Shoe insole, especially for flip-flops or sandals
The sole structure with a biomechanical element and shock-absorbing rear portion addresses the lack of support in flip-flops and sandals, improving comfort and durability by integrating independent cushioning and support elements.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023008709
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-08-14
AI Technical Summary
Flip-flops and sandals lack adequate foot support, leading to discomfort and potential harm during long journeys due to non-conforming soles, and existing shock-absorbing elements in soles are constrained by thickness and prone to wear.
A sole structure with two layers - a clean layer and a walking layer, featuring a biomechanical element with three support elements and a rear portion housing a shock-absorbing element, allowing independent material selection for cushioning and support, and a continuous heel cup for improved comfort and durability.
Enhances foot support and comfort by providing targeted cushioning and reducing wear, minimizing foot fatigue and injury risks through a biomechanically designed sole structure.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Shoe sole, particularly for flip-flops or sandals
[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe sole, in particular of the flip-flop or sandal type.
[0002] The invention relates in particular to a shoe having means of holding only a front part of a user's foot on the sole.
[0003] The invention is not limited to this type of shoe but also relates to a sole for any type of shoe: open shoes with means of supporting a rear part of a user's foot or closed shoes such as sneakers.
[0004] The invention finds its application, for example, in the field of summer footwear, preferably flip-flop or sandal type shoes, also commonly called flip-flops, bare feet, etc.
[0005] Generally, a flip-flop or sandal-type shoe includes means for securing the front part of the foot, such as a strap or buckle. In a flip-flop, the means of support originate between the toes and extend along the dorsal surface to the midfoot. In a sandal or slide, the means of support extend across the front of the foot.
[0006] In the realm of summer footwear, flip-flops and sandals have the disadvantage of not providing adequate foot support. Indeed, flip-flops and sandals generally have flat soles. Thus, the soles do not conform to the specific shape of the foot. During long journeys, walking in flip-flops or sandals can be uncomfortable for the wearer and may even become harmful in the long run. To improve the comfort of wearing flip-flops or sandals, shoes with a specific sole have been developed.
[0007] Document FR 3 083 407 discloses such a flip-flop or sandal type shoe comprising a sole and means of holding only a front part of a user's foot to the sole.
[0008] The sole comprises a first layer called the clean layer and a second layer called the walking layer, the clean layer being adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user and the walking layer being adapted to be in contact with the ground.
[0009] Between these two layers of walking and cleaning are arranged various support elements: a first support element formed of a portion of material adapted to be placed under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot; a second support element formed of a portion of material adapted to be placed in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot; and a third support element formed of a portion of material placed as an external counter-support to the sole.
[0010] The first support element, the second support element and the third support element are made in a single piece of the same material.
[0011] These three foot support elements thus constitute a biomechanical layer between the clean layer and the walking layer and form a single biomechanical control element, allowing better control of the entire midfoot.
[0012] The biomechanical control element improves support and control of the sole of the foot during walking or standing posture, by correctly positioning the foot on the sole of the shoe.
[0013] The biomechanical control element is particularly important for shoes in which the means of support are limited to a front part of the user's foot, but it improves the support and control of the sole of the foot in any type of shoe, open or closed.
[0014] This biomechanical control element not only allows for the integration of all internal and external biomechanical controls but also provides support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot, which is located on a sagittal plane and begins at the front of the heel and ends at the rear of the forefoot. This support for the longitudinal medial arch, also known as the longitudinal-medial arch of the foot, is achieved through the joining of the second and third support elements.
[0015] It allows better foot stability, limiting the effects of foot fatigue during walking or prolonged standing, the traction effects on the arch of the foot during walking and internal rotational processes of the foot which can generate multiple osteoarticular and musculotendinous pathologies in the back, knee or foot.
[0016] The correct positioning of the biomechanical control element on the walking sole is also ensured automatically thanks to its one-piece design. This facilitates the manufacture and / or assembly of the sole.
