Shoe with combination of suspension structure and recuperating means

Abstract

A Shoe comprising an upper (20) with a flexible body defining a cavity, a midsole (30) comprising at least one insole (31) associated with the upper (20) to support the sole of the user's foot, and a suspension structure (40) comprising a plurality of separate suspension brackets (41) each defining distinct and separate ground support surfaces (42) and being each elastically deformable independently of the others, wherein a recuperation plate (33) is fixed on the suspension structure (40) below the midsole (30) and the upper (20), should show an improved stability and efficiency, by partially saving energy with a technically simplified design. This is reached by the interaction of suspension brackets (41) and a specially designed recuperation plate (33).

Description

[0001] SHOE WITH COMBINATION OF SUSPENSION STRUCTURE AND RECUPERATING MEANS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a shoe, comprising an upper with a flexible body defining a cavity, a midsole comprising at least one insole associated with the upper to support the sole of the user's foot, and a suspension structure comprising a plurality of separate suspension brackets each defining distinct and separate ground support surfaces and being each elastically deformable independently of the others, wherein a recuperation plate is fixed on the suspension structure below the midsole and the upper, and a recuperation plate made of fibre composite material for use in a shoe, places between a midsole and an outsole.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Sport shoes consists at least of three main components: an upper, a insole, and an outsole. Each component has a specific function and is designed with specific materials and features to provide support, comfort, and performance during athletic activities.

[0006] The upper of a sport shoe is the part that covers the foot and holds it in place. It is typically made of a variety of materials, such as synthetic fabrics, leather, or mesh, and can be designed to be breathable and flexible for comfort and mobility. The upper may also include features such as laces, straps, or Velcro closures to adjust the fit and provide added support. The insole of a sport shoe is the layer of material between the upper and the outsole. It is typically made of a cushioning material, such as foam or gel, and is designed to absorb shock and provide support and stability during athletic activities. The insole may also include additional features, such as arch support or special cushioning systems, depending on the type of shoe and the intended use.

[0007] The outsole of a sport shoe is the bottom layer of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground. It is typically made of rubber or other durable materials and is designed to provide traction and grip for the athlete. The outsole may also include specialized patterns or treads to provide additional traction and support for specific activities, such as running or hiking.

[0008] In addition to these three main components, sport shoes may also include additional features or technologies to enhance performance and comfort. Overall, the setup of a sport shoe is designed to provide a balance of support, comfort, and performance to meet the specific needs of the athlete and the intended use of the shoe. The upper consists of a flexible body, defining an internal cavity suitable to accommodate the user's foot. The sole is associated inferiorly to the upper and supports the sole of the user's foot, allowing it to develop traction on the ground and cushioning shocks against it during walking, running or other sporting activities.

[0009] In most conventional shoe, the sole comprises a rigid body, suited to act as a tread and configured to resist abrasion, and a softer insole configured to perform the function of cushioning and provide greater comfort to the user.

[0010] There were some ideas to improve sport shoes in terms of energy-saving running and enabling longer distances to be run, like US5706589. In US5706589 a sport shoe is shown, provided with a shoe sole construction comprising a shoe sole element composed of a resilient elastomeric material and having heel and forefoot portions. Disposed under the forefoot portion of the shoe sole is a rigid thrust plate which is pivotally affixed to the toe of the sole. Disposed within the heel portion of the sole are impact absorption means to absorb at least a portion of the mechanical energy of the heel strike. Additional means, associated with the energy absorption means, are provided by which to store at least a portion of the mechanical energy of the heel strike. Disposed within the forefoot portion of the sole are propulsion means to receive the stored mechanical energy of the energy storage means and to propel the pivotally affixed thrust plate downwardly in response thereto. This type of construction is extremely complex, whereby designs with pneumatic bearings and spring support are shown, which is why such shoes have not been known on the market to date.

