SHOE INSOLE AND RUNNING SHOE MADE WITH IT

Description

[0001] According to the preamble of claim 1, the invention relates to a shoe midsole for running shoes with spring / damping elements.

[0002] In the majority of known cushioning systems for running shoes, there is no dependency or no control of the cushioning properties and the deflection of the sole in the forefoot area or below the ball of the foot.

[0003] Typical cushioning elements are known from GB 2 179 235 A and US 2015 / 0 089 834 A1. US 4 910 884 A shows a spring device for attachment to the soles of ordinary shoes.

[0004] CN 208 160 162 U describes a cushioned sports shoe in which a multitude of spring elements are distributed along the entire length of the sole. These consist of spring elements attached in pairs to the outsole, which are connected to the midsole via thrust elements. Without the outsole, the midsole cannot be prefabricated, and the forces acting on the midsole are directed exclusively vertically. This provides good shock absorption but little dynamic advantage when running.

[0005] A shoe midsole for a running shoe is known from US 2005 / 000115 A1. Further prior art is known from US 2017 / 105477 A1, US 5 138 776 A, and US 4 843 727 A.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve a running shoe by creating a midsole that enables a largely trouble-free interaction between cushioning and running rhythm.

[0007] According to the invention, the object is achieved in that a bow-shaped spring tread element is arranged on the underside in the forefoot area of ​​the shoe midsole, which is fixed with a first end to the front end of the shoe midsole and with its other end to a first spring / damping element, the direction of movement of which is parallel to the extension of the shoe midsole, so that it exerts a thrust force on the spring tread element when it rebounds.

[0008] The shoe midsole according to the invention possesses good cushioning properties, but also provides energy storage through the spring / cushioning element, which is compressed upon impact, and the elastically deformed spring tread element. These energy stores relax with the next step, thus making the energy available to the runner. This is particularly evident when positioned in the forefoot area, i.e., the ball of the foot is above the spring tread element and the spring / cushioning element is recessed behind the ball of the foot, possibly also in the midfoot area.

[0009] The shoe midsole can be prefabricated as a unit and then integrated into a shoe in the usual way, which usually also includes an insole, an outsole, and an upper. The parts can be glued together, and cavities can be filled with foam.

[0010] Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the invention in which a deflection limiting band subjected to tensile stress is provided between the shoe midsole and the spring tread element, which is fixed with a first end to the front end of the shoe midsole and with its other end to another or the first spring / damping element.

[0011] In contrast to the spring tread element, this deflection limiting band is subjected to tensile stress and can be elastic or rigid in the tensile direction.

[0012] The deflection limiting band, with its energy storage system made of metal compression springs or elastomer springs, ensures a gentle, rather than abrupt, stopping of the sole's deflection. The consistent push-off energy values, combined with a well-established running pace and rhythm, result in a more fluid and smooth running movement.

[0013] The present invention is therefore based on the object of developing a cushioning system for applications in the running shoe sector in such a way that a particularly flexible use is possible for different running styles and weight classes of runners.

[0014] Preferably, the damping system is formed from at least one spring / damping element and at least one deflection limiting band and an energy storage device, wherein the operative relationship and the coupling between the spring / damping element and the deflection limiting band takes place via the energy storage device.

[0015] The distance between the deflection limiting band and the shoe midsole, as well as the Shore hardness used and the spring characteristic of the spring in the energy storage device, primarily control the deflection of the sole in the forefoot area. Additional, but less important, factors include the flexural rigidity of the shoe midsole and the spring / damping element.

[0016] The energy storage device can be installed either outside the spring / damping element or inside or under the spring / damping element.

[0017] Different shapes, spring hardnesses, lengths and the height of the spring / damping element allow different sole constructions to be provided according to the differentiated requirements of a running shoe.

[0018] The one-sided connection of the spring / damping element to the shoe midsole can be fixed or pivotable, depending on the different shapes of the spring / damping element available. A hinge is provided for pivoting attachment, whereby the term hinge means that the connection can be made using various technically known hinge-like shapes. The spring / damping element can have different flexural hardnesses and be made of different plastic materials. If no additional damping agent such as foam is inserted between the shoe midsole or deflection limiting band and the spring / damping element, it is preferably made of carbon. If damping agents such as foam are additionally inserted, the spring / damping element can be made of medium-hard injection-moldable plastics.

[0019] This technical design makes it possible to produce the spring / damping element and the deflection-limiting band as a single, connected element. A prerequisite for this technical solution is a balance between the foam hardness and the flexural rigidity of the spring / damping element to ensure a functional connection with the energy storage device. The spring / damping element can have different heights and shapes along the length of the shoe midsole, depending on the different running shoe requirements. The spring / damping element can be formed transversely to the sole's center axis from two individual spring / damping elements, one with a shared energy storage device, or from two separate energy storage devices.With two spring / damping elements and the associated energy storage devices, the individual running style in conjunction with pronation and supination can be significantly influenced and corrected. The spring / damping element can have at least two guide elements on its freely movable side below the shear edge, which are guided with low friction on the shoe midsole or in a part made of sliding plastic and attached to the shoe midsole with guide grooves to prevent a floating effect. In special cases, the spring / damping element can be moved in this area on at least two rollers, which preferably run in a guide track. If the deflection limiting band is made of ropes, the guide system is a positive guide that prevents the spring / damping element from folding out.The deflection limiting band can be guided in the energy storage area with the left and right sides of the frame in a guide that is attached as a separate part to the shoe midsole. The guide part is made of a plastic with good sliding properties.

[0020] Depending on specific requirements, the deflection limiting band can have self-resilient properties and be made of carbon. For a running shoe suitable for everyday use, the deflection limiting band consists of a synthetic fabric with molded-on components necessary for attachment to the shoe midsole or directly to the spring / damping element. On the opposite side, there is a molded-on energy storage element that is technically designed for different spring variants.

[0021] For a comfortable, simple, everyday shoe, the deflection-limiting band itself can be designed as a spring at its free end, behind the spring / damping element, thus eliminating the need for an additional spring in the energy storage device. In addition to using flat, wide rectangular cross-sections for the deflection-limiting band, one or more round cables or narrow bands with pressed-on or molded-on fasteners can be used for attachment to the shoe midsole and for the spring holders. The round cables or narrow bands run through openings in the shear edge on the spring / damping element and are formed behind the shear edge with appropriate receptacles for accommodating compression springs.If the spring stiffness is to be mechanically adjusted via the spring, a limit stop for the spring / damping element on the deflection limit band is required to prevent any influence on the curvature of the spring / damping element. Without a limit stop on the deflection limit band, the compression spring can be moved using a mechanical adjustment device, thereby changing the height or curvature of the spring / damping element, while the spring characteristic remains unchanged.

[0022] Different spring / damping elements are provided for different running shoe concepts. For a forefoot runner, a curved flat spring design is preferred for the cushioning system. For a midfoot runner, a combination of a curved flat spring with an arc-shaped section in the attachment area on the sole is provided. The cushioning system with an energy storage device installed inside or under the spring / damping element has the technical advantage that the spring / damping element with its two arc-shaped sections, which are connected to each other by a curved flat spring section, can also be advantageously used in the midfoot and heel area. With a flat design and the use of additional cushioning elements such as viscoelastic foams between the shoe midsole orThe deflection limiting band and the individual spring / damping element allow a comfortable running shoe for everyday use to be realized.

[0023] Preferably, an interaction between all existing individual components used in the new shoe midsole concept is established.

[0024] The shoe's midsole is designed to be resilient in the forefoot area, providing longitudinal pressure stability. The midfoot and rearfoot areas are consistently more stable and have a harder spring effect than the forefoot.

[0025] In addition to the energy already stored in the spring / damping element, which is generated by the shock load and the corresponding deflection of the spring / damping element, the resulting longitudinal displacement of the spring / damping element is stored at its freely movable end in an energy storage device. The sliding pressure of the spring / damping element acts on the elastomer or metal compression spring in the deflection-limiting band, compressing it. The compression springs can be used in production with springs of different Shore hardness or corresponding spring characteristics with corresponding damping properties, depending on the running shoe design.