[0017] Document FR 3 083 407 also describes the implementation of a shock-absorbing element in the heel region of the sole.
[0018] The shock-absorbing element helps to cushion the impacts of the foot when taking a step by limiting the forces of restitution from the ground and thus reducing the risks of injury related to these impacts.
[0019] The shock-absorbing element is housed in a cavity formed in the walking layer of the sole.
[0020] This shock-absorbing element integrated into the walking layer, however, presents the disadvantage of being constrained in thickness and dependent on the thickness of the tread layer of the sole.
[0021] Furthermore, at the cavity formed in the tread layer to house the shock-absorbing element, the thickness of the tread layer is reduced. This reduction in the tread layer thickness increases the risk of wear on this layer in the heel area of the sole.
[0022] The present invention aims to improve the structure of a sole for a shoe, in particular of the flip-flop or sandal type, and to resolve in whole or in part the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0023] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a sole comprising at least two superimposed layers, a first layer called the clean layer and a second layer called the walking layer, the clean layer being adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user and the walking layer being adapted to be in contact with the ground, said sole comprising a biomechanical element disposed between said clean layer and said walking layer.
[0024] Said biomechanical element comprises at least three foot support elements formed in a single piece of the same material, a first support element being a portion of material adapted to be placed under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, a second support element being a portion of material adapted to be placed in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot and a third support element being a portion of material placed as an external counter-support of said sole, the junction of the second support element and the third support element forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot.
[0025] According to the invention, the biomechanical element further comprises a rear portion adapted to be disposed in the heel region of the sole, said rear portion comprising a cavity housing a shock-absorbing element.
[0026] The biomechanical element is thus improved by providing better cushioning at the heel during walking. The cushioning element housed in the cavity of the rear portion of the biomechanical element can have a thickness adapted to the desired cushioning characteristics. Similarly, the material can be chosen independently of that forming the biomechanical element and can have absorption and cushioning properties adapted to the heel strike during walking.
[0027] Furthermore, the walking layer of the sole, free of any insert at the heel level, can have a constant thickness and present less risk of premature wear.
[0028] Preferably, said rear portion extends in line with the second support element, the third support element and said junction forming a support for the longitudinal median arch of the foot.
[0029] A continuity of material is thus obtained between the heel and the midfoot during walking, preventing any sensation of separation between the rear portion and the middle part of the sole while walking.
[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the rear portion includes a top surface adapted to be in contact with the heel of the foot and a peripheral rim projecting from said top surface of the rear portion.
[0031] The rear part thus forms a heel cup increasing the surface supporting the heel of the foot and improving the distribution of loads both when walking and when the foot is placed on the ground.
[0032] Preferably, the damping element housed in said cavity is flush with the opening of the cavity in the upper surface of the rear portion.
[0033] A continuity of surface under the heel of the foot is thus obtained at the level of the shock-absorbing element housed in the cavity of the rear portion.
[0034] According to one embodiment feature, the shock-absorbing element is made of a different material than the material of the biomechanical element.
[0035] It is therefore possible to select a material having specific properties for cushioning at the heel.
[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the middle part of the midfoot element, at the junction of the second support element and the third support element, is convex from the back to the front of the sole.
[0037] Particular support for the arch of the foot is thus provided by the midfoot element.
[0038] Advantageously, the midfoot element is concave transversely, along the transverse direction of the sole.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the biomechanical element is fixed to a front part of the footbed, said front part of the footbed being formed in a material different from the material of the biomechanical element.
[0040] The sole thus combines in a single technical unit specific materials to produce the biomechanical element, the shock-absorbing element and the front part of the footbed.
[0041] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a shoe comprising a sole as described above.
[0042] The shoe according to the invention has characteristics and advantages similar to those described above in relation to the sole.
[0043] The shoe according to the invention is thus equipped with a very comfortable sole, well suited to walking or prolonged standing.
[0044] The sole according to the invention is particularly well suited to equipping a flip-flop or sandal type shoe, but also finds its application in all types of shoes, open or closed.