[0011] The running shoe in US2010269368 includes a shoe main body constructed so that the foot can be inserted and a plate spring formed below the shoe main body so as to extend along the entire length of the shoe main body. The plate spring is provided in place of a conventional insole, and functions so as to absorb impact during landing and to release energy during the kick phase. The plate spring includes a hard stepping plate that extends from a heel portion to a toe portion of the plate spring and a hard ground-side plate that also extends from the heel portion to the toe portion, with respective heel portions of the stepping plate and the ground-side plate being connected by a joint portion. The joint portion may be a member that acts as a spring with an energizing force that energizes the connected stepping plate and the ground-side plate in a direction where the stepping plate and the ground-side plate move apart. Reinforced plastic, carbon fiber, or the like that is resistant to twisting, resistant to flexing, and lightweight are suited to use as the material of the plate spring. The plates underneath the upper are made of common materials such as carbon or fibre composite and have a pivot point in the area of the verse, so that a pivoting mechanism of several plates is created. The entire shoe gives the impression of being unstable, as the upper is only fixed at certain points and is loose in the verse area. In the forefoot area there is a connection in the form of a spring and connecting means made of rubber, for example.

[0012] In WO2015188075 a sport shoe with an integral orthotic or propulsion plate is provided that includes a shoe defining an upper and a sole, and an orthotic or propulsion plate positioned between the upper of the shoe and the sole of the shoe. The orthotic or propulsion plate defines a toe platform region, a longitudinal arch pad region, and a heel region. In the absence of an applied force to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate and with the sole of the shoe resting on a horizontal surface, the orthotic or propulsion plate bows upward in the longitudinal arch pad region relative to the toe platform region and the heel region. In response to a force being applied to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate, the bowed longitudinal arch pad region flexes downward relative to the toe pad region and the heel region to load a first preload force in the orthotic or propulsion plate. In response to the heel region thereafter moving upward, the bowed longitudinal arch pad flexes upward and the first pre-load force is released to deliver a propulsive force to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate. The bowing of the plate and the upper while the foot / shoe is unloaded, is disadvantageous for sport shoe wearer. Beside an aesthetically unappealing design of the sports shoe, the tilting option concentrated around a tilting mechanism at the height of the forefoot is disadvantageous for wearing comfort of the sport shoe. Overall, this shoe makes a less stable impression and probably the weight is relatively high. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The main task of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art by proposing a shoe, in particular but not exclusively a sports shoe, showing improved stability and efficiency while a wearer is running, partially saving energy and recuperating energy when touching down or lifting the foot, so that athletes can run longer distances with less fatigue, whereby the design is technically simplified and comprises few components.

[0014] With the shown shoe according to the invention equipped with a suspension structure and a therein engaged recuperation plate, that allows optimized transfer of effort from the user's leg to the ground, giving the shoe reliability and precision, the problem could be solved.

[0015] With the shown setup the upper is protected from lacerations and abrasions, so as to reduce wear and tear and, consequently, increase also the life of the shoe, the shoe promotes a smoother roll of the foot and the user comfort is improved in general.

[0016] Last but not least, the aim is to reach a shoe that achieves the above- mentioned task and purpose at a competitive cost and that is achievable with the usual and well-known machinery, plant and equipment.

[0017] The above-mentioned task and purposes, and others that will better appear in the following description, are achieved by a shoe as defined in claim 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of particular, but not exclusive, forms of embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying illustrations, in which

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe with outsole with suspension structure, while

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the shoe according to FIG.l with separated parts before assembly.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a partially cutaway view of a midsole and two suspension brackets, for the sake of simplicity, while

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the midsole with the outsole attached, omitting the upper.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cross section through an engaged recuperation plate and parts of the suspension structure, along line A-A of Figure 4.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] With reference to the appended FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a shoe 10 according to the present invention, comprising in particular an upper 20, a midsole 30 and a suspension structure 40.

[0026] Terms such as 'top', 'bottom', 'inside', 'outside' or the like will be used in the following description; the expert in the field will have no difficulty in understanding that these terms refer to the position of shoe 10 in its normal operating position, i.e. in use, as depicted in the attached figures.

[0027] The upper 20 comprises a flexible, hollow body shaped to receive the user's foot and provided, for this purpose, with a top opening 21 to allow the shoe 10 to be fitted. Preferably, the upper 20 is obtained by means of 'knit' technology, i.e. it has a flexible sock-like structure which is obtained by thermoforming from a seamless knitted fabric tube made in one piece by a knitting machine. However, other types of uppers, made from the most suitable materials for the desired use, can be provided.