[0026] Damping elements made of various known materials and technologies with the appropriate damping properties can be arranged beneath the spring / damping element. With a wide deflection-limiting band, the damping elements can be placed only between the spring / damping element and the deflection-limiting band, or, if the deflection-limiting band is made of tension cables, also between the spring / damping element and the shoe midsole.

[0027] The spring / damping element is also arranged under the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot areas to meet the requirements of different running styles. On one side, the tread element is connected to the shoe midsole in a fixed, plug-in, or pivoting manner. On the opposite free side, it is connected to the deflection limiting band via the energy storage device. When an impact load is applied to the spring / damping element, there is a longitudinal displacement of the spring / damping element at its sliding edge in the lengthwise direction of the sole. This displacement is coupled to the deflection limiting band via the energy storage device and exerts pressure on the compression spring inserted in the energy storage device. The fixed connection of one side of the spring / damping element to the shoe midsole can be achieved by a pivoting hinge, a stable film hinge, or by plug-in connections, gluing, riveting, screwing, or welding.

[0028] The damping agents can preferably be made from known PU foams with different Shore hardness and viscoelastic properties. Depending on current technological solutions for damping agents, it is conceivable that damping solutions other than PU foams could be used.

[0029] The spring / damping element in conjunction with the energy storage and a springy shoe midsole in the forefoot area is primarily an energy storage device that stores the runner's impact energy and makes this energy available to the runner again.

[0030] When the spring / damping element is subjected to shock pressure, part of the energy is stored in the spring / damping element, in the energy storage, the shoe midsole and, if the deflection limiting band itself is made of a spring bar, in the deflection limiting Band stored. If the cushioning structure element is also used in the midfoot or rearfoot area, the distance between the deflection limiting band and the shoe midsole is greatly reduced, since apart from a minimal deflection limitation in the heel area, the deflection limitation specifically in the midfoot area plays a subordinate role. It is conceivable that the cushioning structure element for shoes for everyday use, especially in the forefoot and rearfoot areas, could be formed from two cushioning structure elements each, arranged transversely to the shoe's center axis. In special cases, specially shaped individual elements for running style corrections or studs for turf sports can be attached directly to the spring / cushioning element. If, for example, spring / cushioning elements are only attached to the shoe midsole in the forefoot or in the forefoot and midfoot, the remaining areas must be closed with known outsole shapes.

[0031] This invention doesn't encompass a holistic design solution for running shoes. It offers a new cushioning structure that can be applied to shoe midsoles.

[0032] Today's technical standard in the sports shoe sector for the production of continuous outsoles with high elastic deformability from well-known technical foams can be considered state of the art.

[0033] Different running styles, such as forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot, require different structural / kinematic designs of the sole and foot cushioning. Rearfoot running requires an especially good cushioning system.

[0034] The direction of impact when the foot strikes goes directly to the joints and spine. There is little use of the body's own cushioning apparatus and a slight braking effect when running. The most common running style is midfoot running. The ball of the foot and heel are evenly loaded when the foot strikes. With this running style, the runner's incline angle is slightly forward. The rolling energy is transferred evenly through the leg. The force of the impact is dissipated via the leg to the hip and back. The step frequency plays a significant role in the rolling behavior and the shock load on the foot. For forefoot runners, the incline angle is strongly tilted forward. The runner's body's best cushioning properties when forefoot running. The first contact with the ground occurs on the balls of the feet. The calf muscles and Achilles tendon tense, and the arch of the foot stretches.During push-off, a large portion of the energy remaining in the muscles and tendons is released. This means that some of the kinetic energy of the previous step is returned to the next step. The disadvantage of forefoot running is that the muscles are heavily loaded. The calf area and foot muscles have to work harder than with midfoot and heel strikes. Forefoot and midfoot runners require less cushioning, but their propulsion can be increased.

[0035] The spring properties of the sole are sometimes more important than the cushioning. Soft to medium-firm soles are often made from foamed plastics. A differentiated compression modulus for the shoe sole is usually determined by varying sole thickness. In addition, functions such as zone demarcation between the forefoot and rearfoot can be achieved in the sole using hollow spaces or cutouts. Soft foams, air or gel cushioning insoles are generally used for cushioning. The direction of the cushioning is usually perpendicular to the outsole. As the stability of the sole increases, the shock-absorbing properties of the sole decrease. Stability properties and shock-absorbing properties should ideally be in harmony. A significant influencing factor is the different weights of the users with the same shoe size.The parameters of hardness and cushioning specified during production for this shoe size cannot compensate for the large weight differences of running shoe users, even with an ideal design.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a midsole construction which, in its biomechanical design, enables a significant improvement in the shock-absorbing properties through a combination of energy-storing spring tread elements, damping structure elements and a coupled device for individual hardness and damping adjustment.

[0037] These factors have a strong influence on the rolling behavior of the running shoe.

[0038] The task is solved by a shoe midsole construction with one or more spring / tread elements with underlying damping structure elements and a hardness-damping system with which the damping and hardness parameters can be individually adjusted. The term hardness-damper system is synonymous with spring-damping element. In addition to the already stored energy created by the shock load and the corresponding deflection of the spring tread element, the resulting longitudinal displacement of the spring / tread element at its freely movable end is introduced into a hardness-damping system, whereby the sliding pressure of the spring-tread element acts on the elastomer compression spring and compresses it. The elastomer compression springs can be changed or replaced with springs of different Shore hardness with corresponding damping properties. Alternatively, steel compression springs can be used instead of elastomer compression springs.Instead of compression springs, elastomer tension springs can also be used, which are arranged below the spring / tread element.

[0039] The damping and hardness elements, with their biomechanical function, reinforce the rolling motion of the foot and return the stored energy - which is created by foot strike and the associated shock load on the spring tread elements and is additionally temporarily stored in the form of energy in a compression or tension spring - to the runner in the subsequent stride as additional energy for propulsion. The spring / tread element can have different spring characteristics and differently designed spring shapes for use in various running shoe designs. One intended spring / tread element corresponds in technical design to a curved flat spring. Another spring tread variant is formed from a combination of a bow spring and a curved flat spring. A third is a double-acting flat spring, which is designed for walking and sprinting.All variants have a progressive spring characteristic which can be further enhanced by the hardness-damping system with corresponding compression or tension springs. When there is an impact load on the compression or tension spring in the hardness-damping system, there is a strong effective relationship with the spring / tread element with the curved flat spring characteristic. The attachment of the spring / tread elements on the opposite side of the hardness-damping system to the shoe midsole is therefore different. The spring / tread element with the curved flat spring characteristic is firmly attached to the front or rear attachment point on the shoe midsole, but can be optionally pivoted or rotated. It can be inserted and glued into a receiving guide at the front or in the heel area on the shoe midsole, or it can be inserted into an elastomer receiving bearing which is firmly anchored in the receiving guides on the shoe midsole.The spring / tread element in the combination of a stirrup and curved flat spring is preferably firmly connected to the shoe midsole.

[0040] Three different running shoe designs are factory-specified, with the exception of the compression or tension springs used in the cushioning system: a rearfoot running shoe for normal, smooth running, a midfoot running shoe for athletic running, and a forefoot running shoe for high-performance running.

[0041] The shoe midsole itself remains structurally unchanged for all weight classes of a shoe size and is specified during production. Various combinations and arrangements of spring / strike elements and cushioning structural elements for different running styles, with the option of later individual adjustment, are also specified during production. The fine-tuning of hardness, compliance, and cushioning is achieved by exchanging elastomer or steel compression and tension springs with different degrees of hardness and damping capacity in the hardness / cushioning system.

[0042] The shoe's midsole is designed to be longitudinally resilient in the forefoot area, providing pressure stability. The midfoot and rearfoot areas are consistently more stable and have a harder spring action than the forefoot. All running shoe designs, with the exception of the raised midfoot spring / strike elements, are designed with a low drop to enable efficient running in all athletic disciplines.

