the soft elastic material of the midsole and the effect of the channels.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least some of the channels are located in the heel area and at least some of the channels are located in the forefoot area. The channels in the heel area have a greater channel height than the channels in the forefoot area. The passive forces that occur during running and need to be dampened are typically greatest during heel strike, so a targeted increase in the dampening effect by increasing the channel height is advantageous in this area. The channel height is defined as the greatest vertical distance between the channel boundaries, in particular the channel walls, within a channel.

[0027] In further embodiments, the channels in the heel area and / or the forefoot area and / or the midfoot area are arranged in a single horizontal plane. Thus, in such embodiments, all channels of the sole, at least in the lateral area, lie in a single horizontal plane.

[0028] In some embodiments, the channels have a substantially hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section. Typically, at least one corner of the penta or hexagon is arranged in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in or against the running direction. For example, a corner of the penta or hexagon can be arranged in the running direction towards the sole tip or against the running direction towards the sole end. In addition, the penta or hexagon can have an asymmetry, for example the sides of the penta or hexagon in the running direction, i.e. sides which run substantially parallel to the ground, can be longer than the other sides of the penta or hexagon. This gives the channels, among other things, the elongated shape according to the invention in cross-section.

[0029] In cross-section, the channels have two sides that are essentially parallel to each other and to the bottom or underside. These sides correspond to the top and bottom walls of the channel. The angular shape of the channels in cross-section has a positive effect on the deformability of the channels. The hexagonal shape is particularly suitable for improving the deformability of the channels. Consequently, due to the correct shape of the channels, the deformability of each individual channel can be individually and flexibly adapted to its position and the specific forces acting on it.

[0030] In further embodiments, the front wall and the rear wall of at least one channel each have a front and a rear folding edge. The front and rear folding edges are arranged in the running direction toward the toe of the sole, and opposite the running direction toward the heel edge of the sole, respectively.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ratio of channel height to channel width in the lateral region of the midsole of each channel is in the range of 0.15 to 0.6, preferably 0.2 to 0.4. The channel width is defined by the largest horizontal distance of the channel boundary within a channel.

[0032] Preferably, the ratio of channel height to channel width in the lateral region of the midsole of each channel is greater in the heel area than in the forefoot area. For example, the ratio in the heel area can be 0.35 to 0.4 and the ratio in the forefoot area can be 0.2 to 0.3.

[0033] In some embodiments, in the heel region, the channel width of each channel in the lateral region, in particular in the region of the lateral openings, may be 15 to 20 mm and the channel height of each channel in the lateral region, in particular in the region of the lateral openings, may be 5 to 10 mm.

[0034] In further embodiments, in the forefoot area, the channel width of each channel in the lateral region, particularly in the region of the lateral openings, can be 9 to 16 mm, particularly 10 to 14 mm, and the channel height of each channel in the lateral region, particularly in the region of the lateral openings, can be 1 to 5 mm, particularly 2 to 4 mm. Those skilled in the art will understand that the channel height and channel width can vary depending on the shoe size.

[0035] In some embodiments, the channels taper from the lateral region of the midsole to the medial region of the midsole. For example, the cross-section, or cross-sectional area, of each channel in the medial region can be 8 to 20% smaller than in the lateral region, particularly in the region of the lateral openings. Thus, each channel in the region of the lateral openings has a greater width and / or height in the lateral region than in the medial region. In particular, the ratio of the channel height to the channel width of each channel can be greater in the lateral region than in the medial region of the respective channel.

[0036] In further embodiments, the channels are fully compressible when running from a force of 1000 N to 3000 N, preferably 1500 N to 2000 N.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sole comprises an incompressible elastic plate, which preferably extends across the entire midsole. Such a plate can extend across the heel, midfoot, and forefoot areas. Typically, the plate is a continuous plate, thus having no recesses. The plate can be arranged vertically above the soft elastic midsole, thus covering it at least partially or completely.

[0038] In further embodiments, at least some of the channels, preferably the channels in the forefoot area, are delimited on one side in a medial region of the midsole by the elastic incompressible plate. Since the required cushioning effect in the forefoot area is significantly lower than in the heel and midfoot areas, the overall weight can be reduced in such embodiments by saving midsole material without significantly impairing the cushioning effect. In general, the elastic incompressible plate has the advantage of supporting the push-off process when running, since the plate is tensioned while running and returns to its original shape during the push-off process. Thus, the runner has to exert less force per push-off process than without the elastic incompressible plate.