[0028] The upper 20 can be subdivided, by way of reference, into three regions, named according to their position with respect to the user's foot: in particular, as better observed in FIG. 2, the upper 20 defines a forefoot region 23, which corresponds to the portion of the upper 20 placed in correspondence with the upper part of the toes of the user and includes the toe P of the shoe, a midfoot region 24, which corresponds to the portion of the upper 20 placed in the intermediate upper part of the foot of the user, and a hindfoot region 25, which corresponds to the portion of the upper 20 placed in proximity to the heel T of the shoe 10.

[0029] In addition, the upper 20 includes a bottom region 22, which corresponds to the portion of the shoe located at the sole of the user's foot. The upper 20 also defines an inner medial side (not visible in the figures) and an outer medial side 26, both extending on opposite sides of the foot, from toe P to heel T through each of the regions 23 - 25.

[0030] Lacing means 27 of a known, advantageously releasable type are preferably associated with the upper 20, being preferably arranged at the top thereof, preferably in the midfoot region 24 and in the vicinity of the opening 21; the lacing means 27 are suitable for modifying the dimensions of the inner cavity defined by the upper 20 so that the latter adapts to the conformation of the user's foot, and also facilitating the entry and exit of the foot with respect thereto.

[0031] The midsole 30 comprises at least one insole 31 suitable for association with the upper 20 to support the sole of the user's foot. Preferably, the insole 31 is formed of a tiled element, configured to essentially copy the contour of the sole of the user's foot and made of an advantageously flexible material, preferably having a hardness between 47 and 53 ShC (according to ISO 868), capable of conferring comfort to the user and effectively cushioning shocks during walking or running. Preferably, the insole 31 comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, most preferred a polyamide elastomeric material, such as polyehter block amide, PEBA.

[0032] The insole 31 is internally housed in the upper 20, being introduced into the cavity defined by the upper through the top opening 21 and positioned in correspondence with the bottom region 22, wherein it is advantageously bonded; in this way, the upper surface 310 of the insole 31 is, in use, in contact with the sole of the user's foot.

[0033] Alternatively, the insole 31 may be constrained externally to the upper 20, at the lower outer part thereof, so as not to come into direct contact with the user's foot during use.

[0034] The thickness of the insole 31 can be differentiated according to the area of the sole of the foot that it is to support: in particular, preferably, in the heel T area of the shoe 10 the insole 31 has a greater thickness, e.g. of about 21 mm, while in the forefoot area it has a lower thickness, e.g. of about 15 mm.

[0035] In a special embodiment the the midsole 30 further comprises an optional support element 32 as light as possible but rigid, made for example of carbon or other material combining characteristics of stiffness and lightness, suitable to be associated, for example glued, to the lower and advantageously external part of the upper 20, or of the insole 31 if the latter is applied externally to the upper 20, with the purpose of supporting the central strip of the sole of the user's foot and effectively transferring the efforts towards the underlying suspension structure 40.

[0036] The optional support element 32 preferably has a thickness of about 1 mm and is advantageously shaped to essentially copy the shape of the user's foot. Moreover, it may be provided with one or more notches 320 or incisions suitable to favour its deformation so as to follow the movement of the user's foot.

[0037] Here, below the insole 31 as part of the midsole 30, a pre-curved rigid one- or two-piece recuperation plate 33 is attached to the outsole 4 in an active connection. The recuperation plate 33 comprises a hindfoot section 330, a midfoot section 331 and a forefoot section 332 along a longitudinal axis. The recuperation plate 33 is pre-curved or pre-bent in a manner to fit the foot of a user of the shoe 10. The tread surface of the recuperation plate 33, facing the midsole 30, is shaped to fit the sole of the human foot. The pre-curved or pre-bend of the recuperation plate 33 is arranged around a transverse axis Q perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0038] The active connection of the recuperation plate 33 is carried out here on the plurality of suspension brackets 41.

[0039] In operation during landing the special shape and material of the suspension brackets 41 act as shock absorbers providing less stress on the wearer's foot, preventing injuries and reducing fatigue. In the same time, the recuperation plate 33 bends cooperating with the shock absorption function of the suspension brackets 41 and storing consequently energy. When the user, in his movement frontward release the pressure from the shoe, the rigid recuperation plate 33 release the energy stored and, acting in a way similar to a spring, push the wearer reducing fatigue and improving the performance.