[0043] Among the spring spring tread elements, damping structure elements can be made of different known materials and technologies with the corresponding

[0044] Damping properties can be arranged. The damping structure elements are designed in such a way that displacement in tangential and vertical directions is possible, but transverse displacement is largely prevented. This technical design of the damping structure elements avoids a floating effect. The damping structure elements can preferably be manufactured using 3D printing from TPU or silicone with different Shore hardness and viscoelasticity. Large, open-pored or connected spatial structures are particularly light and particularly effective in their damping capacity. Spatial damping structures can, for example, be in a modified form of hexagonal wave springs that are combined in a honeycomb composite system to form the damping structure element. Different hardness and damping properties can be achieved through the number of turns of the waves and the wave sizes.In special cases, professional runners can be provided with shoes that do not have integrated cushioning elements, but instead allow the runner to choose to use other cushioning systems such as gels, fluids, or air. Theoretically, the other components or their individual parts can also be provided to the athlete as loose parts.

[0045] To prevent the damping structure elements from being compressed excessively when the spring tread elements deflect, strip-shaped elevations are located on the sole beneath the spring tread elements, running perpendicular to the center axis. These limit the deflection and prevent a floating effect during push-off. These height-deflection limits can also be attached to the spring tread element. Alternatively, spacer elements can be incorporated into the damping structure element itself, which establish a fixed deflection limit for the spring / tread element. These are preferably made of medium-hard elastomer compression springs and can be cylindrical, strip-shaped, with concave, convex, or other free-form shapes.The strip-shaped spacers run perpendicular to the central axis, and the cylindrically shaped elastomer springs are arranged either on the central axis or as a pair to the left and right of the central axis between the spring tread element and the shoe midsole. A convex, strip-shaped bridge running perpendicular to the central axis has the advantage of achieving the "tilting" principle, providing high stability for the runner when cornering or with a strong lateral foot tilt.

[0046] The spring tread elements are arranged under the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot areas to suit the requirements of different running styles. They are pre-tensioned and form an arch. On one side, the tread element is connected to the shoe midsole in a fixed, plug-in or pivoting manner. On the opposite free side, a wide guide strip leads into the hardness and damping system with the replaceable elastomer compression springs. When an impact is applied to the spring tread element, the spring tread element is displaced longitudinally along the sole, which presses the wide guide strips onto an elastomer spring compression spring in a hardness and damping adjustment system. The firm connection of one side of the tread element to the shoe midsole can be achieved by a stable film hinge or by plugging in, gluing, riveting, screwing or welding. This firm arrangement is preferably carried out e.g.For forefoot running shoes, this is located at the forefoot tip of the shoe midsole. The forefoot tip of the shoe midsole is typically positioned further forward to ensure optimal efficiency for the deflection of the spring / stride element.

[0047] The spring / tread element can be formed from two or three spring / tread elements arranged side by side in the lengthwise direction of the sole. This division allows for significant correction of pronation or overpronation through different spring hardnesses of the individual spring / tread elements or through different Shore hardnesses of the elastomer compression springs used in the hardness-damping system. A correction suitable for everyday use can also be achieved through a changing cross-sectional profile in the spring tread element perpendicular to the central axis of the sole. The spring / tread element can be given pressure-point elastic properties through wave-shaped constrictions perpendicular to the central axis. These constrictions allow the spring / tread element to bend in the lengthwise direction of the sole, even with different curvatures perpendicular to the central axis. The material for the spring tread element is preferably made of carbon.

[0048] Spring / tread elements manufactured using the plastic injection molding process, with appropriate amounts of carbon fiber, are also suitable for medium loads.

[0049] For leisure running shoes, the spring / stride elements can be made of medium-elastic plastic in conjunction with harder damping structure elements.

[0050] The hardness-damping system is a separate component that can be glued, welded, screwed, or inserted into an existing guide on the shoe midsole. If the shoe midsole is made of a plastic injection-molded part, the hardness-damping system can be molded in with the system. Different elastomer springs with different Shore hardness and different viscoelastic properties can be subsequently swapped out within the hardness-damping system by the customer or in a specialist retailer. By selecting different Shore hardnesses and damping properties for the compression or tension springs, a shoe size can be adapted to different weights of the runners and provide individualized walking adjustments. Using harder elastomer springs, heavier runners, for example, can be better adapted to the overall "shoe" system.A mechanical displacement of the elastomer springs can also be achieved by using known technical principles suitable for the formation of a hardness-damping system in order to achieve greater compression and thus greater hardness of the elastomer spring. The hardness-damping system, when screwed to the shoe midsole, can have longitudinal slots or multiple holes that allow different positioning of the hardness-damping system on the longitudinal axis of the shoe midsole. Ideally, the shoe midsole is designed to meet the known ergonomic requirements for an outsole. One variation of these general parameters exists in the forefoot area of ​​the sole, which, in combination with the spring / tread element, acts as an additional spring.By using spring / strike elements with varying degrees of hardness and cushioning, the damping structure elements located between the spring / strike element and the shoe midsole, and the elastomer springs available in the hardness / damping system with varying Shore hardness and damping properties, a wide range of running shoe requirements can be met. The springy spring / strike element located in the forefoot area, combined with the hardness / damping system and a springy shoe midsole in the forefoot area, primarily acts as an energy storage device that stores the runner's impact energy and then makes this energy available to the runner.

[0051] When the spring / strike element is subjected to shock pressure, part of the energy goes into the hardness and damping system, into the compression or tension spring. If the sole is designed as a spring in the forefoot area, part can preload this and additionally support the runner's forward movement. The vertical forces are transferred into horizontal acceleration. For a midfoot runner, the arrangement and number of spring / strike elements is different than for a forefoot runner. For a midfoot runner, in addition to the spring / strike element arranged in the forefoot area, a second spring / strike element is provided in the heel area. A third springy tread element in the midfoot area, which protrudes slightly higher than the spring / strike elements arranged in the forefoot and rearfoot, is advantageous for athletic runners. Forefoot runners also do not suffer any disadvantages in terms of running behavior due to this arrangement of the springy tread elements.The spring impact element for the midfoot area can also be inserted without its own hardness and cushioning system by attaching it centrally to the front and rear spring impact elements at the middle height of the spring / impact elements. Depending on the spring hardness and shape of the middle spring / impact element, an effective connection is created between all three spring impact elements. The attachment can be made using a film hinge, hinge, rivets, adhesives, plug-in connections or can be made from the same material during production. The spring hardness and shape of the middle spring impact element is determined by the running style and where the shoe is used. For special athletic running applications such as e.g.For example, for a long-distance run on paved, smooth roads, a cushioning structure element under the central spring strike element can be omitted. A running shoe for heel strikers is essentially the same as that of a forefoot runner, although the spring / strike element in the heel area requires significantly greater cushioning than midfoot and forefoot runners. Most runners land on their heel and roll over the forefoot. To achieve optimal cushioning, the hardness / cushioning system can alternatively be arranged above the sole in the heel area. For special sporting applications, the spring / strike element in the rear foot can have pressure point elastic properties, which can be achieved through wave-shaped constrictions perpendicular to the central axis.

[0052] For athletic use, the spring / strike elements have a high-friction outsole coating on their underside, which is inclined toward the ground. Experience has shown that the coating's structure and shape are selected to meet the specific requirements of the respective athletic use. Special outsole coatings that deviate from the specified height of the spring / strike elements during production can be custom-produced using 3D printing and adapted to the runner's individual running style. Furthermore, the basic cushioning capacity in the heel or forefoot area can be fine-tuned by creating new support or rolling points.

[0053] It is conceivable that well-known Velcro fasteners could be used to attach the outsole to the spring / tread element or the shoe midsole in order to achieve a differentiated adjustment for different sporting requirements with little effort.

