Midsole for footwear and footwear comprising such midsole

Abstract

The present invention relates to a midsole (1; 11), arranged between the upper (20) and the outer sole (30) of a footwear (10) and comprising at least one midsole layer (3; 13). On the upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer (3; 13) there are provided grooves (7, 9; 17), arranged along the transverse direction (Q) of the midsole (1; 11) and arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction (L) of the midsole (1; 11). According to the invention, the cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b), defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q), of at least one of said grooves (7, 9; 17) extends inside said midsole layer (3; 13) in such a way as to be inclined relative to said upper surface (3a; 13) of said midsole layer. Thanks to this inclined configuration, the grooves (7, 9; 17) can become deformed both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction, achieving effective dampening both of the vertical components and the horizontal components of the reaction forces acting on the footwear (10).

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a midsole for footwear, particularly for sports footwear. The present invention further relates to a footwear, particularly a sports footwear, comprising such midsole.

[0002] The present invention finds application, by way of non-limiting example, in the manufacture of running shoes.Prior Art

[0003] In the sector of footwear, particularly sports footwear, effective dampening of reaction forces, i.e. of the forces that the ground imparts to the footwear during sporting activity, particularly when the user's foot impacts with the ground while walking or running, is often required.

[0004] These reaction forces, in fact, produce stress on the user's body that, if not adequately dampened, can in the long run cause pain and physical soreness, leading to a reduction in the user's athletic performance.

[0005] To attenuate these reaction forces, a dampening element, known as a 'midsole', consisting of one or more layers of elastic material, is often inserted between the upper and the outer sole of the sports footwear.

[0006] This midsole is delimited by an upper surface, facing the upper, and a base surface, facing the outer sole, and extends predominantly along a longitudinal direction, corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the footwear.

[0007] In order to give said midsole a certain flexibility and to increase the capability to dampen reaction forces, many of the currently known and used midsoles have, on the upper surface of the midsole, grooves at which the midsole thickness is reduced.

[0008] Each of these grooves has, in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole, a cross-section extending in the thickness of the midsole perpendicular to the top surface of the midsole.

[0009] When the midsole is subjected to said reaction forces, these forces generate a compression, i.e. a deformation in the vertical direction of the cross-section of said grooves.

[0010] As is known, this deformation allows greater attenuation of the vertical components of the reaction forces acting on the shoe.

[0011] Midsoles of this type are described, for example, in document WO 2009 / 048788A1. This document shows a midsole whose flexibility is enhanced by providing a first set of grooves, arranged on the lateral portion of the midsole, and a second set of grooves, arranged on the medial portion of the midsole. Said grooves, starting respectively from the lateral side and the medial side of the midsole, essentially extend along the transverse direction of the midsole, i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and parallel to the base surface of the midsole.

[0012] The midsole described in document WO 2007 / 100451A1, instead, comprises a first set of grooves running across said midsole from side to side and extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, and a second set of grooves arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and intersect said first set of grooves. Although midsoles of the known type improve the effect of dampening the vertical components of reaction forces thanks to the provision of these grooves, they do not allow satisfactory dampening of the forces acting horizontally on the sports footwear.

[0013] Indeed, it must be considered that during sporting activity, particularly on paths or playing fields where the ground is uneven, reaction forces with a large horizontal component are generated, which are one of the main causes of knee and hip joint pain.

[0014] Consequently, midsoles that not only dampen vertical reaction forces but also dampen horizontal reaction forces are highly desirable during sporting activity.

[0015] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of prior art and to meet the requirements described above by providing a midsole for footwear (in particular, for sports footwear) that provides effective dampening of both vertical and horizontal components of reaction forces.

[0016] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a midsole for footwear (in particular, for sports footwear) which, in addition to allowing said dampening of vertical and horizontal components of reaction forces, exhibits high flexibility, so that a wide variety of movements of the user can be effectively accommodated.

[0017] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a footwear, in particular a sports footwear, provided with such a midsole, which is comfortable and adaptable to different types of activities.

[0018] These and other objects are achieved with the midsole for footwear and the footwear provided with said midsole as claimed in the appended claims.Summary of the Invention

[0019] The midsole according to the invention is intended to be arranged, in a known manner, between the upper and the outer sole of a footwear, said midsole extending predominantly along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear.

[0020] Said midsole comprises at least one midsole layer, which is delimited by an upper surface, intended to face said upper, and by a lower surface, intended to face the outer sole.

[0021] In a manner known per se, grooves are provided on the upper surface of said midsole layer, said grooves being arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction of the midsole, so as to reach the heel region and / or the metatarsal region and / or the forefoot region of the midsole.

[0022] Each of said grooves runs in the transverse direction of the midsole - i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and parallel to said upper surface - and has at least one opening on the lateral side of the midsole or on the medial side of the midsole.

[0023] At most, said grooves run across said midsole from side to side, defining an opening on said lateral side as well as an opening on said medial side.

[0024] The cross-section of each of said grooves, defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, comprises an open portion at the upper surface of said midsole layer and, starting from said upper surface, extends inside said midsole layer towards the lower surface thereof.

[0025] According to the invention, the cross-section of at least one of the grooves, preferably of all the grooves, is inclined with respect to the upper surface of said midsole layer.

[0026] Here, by 'inclined' cross-section it is meant that, once a main axis of the cross-section is defined that, passing through the centre of said cross-section, runs parallel to the direction in which the cross-section extends inside the midsole layer, said main axis of said cross-section has both a vertical component, perpendicular to the upper surface of the midsole layer, and a longitudinal component, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole. Thus, when the midsole of the present invention is subjected to reaction forces, the inclination of said cross-section allows the corresponding groove to become deformed, becoming partially or fully closed, both in the vertical direction, i.e., along the vertical component of the main axis, and in the horizontal direction i.e., along the longitudinal component of the main axis.

[0027] In this way, the midsole according to the invention provides effective dampening of both vertical and horizontal reaction forces.

[0028] In addition, owing to the fact that the grooves have an open portion at the upper surface of the midsole layer, they can undergo, and therefore accommodate, high deformations, thereby ensuring high flexibility of the midsole and giving the midsole high ability to flex in the transverse direction.

[0029] Therefore, the midsole of the present invention, thanks to the characteristics in terms of dampening, provides the user with a pleasant sensation of a cushioned landing while walking, running or standing still, and, thanks to its characteristics in terms of flexibility, can distribute weight and minimise user fatigue during sporting activity.