[0045] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description.
[0046] To the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples:
[0047] [Fig.1] is a schematic exploded perspective view of a shoe according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0048] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of a biomechanical element of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0049] [Fig.3] is a schematic view from below of the biomechanical element of the shoe sole illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0050] [Fig.4] is a median cross-sectional view along line AA of the biomechanical element [Fig.2];
[0051] [Fig.5] is an external profile view of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2];
[0052] [Fig.6] is an internal profile view of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2];
[0053] [Fig.7] is a rear perspective of the biomechanical element of [Fig.2];
[0054] [Fig. 8] is a schematic top view illustrating the association of the bio element mechanics of [Fig.2] to a front part of the footbed of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig.1];
[0055] [Fig. 9] is an external profile view illustrating the association of the biomechanical element of [Fig. 2] with a front part of the footbed of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig. 1]; and
[0056] [Fig. 10] is an internal profile view illustrating the association of the biomechanical element of [Fig. 2] with a front part of the footbed of the sole of the shoe illustrated in [Fig. 1].
[0057] The figures illustrate, without limitation, a shoe for the right foot of a pair of shoes. On the drawings, the terms "front", "back", "inner" and "outer" have been added to facilitate reading and locating the different elements described.
[0058] Of course, the left-foot shoe of a pair of shoes according to the invention is made symmetrically.
[0059] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and the dimensions and ratios on the figures should not be considered as strictly to scale.
[0060] We will first describe, with reference to [Fig.1], a shoe according to an example of an embodiment of the invention.
[0061] In this embodiment, and without limitation, the shoe is an open shoe, of the flip-flop type.
[0062] In the following description, the illustrated and described flip-flop-type shoe includes means for securing the user's foot, comprising a Y-shaped strap with a toe post adapted to be inserted between the first and second toes. of the user. These methods of retention are standard and do not need to be described in further detail here. In particular, they may be of the type described in document FR 3 083 407.
[0063] Of course, the means of support could be different and consist of one or more straps extending transversely in relation to the sole, forming a sandal or flip-flop type shoe.
[0064] Thus, when walking, the user's foot lifts off the sole, at least at the level of the heel and part of the arch or midfoot, only the front part of the foot being held to the sole by the fastening means of the strap or band type.
[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the shoe 1 thus comprises a sole 10 and means for holding the front part of the foot of a user to the sole 10.
[0066] The sole 10 includes a walking layer 11 adapted to be in contact with the ground.
[0067] This walking layer is also referred to in the following description as the first sole 11.
[0068] The first sole 11 is generally made of hard rubber, capable of resisting friction, compression, shear stresses commonly encountered in walking, regardless of the type of terrain (bitumen, gravel, sand, earth).
[0069] The first sole 11 can be made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or Polyurethane (PU).
[0070] The first sole 11 is relatively thin and, for example, has a thickness between 1 and 1.5 mm, and not limited to 1.2 mm.
[0071] The underside of the first sole 11 may be provided with anti-slip means in a known manner and be marked with a brand logo and / or an indication of the shoe size.
[0072] The upper face of the first footing 11 is provided with a peripheral rim 111, projecting from the plane formed by the upper face of the first footing 11. This peripheral rim 111 forms a wall or interlocking wall for an intermediate footing 13 which will be described below.
[0073] The sole 10 further comprises a clean layer 12, also called a cover sole 12 in the rest of the description.
[0074] The cover sole 12 is adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user.
[0075] It must therefore be made of a material suitable for being in contact with the foot.
[0076] By way of non-limitation, shape-memory materials may be used. The outsole 12 can be customized to maintain the style and the brand identity of the shoe.
[0077] Preferably, the material used for the cover sole 12 is waterproof and does not slip when in contact with water. It must also be resistant to heat and ultraviolet radiation.
[0078] Finally, the material used must also have bactericidal and fungicidal properties, remain odorless after use and not heat up the foot regardless of skin type.