[0054] The sole surface plays a key role in determining the specific use of the shoe. The spectrum ranges from football boots equipped with studs to shoes used for various indoor sports. The fact that the shoe allows for a slight transverse incline when the foot strikes at an angle provides more secure stability and better grip for the athlete. For everyday sports use, a continuous outsole with highly elastic deformability made from well-known technical foams that have proven themselves in the sports shoe sector is used in production. This is done with recesses that can be closed off where the hardness and cushioning systems are located. Individual areas, such as the midfoot or heel area, can also be supplemented or closed with a partial outsole.The deformations in the tangential and vertical directions caused by compression in the outsole are absorbed stress-free by bellows-like formations in the side area of ​​the outsole.

[0055] Different heights of the individual spring / strike elements can significantly influence individual running styles. If the spring / strike element located in the midfoot is higher than the front spring / strike element, this results in a greater forward lean of the body, which, in conjunction with the front spring / strike element, leads to an accelerated rolling motion and forward movement. The biomechanical advantage is that the push-off energy when running is not generated solely via the forefoot, but with this arrangement, more than usual from the midfoot area and, to a lesser extent, if a spring / strike element is arranged as a bridge between the front and rear spring / strike elements, also from the rearfoot area. The same applies to different heights and transverse profiles of the outsole, related to the height of the spring / strike elements used.

[0056] In addition to its use in sports shoes, the basic technical principle is also conceivable for applications that place similar physical demands on a hardness and damping system. For example, this system could be used under a ski binding plate or a snowboard binding. In addition to athletic use, applications for regular running shoes are also envisioned, for people who frequently carry loads and walk many meters in their job. The fact that the entire system must be structurally revised and adapted for the specific intended use does not affect the present causal relationship.

[0057] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with drawings which are designed as principle representations, whereby the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. Fig. 1is a side view of a shoe midsole with an upwardly stretched shoe midsole in the forefoot area, a spring tread element arranged in the forefoot area, a damping structure element not shown and a hardness damping system arranged in the midfoot area. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring / strike element arranged in the forefoot and rearfoot with a cushioning structure element in the forefoot area, a cushioning structure element (not shown) in the rearfoot area and two associated hardness-cushioning systems. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of Fig. 3 Fig. 5 is a bottom view of Fig. 6 Fig. 6is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring tread element arranged in the forefoot and rearfoot area with a damping structure element in the forefoot area and a damping structure element (not shown) in the rearfoot area, the associated hardness - damping - system and a spring / tread element without its own hardness - damping - system, which is firmly but movably attached to the front and rear spring / tread element, bridging the midfoot area and two spacers which are attached below the shoe midsole and the spring / tread elements. Fig. 7is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot area with a damping structure element (not shown) and a hardness / damping system, a wave-shaped spring / tread element arranged in the rearfoot area, a damping structure element (not shown) and the spring / tread element on the shoe midsole in the rear heel area above the shoe midsole is firmly inserted into a flexible elastomer bearing and runs with the opposite side in the midfoot area of ​​the shoe midsole in a hardness / damping system. Fig. 8 is a side view as a detail of a double-acting spring / tread element that is arranged in the forefoot and / or rearfoot area, below the shoe midsole, at the toe of the sole or in the heel area and is firmly inserted into a receiving guide. Fig. 9is a side view as a detail of a shoe midsole with an arched spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot and / or rearfoot area, which is firmly connected to the sole below the shoe midsole at the toe or in the heel area. Fig. 10 is a side view of a spring / tread element such as Fig. 9 which, however, is firmly inserted into a flexible elastomer bearing below the shoe midsole at the toe of the sole Fig. 11 is a side view as a detail of a shoe midsole with an arched spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot and / or rearfoot area, which is firmly connected to the sole below the shoe midsole at the toe or in the heel area. Fig.12is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot, which is divided into two parts in the longitudinal direction of the shoe midsole and two hardness-damping systems arranged next to each other in the midfoot area of ​​the shoe midsole. Fig. 13 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring / strike element arranged in the forefoot and rearfoot area with a hardness / damping system in a guide element in the midfoot area. Fig. 14 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot and rearfoot area with a hardness / damping adjustment system in a guide element in the midfoot area and a spring / tread element without its own hardness / damping system that is firmly but movably attached to the front and rear spring / tread element, bridging the midfoot area. Fig. 15is a side view of a shoe midsole with a continuous spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot area with two guide elements at the transition point from the forefoot to the midfoot and from the midfoot to the rearfoot area and a hardness / damping system in the heel area above the shoe midsole. Fig. 16 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a continuous spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot, midfoot and rearfoot area with two guide elements at the transition point from the forefoot to the midfoot and from the midfoot to the rearfoot area and a hardness / damping system in the heel area above the shoe midsole with two spring / tread elements without their own hardness / damping system which are fixed but movable between the front and middle as well as the middle and rear spring / tread elements. Fig. 17is a bottom view of a hardness-damping-system with elastomer compression spring and fastening tabs for attachment to a shoe midsole. Fig. 18 a side view in section from Fig. 17 Fig. 19 is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for the introduction of a tumbling thrust movement into the hardness - damping - system with elastomer spring Fig. 20 is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for introducing a wobbling thrust movement into the hardness - damping - system with elastomer spring. Fig. 21 is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for the introduction of a wobbling thrust movement in an elastomer bearing, which is created by a spring / tread element without hardness - damping - system that is fixed but movable between a front and a rear spring / tread element. Fig. 22is a side view as a section and detail of a technical solution for the introduction of a tumbling thrust movement that is created by a spring / tread element without hardness - damping - system that is fixed but movable between a front and a rear spring / tread element. Fig. 23 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot with an elastomer tension spring that runs below the spring / tread element. Fig. 24 is a side view of Fig. 23 Fig. 25 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring / strike element arranged in the forefoot with a compact elastomer spring that is firmly but movably attached to the spring / strike element and to the shoe midsole. Fig. 26 is a side view as a section and detail of Fig. 25 . Fig. 27is a bottom view of a shoe midsole with a spring / tread element arranged in the forefoot, which has wing-shaped formations transverse to the central axis and cylindrical spacers arranged below the wing-shaped formations. Fig. 28 is a side view of a shoe midsole with a cushioning structure element arranged in the forefoot area Fig. 29 is a side view of the shoe midsole of Fig. 1 with damping structure element arranged in the forefoot area in the deflected state Fig. 30 is a bottom view of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with an energy storage device located outside the shock absorber in the midfoot area Fig. 31 is a bottom view of a shoe midsole as a section with a damping structure element arranged in the forefoot area whose energy storage is arranged below the shock absorber Fig. 32 is a side view as a detail of Fig. 4 Fig. 33is a detailed view of an energy storage device with two metal compression springs whose hardness can be manually adjusted. Fig. 34 is a detailed view of the energy storage system of Fig. 6 as rear view Fig. 35 is a detailed side view of an alternative connection of a shock absorber and a deflection limiting band on the shoe midsole at the toe of the sole

[0058] In Fig. 1 and 2is a shoe midsole (1) on which a spring / tread element (2) with a spring / damping element (4) in which an elastomer compression spring (4a) is arranged is shown. When an impact load is applied to the spring / tread element (2), part of the impact energy is transferred to the spring / damping element (4) on the compression spring (4a) and part is transferred to the deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area. The spring / tread element (2) is inserted into a receptacle (1a) located above the shoe midsole at the tip of the shoe sole and is firmly connected to the sole. This type of connection allows a flat spring design of the spring / tread element and thus a direct impact pressure load on the compression spring (4a) in the hardness / damping element (4). Alternatively, the attachment can also be designed in the form of a hinge. The damping structure element ( 6 ) and the spacer elements ( 5, 5a ) are not shown in these two figures.

[0059] In Figs. 3 and 4 is a shoe midsole ( 1 ) with a spring / strike element ( 2 ) arranged in the forefoot area and a spring / strike element ( 3 ) arranged in the rearfoot area with the associated hardness-damping systems ( 4 ) and a damping structure element ( 6 ) between the shoe midsole ( 1 ) and the spring / strike element ( 2 ) arranged in the forefoot. The damping structure element ( 6a ) is shown in the Fig. 3 not shown.