[0040] Due to the choice of material, shape of the recuperation plate 33 and because portions of the recuperation plate 33 are operatively connected to top support bars 410 and / or a storage slots 411 of the plurality of suspension brackets 41 so that springback can be utilized by resiliently bending the recuperation plate 33 during walking.

[0041] Here the hindfoot section 330 provides a rear loop respectively a turned over section which merges into a rear flap 3300, wherein the rear flap 3300 is molded to the rigid recuperation plate 33 respectively a part of the rigid recuperation plate 33.

[0042] The outsole 4 comprises the suspension structure 40, which is connected to the upper 20, on the side opposite the top opening 21 of the upper 20 and comprises at least one suspension brackets 41 arranged around the outline of the upper 20, in particular a plurality of such resilient suspension brackets 41, while each suspension bracket 41 defines a corresponding distinct and separate ground support surface 415.

[0043] Said suspension brackets 41 are arranged side by side in succession around the entire perimeter of the upper 20, while the bodies of each resilient suspension bracket 41 are spaced apart from each other by means of the interposition of a corresponding plurality of free gaps 42, so that each resilient suspension bracket 41 is elastically deformable independently of the others.

[0044] These resilient suspension brackets 41 are therefore suitable for compressing to attenuate ground reaction forces, and the gaps 42, which alternate with the suspension brackets 41, allow the suspension structure 40 to flex, accompanying the natural bending of the foot during rolling. All suspension brackets 41 are divided by free spaces 42 between neighbouring suspension brackets 41.

[0045] The suspension brackets 41 are one-piece elements, provided in a number greater than four, completely distributed around the upper 20 and the midsole 30 with respect to the ground. All suspension brackets 41 are individually glued or welded to the ground facing part of the upper 20 respectively the midsole 30. Each suspension bracket 41 is embracing the upper 20 and the midsole 30 at least partly. More preferred is the attachment of at least eight and up to sixteen suspension brackets 41 in the course of the circumference of the sole part of upper 20 and midsole 30.

[0046] For best stability the suspension brackets 41 enclose the upper 20 and are fixed non-detachably to the sides and underneath, so that the upper 20 is partially supported and a plane is formed for the tread by ground support surfaces 415.

[0047] As can be seen in Figure 2, means are formed on at least some suspension brackets 41 so that the recuperation plate 33 can be operatively connected to the suspension structure 40 in the best possible way. Here, a top support bar 410 and a storage slot 411 are formed or recessed on the one-piece suspension brackets 41. Preferably, each suspension bracket 41 has a conformation suitable for at least partially enveloping the lower lateral edge of the upper 20 and / or part of the insole 31 and / or the surrounding edge of the optional support element 32 and / or the recuperation plate 33. Two suspension brackets 41 are depicted in Figure 3, placed on ground G, with indicated insole midsole 30, the recuperation plate 33.

[0048] Specifically, in addition to a suitable biased and curved shape of the recuperation plate 33, a partial clamping of the recuperation plate 33 along the various regions 330, 331, 332 in some suspension brackets 41 is important for the efficient action of the recuperation.

[0049] The recuperation plate 33 is rigid, pre-curved pre-bent made of a from a fibre composite material, like a carbon fibre plate or fibreglass plate or a material as light and stiff. A carbon fibre plate is preferably made about 1 mm thick. The bend of the recuperation plate 33 is arranged around a transverse axis Q perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0050] Here the recuperation plate 33 comprises two attached parts. A first part runs from the forefoot section 332, following the bottom of the upper 20, to around the rear loop leading into the rear flap 3300. While a second part, forming the front flap 3320 is attached to the first part, at the side opposite to the tread surface or midsole 30, with a distance that increases to midfoot section 331. Both parts can be moulded or glued to each other.

[0051] The recuperation plate 33 is an open loop with an opening between front flap 3320 and rear flap 3300. In all embodiments of the recuperation plate 33 a gap is formed between the ends of the rear flap 3300 and the front flap 3320 facing each other.

[0052] By at least partially inserting the recuperation plate 33 through the storage slots 411 and supporting it on the top support bars 410, sufficient stability and maximum recuperation is achieved. The recuperation plate 33 is better not only attached underneath the midsole 30 and glued on a top surface of the outsole 4, but partly inserted in single suspension brackets 41. The double arrows mark the elastically variable distances between parts of the recuperation plate 33.