[0030] Preferably, the inclination of the cross-section of said grooves is such that the angle, open towards the heel region, formed between the upper surface of the midsole layer and the main axis of said cross-section is less than 90°.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of at least one of the grooves, preferably of all the grooves, starting from the upper surface of said midsole layer, tapers as it approaches the lower surface thereof.

[0032] Advantageously, said shape of the cross-section further increases the flexibility of the midsole in the transverse direction.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of several grooves is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the midsole layer and / or the inclination of the cross-sections of said grooves varies along the longitudinal direction of the midsole.

[0034] In particular, the extension and / or the inclination of the cross-sections of the grooves vary / varies between the heel region, the forefoot region and the metatarsal region of the midsole, achieving a different cushioning effect, depending on the different requirements of each region in terms of dampening of the reaction forces.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, said midsole layer comprises at least: one or more first grooves having an opening on the lateral side of the midsole and, starting from said lateral side, extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, towards the medial side of the midsole, and ending before said medial side of the midsole; one or more second grooves, having an opening on said medial side of the midsole and, starting from said medial side, extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, towards the lateral side of the midsole, and ending before said lateral side of the midsole.

[0036] Preferably, at least some of the first grooves are arranged alternated with at least some of the second grooves.

[0037] Advantageously, this alternated configuration gives the midsole high capability to flex in the longitudinal direction of the midsole, increasing the capability of the midsole to accommodate the user's movements.

[0038] The inclination of the cross-sections of the first and second grooves may be constant along the transverse direction or can be variable along the transverse direction, so as to achieve different cushioning between the lateral portion and the medial portion of the midsole. This is particularly advantageous during sports activities in which the medial and lateral portions of the user's foot are stressed differently.

[0039] Referring to the above embodiment, said midsole may include at least one additional midsole layer, located between said midsole layer and the footwear upper, and said additional midsole layer has a stiffness different from the stiffness of said midsole layer. Advantageously, the combination of midsole layers with different stiffness allows increasing the cushioning effect and flexibility of the midsole.

[0040] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said midsole layer comprises: one or more third grooves extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, wherein some of said third grooves, preferably all of the third grooves, have both an opening on the lateral side of the midsole and an opening on the medial side of the midsole; one or more fourth grooves extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole, said fourth grooves intersecting at least some of the third grooves, preferably all of the third grooves.

[0041] Advantageously, the provision of said fourth grooves, extending along the longitudinal direction of the midsole, gives said midsole high flexibility in the longitudinal direction, increasing the capability of the midsole to accommodate the user's movements.

[0042] The inclination of the cross-sections of the third grooves can be varied to achieve different cushioning between the lateral portion and the medial portion of the midsole.

[0043] Referring to this embodiment, the midsole layer may be located at the heel region of the midsole and extend partially into the metatarsal region of said midsole, and the midsole may comprise at least one additional midsole layer, with a stiffness different from the stiffness of the midsole layer, said additional midsole layer being located at the forefoot region of the midsole and partially extending into the metatarsal region of said midsole, whereby at the metatarsal region said layer partially overlaps said additional midsole layer.

[0044] Preferably, said additional midsole layer is made of a material having higher stiffness than the midsole layer.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, on said additional midsole layer there are defined: one or more fifth grooves extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, without opening at the medial side nor at the lateral side of said midsole; one or more sixth grooves extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and intersecting some of the fifth grooves, preferably all of the fifth grooves. Advantageously, this combination of midsole layers having different stiffness, together with the provision of said fifth and sixth grooves, allows further increasing the cushioning effect and flexibility of the midsole. Brief Description of Drawings

[0046] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a view of the lateral side of a footwear provided with a midsole according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of the midsole provided in the footwear of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view of the medial side of the midsole of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a view of the lateral side of a footwear provided with a midsole according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a top view of the midsole provided in the footwear of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a view of the medial side of the midsole of Figure 5. Detailed Description of Some Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0047] In the following description of some preferred embodiments of footwear midsole, reference will be made to an application thereof to a sports footwear, in particular to a running shoe.

[0048] However, this application should not be interpreted in a limiting manner and the midsole according to the invention could also be used with other types of footwear, whether sports footwear or footwear for other uses.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, in the first illustrated embodiment, the midsole 1 according to the invention is inserted between the upper 20 and the outer sole 30 of a footwear 10.

[0050] Said midsole 1 extends along a longitudinal direction L, corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear 10, and a heel region 'ZT', a metatarsal region 'ZM' and a forefoot region 'ZA' can be defined along said direction.

[0051] As can be seen in Figure 1, said midsole 1 comprises a midsole layer 3, consisting of a first material, and an additional midsole layer 5, consisting of a second material which preferably has a stiffness higher than the stiffness of said first material.

[0052] Said midsole layer 3 is located near said outer sole 30, whereas said additional midsole layer 5 is located near said upper 20 and overlaps said midsole layer 3 in a vertical direction V, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, of said midsole 1.

[0053] Said midsole layer 3 is delimited by an upper surface 3a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact with the additional midsole layer 5, and by a lower surface 3b, facing the outer sole 30 and arranged in contact therewith.

[0054] As can be seen in Figure 2, said midsole layer 3 extends along a transverse direction Q of the midsole 1, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to the vertical direction V, reaching both the lateral portion and the medial portion of the footwear 10 and defining a lateral side 1a and a medial side 1b of said midsole 1.

[0055] Still referring to Figure 2, first grooves 7 and second grooves 9 are defined on the upper surface 3a of said midsole layer 3.

[0056] The first grooves 7, hereinafter referred to as 'lateral grooves' 7, have an opening 7a at the lateral side 1a of the midsole 1 and, starting from said lateral side 1a, extend substantially along the transverse direction Q, towards the medial side 1b of the midsole 1, and end before said medial side 1b.

[0057] The second grooves 9, hereinafter referred to as 'medial grooves' 9, have an opening 9a on said medial side 1b of the midsole 1 and, starting from said medial side 1b, extend substantially along the transverse direction Q, towards the lateral side 1a of the midsole 1, and end before said lateral side 1a.

[0058] Said lateral grooves 7 and said medial grooves 9 are arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and are arranged so that said medial grooves 9 are alternated with said lateral grooves 7.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 1, each of the lateral grooves 7 has a cross-section 7b defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1. Similarly, as can be seen in Figure 3, in which the medial side 1b of said midsole 1 is visible, each of the medial grooves 9 has a cross-section 9b, also defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q.

[0060] The cross-sections 7b, 9b of said lateral and medial grooves 7, 9, starting from the upper surface 3a of the midsole layer 3, extend inside said midsole layer towards the lower surface 3b thereof and end before reaching said lower surface.