[0060] The spacer elements (5, 5a) attached to the shoe midsole (1) and extending transversely to the center axis of the sole (1) beneath the spring / tread elements (2, 3) can be concave or convex transversely to the center axis of the sole (1) and made of medium-hard elastomers. A convex spacer element (5, 5a) allows for a slight lateral inclination of the shoe with good stability when impact loads are applied to the spring / tread element (2, 3). A concavely shaped spacer element (5, 5a) prevents the shoe from tilting when the spring / tread element (2, 3) is subjected to impact, but allows for secure footing. The damping structure element (6, 6a) has through-openings at the points where the spacer elements (5, 5a) are attached, so that the spacer element can be supported directly on the shoe midsole (1) and the spring / tread element (2, 3).The spacer elements (5, 5a) can also be incorporated into the damping structure element (6, 6a). The spring / tread elements (2, 3) are as shown in . Fig. 1 and 2 attached to the shoe midsole. The hardness-damping element (4) is identical for both spring / tread elements (2, 3) except for the compression spring (4a), which may have a different Shore hardness and shape.

[0061] The Figs. 5 and 6 corresponds in basic construction except for the spring / tread element ( 7 ) to the Figs. 3 and 4 The spring / tread element (7) bridges the middle foot area and is firmly but movably connected to the two spring / tread elements (2, 3). The fastening can be achieved by plug-in connections as shown in Figs. 21 and 22or as a coherent component comprising the spacer element (7) and the spring / tread element (2) and (3). It is also provided that hinges are attached to the spring / tread element (7, 2 and 3). The width, hardness and shape of the spring / tread element (7) is determined by the sporting use and the running style of the runner. The size and damping properties of the damping structure element (6e) beneath the spring / tread element (7) can be freely selected and determined in dependence on the spring / tread element (7). The spring / tread element (7) creates a kinetic energy coupling between the spring / tread element (2) attached in the forefoot area and the spring / tread element (3, 3b) in the rearfoot area.

[0062] The impact energy that acts on the spring / strike element (3, 3b) during heel strike is primarily introduced into the hardness and damping system (4) in the compression spring (4a) and, with the same pushing movement, into the spring / strike element (7), which is slightly pre-tensioned and introduces this energy into the spring / strike element (2), which is slightly pre-tensioned and transports part of the kinetic energy to the sole tip (1a) of the shoe midsole (1), causing it to deflect. When the foot rolls in the direction of travel over the spring tread element (7), the impact pressure on the spring / strike element (2) attached to the forefoot increases significantly. This causes the spring-loaded sole to deflect even further in the forefoot area. The additional kinetic energy created by the foot pushing off via the spring / stride element ( 2 ) attached to the forefoot leads to a greater deflection of the sole in the forefoot area ( 1a ) of the shoe midsole.The spring energy stored in the sole in combination with spring energy that is created in the spring / tread element (2) when the foot pushes off is made available to the runner to accelerate the forward movement. In the case of a forefoot runner, part of the kinetic energy that is created by the shock load on the spring / tread element (2) arranged in the forefoot area is stored in the spring / tread element (7) and (3, 3b) and made available as additional energy for pushing the foot off in the direction of travel. In the case of a midfoot runner, the spring / tread element (7) should be higher on the side facing the ground than the height of the spring / tread elements (2) and (3, 3b).The spring / strike element (7) is the first to make contact with the ground when the foot lands and can store the existing impact energy first, transferring it equally to the spring / strike elements (2) and (3, 3b), and making the stored kinetic energy available to the runner for their forward movement, as described for the rear-foot runner. The higher-positioned spring / strike element (7) additionally enhances the rolling motion of the foot in the running direction.

[0063] The damping structure element in the area of ​​the spring / tread element (7) is adapted in its damping properties and its shape, curvature, and existing spring hardness of the spring / tread element (7). The damping and hardness properties of the compression springs (4a) in the hardness-damping system (4) must be adapted according to the walking style.

[0064] In Fig. 7The spring / tread element (3b) is shown as an example with a wave-shaped spring. With these wave-shaped incisions, differentiated pressure-point elastic deformations with low compressive strength can be achieved in the longitudinal direction of the spring / tread elements. If the wave-like indentations reach below the deepest point of the spring / tread elements, which are concave or convex in the transverse direction to the center of the sole, this will result in bending in the longitudinal direction of the sole. If there is only one wave-shaped incision, a limited, hinge-like deflection occurs, which, for example, in the spring / tread element (7) is located at its ends, at the attachment points to the spring tread elements (2) and (3, 3b). The compression spring (4a) in the hardness damping system (4) is provided with a lower Shore hardness in this design of the spring / tread element (3b).

[0065] In the Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11spring / tread elements (24, 25, 26, 27) are shown, which show different connection solutions ( 1c , 1d, 1e, 1f ) to a shoe midsole ( 1 ). In Fig. 8 The spring / tread element is inserted into a receptacle (1c) beneath the sole and firmly connected to the shoe midsole. The spring / tread element (1c) has two graduated spring characteristics due to its "double spring" design.

[0066] When the spring / tread element (24) is subjected to a shock load, the first stage (24a) of the spring reacts with a low spring pressure. In the second stage, with increasing pressure applied to the spring / tread element (24), the spring characteristic becomes harder and transfers the resulting pressure energy to the hardness and damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4e, 4d) and to the deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area (1c). With this spring / tread element (24), a running shoe can be created which, in addition to being suitable for athletic use, also has good spring and damping properties for quiet, comfortable running. The spring / tread element (24), like the spring / tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 25, 26, 27), can be used in the rear foot area.

[0067] In the Figs. 9 and 10a spring / tread element (25) is shown which is arched and firmly attached to the lower region (1d) of the shoe midsole (1). This spring / tread element (25) corresponds in its arched design to a classic bow spring and can therefore be effectively influenced in its spring characteristic by different compression and tension springs (4a, 18, 21) in the hardness and damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d). The spring / tread element (26) is inserted into a receptacle (1e) below the sole and firmly connected to the shoe midsole.

[0068] The spring / tread element ( 27 ) in Fig. 11It has a less curved shape and is therefore harder than the spring / tread elements (25, 26) and acts more directly on the springs (4a, 18, 21) in the hardness-damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d) than the spring / tread elements (24, 25, 26). The spring / tread element (2, 3) is a curved flat spring that, when subjected to shock pressure, exerts direct pressure on the springs (4a, 18, 21) in the hardness-damping system and on the shoe midsole tip (1a).

[0069] In the Fig. 12a spring / tread element is shown which is formed from two spring / tread elements (2b, 2e). This division into two parts allows a strong correction of pronation or overpronation to be achieved by means of compression or tension springs (4a, 18, 21) with different hardness and damping in the hardness / damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d). If only one hardness / damping system (4, 4b, 4c, 4d) is used for both spring / tread elements (2b, 2e), a correction of pronation can also be achieved by designing the spring / tread elements (2b, 2e) with different hardnesses.

[0070] In the Fig. 13a spring / damping element (4d) is shown which consists of a guide element (8) in which there is a compression spring (4a) which is arranged so as to be displaceable in the guide element (8) and which is subjected to pressure from both sides by the spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3b). By jointly using a compression spring (4a) in the guide element (8) that forms the spring / damping element (4d), the kinetic energy which arises when the spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3b) are subjected to an impact load is also distributed or introduced into the spring / tread element (2) or (3, 3b), depending on the running style, and at the same time part of the energy is used for the resilient deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area (1a).

[0071] The Fig. 14 Except for the additional spring / tread element ( 7a ), corresponds to the technical structure of Fig. 13. The interaction between the spring / tread element (2 3, 3b) and the additional spring / tread element (7a) is similar to that in the Fig.5 and 6 .

[0072] In the Fig. 15 a shoe midsole (1) with three spring / tread elements (2, 10, 3) is shown, which is guided as a continuous spring band (29) with the spring / tread element (3) into a hardness damping system (4c, 4), which is arranged in the rear foot area above the heel.

