Sole for a Running Shoe with Channel Cushioning

Abstract

The invention relates to a sole for a running shoe comprising a soft-elastic midsole (1) which has an underside (2), at least part of which comes into contact with the ground during travel on foot. The midsole comprises multiple channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) which extend in a transverse direction and are arranged in a lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1) in a horizontal plane. At least one portion of the channels (3a, 3b) is arranged in the forefoot region (VFB) and / or at least one portion of the channels is arranged in the midfoot region (MFB) and / or at least one portion of the channels is arranged in the heel region (FB) of the midsole. The channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are each delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) by a front wall (31) and a rear wall (32) and have an elongated shape in cross-section along the direction of travel. Furthermore, the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) can, under the action of forces acting vertically and / or in the longitudinal direction during travel on foot, be deformed vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction until they are closed.

Description

[0001] Running shoe sole with channel cushioning

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to the field of shoe technology, in particular for sports and leisure shoes, and concerns a sole for a running shoe, as well as the use of a sole for the manufacture of a running shoe.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] A wide variety of running shoes with different cushioning systems are known in the current state of the art. Sports and leisure shoes with soles featuring a gel core in the heel area to provide vertical cushioning upon impact are widespread. Further improvements in vertical cushioning properties have been achieved by placing individual spring elements in the heel area between the outsole and the insole.

[0006] While the aforementioned insoles improve the vertical cushioning properties of the shoes, they do not provide satisfactory cushioning from the horizontal forces acting on the sole and shoe. Forces with a large horizontal component occur more frequently, especially on downhill slopes, and due to insufficient cushioning, they are one of the main causes of common knee and hip pain.

[0007] From WO 201 6 1 84 920 of the applicant, a sole is known which has downwardly projecting, laterally open, segmented, and channel-shaped elements. Under the influence of the forces occurring during walking, the channel-shaped elements are deformable both vertically and horizontally until their lateral openings close. The segmentation of the sole also segments the cushioning effect, creating areas of the sole that are either undamped or less cushioned.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] In many sporting activities, such as running, the shoe makes initial contact with the ground at the heel. This means that the passive forces acting on the shoe in this area are significantly greater than in the forefoot or midfoot. Passive force refers to the force exerted upon impact, while active force, for example, refers to the force exerted by the wearer during push-off. To compensate for this, running shoes generally feature particularly pronounced cushioning in the heel area. While such a design ensures at least sufficient vertical cushioning, the pronounced cushioning negatively impacts the overall weight of the shoe. Consequently, running shoes known to the current state of the art either exhibit unsatisfactory cushioning and / or are heavy.Another disadvantage of well-known running shoe soles is their limited durability. With extended use, a significant loss of cushioning is often observed. This is frequently caused by fatigue of the cushioning material.

[0010] The general object of the invention is therefore to further develop the state of the art in the field of running shoes and preferably to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In advantageous embodiments, a sole with improved cushioning is provided, which preferably has a low weight.

[0011] In further embodiments, a sole with a cushioning effect is provided, which exhibits improved durability over a longer period. The general object of the invention is solved in a general manner by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the disclosure as a whole. The inventive sole for a running shoe comprises a soft, elastic midsole which has an underside that comes into at least partial contact with the ground during running. The midsole also has several transversely extending channels arranged in a horizontal plane in a lateral region of the midsole. At least a portion of the channels (3a, 3b) are located in the forefoot region (FBF) and / or at least a portion of the channels are located in the midfoot region (MBF) and / or at least a portion of the channels are located in the heel region (HBF) of the midsole. The channels are each bounded in the running direction by an anterior wall and a posterior wall and each has an elongated cross-sectional shape along the running direction.Under the influence of vertical and / or longitudinal forces occurring during running, the channels are deformable vertically and longitudinally up to the closure. Due to the elongated shape of the channels in the longitudinal direction, a significantly improved cushioning effect is achieved compared to channels without such an elongated shape, e.g., a circular or square cross-section, without causing a feeling of instability due to a significant loss of stability caused by the channels. In a running shoe sole according to the invention, the channel cushioning of the midsole works in conjunction with the material-induced cushioning of the soft elastic midsole. The elongated shape of the channels ensures that the cushioning effects are optimally coordinated. Compared to other cushioning systems, such as gel cushions, the channels offer the advantage of significantly reducing the weight of the running shoe.Directional terms as used in this disclosure are to be understood as follows: A horizontal plane of the sole describes a plane that is substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. It is also understood that the horizontal plane may be slightly curved. This may be the case, for example, if the sole, as is typical for running shoes, is slightly curved upwards vertically at the forefoot and / or heel. The longitudinal direction L of the sole is described by an axis from the heel to the forefoot and thus extends along the longitudinal axis of the sole. The transverse direction Q of the sole runs parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the underside of the sole, or substantially parallel to the ground. Thus, the transverse direction runs along a transverse axis of the midsole.In the context of the present invention, the vertical direction V denotes a direction from the underside of the sole towards the insole, or in the operational state towards the foot of the wearer, and thus runs along a vertical axis of the midsole.