[0061] At the upper surface 3a of the midsole layer 3, each of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of said lateral and medial grooves 7,9 has an open portion 7c and 9c, respectively.

[0062] Advantageously, said open portions 7c, 9c of the cross-sections 7b, 9b allow the corresponding lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 to accommodate high deformations during use of the footwear 10, ensuring high flexibility of said midsole 1, especially in the transverse direction Q.

[0063] In addition, the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9, starting from the corresponding open portions 7c, 9c, taper as they approach the lower surface 3b of the midsole layer 3, further increasing flexibility of the midsole 1 in the transverse direction Q.

[0064] Therefore, the arrangement and configuration of said lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 give, overall, the midsole 1 high capability to accommodate different movements of the user.

[0065] On each of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 it is possible to define a main axis 7d and 9d, respectively, which, passing through the centre of the cross-section of the respective groove, runs parallel to the direction in which said cross-section of said groove extends inside the midsole layer 3.

[0066] The cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 are inclined relative to the upper surface 3a of the midsole layer 3 so that the angle, open towards the heel region ZT, which is formed between said upper surface 3a and the main axes 7d, 9d of said cross-sections is less than 90°.

[0067] Thanks to the inclination of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9, the main axes 7d, 9d of said cross-sections have both a vertical component 7d' and 9d', respectively, parallel to said vertical direction V, and a longitudinal component 7d" and 9d", respectively, parallel to said longitudinal direction L.

[0068] The provision of vertical components 7d', 9d' of said main axes allows the corresponding lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 to become deformed, becoming partially or fully closed, along the vertical direction V.

[0069] On the other hand, the provision of horizontal components 7d", 9d" of said main axes allows the corresponding lateral and medial grooves 7,9 to become deformed, partially or fully closing, along the longitudinal direction L.

[0070] This allows the midsole 1 to dampen both vertical reaction forces (i.e., the reaction forces acting on the footwear 10 and directed along said vertical direction V) and horizontal reaction forces (i.e. the reaction forces acting on the footwear 10 and directed along said longitudinal direction L), whereby said midsole is able to provide the user with a pleasant feeling of a cushioned landing while walking, running or standing still.

[0071] The inclination of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 may be constant along the transverse direction of the midsole and, preferably, the inclination of the lateral grooves 7 is on average greater than the inclination of medial grooves 9. Alternatively, it would be possible for the inclination of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 to vary along the transverse direction of the midsole, for example to decrease as it approaches the medial side of the midsole.

[0072] Preferably, both for the lateral grooves 7 and the medial grooves 9, the vertical components 7d', 9d' of the respective main axes 7d, 9d decrease as they pass from the grooves closer to the heel region ZT to the grooves closer to the forefoot region ZA.

[0073] This variation allows achieving diversified cushioning along the longitudinal direction L of the midsole, obtaining more dampening of the vertical reaction forces in the heel region ZT than in the forefoot region ZA.

[0074] This configuration can be advantageous in many sports activities, such as running, where the first contact of the sports footwear with the ground occurs at the heel region, whereby the vertical reaction forces acting on the midsole of said footwear are remarkably higher in said region than in the metatarsal and forefoot regions; therefore, in the heel region, the required effect of dampening vertical reaction forces is high, whereas in the forefoot and metatarsal regions dampening of vertical forces is practically not required since these forces represent the active forces involved in the thrusting process and enable the user to take the step, sprint or leap.

[0075] Turning to Figures 4 - 6, these illustrate a second embodiment of the midsole according to the present invention.

[0076] In this embodiment, the midsole 11, the midsole 11, similarly to the first embodiment, is inserted between the upper 20 and the outer sole 30 of a footwear 10 and extends along the longitudinal direction L, corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear 10. Said midsole 11 comprises a midsole layer 13, consisting of a first material, and an additional midsole layer 15, consisting of a second material which preferably has a stiffness higher than the stiffness of said first material.

[0077] In this second embodiment, the midsole layer 13 is located at the heel region ZT of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM, whereas the additional midsole layer 15 is located at the forefoot region Za of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM.

[0078] The midsole layer 13 partially overlaps the additional midsole layer 15 at the metatarsal region ZM and is delimited by an upper surface 13a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact with said upper 20, and by a lower surface 13b, facing the outer sole 30 and arranged in contact with said outer sole 30 at the heel region ZT.

[0079] The additional midsole layer 15 has an upper surface 15a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact with said upper 20 at the forefoot region ZA, and by a lower surface 15b, facing the outer sole 30 and arranged in contact with said outer sole 30.

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 5, in which a top view of the midsole 11 is shown, the midsole layer 13 extends along a transverse direction Q, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V, reaching both the lateral portion and the medial portion of said footwear 10 and defining a lateral side 11a and a medial side 11b of said midsole 11. Still referring to Figure 5, on the upper surface 13a of said midsole layer 13 there are defined third grooves 17, hereinafter referred to as 'transverse grooves' 17, arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction L and extending substantially along the transverse direction Q.

[0081] Most of said transverse grooves 17 have both a lateral opening 17a, on the lateral side 11a of the midsole 11, and a medial opening 17a', on the medial side 11b of the midsole 11.

[0082] On the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13 there is further provided a fourth groove 19, hereinafter referred to as 'longitudinal groove' 19, which runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L and crosses said transverse grooves 17, giving the midsole 11 high flexibility in the longitudinal direction L.

[0083] It is evident that it would also be possible to have several fourth grooves or 'longitudinal grooves' 19 parallel to one another.

[0084] Similarly to the embodiment described above, each of said transverse grooves 17 has a cross-section 17b, defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 11.

[0085] Each cross-section 17b, starting from the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer, at which it has an open portion 17c, extends inside said midsole layer 13 towards the lower surface 13b thereof and ends before reaching said lower surface.

[0086] Advantageously, the open portions 17c of the cross-sections 71b give the midsole 11 high flexibility, especially in the transverse direction Q.

[0087] Furthermore, the longitudinal groove 19 also has a transverse section (not shown) comprising an open portion at the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer, further increasing the capability of the midsole 11 to flex in longitudinal direction L.

[0088] In addition, the cross-sections 17b of the transverse grooves 17, starting from said open portions 17c, taper as they approach the lower surface 13b of the midsole layer 13, further increasing the capability of the midsole 11 to flex in the transverse direction Q.

[0089] Therefore, the arrangement and configuration of the grooves provided in said second embodiment also give, overall, said midsole 11 a high capability to accommodate the different movements of the user.

[0090] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 6, in this second embodiment, too, the cross-sections 17b of the transverse grooves 17 are inclined relative to the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13.