[0073] Two guide elements (9, 9a) are arranged between the front (2) and middle (10) as well as the middle (10) and rear (3) spring / tread elements, in which the interconnected spring / tread elements (2, 10, 3, 3b) are displaceable. This design is advantageous for back foot runners with strong heel cushioning.

[0074] The Fig. 16Except for the additional spring / tread elements ( 11, 12 ), corresponds to the technical structure as shown in the Fig. 15is shown. The additional spring / tread elements (11, 12), which are arranged between the spring / tread element (2) and (10) and between the spring / tread element (10) and (3), reinforce the kinetic interaction between the individual spring / tread elements (2, 10, 3) and the hardness and damping system (4, 4c). Alternatively, a hardness and damping system (4c) which absorbs tensile and compressive forces can be attached in the forefoot area above the shoe midsole at the sole tip (1a) in order to also provide good running conditions for forefoot and midfoot runners. In this context, the spring / tread element (11) should run higher to the ground than the spring / tread elements (2, 10, 12, 3). This embodiment is an advantageous design for a running shoe suitable for everyday use as well as for use in various indoor sports.

[0075] In Figs. 17 and 18the spring / damping element (4) is shown in which the spring step element (2, 3, 3b) is coupled with its free end (2a,3a) to the hardness-damping system (4).

[0076] A pyramid-shaped pressure body (13) with a convex, cylindrically shaped pressure body (13a) is firmly attached to the spring / tread element (2, 3, 3b) at the free end (2a, 3a). In conjunction with the concavely shaped counterbearing (14), a pivoting movement in one axial direction is possible. When an impact pressure load is applied to the spring / tread element (2, 3, 3a), the resulting longitudinal displacement and the existing compressive force are transferred as compressive force to the compression spring (4a) made of elastomer or steel and incorporated in the spring / damping element (4) at the free end (2a, 3a).

[0077] The pyramid-shaped pressure body ( 13 ) can compensate for the wobbling movements at the free end ( 2a, 3a ) of the spring / tread element ( 2, 3, 3b ) that occur during a shock pressure load, so that the pressure body ( 13 ) is not jammed or trapped in the spring / damping element.

[0078] The holes (15) on the spring / damping element (4) which are provided for screwing the spring / damping element (4) to the shoe midsole (1) can also be formed as elongated holes in order to be able to make corrections during assembly and to enable readjustment of hardness settings.

[0079] The Fig. 19 corresponds in principle to the Fig. 18 In this technical variant, the pressure body ( 13b ) is cylindrical / convex and the counter bearing ( 14a ) is concave.

[0080] In the Fig. 20a simple solution for pressurizing a compression spring (4a) in the spring / damping element (4) is shown.

[0081] The free end (2a, 3a) on the spring / tread element (2, 3, 3b) has no fixed connection to the pressure body (13d) but lies in a trough (13c) which opens outwards via bevels in order to keep sufficient space free for the tumbling impact movement which the spring / tread element (2, 3, 3b) has at its free end (2a, 3a) in an axial alignment.

[0082] In the Fig. 21A fastening solution for spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) with the spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3b, 10) is shown. Attached to the free ends of the spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) are two or more cylindrical pins with a larger, spherically shaped head (17), which are larger than the diameter of the cylindrical pins. A plate-shaped support element (30) is arranged at a distance from the ball and absorbs the pressure of the forces acting on the spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3b, 10). On the spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) there are holes into which a medium-hard elastomer part (16) with its annular constrictions is firmly inserted and into which the cylindrically shaped pins, which are located on both sides of the spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12), with the spherically shaped head (17) are firmly but movably inserted.

[0083] In the Fig. 22the fastening of the spring / tread elements ( 7, 7a, 11, 12 ) with the spring / tread elements ( 2, 3, 3b, 10 ) is similar to that in the Fig.21 Designed as a snap closure, using an elongated component with a cylindrical end rather than a ball. In this case, the spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12) must be made of a medium-hard, flexible material to allow for deflection between the hard-shaped spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3b, 10) and the medium-hard spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12).

[0084] In the Figs. 23 and 24a hardness damping system (4b) is shown which converts a pushing movement of the spring / tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) into a hardness damping system (4b) with a tension spring (18). This embodiment is advantageous for production-side specified features of running shoes which are made available for different running styles and areas of use. The springy deflection of the shoe midsole (1) when the spring / tread element (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) is subjected to shock pressure in the forefoot area is influenced by a different tension spring length (18) below the spring / tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b). By means of a long tension spring (18), which reaches almost to the tip of the sole (1a), the springy deflection of the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot area is slowed down, since the tension spring (18), when tensioned, works against the deflection of the sole.In the case of a short tension spring (18) which is arranged outside the forefoot area at the free end (2a, 3a, 3b), the tension spring (18) has no influence on the resilient deflection of the sole in the forefoot area, but only the hardness and damping behavior of the spring / tread elements (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) is controlled. The tension spring (18) is advantageously made of flat, rubber-like elastomer with different Shore hardness, thickness, width and tear resistance for use in different designs of running shoes. The tension spring (18) is firmly and / or detachably attached to the shoe midsole (1) by means of a screw connection (19a) and to the spring / tread element (2a, 3a) in the area (2a, 3a and 20).In order to enable the tension spring (18) to be replaced, holes are provided at certain intervals in the spring / tread element (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) which allow access to the screw connections with which the tension springs of different lengths are screwed to the shoe midsole.

[0085] The hardness damping system ( 4b ) with the tension spring ( 18 ) allows a short design of the spring / tread elements ( 2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b ) in conjunction with the hardness damping system ( 4b ).

[0086] In the Figs. 25 and 26 a spring / tread element (2) with a hardness damping system (4c) of a clamped (23) elastomer spring (21) in the area (2a, 3a) is shown.

[0087] A tubular section (30) is embedded or vulcanized into the lower third of the elastomer spring (21), with which the elastomer spring (21) is fastened to the shoe midsole by means of a screw (22). The elastomer spring (21) is clamped with its central recess (21a) into an annular recess on the spring / tread element (2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b) in the region (2a, 3a) and can be pivoted about the tubular section (30). The use of the hardness damping system ( 4c) in flat spring / tread elements ( 2, 2b, 2e, 3, 2d, 3, 3b ) is advantageous because they have a smaller wobble movement in the area ( 2a, 3a ) when subjected to shock pressure than higher-shaped spring / tread elements.

[0088] In the Fig. 27 a spring / tread element ( 2d ) is shown which is designed like a wing ( 2e ) and in which spacer elements ( 5b ) are arranged under each wing ( 2e ).

[0089] In all figures and illustrations, damping structural elements (6, 6a, 6b) are inserted beneath the spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3a, 10). Optionally, damping structural elements (6e, 6c, 6d) can be inserted beneath the spring / tread elements (7, 7a, 11, 12).

[0090] In the Fig.28, Fig.29 and Fig.30A preferred embodiment of a damping structure element in the forefoot area is shown. The spring tread element, referred to here as shock absorber 2, is attached to the sole tip on a pivot hinge 35, which, together with the deflection limiting band 30, is inserted into a groove 1a arranged at the sole tip, and these are firmly connected to the shoe midsole 1. In order to keep the deflection limiting band 30 at a constant distance from the shoe midsole 1 in the attachment area, the shoe midsole 1 has a raised portion 6 in this area. Alternatively, the raised portion 6, which has a spacing or support function, can also be formed directly on the deflection limiting band 30. The deflection limiting band 30 is a wide band that, opposite the attached side 1a, has a receptacle for an energy storage device 4 as a spring / damping element.The energy storage device can be equipped with elastomer compression springs or metal springs. If elastomer springs are used, "receiving cages" must be provided according to the shape of the springs to ensure optimal efficiency for these specially shaped springs. In this design of the damping structural element, the deflection limiting band 30 is not guided through the shear edge 1b in a centrally located slot. Instead, guide slots are located on the outside of the shear edge 31b of the shock absorber 2, in which the frames 32c and 32cc of the energy storage device 4 slide. The frame edge 32a of the energy storage device forms the stop 32a against which the inner edge of the shear edge 31b abuts. The compression springs rest with one end on the outer edge of the shear edge 31b of the shock absorber 2, and with their opposite side on the outer frame 32d of the deflection limiting band.The compression springs in the energy storage device 4 can be made of elastomer or steel springs. Preferably, the compression springs are made of steel and are shaped as wave springs with a round or rectangular cross-section. Fig. 29 shows a shoe midsole 1 that deflects upward in the ball of the foot area 38 in the forefoot under impact and is prevented from further deflection by the deflection-limiting band 30. The distance from the deflection-limiting band 30 to the shoe midsole and the Shore hardness or spring characteristic of the compression springs used determine the extent to which the sole deflects upward. The shoe midsole 1 is designed so that it rebounds more easily in the ball of the foot area than in the rest of the sole.