[0039] In some embodiments, the midsole has a groove extending longitudinally from the heel area to at least the midfoot area. The groove can have a depth of 1 cm to 3 cm, preferably 1.8 to 2.5 cm. Those skilled in the art will understand that the depth of the groove can vary depending on the respective shoe size. In cross-section in the transverse direction of the sole, the groove can be V-shaped. Preferably, the cross-section has a step, wherein the angle between the tread and the groove is between 40 and 60° in the tread area and 75 to 90° at the step. This can prevent stones from getting caught in the groove. In general, the groove has the advantage of enabling significant material savings in the midsole, which are essentially accompanied by no deterioration in stability.For example, the width of the groove in the tread area can be 2 to 3 cm and narrow vertically to 0.5 to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.7 to 0.9 cm. Those skilled in the art will understand that the width of the groove can vary depending on the shoe size.

[0040] In designs with an elastic, incompressible plate, the channel can be directly defined by the plate. Thus, the incompressible, elastic plate is directly exposed to the environment, at least in the area of the channel.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a running shoe comprising a sole according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sole according to one of the embodiments described here for producing a running shoe. Brief explanation of the figures

[0043] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the following figures and the associated description. The embodiments shown in the figures are not to be understood as limiting the invention described in the claims. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an inventive sole for a running shoe according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a view of the underside of the in Figure 1 shown sole, the sole being shown in the opposite direction; Figure 3 shows a schematic section in the transverse direction (along AA according to Figure 2 ) according to a further embodiment of the invention. Ways to implement the invention

[0044] The Figure 1The schematic side view shown shows an embodiment of a sole for a running shoe with a soft-elastic midsole 1. The soft-elastic midsole is shown in a view of the outside and has a bottom 2 that comes into contact with the ground B shown as a dashed line when running. Furthermore, the midsole 1 comprises eight channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d running in the transverse direction Q in a lateral area of the midsole (for better clarity, not all channels of the shown sole according to the invention are labeled). Figure 1shows the lateral area of the midsole in side view. The channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are arranged in a single horizontal plane as shown. Since the sole is slightly bent upwards at the sole tip 7 in the vertical direction V, the first horizontal plane has a slight curvature, in this case a convex curvature as seen from the ground. The coordinate system makes it clear that the horizontal plane essentially lies in the plane of the transverse Q and longitudinal directions L of the midsole, i.e. disregarding the slightly vertical curvature of the midsole. In the embodiment shown, the channels extend over the entire length of the soft, elastic midsole. Thus, a first part of the channels 3a, 3b is in the heel area, a second part of the channels 3c in the midfoot area and a third part of the channels 3d in the forefoot area.

[0045] The channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d each have a lateral opening in the lateral region of the midsole 1. In the operative state, the openings can be deformed by the forces occurring during running until they close. The closure can essentially occur through vertical deformation and / or through horizontal deformation in the longitudinal direction, i.e. through shearing of the channels. The channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are also completely delimited by the soft-elastic midsole 1 in the lateral region of the midsole 1. Thus, all channel walls in the lateral region are formed by the soft-elastic midsole. Each of the channels 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d each has a front wall 31 and a rear wall 32. Furthermore, the channels in the lateral region of the soft-elastic midsole 1 have a hexagonal cross-section. One corner of the hexagon points longitudinally in the running direction and one corner points longitudinally opposite the running direction.Each hexagon is asymmetrically designed, as its sides are longer in the longitudinal direction than the other sides of the hexagon. The respective channel therefore has an elongated and flat shape. Furthermore, both the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 of the channels each have a folded edge 33. These folded edges correspond in cross-section to the corners of the hexagon arranged in the running direction toward the sole tip 7 and opposite the running direction toward the heel edge 4.

[0046] The Figure 2shows a view of the underside 2 of a midsole 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In addition, a division of the midsole into a forefoot region VFB, a midfoot region MFB and a heel region FB is shown. This serves the person skilled in the art merely as a guideline and is not intended to define the exact boundaries of the regions. The midsole 1 shown has a groove 6 extending from the heel region into the midfoot region. The groove is directed towards the ground B, ie in the view shown the Figure 2It is open towards the viewer and is bounded on the lateral flanks by the soft-elastic midsole 1 and on the base by an elastic, incompressible plate 5. It can also be seen that the lateral flanks are inclined, so that the groove 6 is essentially V-shaped and open towards the viewer. In the embodiment shown, the groove 6 extends through the entire midsole 1, i.e., from the heel area FB through the midfoot area MFB to the forefoot area VFB.