[0091] Once a main axis 17d for each of said cross-sections 17b has been defined, which, passing through the centre of said cross-section 17b, runs parallel to the direction in which said lateral cross-section 17b extends inside the midsole layer 13, the angle open towards the heel region ZT and formed by each of said main axes with the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13 is less than 90°, said main axes 17d having both a vertical component 17d', parallel to said vertical direction V, and a longitudinal component 17d'', parallel to said longitudinal direction L.

[0092] As already mentioned, the provision of said vertical components 17d' and said horizontal components 17d" of the main axes 17d of the cross-sections 17b allows the transverse grooves 17 to become deformed both along the vertical direction V and the longitudinal direction L, allowing the midsole 11 to effectively dampen both the vertical reaction forces and the horizontal reaction forces acting on the footwear 10.

[0093] As clearly visible in Figures 4 and 6, the vertical components 17d' of the main axes 17d decrease from the transverse grooves 17 closer to the heel region ZT to the transverse grooves 17 closer to the metatarsal region ZM, allowing a greater effect of dampening the vertical reaction forces in said heel region ZT than in said metatarsal region ZM.

[0094] In this second embodiment of the invention, dampening of the horizontal reaction forces can also be varied along the longitudinal direction L.

[0095] For example, the horizontal components 17d" of the main axes 17d can be increased from the transverse grooves 17 closer to the heel region ZT to the transverse grooves 17 closer to the metatarsal region ZM, providing a greater effect of dampening the horizontal reaction forces in said metatarsal region ZM than in said heel region ZT.

[0096] In addition, in this second embodiment of the invention, a variation of the dampening effect can also be achieved along the transverse direction Q.

[0097] This result is achieved by structuring each transverse groove 17 with a cross-section 17b whose inclination relative to the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13 varies along the transverse direction Q.

[0098] In fact, comparing Figure 4, in which the lateral side 11a of the midsole 11 is shown, with Figure 6, in which the medial side 11b of the midsole 11 is shown, and considering the transverse grooves 17 that have both a lateral opening 17a and a medial opening 17a', it can be noted that each transverse groove 17 has a cross-section whose main axis 17d' has a horizontal component 17d" larger at the lateral opening 17a and smaller at the medial opening 17a'.

[0099] Therefore, in said embodiment, it is possible to obtain different dampening not only between the heel region ZT and the metatarsal region ZM, but also between the lateral portion and the medial portion, allowing more adaptability of said midsole 11, and thus of the footwear 10, to the different movements of the user.

[0100] Finally, to give the midsole 11 a greater dampening effect also at the forefoot region ZA, on the upper surface 15a of the additional midsole layer 15 there are provided fifth grooves 21, which run substantially along the transverse direction Q, without opening at the lateral side 11a nor at the medial side 11b.

[0101] In addition, to give the midsole 11 higher flexibility also at said forefoot region ZA, said fifth grooves 21 are crossed by one or more sixth grooves 23 (only one in the shown example) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0102] It is evident from the above description that the footwear midsole according to the invention allows achieving the above-mentioned objects, allowing effective dampening of both the vertical reaction forces and the horizontal reaction forces, as well as a high degree of flexibility.

[0103] It is also evident that the embodiments described above have been given purely by way of example and that numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Examples

second embodiment

[0075]Turning to Figures 4 - 6, these illustrate the midsole according to the present invention.

first embodiment

[0076]In this embodiment, the midsole 11, the midsole 11, similarly to the first embodiment, is inserted between the upper 20 and the outer sole 30 of a footwear 10 and extends along the longitudinal direction L, corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear 10. Said midsole 11 comprises a midsole layer 13, consisting of a first material, and an additional midsole layer 15, consisting of a second material which preferably has a stiffness higher than the stiffness of said first material.

[0077]In this second embodiment, the midsole layer 13 is located at the heel region ZT of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM, whereas the additional midsole layer 15 is located at the forefoot region Za of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM.

[0078]The midsole layer 13 partially overlaps the additional midsole layer 15 at the metatarsal region ZM and is delimited by an upper surface 13a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact ...

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a midsole for footwear, particularly for sports footwear. The present invention further relates to a footwear, particularly a sports footwear, comprising such midsole.

[0002] The present invention finds application, by way of non-limiting example, in the manufacture of running shoes.Prior Art

[0003] In the sector of footwear, particularly sports footwear, effective dampening of reaction forces, i.e. of the forces that the ground imparts to the footwear during sporting activity, particularly when the user's foot impacts with the ground while walking or running, is often required.

[0004] These reaction forces, in fact, produce stress on the user's body that, if not adequately dampened, can in the long run cause pain and physical soreness, leading to a reduction in the user's athletic performance.

[0005] To attenuate these reaction forces, a dampening element, known as a 'midsole', consisting of one or more layers of elastic material, is often inserted between the upper and the outer sole of the sports footwear.

[0006] This midsole is delimited by an upper surface, facing the upper, and a base surface, facing the outer sole, and extends predominantly along a longitudinal direction, corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the footwear.

[0007] In order to give said midsole a certain flexibility and to increase the capability to dampen reaction forces, many of the currently known and used midsoles have, on the upper surface of the midsole, grooves at which the midsole thickness is reduced.

[0008] Each of these grooves has, in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole, a cross-section extending in the thickness of the midsole perpendicular to the top surface of the midsole.

[0009] When the midsole is subjected to said reaction forces, these forces generate a compression, i.e. a deformation in the vertical direction of the cross-section of said grooves.

[0010] As is known, this deformation allows greater attenuation of the vertical components of the reaction forces acting on the shoe.

[0011] Midsoles of this type are described, for example, in document WO 2009 / 048788A1. This document shows a midsole whose flexibility is enhanced by providing a first set of grooves, arranged on the lateral portion of the midsole, and a second set of grooves, arranged on the medial portion of the midsole. Said grooves, starting respectively from the lateral side and the medial side of the midsole, essentially extend along the transverse direction of the midsole, i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and parallel to the base surface of the midsole.

[0012] The midsole described in document WO 2007 / 100451A1, instead, comprises a first set of grooves running across said midsole from side to side and extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, and a second set of grooves arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and intersect said first set of grooves. Although midsoles of the known type improve the effect of dampening the vertical components of reaction forces thanks to the provision of these grooves, they do not allow satisfactory dampening of the forces acting horizontally on the sports footwear.

[0013] Indeed, it must be considered that during sporting activity, particularly on paths or playing fields where the ground is uneven, reaction forces with a large horizontal component are generated, which are one of the main causes of knee and hip joint pain.

[0014] Consequently, midsoles that not only dampen vertical reaction forces but also dampen horizontal reaction forces are highly desirable during sporting activity.