[0091] In the Fig.31 and Fig.32The energy storage device 4 is located inside or below the shock absorber 2. The compression springs are pressed together by the upstand 31a on the shock absorber and the wall 32b on the deflection limiting band 30. The advantage of this damping structure element compared to the solution of Fig. 28 to 30 is that, thanks to the short design, damping structural elements can be easily incorporated in the midfoot and rearfoot areas even with small shoe dimensions. The shock absorber 2 is shaped in an exemplary arcuate manner (31b) in front of the energy storage area 4. With this shape of the shock absorber 2 and the use of a second damping structural element in the midfoot area, the specific requirements of midfoot running can be optimally implemented.

[0092] In the Fig.33and 34 shows an external energy storage device 4 by way of example, which is provided with two compression springs 33a and 33b made of metal and a screw device 40 and 40a, with which the deflection hardness of the shock absorber 2 can be variably adjusted.

[0093] The deflection limiting band 30 is guided with the two frames 32c and 32cc on the energy storage device 4 in a guide 39 which is made of sliding plastic and is firmly attached to the shoe midsole.

[0094] The guide slots in the pushing edge 31b on the shock absorber 2 in which the frames 32c and 32cc of the energy storage device 4 slide consist of a separate part 41 and 41a made of sliding plastic that is firmly attached to the pushing edge 31b.

[0095] In the Fig. 35 a shock absorber 2 is shown with an arcuate section 31c in the front area and its attachment below the shoe midsole 1.

[0096] With this shape of the shock absorber 2 in the front area and the design as in Fig. 32 shown a softer cushioning of the shoe is realized.

[0097] Alternatively, with this design of the shock absorber 2, the deflection limiting band 30 can also be firmly connected directly to the shock absorber 2 in the front region 31c.

Claims

1. Shoe midsole for running shoes with spring / damping elements (2, 4, 4a), characterized in that a bow-shaped spring / tread element (2) is arranged on the underside in the forefoot region of the shoe midsole (1), wherein the spring / tread element is fixed by a first end to the front end of the shoe midsole (1) and by its other end to a first spring / damping element (4, 4a), the direction of movement of which is parallel to the extension of the shoe midsole, so that it exerts a thrust force on the spring / tread element (2) when it flexes out.

2. Shoe midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that between the shoe midsole (1) and the spring / tread element (2) there is provided a deflection limiting band (30) subjected to tensile stress, which is fixed with a first end to the front end of the shoe midsole (1) and with its other end to a further or the first spring / damping element (4, 4a), wherein the spring / tread element (2) and the deflection limiting band (30) is fixed at opposite ends of the spring / damping element (4, 4a) which is subjected to compression.

3. Shoe midsole according any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe midsole (1) is formed from a semi-hard shoe midsole (1), which has resilient properties in the forefoot region, and in the forefoot region the resilient spring / tread element (2) is inserted with the front side in the walking direction above the toe (1a) of the shoe sole into a receptacle (1a) and is firmly connected to the shoe midsole, and in that it is guided with the opposite, pressure-stable side (2a) into a spring damping element (4) in which a compression spring (4a) made of elastomer or steel is located and the compression spring (4a) in the spring damping element (4) can be replaced by other compression springs (4a) with different Shore hardnesses and shapes during production or by the user, and in which a damping structure element (6) with different hardnesses and damping properties is inserted between the spring / tread element (2) and the shoe midsole (1) in order to limit the deflection of the spring / tread element (2), concave or cylindrically shaped spacers (5, 5b) can be fitted between the spring / tread element (2) and the shoe midsole (1) or on the spring / tread element (2).

4. Shoe midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that the shoe midsole (1) is formed from a semi-hard shoe midsole (1), which has resilient properties in the forefoot region, and a spring / tread element (3) is inserted into a receptacle (1b) above the shoe midsole (1) in the backfoot region in the rear foot region and is firmly connected to the shoe midsole, and the opposite, pressure-stable side (3a) of the spring / tread element (3) is guided into a spring damping element (4) in which a compression spring (4a) made of elastomer - or steel - is located, and the compression spring (4a) in the spring damping element (4) is interchangeable with other compression springs (4a) with different Shore hardness and shapes, and that a damping structure element (6a) with different hardness and damping properties is inserted between the spring / tread element (3) and the shoe midsole (1), and one or more convex, concave or cylindrically shaped spacers (5a, 5b) for deflection limitation of the spring / tread element (3) are provided between the spring / tread element (3) and the shoe midsole (1), or cylindrically shaped spacers (5a, 5b) are fitted between the spring / tread element (3) and the shoe midsole (1) on the shoe midsole (1) or on the spring / tread element (3), and that the spring / tread element (3) forms a common shoe midsole (1) with the spring / tread element (2).

5. Shoe midsole according to claim 1, characterized in that the change in length of at least the one or more spring / tread element (2) occurring during impact pressure loading of the spring / tread elements (2) is used in a spring / damping element (4b) as tensile stress for a tension spring (18), the tension spring (18) runs above the spring / tread element (2) and is detachably and exchangeably fastened in the region (2a, 3a) and to the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot region (19) by means of a screw connection (19a) and is detachably and exchangeably fastened in the region (2a, 3a) and to the shoe midsole (1) in the forefoot region (19) by means of a screw connection (19a) and can be formed from elastomer or steel with different spring characteristics and lengths, and the spring / tread element (2) in the region (2a, 3a) is supported on the shoe midsole (1).

6. Shoe midsole according to any one of the claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the spring / tread elements (2, 3) are divided in the forefoot and rearfoot regions in the longitudinal direction of the shoe midsole (1) and are formed from two or more spring / tread elements (2b, 2e) which have their own spring damping elements (4) or use a common spring damping element (4).

7. Shoe midsole according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a spring / tread element (7) having no spring damping element of its own bridges the midfoot region and is firmly but movably connected to the spring / tread element (2) and to the spring / tread element (3b) in the midfoot region at a medium height between the underside of the shoe midsole (1) and the ground contact surface of the spring / tread elements (2, 3) in the midfoot region, and in that the spring damping element (4, 8, 4b, 4c) is optionally coupled to the spring / tread element (2) and (3), and in that the spring / tread element (7) can be higher than the spring / tread elements (2, 3, 3b) in athletic running shoes.

8. Shoe midsole according to any one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a spring / tread element (2) is fixedly or pluggably and / or pivotably fastened to the sole tip (1a) and a spring / tread element (10) is fastened to the midfoot region and the spring / tread element (3) is fastened to the rear sole end (1b) of the shoe midsole (1), and the spring / tread elements (2, 10, 3) are optionally individually coupled to a spring damping element (4, 4c, 4b, 8), and in that the spring / tread element (10) is higher than the spring damping element (4, 4c, 4b, 8) in the case of athletic running shoes, 10, 3) are optionally individually coupled to a spring / tread element (4, 4c, 4b, 8), and in that the spring / tread element (10) can be higher than the spring / tread elements (2, 3) in athletic running shoes.