[0047] In the Figure 3 Another embodiment of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe with a soft-elastic midsole 1 is shown. Figure 3 also shows a schematic division of the midsole into the lateral area LB and the medial area MB. These areas extend in the transverse, longitudinal, and vertical directions. However, the arrows shown do not define precise area boundaries. Figure 3 is a cross-section of the midsole 1 through the channel 3b of the first horizontal plane, which is completely bounded in the lateral area by the soft-elastic midsole 1. The sole comprises the elastic incompressible plate 5, which bounds the groove 6 in the medial area and is exposed to the environment in the medial area. Furthermore, the Figure 3 The groove is funnel-shaped in cross-section in the transverse direction and has a stepped shape. The first angle α between the underside 2 and the groove in the area of the underside, or the running surface, is approximately 55°.

[0048] At the step, the second angle β between the bottom 2 and the upper limit of the channel is approximately 85°. List of reference symbols

[0049] 1Soft elastic midsole 2Bottom 3a, 3b, 3c, 3dChannels 4Heel edge 5Plate 6Groove 7Toe 31Anterior wall 32Rear wall 33Folded edge BBottom FBHeel area LLongitudinal direction LBlateral area MBmedial area MFBMidfoot area QTransverse direction VVertical direction VFBForefoot area

Claims

1. Sole for a running shoe having a soft-elastic midsole (1) which has a bottom side (2) which comes at least partially into contact with the ground during running, wherein the midsole (2) has a plurality of channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) extending in the transverse direction (Q), wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are arranged in a lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1) in a horizontal plane, and wherein at least some of the channels (3a, 3b) are arranged in the forefoot region (VFB) and / or some of the channels are arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or some of the channels are arranged in the heel region (FB) of the midsole (1), and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are each delimited in longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall (31) and a rear wall (32), wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have an elongated shape in cross-section along the running direction, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have, in cross-section, two sides which are substantially parallel to one another and to the bottom side, and the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are vertically and / or horizontally deformable in the longitudinal direction (L) until closure under the action of forces acting vertically and / or in the longitudinal direction and occurring during running.

2. Sole according to claim 1, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have lateral openings in the lateral area (LB) of the midsole (1), and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are preferably vertically and / or horizontally deformable in the longitudinal direction (L) until closure of the lateral openings under the action of forces acting vertically and / or in the longitudinal direction (L) and occurring during running.

3. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are at least in the lateral area (LB) completely delimited by the midsole (1) .

4. Sole according to previous claim 3, wherein the channels (3a, 3b) in the heel region (FB) have a greater channel height than the channels (3d) in the forefoot region (VFB).

5. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) in the heel region (FB) and optionally the channels in the forefoot region (VFB) and / or in the midfoot region (MFB) are arranged in a single horizontal plane.

6. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein all channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) of the sole are arranged in a single horizontal plane at least in the lateral area.

7. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have a substantially hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section, wherein the sides of the pentagon or hexagon are longer in the running direction than the other sides of the pentagon or hexagon.

8. The sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the front wall (31) and the rear wall (32) of at least one channel (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) each have a front and a rear folding edge (33).

9. The sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the ratio of the channel height to the channel width of each channel (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) is in the range of 0.15 to 0.6, preferably 0.2 to 0.4.

10. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sole comprises an incompressible elastic plate (5) which preferabrly extends over the entire midsole (1).

11. Sole according to claim 10, wherein at least some of the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d), preferably the channels (3d) in the forefoot region (VFB), are in a medial area (MB) of the midsole (2) delimited at one side by the elastic incompressible plate (5).

12. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the channels each taper from the lateral area of the midsole towards the medial area of the midsole.

13. Sole according to any of the previous claims, wherein the midsole (1) has a groove (6) extending from the heel region (FB) to at least the midfoot region (MFB) in longitudinal direction (L); wherein the groove (6) is preferably V-shaped in cross-section along the transverse direction (Q) and / or has a step, wherein the angle between the running surface and the groove in the region of the running surface is between 40 and 60°.

14. A running shoe comprising a sole according to any of the previous claims.