[0015] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of prior art and to meet the requirements described above by providing a midsole for footwear (in particular, for sports footwear) that provides effective dampening of both vertical and horizontal components of reaction forces.

[0016] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a midsole for footwear (in particular, for sports footwear) which, in addition to allowing said dampening of vertical and horizontal components of reaction forces, exhibits high flexibility, so that a wide variety of movements of the user can be effectively accommodated.

[0017] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a footwear, in particular a sports footwear, provided with such a midsole, which is comfortable and adaptable to different types of activities.

[0018] These and other objects are achieved with the midsole for footwear and the footwear provided with said midsole as claimed in the appended claims.Summary of the Invention

[0019] The midsole according to the invention is intended to be arranged, in a known manner, between the upper and the outer sole of a footwear, said midsole extending predominantly along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear.

[0020] Said midsole comprises at least one midsole layer, which is delimited by an upper surface, intended to face said upper, and by a lower surface, intended to face the outer sole.

[0021] In a manner known per se, grooves are provided on the upper surface of said midsole layer, said grooves being arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction of the midsole, so as to reach the heel region and / or the metatarsal region and / or the forefoot region of the midsole.

[0022] Each of said grooves runs in the transverse direction of the midsole - i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and parallel to said upper surface - and has at least one opening on the lateral side of the midsole or on the medial side of the midsole.

[0023] At most, said grooves run across said midsole from side to side, defining an opening on said lateral side as well as an opening on said medial side.

[0024] The cross-section of each of said grooves, defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the midsole, comprises an open portion at the upper surface of said midsole layer and, starting from said upper surface, extends inside said midsole layer towards the lower surface thereof.

[0025] According to the invention, the cross-section of at least one of the grooves, preferably of all the grooves, is inclined with respect to the upper surface of said midsole layer.

[0026] Here, by 'inclined' cross-section it is meant that, once a main axis of the cross-section is defined that, passing through the centre of said cross-section, runs parallel to the direction in which the cross-section extends inside the midsole layer, said main axis of said cross-section has both a vertical component, perpendicular to the upper surface of the midsole layer, and a longitudinal component, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole. Thus, when the midsole of the present invention is subjected to reaction forces, the inclination of said cross-section allows the corresponding groove to become deformed, becoming partially or fully closed, both in the vertical direction, i.e., along the vertical component of the main axis, and in the horizontal direction i.e., along the longitudinal component of the main axis.

[0027] In this way, the midsole according to the invention provides effective dampening of both vertical and horizontal reaction forces.

[0028] In addition, owing to the fact that the grooves have an open portion at the upper surface of the midsole layer, they can undergo, and therefore accommodate, high deformations, thereby ensuring high flexibility of the midsole and giving the midsole high ability to flex in the transverse direction.

[0029] Therefore, the midsole of the present invention, thanks to the characteristics in terms of dampening, provides the user with a pleasant sensation of a cushioned landing while walking, running or standing still, and, thanks to its characteristics in terms of flexibility, can distribute weight and minimise user fatigue during sporting activity.

[0030] Preferably, the inclination of the cross-section of said grooves is such that the angle, open towards the heel region, formed between the upper surface of the midsole layer and the main axis of said cross-section is less than 90°.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of at least one of the grooves, preferably of all the grooves, starting from the upper surface of said midsole layer, tapers as it approaches the lower surface thereof.

[0032] Advantageously, said shape of the cross-section further increases the flexibility of the midsole in the transverse direction.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of several grooves is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the midsole layer and / or the inclination of the cross-sections of said grooves varies along the longitudinal direction of the midsole.

[0034] In particular, the extension and / or the inclination of the cross-sections of the grooves vary / varies between the heel region, the forefoot region and the metatarsal region of the midsole, achieving a different cushioning effect, depending on the different requirements of each region in terms of dampening of the reaction forces.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, said midsole layer comprises at least: one or more first grooves having an opening on the lateral side of the midsole and, starting from said lateral side, extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, towards the medial side of the midsole, and ending before said medial side of the midsole; one or more second grooves, having an opening on said medial side of the midsole and, starting from said medial side, extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, towards the lateral side of the midsole, and ending before said lateral side of the midsole.

[0036] Preferably, at least some of the first grooves are arranged alternated with at least some of the second grooves.

[0037] Advantageously, this alternated configuration gives the midsole high capability to flex in the longitudinal direction of the midsole, increasing the capability of the midsole to accommodate the user's movements.

[0038] The inclination of the cross-sections of the first and second grooves may be constant along the transverse direction or can be variable along the transverse direction, so as to achieve different cushioning between the lateral portion and the medial portion of the midsole. This is particularly advantageous during sports activities in which the medial and lateral portions of the user's foot are stressed differently.

[0039] Referring to the above embodiment, said midsole may include at least one additional midsole layer, located between said midsole layer and the footwear upper, and said additional midsole layer has a stiffness different from the stiffness of said midsole layer. Advantageously, the combination of midsole layers with different stiffness allows increasing the cushioning effect and flexibility of the midsole.

[0040] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said midsole layer comprises: one or more third grooves extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, wherein some of said third grooves, preferably all of the third grooves, have both an opening on the lateral side of the midsole and an opening on the medial side of the midsole; one or more fourth grooves extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole, said fourth grooves intersecting at least some of the third grooves, preferably all of the third grooves.

[0041] Advantageously, the provision of said fourth grooves, extending along the longitudinal direction of the midsole, gives said midsole high flexibility in the longitudinal direction, increasing the capability of the midsole to accommodate the user's movements.

[0042] The inclination of the cross-sections of the third grooves can be varied to achieve different cushioning between the lateral portion and the medial portion of the midsole.

[0043] Referring to this embodiment, the midsole layer may be located at the heel region of the midsole and extend partially into the metatarsal region of said midsole, and the midsole may comprise at least one additional midsole layer, with a stiffness different from the stiffness of the midsole layer, said additional midsole layer being located at the forefoot region of the midsole and partially extending into the metatarsal region of said midsole, whereby at the metatarsal region said layer partially overlaps said additional midsole layer.