[0053] As options, the recuperation plate 33 can have one or more cut outs to allow its deformation in a way to follow the movement of the wearer's foot and to maximize efficiency.

[0054] In another embodiment, the recuperation plate 33 could be made of one piece of material with the hindfoot section with rear loop 330 and the forefoot section 332 with a front loop.

[0055] In Figure 4, the partial covering of the plate 33 by the suspension brackets 41 and the clamping in the storage slots 411 can be seen, which constitutes the operative connection, where the shoe 10 is shown in the unloaded state.

[0056] In particular, said suspension brackets 41 each have an essentially "L" or "C" or even a "bracket" shape defined by a first arm 413, or lower arm, adapted to be associated with a corresponding portion of the perimeter edge of the bottom region 22 of the upper 20 located at the sole of the foot, and by a second arm 414, or upper arm, adapted to be associated with a corresponding portion of the lower lateral perimetral edge of the upper 20, and possibly also of the insole 31 and connected with continuity to the first arm 413. All suspension brackets 41 should be made in one piece.

[0057] The outer surface of the first arm 413, the ground facing surface of the first arm 413, defines the support surface 415 of the resilient suspension bracket 41, therewith all the support surfaces 415 of the plurality of resilient suspension brackets 41 form the tread of the shoe 10. The support surfaces 415 are a roughened, patterned or knurled section of the surface of the suspension bracket 41 and / or an attached extra material layer 415 forming the support surface. This extra material layer 415 can be moulded on or attached or otherwise machined to the outer surface of the first arm 413 to improve adherence to the ground and thus traction of the shoe 10.

[0058] Preferably, the first arm 413 has a thickness DI between 23 mm and 36 mm; advantageously, the resilient suspension brackets 41 arranged in the part proximal to the toe P of the shoe 10 have corresponding first arms 413 having lower thicknesses DI than those of the resilient suspension brackets 41 arranged in the part located at the heel area T. Preferably, the second arm 414 has a thickness D2 between 8 mm and 12 mm, wherein thickness D2 is always smaller than thickness DI of all suspension brackets 41, reaching flexiblitiy to encompass or wrap at least partly around the support element 32 and the bottom region 22 of the upper 20.

[0059] The first arm 413 of the suspension bracket 41 has a length LI of between 30 and 55 mm, while the second arm 414 has a length L2 of between 25 and 65 mm; the lengths LI and L2 of the arms 413, 414 may however be different depending on the positioning of the suspension brackets 41 along the perimeter of the upper 20. Furthermore, the dimensions of the arms 413, 414 may vary depending on the size of the shoe to which they are associated.

[0060] In general at least one pair of adjacent resilient suspension brackets 41 is used and the suspension brackets 41 are connected via a connecting bridge 43, extending into the corresponding free space 42 between adjacent suspension brackets 41 to facilitate assembly on the upper 20; advantageously, all or some of the suspension brackets 41 may be connected via corresponding connecting bridges 43.

[0061] Also possible is a direct connection of two directly neighbouring suspension brackets 41 in the area of the heel T or of the toe P of the upper 20.

[0062] The process of producing recuperation plate 33 as a carbon fiber plate involves several steps.

[0063] First, carbon fibers are woven into a fabric-like material, which is then impregnated with a resin to create a composite material.

[0064] Next, the composite material is layered and compressed using specialized machinery. This process is called layup and it involves placing the composite material in a mold with the desired shape and size. Here, the mold is adapted to the later curved and prestressed shape of the recuperation plate 33.

[0065] The mold is then placed in an autoclave, which applies heat and pressure to the material. The heat cures the resin, while the pressure compresses the layers of the composite material. This step ensures that the recuperation plate 33 is structurally sound and has the desired strength and stiffness.

[0066] Finally, the plate is trimmed and finished to the desired size and shape using precision cutting tools. The finished product is a high-strength, lightweight, and durable carbon fiber recuperation plate 33.

[0067] In fact, thanks to the shape and arrangement of the resilient suspension brackets 41 of the suspension structure 40, which can deform independently of each other according to a plurality of directions even inclined with respect to the ground, and introduction of the rigid precurved open recuperation plate 33 connected to the suspension brackets 41, the stability of the shoe 10 is increased, allowing it to adapt effectively to the conformation of the ground.