[0079] The cover sole 12 must also resist compression, shear and stretching stresses.
[0080] Preferably, the material used for the cover sole 12 is a natural material or a microcellular expanded material.
[0081] As clearly illustrated in [Fig.1], the sole 10 includes a technical middle layer 13, also referred to hereafter as the intermediate sole 13.
[0082] This midsole 13 has the function of controlling the foot during walking and thus ensuring the comfort of the foot in the shoe.
[0083] It is recalled that walking is broken down into three phases of support:
[0084] a first phase called taligrade, corresponding to the attack of the step on the ground;
[0085] a second phase, known as the plantigrade phase, corresponding to the rolling of the foot along the ground; and
[0086] a third phase called digitigrade, corresponding to the propulsion phase of the foot in order to take the step.
[0087] The intermediate sole 13 is arranged between the clean layer 12 and the walking layer 11.
[0088] It mainly comprises a biomechanical element 130, which also forms a rear part of the footbed of the sole 10, also referred to in Anglo-Saxon terminology as the rear "footbed".
[0089] The midsole 13 also includes a front footbed portion 140 of the sole 10, also referred to in Anglo-Saxon terminology as the front "footbed".
[0090] The midsole 13 further includes a shock-absorbing element 150 intended to be placed at the heel of the foot and to cushion the impact of the step on the ground.
[0091] The biomechanical element 130 is arranged between the cleanliness layer 12 and the walking layer 11.
[0092] In this embodiment, the biomechanical element 130 comprises three foot support elements, formed from a single piece and of the same material. The biomechanical element 130 is thus positioned projecting from the plane formed by the outsole 11.
[0093] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, a first support element 131 is a portion of material adapted to be placed under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot, called the Subcapital of the First Metatarsal (SCM1) or commonly referred to as an- tecapital.
[0094] This first support element 131 supports the first metatarsal head of the foot during the propulsion phase, thereby reducing its lever arm and optimizing foot propulsion during walking. It limits the effects of stress on the head of the first metatarsal during the gait cycle. The lever arm of this joint is thus reduced, thereby limiting the effects of joint and muscle stress. As a result, the foot experiences significantly less fatigue during walking.
[0095] A second support element 132 is a portion of material adapted to be disposed in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot or internal hemi-dome (HCI) of the foot.
[0096] A third support element 133 is a portion of material arranged as an external counter-support to the sole 10 or external hemi-dome (HCE).
[0097] The junction of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133 forms a support for the longitudinal median arch of the foot.
[0098] More specifically, as well illustrated in [Fig.4], the portion of material of the third support element 133, arranged as an external counter-support of the sole 10, is located substantially opposite in a transverse direction Y of the sole 10 (see [Fig.2]), of the portion of material of the second support element 132 adapted to be arranged in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot.
[0099] The biomechanical element 130 is concave transversely, along the transverse direction Y of the sole 10.
[0100] In the median transverse plane of the footing 10, the maximum height H2 corresponding to the apex S2 of the second support element 132 is equal for example to 29 mm in this embodiment.
[0101] Typically, the maximum height H2 of the second support element 132 can be between 5 and 60 mm.
[0102] The maximum height H3 corresponding to the apex S3 of the third support element 133 is equal for example to 30 mm in this embodiment.
[0103] The maximum height H3 of the third support element 133 can be between 2 and 30 mm.
[0104] As can also be seen in figures 5 and 6, the first support element 131 is flat and has a thickness e of approximately 2 mm in this embodiment.
[0105] Typically, the thickness e of the first support element 131 can be between 1 and 8 mm.
[0106] The width T of the biomechanical element 130 in the median cross-sectional plane of the sole is, for example, for a shoe size of 46, equal to 8.1 cm.
[0107] The height h of the midfoot element 130 varies in the longitudinal direction X, between the back and the front.
[0108] The height h of the element of the midfoot 230 can be between 2 mm and 170 mm.
[0109] Of course, the height H2, H3 of the vertices S2, S3 and the degree of concavity in the cross-sectional plane of the sole vary homothetically according to the models and sizes.