[0044] Preferably, said additional midsole layer is made of a material having higher stiffness than the midsole layer.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, on said additional midsole layer there are defined: one or more fifth grooves extending substantially along the transverse direction of the midsole, without opening at the medial side nor at the lateral side of said midsole; one or more sixth grooves extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the midsole and intersecting some of the fifth grooves, preferably all of the fifth grooves. Advantageously, this combination of midsole layers having different stiffness, together with the provision of said fifth and sixth grooves, allows further increasing the cushioning effect and flexibility of the midsole. Brief Description of Drawings

[0046] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the following description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a view of the lateral side of a footwear provided with a midsole according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of the midsole provided in the footwear of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view of the medial side of the midsole of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a view of the lateral side of a footwear provided with a midsole according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a top view of the midsole provided in the footwear of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a view of the medial side of the midsole of Figure 5. Detailed Description of Some Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0047] In the following description of some preferred embodiments of footwear midsole, reference will be made to an application thereof to a sports footwear, in particular to a running shoe.

[0048] However, this application should not be interpreted in a limiting manner and the midsole according to the invention could also be used with other types of footwear, whether sports footwear or footwear for other uses.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, in the first illustrated embodiment, the midsole 1 according to the invention is inserted between the upper 20 and the outer sole 30 of a footwear 10.

[0050] Said midsole 1 extends along a longitudinal direction L, corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear 10, and a heel region 'ZT', a metatarsal region 'ZM' and a forefoot region 'ZA' can be defined along said direction.

[0051] As can be seen in Figure 1, said midsole 1 comprises a midsole layer 3, consisting of a first material, and an additional midsole layer 5, consisting of a second material which preferably has a stiffness higher than the stiffness of said first material.

[0052] Said midsole layer 3 is located near said outer sole 30, whereas said additional midsole layer 5 is located near said upper 20 and overlaps said midsole layer 3 in a vertical direction V, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, of said midsole 1.

[0053] Said midsole layer 3 is delimited by an upper surface 3a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact with the additional midsole layer 5, and by a lower surface 3b, facing the outer sole 30 and arranged in contact therewith.

[0054] As can be seen in Figure 2, said midsole layer 3 extends along a transverse direction Q of the midsole 1, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to the vertical direction V, reaching both the lateral portion and the medial portion of the footwear 10 and defining a lateral side 1a and a medial side 1b of said midsole 1.

[0055] Still referring to Figure 2, first grooves 7 and second grooves 9 are defined on the upper surface 3a of said midsole layer 3.

[0056] The first grooves 7, hereinafter referred to as 'lateral grooves' 7, have an opening 7a at the lateral side 1a of the midsole 1 and, starting from said lateral side 1a, extend substantially along the transverse direction Q, towards the medial side 1b of the midsole 1, and end before said medial side 1b.

[0057] The second grooves 9, hereinafter referred to as 'medial grooves' 9, have an opening 9a on said medial side 1b of the midsole 1 and, starting from said medial side 1b, extend substantially along the transverse direction Q, towards the lateral side 1a of the midsole 1, and end before said lateral side 1a.

[0058] Said lateral grooves 7 and said medial grooves 9 are arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction L of the midsole 1 and are arranged so that said medial grooves 9 are alternated with said lateral grooves 7.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 1, each of the lateral grooves 7 has a cross-section 7b defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 1. Similarly, as can be seen in Figure 3, in which the medial side 1b of said midsole 1 is visible, each of the medial grooves 9 has a cross-section 9b, also defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q.

[0060] The cross-sections 7b, 9b of said lateral and medial grooves 7, 9, starting from the upper surface 3a of the midsole layer 3, extend inside said midsole layer towards the lower surface 3b thereof and end before reaching said lower surface.

[0061] At the upper surface 3a of the midsole layer 3, each of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of said lateral and medial grooves 7,9 has an open portion 7c and 9c, respectively.

[0062] Advantageously, said open portions 7c, 9c of the cross-sections 7b, 9b allow the corresponding lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 to accommodate high deformations during use of the footwear 10, ensuring high flexibility of said midsole 1, especially in the transverse direction Q.

[0063] In addition, the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9, starting from the corresponding open portions 7c, 9c, taper as they approach the lower surface 3b of the midsole layer 3, further increasing flexibility of the midsole 1 in the transverse direction Q.

[0064] Therefore, the arrangement and configuration of said lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 give, overall, the midsole 1 high capability to accommodate different movements of the user.

[0065] On each of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 it is possible to define a main axis 7d and 9d, respectively, which, passing through the centre of the cross-section of the respective groove, runs parallel to the direction in which said cross-section of said groove extends inside the midsole layer 3.

[0066] The cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 are inclined relative to the upper surface 3a of the midsole layer 3 so that the angle, open towards the heel region ZT, which is formed between said upper surface 3a and the main axes 7d, 9d of said cross-sections is less than 90°.

[0067] Thanks to the inclination of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9, the main axes 7d, 9d of said cross-sections have both a vertical component 7d' and 9d', respectively, parallel to said vertical direction V, and a longitudinal component 7d" and 9d", respectively, parallel to said longitudinal direction L.

[0068] The provision of vertical components 7d', 9d' of said main axes allows the corresponding lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 to become deformed, becoming partially or fully closed, along the vertical direction V.

[0069] On the other hand, the provision of horizontal components 7d", 9d" of said main axes allows the corresponding lateral and medial grooves 7,9 to become deformed, partially or fully closing, along the longitudinal direction L.

[0070] This allows the midsole 1 to dampen both vertical reaction forces (i.e., the reaction forces acting on the footwear 10 and directed along said vertical direction V) and horizontal reaction forces (i.e. the reaction forces acting on the footwear 10 and directed along said longitudinal direction L), whereby said midsole is able to provide the user with a pleasant feeling of a cushioned landing while walking, running or standing still.

[0071] The inclination of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 may be constant along the transverse direction of the midsole and, preferably, the inclination of the lateral grooves 7 is on average greater than the inclination of medial grooves 9. Alternatively, it would be possible for the inclination of the cross-sections 7b, 9b of the lateral and medial grooves 7, 9 to vary along the transverse direction of the midsole, for example to decrease as it approaches the medial side of the midsole.

[0072] Preferably, both for the lateral grooves 7 and the medial grooves 9, the vertical components 7d', 9d' of the respective main axes 7d, 9d decrease as they pass from the grooves closer to the heel region ZT to the grooves closer to the forefoot region ZA.

[0073] This variation allows achieving diversified cushioning along the longitudinal direction L of the midsole, obtaining more dampening of the vertical reaction forces in the heel region ZT than in the forefoot region ZA.

[0074] This configuration can be advantageous in many sports activities, such as running, where the first contact of the sports footwear with the ground occurs at the heel region, whereby the vertical reaction forces acting on the midsole of said footwear are remarkably higher in said region than in the metatarsal and forefoot regions; therefore, in the heel region, the required effect of dampening vertical reaction forces is high, whereas in the forefoot and metatarsal regions dampening of vertical forces is practically not required since these forces represent the active forces involved in the thrusting process and enable the user to take the step, sprint or leap.