[0068] A smoother roll of the foot is also promoted, while maintaining a high degree of flexibility, especially in the forefoot area. Moreover, thanks to the extreme flexibility in the positioning of the resilient suspension brackets 41 of the suspension structure 40, the possibility to diversify their dimensions and / or use materials with different mechanical characteristics according to their arrangement on the shoe, it is possible to meet different needs, foreseeing, for example, materials with good shock-absorbing capacities for the heel area and stiffer materials, capable of providing greater support, in the midfoot area to support a pronating foot.

[0069] The particular or 'C'-shaped conformation of the resilient suspension brackets 41, which wrap at least partially around the lower lateral edge of the upper 20, also makes it possible to protect the upper 20 itself from lacerations and abrasions, in such a way as to reduce wear and tear and, consequently, increase the useful life of the shoe.

[0070] Advantageously, the rigid midsole 30 or the recuperation plate 33 and / or the optional support element 32 allow the forces generated by the foot / leg system of the wearer to be discharged directly diagonally towards the resilient suspension brackets 41 on the sides, favouring stability, precision and reliability to the shoe 10 during sporting activity.

[0071] Furthermore, since the midsole 30 does not form the tread, this allows the use of a particularly soft material for the insole 31 to provide better user comfort and ensure proper shock absorption. The required tread performance, such as abrasion resistance and grip, can be ensured by appropriately selecting the material, shape, size and arrangement of the resilient suspension brackets 41 and the ground support surfaces 415.

[0072] Preferably, each resilient suspension bracket 41 is made of a single, advantageously polymeric material with high durability and wear resistance characteristics and preferably having a hardness between 57 and 63 ShC (according to ISO 868). For example, the resilient suspension brackets 41 may be made of a thermoformable foam, preferably formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) other polymeric materials, possibly mixed with rubber.

[0073] Preferably, the resilient suspension brackets 41 are arranged around the perimeter of the upper 20 evenly spaced apart from each other by the interposition of a corresponding plurality of free gaps 42. The free gaps 42 can have homogeneous widths to provide greater stability; it is however possible that the resilient one-piece suspension brackets 41 are arranged by means of the interposition of a corresponding plurality of free gaps 42 of variable width, being more or less closely spaced in certain areas along the perimeter of the uppser 20 to fulfil specific functions, for example correcting excessive pronation or increasing the cushioning effect, or even facilitating the natural rolling moment.

[0074] Furthermore, for the same purpose, these resilient suspension brackets 41 should be made of EVA or other polymeric materials having different densities in order to confer different mechanical characteristics according to the arrangement on the shoe.

[0075] The midsole 30, generally made in a soft material (50+-3 ShoreC) like, in this case, Pebax, has a thickness that vary from 15mm in the forefoot to 21mm in the heel area is inserted into the upper 20, that for this embodiment is made in a shape of a sock, so that a user can wear the upper 20 and have the bottom part of the foot in contact with the midsole 30 that will provide comfort and shock absorption during walk / run.

[0076] List of reference signs

[0077] 10 shoe

[0078] 20 upper

[0079] 21 top opening

[0080] 22 bottom region

[0081] 23 forefoot region

[0082] 24 midfoot region

[0083] 25 hindfoot region

[0084] 26 outer medial side

[0085] 27 lacing means

[0086] 30 midsole

[0087] 31 insole

[0088] 310 upper surface of insole

[0089] 32 support element (optional)

[0090] 320 notch or incision

[0091] 33 recuperation plate (rigid, pre-curved, pre-bended, open, one or two pieces,

[0092] 330 Hindfoot section with rear loop / turned over section

[0093] 3300 rear flap

[0094] 331 midfoot section (open at back side of plate)

[0095] 332 forefoot section (added front flap or front flap is build of turned over section of forefoot section)