[0110] Furthermore, the middle part of the biomechanical element 130, at the junction of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133, is convex from the back to the front of the sole 10.
[0111] The biomechanical element 130 thus comprises three arches supporting the sole of the foot: an internal arch (internal hemi-dome HCl) which allows improved control of the supination effect (internal rotation) of the foot during the gait cycle and controls and supports the internal arch of the foot when the foot is flat on the ground; an external arch (external hemi-dome HCE) which supports the external arch of the foot when the foot is flat on the ground and allows lateral control and stability of the ankle during walking; and a medio-longitudinal arch, at the junction of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133, which is placed under the medial arch of the foot stretched between the heel and the forefoot and limits the traction effects on the different parts constituting the plantar arch, during walking.
[0112] In general, the biomechanical element 130 allows control of the foot during the gait cycle. The foot has an arch which, under the effect of body weight and the speed of movement, undergoes an inward collapse called pronation. By controlling this pronatory effect and using the first support element 131 and the second support element 132, it is possible to avoid such an inward collapse. The third foot support element 133 provides external counter-support to ensure lateral stability of the foot.
[0113] The biomechanical element 130 further comprises a rear portion 134 adapted to be disposed in the heel region of the sole.
[0114] As seen in [Fig.7], the rear portion 134 extends in line with the second support element 132, the third support element 133 and the junction forming a support for the longitudinal median arch of the foot.
[0115] The rear portion 134 includes an upper surface 134a adapted to be in contact with the heel of the foot and a peripheral rim 134b projecting from the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134.
[0116] The rear portion 134 thus forms a heel cup which increases the comfort effect and the distribution of loads under the heel, particularly during prolonged standing.
[0117] The rear portion 134 of the biomechanical element 130 ensures a continuity of the biomechanical element 130 between the heel and midfoot during walking, thus avoiding a sensation of separation or cut of the midsole 13 between the rear and middle parts during walking.
[0118] In the plane of the first sole 11, the biomechanical element 130 extends between the rear part of the heel and the retro-capital limit of the last four metatarsal heads (M2, M3, M4, M5) while continuing under the first metatarsal head (M1) in a planar manner to end behind the first phalanx of the big toe.
[0119] Preferably, the peripheral rim 134b of the rear portion 134 extends in continuity with the peripheral edges respectively of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133, corresponding to the vertices S2 and S3 respectively of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133.
[0120] As can be seen in figures 5, 6 and 7, the rear portion 134 of the biomechanical element 130 has a maximum height H4, slightly greater than the maximum height H2, H3 of the second support element 132 and the third support element 133. By way of example, the maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 is equal to 32 mm in this embodiment.
[0121] The maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 can be between 10 and 180 mm.
[0122] As can be seen in figures 6 and 7, the biomechanical element 130 thus has an internal profile and an external profile of variable height, gradually decreasing from the maximum height H4 of the rear portion to the front of the biomechanical element 130.
[0123] On the side of the external profile of the biomechanical element 130 illustrated in [Fig.5], the biomechanical element 130 is formed by the rear portion 134 and the third support element 133. The maximum height of this external profile gradually decreases from the maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 to a minimum height H5 of the front end of the third support element 133. The minimum height H5 of the front end of the third support element 133 is equal to 20 mm in this embodiment.
[0124] The minimum height H5 of the front end of the third support element 133 can be between 4 and 40 mm.
[0125] The front end of the third support element 133 has a groove 133' whose role will be described below in relation to the front part of the footbed 140 of the sole 10.
[0126] On the side of the internal profile of the biomechanical element 130 illustrated in [Fig. 6], the biomechanical element 130 is formed by the rear portion 134, the second support element 132, and the first support element 131. The maximum height of this profile external gradually decreases from the maximum height H4 of the rear portion 134 to the minimum height H6 of the front end of the second support element 132. The minimum height H6 of the front end of the second support element 132 is equal to 19 mm in this embodiment.