[0075] Turning to Figures 4 - 6, these illustrate a second embodiment of the midsole according to the present invention.

[0076] In this embodiment, the midsole 11, the midsole 11, similarly to the first embodiment, is inserted between the upper 20 and the outer sole 30 of a footwear 10 and extends along the longitudinal direction L, corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear 10. Said midsole 11 comprises a midsole layer 13, consisting of a first material, and an additional midsole layer 15, consisting of a second material which preferably has a stiffness higher than the stiffness of said first material.

[0077] In this second embodiment, the midsole layer 13 is located at the heel region ZT of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM, whereas the additional midsole layer 15 is located at the forefoot region Za of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM.

[0078] The midsole layer 13 partially overlaps the additional midsole layer 15 at the metatarsal region ZM and is delimited by an upper surface 13a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact with said upper 20, and by a lower surface 13b, facing the outer sole 30 and arranged in contact with said outer sole 30 at the heel region ZT.

[0079] The additional midsole layer 15 has an upper surface 15a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact with said upper 20 at the forefoot region ZA, and by a lower surface 15b, facing the outer sole 30 and arranged in contact with said outer sole 30.

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 5, in which a top view of the midsole 11 is shown, the midsole layer 13 extends along a transverse direction Q, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V, reaching both the lateral portion and the medial portion of said footwear 10 and defining a lateral side 11a and a medial side 11b of said midsole 11. Still referring to Figure 5, on the upper surface 13a of said midsole layer 13 there are defined third grooves 17, hereinafter referred to as 'transverse grooves' 17, arranged after one another along the longitudinal direction L and extending substantially along the transverse direction Q.

[0081] Most of said transverse grooves 17 have both a lateral opening 17a, on the lateral side 11a of the midsole 11, and a medial opening 17a', on the medial side 11b of the midsole 11.

[0082] On the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13 there is further provided a fourth groove 19, hereinafter referred to as 'longitudinal groove' 19, which runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L and crosses said transverse grooves 17, giving the midsole 11 high flexibility in the longitudinal direction L.

[0083] It is evident that it would also be possible to have several fourth grooves or 'longitudinal grooves' 19 parallel to one another.

[0084] Similarly to the embodiment described above, each of said transverse grooves 17 has a cross-section 17b, defined on a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Q of the midsole 11.

[0085] Each cross-section 17b, starting from the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer, at which it has an open portion 17c, extends inside said midsole layer 13 towards the lower surface 13b thereof and ends before reaching said lower surface.

[0086] Advantageously, the open portions 17c of the cross-sections 71b give the midsole 11 high flexibility, especially in the transverse direction Q.

[0087] Furthermore, the longitudinal groove 19 also has a transverse section (not shown) comprising an open portion at the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer, further increasing the capability of the midsole 11 to flex in longitudinal direction L.

[0088] In addition, the cross-sections 17b of the transverse grooves 17, starting from said open portions 17c, taper as they approach the lower surface 13b of the midsole layer 13, further increasing the capability of the midsole 11 to flex in the transverse direction Q.

[0089] Therefore, the arrangement and configuration of the grooves provided in said second embodiment also give, overall, said midsole 11 a high capability to accommodate the different movements of the user.

[0090] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 6, in this second embodiment, too, the cross-sections 17b of the transverse grooves 17 are inclined relative to the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13.

[0091] Once a main axis 17d for each of said cross-sections 17b has been defined, which, passing through the centre of said cross-section 17b, runs parallel to the direction in which said lateral cross-section 17b extends inside the midsole layer 13, the angle open towards the heel region ZT and formed by each of said main axes with the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13 is less than 90°, said main axes 17d having both a vertical component 17d', parallel to said vertical direction V, and a longitudinal component 17d'', parallel to said longitudinal direction L.

[0092] As already mentioned, the provision of said vertical components 17d' and said horizontal components 17d" of the main axes 17d of the cross-sections 17b allows the transverse grooves 17 to become deformed both along the vertical direction V and the longitudinal direction L, allowing the midsole 11 to effectively dampen both the vertical reaction forces and the horizontal reaction forces acting on the footwear 10.

[0093] As clearly visible in Figures 4 and 6, the vertical components 17d' of the main axes 17d decrease from the transverse grooves 17 closer to the heel region ZT to the transverse grooves 17 closer to the metatarsal region ZM, allowing a greater effect of dampening the vertical reaction forces in said heel region ZT than in said metatarsal region ZM.

[0094] In this second embodiment of the invention, dampening of the horizontal reaction forces can also be varied along the longitudinal direction L.

[0095] For example, the horizontal components 17d" of the main axes 17d can be increased from the transverse grooves 17 closer to the heel region ZT to the transverse grooves 17 closer to the metatarsal region ZM, providing a greater effect of dampening the horizontal reaction forces in said metatarsal region ZM than in said heel region ZT.

[0096] In addition, in this second embodiment of the invention, a variation of the dampening effect can also be achieved along the transverse direction Q.

[0097] This result is achieved by structuring each transverse groove 17 with a cross-section 17b whose inclination relative to the upper surface 13a of the midsole layer 13 varies along the transverse direction Q.

[0098] In fact, comparing Figure 4, in which the lateral side 11a of the midsole 11 is shown, with Figure 6, in which the medial side 11b of the midsole 11 is shown, and considering the transverse grooves 17 that have both a lateral opening 17a and a medial opening 17a', it can be noted that each transverse groove 17 has a cross-section whose main axis 17d' has a horizontal component 17d" larger at the lateral opening 17a and smaller at the medial opening 17a'.

[0099] Therefore, in said embodiment, it is possible to obtain different dampening not only between the heel region ZT and the metatarsal region ZM, but also between the lateral portion and the medial portion, allowing more adaptability of said midsole 11, and thus of the footwear 10, to the different movements of the user.

[0100] Finally, to give the midsole 11 a greater dampening effect also at the forefoot region ZA, on the upper surface 15a of the additional midsole layer 15 there are provided fifth grooves 21, which run substantially along the transverse direction Q, without opening at the lateral side 11a nor at the medial side 11b.

[0101] In addition, to give the midsole 11 higher flexibility also at said forefoot region ZA, said fifth grooves 21 are crossed by one or more sixth grooves 23 (only one in the shown example) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0102] It is evident from the above description that the footwear midsole according to the invention allows achieving the above-mentioned objects, allowing effective dampening of both the vertical reaction forces and the horizontal reaction forces, as well as a high degree of flexibility.