9. Shoe midsole according to any one of the claims 4 to 8, characterized in that a spring / tread element (2) is plugged in at the sole tip (1a) and a spring / tread element (3) is plugged in at the rear sole end (1b) of the shoe midsole (1) and is fixedly and / or pivotably fastened, and in that a spring-damping element (8) is fixedly mounted in the midfoot region of the shoe midsole (1), the compression spring (4a) in the spring / tread element (4) is displaceably connected as a loose part or fixedly connected to the spring / tread elements (2, 3) with their free ends (2a, 3a), and in that the spring / tread element (8) is formed from an upper and lower part and consists of slidable plastic.

10. Shoe midsole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring / tread element (7a) is bridging the midfoot region without its own spring-damping element and is connected at mid-height between the underside of the shoe midsole (1) and the ground contact surface of the spring / tread elements (2, 3) in the metatarsal region, with the spring / tread element (2) and the spring / tread element (3) and the associated spring-damping element (8), and wherein the spring / tread element (7a) can be higher than the spring / tread elements (2, 3) in special cases.

11. Shoe midsole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three spring / tread elements (2, 10, 3) are connected to one another to form a continuous spring / tread element (29), and a hardness-damping system (4, 4c, 4b) receives the continuous spring / tread element (29) in the backfoot region above the shoe midsole (1c) , and the spring / tread element (2) is attached in a plug-in or pivotable manner to the shoe midsole (1c) in the forefoot region at the toe of the sole (1a), and that the two guide elements (9, 9a) are firmly attached to the shoe midsole (1) at the transition point from the forefoot to the midfoot region and from the midfoot to the rearfoot region and that the guide elements (9, 9a) are formed from an upper and lower part and consist of low-friction plastic.

12. Shoe midsole according to claim 11, characterized in that the spring / tread element (2) arranged in the forefoot region is connected to the middle spring / tread element (10) by a spring / tread element (11) and the middle spring / tread element (10) is connected to the rear spring / tread element (3) by a spring / tread element (12) at the middle height between the underside of the shoe midsole (1) and the ground contact surface of the spring / tread elements (2, 10, 12, 3) and that the spring / tread elements (11 and 10) can be higher than the spring / tread elements (2, 12, 3) in special cases.

13. Shoe midsole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring / tread element (2, 2d, 2e, 2b, 3, 3b, 7, 7a, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 27) has one or more channel-shaped depressions (3b / R) transverse to the central axis or deviated by up to 10 degrees, and in that the spring / tread elements (2, 2d, 2e, 2b, 3, 3a, 7, 7a, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 27) have a different vertical, curvilinear or arcuate shape in the longitudinal and transverse directions, are concave, convex or have a free curvilinear shape, and the channel-shaped depressions (3b / R) extend to below the deepest points of the surface deformation, so that the spring / tread element can be bent in the longitudinal direction of the shoe midsole (1) despite its surface deformation.

14. Shoe midsole according to any one or more of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the spring / tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) or the shoe midsole (1), have, on the side facing a damping structural element (6, 6a, 6b, 6e, 6c, 6d), one or more spacer elements (5, 5a, 5b) which are concave or convex, or cylindrically shaped extending transversely to the central axis in the form of strips or are cylindrically shaped and the shoe midsole (1) and the spring / tread element (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) contact each other by means of the spacer elements through openings in the damping structural elements (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d) upon impact and that the residual height is limited to approx. 35% of the existing total height between the intermediate shoe sole (1) and the spring / tread elements, wherein spacer elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6d) which are arranged in strips transversely with respect to the central axis or are cylindrically shaped, are embedded in the damping structural element (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d), 5a, 5b) which, when subjected to impact, prevent compression of the damping structure elements (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d) and allow the distance between the shoe sole and the spring / tread element up to a distance of approx. 35% of the total height, and in that the spacers are formed from elastomers having a Shore hardness of between 60 and 90, wherein the damping structural elements (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d) are formed from PU foams with different Shore hardness and viscoelasticity or are formed in 3D printing from TPU or silicone with different Shore hardness and viscoelastic properties with open-pore and / or spatial structures, which are advantageously formed as coherent hexagonally shaped wave springs, and that the bodies are closed with an outer skin except for an air inlet and outlet membrane and that the technical-constructive design is such that a displacement in tangential and vertical direction is possible but a transverse displacement to the sole center axis is largely prevented.

15. Shoe midsole according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring / tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3,b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) are formed from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and their different use in running shoes with the differently required spring stiffnesses is determined in dependence on the damping structural elements (6, 6a, 6e, 6b, 6c, 6d) used, and when the damping and hardness properties of the individual spring / tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) are matched to the spring / tread elements, the individual spring / tread elements are optionally formed from medium-hard TPEE-based plastic, and, in that the continuous spring / tread element (29) formed from the spring / tread element (2, 10, 3) and the continuous spring / tread element formed from the spring / tread element (2 , 11, 10, 12, 3) are manufactured continuously in a manufacturing process.

16. Shoe midsole according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring / tread elements (2, 2a, 2b, 3, b 10, 7a, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27) have a height of between 20mm and 40mm in accordance with their use in different sports and running shoes, and that the height of individual spring / tread elements located on the shoe midsole (1)differ in height and hardness from other spring / tread elements attached to the shoe midsole (1), and in that the spring / tread elements (2, 2d, 2b, 2e, 3, 3b, 10, 24, 25, 26, 27) have different types of fastening (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) on their fastening side to the shoe midsole (1) in accordance with the intended use, and the spring / tread elements (2, 2d, 2b, 2e, 3, 3b, 10, 24, 25, 26 27) are structurally different in their spring characteristics and their construction height and spring shaping and are used for defined walking styles and places of use.

17. Shoe midsole according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 16, characterized in that the shoe midsole (1) can be deflected resiliently in the ball region (38) of the forefoot, and a spring / tread element (2) is mounted pivotably with one side and is inserted fixedly by means of a hinge (35) into a receptacle (1a) at the shoe midsole tip (14) of the shoe midsole (1), and the spring / tread element (2) rests with its opposite side on the shoe midsole (1) or the deflection-limiting band (30) and the spring / tread element (2) rests with its opposite side on the shoe midsole (4) or on the deflection-limiting band (30), that the deflection limiting band (30) extending above the spring / tread element (2) is firmly inserted with one side into the receptacle (1a) and with the opposite side runs in openings through the thrust edge (31b) on the spring / tread element (2) and or in lateral guides on the thrust edge (31b) on the spring / tread element (2) in which the frames (32c, 32cc) are guided and that in the deflection limiting band (30) behind the thrust edge (31b) on the spring / tread element (2) there is a spring / damping element (4) acting as an energy store with at least one compression spring (4a) made of metal or elastomer and cushions, damps and stores in the form of energy the occurring linear thrust load of the thrust edge (31b) which is produced by an impact load of the spring / tread element (2) and the associated compression.

18. Shoe midsole according to claim 17, characterized in that the deflection-limiting band (30), which is coupled to the spring / tread element (2) via the energy accumulator (4), is determined via the selected height distance from the shoe midsole (1), the degree of deflection of the sole as a function of the spring characteristic curves or Shore hardness of the compression springs in the energy store (4), and in that the deflection limiting band (30) is composed of different materials, such as woven bands or of resilient carbon with different flex degrees, as a wide band with rectangular cross section or individual traction cables with round or rectangular cross section with pressed-on or injection-molded elements for fastening to the shoe midsole (1) and for receiving the compression spring made of metal or elastomer in the energy store (4).

19. Shoe midsole according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring / tread element (2) is shaped differently according to the type of use and the different running styles, can have different spring shapes with different spring characteristics or Shore hardness in the transverse and longitudinal directions, and have different curvatures or curved shapes in conjunction with different heights of the individual spring / tread elements (2) of approx. 15 mm to a maximum of 40 mm, and is formed from materials such as carbon or medium-hard plastics with different degrees of flex, and the connection to the shoe midsole (1) at the sole tip, in the midfoot region or at the rear shoe midsole end in the backfoot region are made pivotably by means of a hinge (35) or firmly (42) by bonding, welding or plug-in connections.