[0096] 3320 front flap

[0097] 4 outsole

[0098] 40 suspension structure

[0099] 41 suspension bracket

[0100] 410 top support bar

[0101] 411 storage slot

[0102] 412 lower support bar

[0103] 413 first arm / DI thickness of 413 I LI length of 413

[0104] 414 second arm / D2 thickness 414 / L2 length of 414

[0105] 415 ground support surfaces

[0106] 42 free gap

[0107] 43 connecting bridge

[0108] T heel

[0109] P toe

[0110] G Ground

Claims

CLAIMS1. Shoe (10) comprising an upper (20) with a flexible body defining a cavity, a midsole (30) comprising at least one insole (31) associated with the upper (20) to support the sole of the user's foot, and a suspension structure (40) comprising a plurality of separate suspension brackets (41) each defining distinct and separate ground support surfaces (42) and being each elastically deformable independently of the others, wherein a recuperation plate (33) is fixed on the suspension structure (40) below the midsole (30) and the upper (20), characterised in that the suspension brackets (41) are comprising a top support bar(410) and / or a storage slot (411), and the recuperation plate (33) is formed in one or more pieces as an open loop pre-bent plate, whereby the tread surface is shaped to fit the sole of the human foot, comprising a hindfoot section with rear loop (330) merging into a bent rear flap (3300), a midfoot section (331) and a forefoot section (332) with a front flap (3320), wherein a gap is formed between the ends of the rear flap (3300) and the front flap (3320) facing each other, wherein portions of the recuperation plate (33) are operatively connected to top support bars (410) and / or a storage slots(411) of the plurality of suspension brackets (41) so that springback can be utilized by resiliently bending the recuperation plate (33) during walking.

2. Shoe (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one-piece or two- piece design of the recuperation plate (33) comprises carbon fibres and the resulting thickness of the recuperation plate (33) is 1mm.

3. Shoe (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the course of the recuperation plate (33) in the region of the midfoot section (331) between the tread surface and the rear flap (3300) and between the tread surface and the front flap (3320) spaces are provided, which are increasing double-sided in direction to midfoot section (331).

4. Shoe (10) according to claim 3, wherein the space between rear flap (3300) and the tread surface of the recuperation plate (33) is greater than between front flap (3320) and the tread surface of the recuperation plate (33).

5. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recuperation plate (33) is designed in two separate pieces, a first part starting from toe tip end, forming the tread surface to the hindfoot section with rear loop (330) merging in the rear flap (3300) and a second part forming the front flap (3320), attached to the first part, at the side opposite to the tread surface or midsole (30).

6. Shoe (10) according to claim 5, wherein first part and second part of the recuperation plate (33) are moulded or glued to each other.

7. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an optional support element (32) shaped to essentially copy the shape of the user's foot is placed and fixed between the recuperation plate (33) and the midsole (30).

8. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfaces of the top support parts (410) of the suspension brackets (41) define the lower surface of the recuperation plate(33) for attachment onto the suspension structure (40) forming the outsole (4).

9. Shoe (10) according to claim 8, wherein the suspension brackets (41) of the suspension structure (40) arranged in the part proximal to the toe (P) of the shoe (10) avoid storage slots (411), wherein the suspension brackets (41) in the midfoot region (24) and hindfoot region (25) show top sipport bars (410) and storage slots (411).

10. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension brackets (41) are made of polymeric material with different densities to confer different mechanical characteristics according to their arrangement on the shoe.

11. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension brackets (41) are arranged around the perimeter of the upper (20) uniformly spaced apart from each other by the interposition of a corresponding plurality of free spaces (43) of homogeneous and / or variable width.

12. Shoe (10) according to claim 11, wherein at least one pair of adjacent arranged suspension brackets (41) are connected via a connecting bridge (44) extending into the corresponding free space (43) between the neighbouring suspension brackets (41).

13. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper (20) is obtained by "knit" technology, presenting a flexible sock-like structure obtained by thermoforming from a seamless knitted fabric tube.

14. Shoe (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension brackets (41) are glued or welded to the groundfacing part of the upper (20) and the midsole (30), embracing the upper (20) and the midsole (30) at least partly.

15. Recuperation plate (33) made of fibre composite material for use in a shoe (10), places between a midsole (30) and an outsole (4), characterized in that the recuperation plate (33) is formed in one or more pieces as an open pre-bent plate, whereby the tread surface is shaped to fit the sole of the human foot, comprising a hindfoot section with rear loop (330) merging into a bent rear flap (3300), a midfoot section (331) and a forefoot section (332) with a front flap (3320), wherein a gap is formed between the ends of the rear flap (3300) and the front flap (3320) facing each other and wherein portions of the recuperation plate (33) are operatively connectable to top support bars (410) and / or a storage slots (411) of a suspension structure (40) so that springback can be utilized by resiliently bending the recuperation plate (33) during walking.

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