[0127] The minimum height H6 of the front end of the second support element 132 can be between 4 and 40 mm.
[0128] The front end of the second support element 132 is extended by the first support element 131.
[0129] The second support element 132 is thus connected forward to the first support element 131, at the level of a connection zone D forming a step of reverse concavity with respect to the convex shape of the second support element 132.
[0130] The front end of the second support element 132 and the first support element 131 have a recess 132' whose role will be described below in relation to the front part of the footbed 140 of the sole 10.
[0131] The rear portion 134 has a cavity 135 configured to house the shock-absorbing element 150.
[0132] It is thus possible to place in the thickness of the biomechanical element 130 a shock-absorbing element 150 of chosen shape and thickness.
[0133] The cavity 135 can have a depth large enough to accommodate a shock-absorbing element 150 of sufficient thickness to cushion the heel when the foot strikes the ground.
[0134] In this embodiment example, the depth P of the cavity 135 in a direction perpendicular Z to the biomechanical element 130 can be between 2 and 20 mm, and for example between 4 and 10 mm, preferably between 5 and 8 mm, and as an example equal to 6 mm.
[0135] Preferably, the damping element 150 housed in the cavity 135 is flush with the opening of the cavity 135 in the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134 of the biomechanical element 130.
[0136] Thus, the shock-absorbing element 150 forms a continuous flat surface in the plane formed by the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134 under the user's heel.
[0137] The thickness of the damping element 150 in the direction perpendicular Z to the biomechanical element 130 is then substantially equal to the depth P of the cavity 135.
[0138] This damping element 150 is in this embodiment cylindrical in shape with an oval cross-section.
[0139] Of course, the shape of this damping element 150 may be different, and by For example, it can be cylindrical with a circular cross-section, or teardrop-shaped, or horseshoe-shaped.
[0140] The positioning of the shock-absorbing element 150 in the cavity 135 of the rear part 134 of the biomechanical element is such that the cushioning begins at the heel strike on the ground, i.e. at the postero-extreme part of the heel.
[0141] The shock-absorbing element 150 thus forms an insert at the heel. It preferably extends under the plantar surface of the heel and terminates at the anterior part of the heel.
[0142] Alternatively, the shock-absorbing element 150 can form a slight overthickness on the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134 when positioned in the cavity 135 of the biomechanical element 130.
[0143] By way of non-limiting example, when the cavity 135 has a depth P of the order of 6 mm, the thickness of the shock-absorbing element 150 can be of the order of 8 mm and form an overthickness of 2 mm on the upper surface 134a of the rear portion 134, under the heel.
[0144] Thus, the shock-absorbing element 150 corresponds in anatomical terms to an active biomechanical element, from the posterior part of the heel to the anterior part of the heel, during the impact of the step on the ground or during standing.
[0145] It limits the forces of restitution from the ground at the moment of impact of the foot during the heel strike phase and it thus reduces the risks of injury related to this phenomenon.
[0146] The damping element 150 can be made of a different material than the material of the biomechanical element 130.
[0147] The choice of material for the shock-absorbing element 150 is guided by two functions: foot support comfort and cushioning when the foot strikes the ground.
[0148] it can thus be made of a damping material of the type of a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) chosen for damping properties, called TPU Absorb.
[0149] The damping element 150 can for example be made of Noene® or Sorbothane®.
[0150] The biomechanical element 130 can be made of a material of the type Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Polyurethane (PU), Poly Ethylene (PE) or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or any other suitable material.
[0151] Preferably, it is made of semi-rigid TPU for good load distribution in the sole and good control of foot support.
[0152] Its density varies from 120 kg / m3 to 150 kg / m3.
[0153] Furthermore, its Shore A hardness is between 25 and 90, preferably between 40 and 80, and preferably between 50 and 70.
[0154] As illustrated in figures 8 to 10, the biomechanical element 130 is fixed to a front part of footbed 140.