[0103] It is also evident that the embodiments described above have been given purely by way of example and that numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Examples

second embodiment

[0075]Turning to Figures 4 - 6, these illustrate the midsole according to the present invention.

first embodiment

[0076]In this embodiment, the midsole 11, the midsole 11, similarly to the first embodiment, is inserted between the upper 20 and the outer sole 30 of a footwear 10 and extends along the longitudinal direction L, corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear 10. Said midsole 11 comprises a midsole layer 13, consisting of a first material, and an additional midsole layer 15, consisting of a second material which preferably has a stiffness higher than the stiffness of said first material.

[0077]In this second embodiment, the midsole layer 13 is located at the heel region ZT of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM, whereas the additional midsole layer 15 is located at the forefoot region Za of the midsole and extends partially into the metatarsal region ZM.

[0078]The midsole layer 13 partially overlaps the additional midsole layer 15 at the metatarsal region ZM and is delimited by an upper surface 13a, facing the upper 20 and arranged in contact ...

Claims

1. Midsole (1; 11) for footwear, intended to be arranged between the upper (20) and the outer sole (30) of a footwear (10) and extending along a longitudinal direction (L) corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of said footwear (10), said midsole (1; 11) comprising at least one midsole layer (3; 13) delimited by an upper surface (3a; 13a) intended to face said upper (20), and by a lower surface (3b; 13b) intended to face said outer sole (30), wherein grooves (7, 9; 17) are provided on said upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer (3; 13), said grooves being arranged after one another along said longitudinal direction (L) and running along a transverse direction (Q), perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (L) and parallel to said upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer, each of said grooves (7, 9; 17) having at least one opening (7a, 9a; 17a, 17a') on the lateral side (1a; 11a) or on the medial side (1b; 11b) of said midsole (1; 11) and a cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b), defined on a plane perpendicular to said transverse direction (Q), wherein said cross-section (7, 9; 17) includes an open portion (7c, 9c; 17c) at said upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer and extends inside said midsole layer (3; 13) going towards the lower surface thereof (3b; 13b), characterized in that the cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b) of at least one of said grooves (7, 9; 17) is inclined with respect to said upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer (3; 13), the main axis (7d, 9d; 17d) of said cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b) having both a vertical component (7d', 9d'; 17d'), perpendicular to said upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer (3; 13), and a longitudinal component (7d", 9d"; 17d''), parallel to said longitudinal direction (L).

2. Midsole (1; 11) for footwear according to claim 1, wherein in said midsole there are defined, along said longitudinal direction (L), a forefoot region (ZA), a metatarsal region (ZM) and a heel region (ZT), and wherein the angle, open towards said heel region (ZT), formed by said main axis (7d, 9d; 17d) of said cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b) of said at least one groove (7, 9; 17) and said upper surface (3a; 13a) of said midsole layer (3; 13) is less than 90°.

3. Midsole (1; 11) for footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b) of said at least one groove (7, 9; 17) tapers from said upper surface (3a; 13a) towards said lower surface (3b; 13b) of said midsole layer (3; 13).

4. Midsole (1; 11) for footwear according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the cross-section (7b, 9b; 17b) of several grooves (7, 9; 17) is inclined with respect to said upper surface (3a ; 13a) of said midsole layer (3; 13), and wherein the extension of said cross-sections (7b, 9b; 17b) within said midsole layer (3; 13) and / or the inclination of said cross-sections (7b, 9b; 17b) with respect to said upper surface (3a; 13a, 15a) of said midsole layer (3; 13, 15) vary / varies along said longitudinal direction (L).

5. Midsole (1) for footwear according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein said midsole layer (3) comprises: - one or more first grooves (7), having an opening (7a) on said lateral side (1a) of said midsole and, starting from said lateral side (1a), extending substantially along said transverse direction (Q), towards said medial side (1b) of said midsole, and ending before said medial side (1b); - one or more second grooves (9), having an opening (9a) on said medial side (1b) of said midsole and, starting from said medial side (1b), extending substantially along said transverse direction (Q), towards said lateral side (1a) of said midsole, ending before said lateral side (1a); and wherein at least some of said first grooves (7) are alternated with at least some of said second grooves (9) in the longitudinal direction.

6. Midsole (1) for footwear according to claim 5, wherein the inclination of the cross-section (7b, 9b) of said first and second grooves (7, 9) is constant along said transverse direction (Q), and wherein the inclination of the cross-section (7b) of said first grooves (7) is on average greater than the inclination of the cross-section (9b) of said second grooves (9).

7. Midsole (1) for footwear according to claim 5, wherein the inclination of the cross-section (7b, 9b) of said first and second grooves (7, 9) varies along said transverse direction (Q) and decreases from said lateral side (1a) to said medial side (1b) of said midsole (1).

8. Midsole (1) for footwear according to claim 5, wherein said midsole comprises an additional midsole layer (5) arranged between said upper (20) and said midsole layer (3), said additional midsole layer (5) having a different, preferably higher, stiffness than said midsole layer (3).

9. Midsole (11) for footwear according to any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein said midsole layer (13) comprises: - one or more third grooves (17) extending substantially along said transverse direction (Q), one or more of said third grooves (17) having an opening (17a) on said lateral side (11a) and an opening (17a') on said medial side (11b) of said midsole; - one or more fourth grooves (19) extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction (L), said fourth grooves intersecting at least some of the third grooves (17).

10. Midsole (11) for footwear according to claim 9, wherein the inclination of the cross-section (17b) of said third grooves (17) varies along said transverse direction (Q) and decreases from said lateral side (11a) to said medial side (11b) of said midsole (11).

11. Midsole (11) for footwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein in said midsole there are defined, along said longitudinal direction (L), a forefoot region (ZA), a metatarsal region (ZM) and a heel region (ZT), wherein said midsole layer (13) is arranged at said heel region (ZT) and partially extends into said metatarsal region (ZM) of said midsole (11), wherein said midsole includes an additional midsole layer (15), which is arranged at said forefoot region (ZA) and partially extends into said metatarsal region (ZM) of said midsole (11), said midsole layer (13) being partially overlapped with said additional midsole layer (15) at said metatarsal region (ZM), and wherein said additional midsole layer (15) has a different, preferably higher, stiffness than said midsole layer (13).

12. Midsole (11) for footwear according to claim 11, wherein on said additional midsole layer (15) there are defined: - one or more fifth grooves (21) extending substantially along said transverse direction (Q), without opening at said medial side (11b) nor at said lateral side (11a) of said midsole; - one or more sixth grooves (23) extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction (L) and intersecting at least some of said fifth grooves (21).

13. Footwear (10) characterized in that it comprises a midsole (1; 11) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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