[0155] The front part of the footbed 140 is preferably formed from a different material of the material of the biomechanical element 130.
[0156] The front part of foot bed 140 can be made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), chosen for its energy restitution properties, called TPU Rebound.
[0157] As illustrated in figures 9 and 10, the front part of the footbed 140 extends in line with the biomechanical element 130.
[0158] It has a substantially flat shape and includes overthicknesses of material, of complementary shape on the one hand to the groove 133' formed at the front of the third support means 133 and on the other hand to the recess 132' formed at the front end of the second support means and the first support means 131.
[0159] The front part of the footbed 140 thus extends partially under the biomechanical element 130 and extends the midsole 13 towards the front of the sole 10. The front part of the footbed 140 provides assistance in the propulsion of the front of the foot during walking.
[0160] The front part of the footbed 140 and the biomechanical element 130 can be fixed to each other by plastic molding.
[0161] By combining the front part of the footbed 140 with the biomechanical element 130, a technical unit of the midsole 13 is created.
[0162] The shoe 1 thus formed has the particularity of having an intermediate sole 13 which, while forming a technical unit, can be composed of three types of materials with different biomechanical properties and densities.
[0163] Furthermore, the manufacture of the midsole 13 is made easier and less expensive, by allowing the use of a single mold to accommodate the biomechanical element 130, the front part of the footbed 140 and the shock-absorbing element 150.
[0164] The different distinct layers or soles 11, 12, 13 are joined together, for example by gluing.
[0165] One can, without limitation, use for example ultrasonic welding to join the first sole 11, the cover sole 12 and the intermediate sole 13.
[0166] Of course, the examples of implementation given above are not exhaustive.
[0167] The midsole 13 described above is only one possible embodiment of the invention. The foot support means at the front of the shoe could also cooperate with support means at the rear of the foot (not shown).
[0168] As previously stated, the sole 10 can be integrated into any type of shoe, open or closed.
Claims
Demands
1. A sole comprising at least two superimposed layers, a first layer called the sock layer (12) and a second layer called the walking layer (11), the sock layer (12) being adapted to be in contact with the foot of a user and the walking layer (11) being adapted to be in contact with the ground, said sole (10) comprising a biomechanical element (130) disposed between said sock layer (12) and said walking layer (11), said biomechanical element (130) comprising at least three foot support elements formed in a single piece of the same material, a first support element (131) being a portion of material adapted to be disposed under the head of the first metatarsal of the foot,a second support element (132) being a portion of material adapted to be disposed in the region of the internal plantar arch of the foot and a third support element (133) being a portion of material disposed as an external counter-support to said sole (10), the junction of the second support element (132) and the third support element (133) forming a support for the longitudinal medial arch of the foot, characterized in that the biomechanical element (130) further comprises a rear portion (134) adapted to be disposed in the region of the heel of the sole (10), said rear portion (134) comprising a cavity (135) housing a shock-absorbing element (150).
2. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that said rear portion (134) extends in line with the second support element (132), the third support element (133) and said junction forming a support for the longitudinal median arch of the foot.
3. Sole according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said rear portion (134) comprises an upper surface (134a) adapted to be in contact with the heel of the foot and a peripheral rim (134b) projecting from said upper surface (134a) of the rear portion (134).
4. Sole according to claim 3, characterized in that the shock-absorbing element (150) housed in said cavity (135) is flush with the opening of the cavity (135) in said upper surface (134a) of the rear portion (134).
5. Sole according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shock-absorbing element (150) is made of a material different from the material of the biomechanical element (130).
6. Insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle part of the biomechanical element (130), at the junction of the second support element (132) and the third support element (133), is convex from the back to the front of the insole (10).
7. Sole according to claim 6, characterized in that the biomechanical element (130) is concave transversely, along the transverse direction (Y) of the sole (10).
8. Insole according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biomechanical element (130) is fixed to a front part of footbed (140), said front part of footbed (140) being formed in a material different from the material of the biomechanical element (130).
9. Shoe comprising a sole (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.