[0013] Furthermore, the lateral area of ​​the midsole refers to a region along the lateral inner and outer sides of the midsole of a running shoe pair, extending in the direction of the midsole's longitudinal axis. Typically, the horizontal extent of the lateral area is a few centimeters, for example, 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. The medial area of ​​the midsole refers to a region along the longitudinal axis in the center of the midsole, extending transversely across the midsole. Typically, the horizontal extent of the medial area is a few centimeters, for example, 0.1 to 5 cm, preferably 0.5 to 3 cm. It is understood that the horizontal extent of the lateral and medial areas can vary depending on the shoe size.

[0014] For the purposes of the present invention, a channel is understood to be a recess, which is typically tubular in shape. The channels run transversely to the sole, i.e., they are essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel and are parallel to the running surface or the ground. Generally, a channel is wholly or partially bounded by channel walls. Typically, the channels are empty. However, it is also possible for the channels to be filled in some embodiments, for example, with an elastically deformable foam or with a gas.

[0015] According to the present invention, the channels are each bounded by a front and a rear wall. Furthermore, the channels can have an upper and a lower wall. A wall can be formed by a flat surface, or, in particular, the front and rear walls by two or more surfaces that form one or more fold edges. The term "fold edge" also includes embodiments that are slightly rounded and therefore not completely angular. Such a fold edge consequently runs along the channel and thus in the transverse direction of the midsole and essentially parallel to the direction of travel.

[0016] It is clear to the expert that the deformability of the channels may include, for example, the vertical joining of the channel walls and / or the shearability of the channel in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the phrase "underside that comes into contact with the ground when walking" also includes embodiments in which the midsole is coated with another lower layer, for example, a full-surface or segmented outsole. In such cases, contact with the ground is established at least partially by means of such an outsole.

[0018] The elongated shape of the channels in the transverse direction can, for example, have a square or oval cross-section.

[0019] Preferably, the midsole has a plurality of channels, in particular at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, or at least 8 channels. In preferred embodiments, the channels have lateral openings in the lateral region of the midsole. Preferably, the channels are deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction under the influence of forces acting vertically and / or longitudinally during walking, until the lateral openings are closed. Typically, the upper and lower channel walls can contact each other under the influence of the forces occurring during walking.

[0020] In further embodiments, at least some of the channels are arranged in the heel area, and additionally, some of the channels are arranged in the forefoot area and / or some of the channels in the midfoot area of ​​the midsole. Preferably, at least some of the channels are arranged in the forefoot area, some in the midfoot area, and some in the heel area of ​​the midsole. In such embodiments, at least one channel is thus arranged in each of the heel, midfoot, and forefoot areas. Since some of the channels are arranged in the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas of the midsole, the channels are preferably distributed substantially across the entire midsole. This allows the weight of the sole to be reduced by means of the cutouts.Furthermore, it has been shown that it is quite advantageous for the running feel, especially for the cushioning effect, if channels are arranged not only in the heel and midfoot areas, but also in the forefoot area. In some designs, the channels are completely enclosed by the midsole, at least in the lateral area, thereby optimizing the overall cushioning effect, which consists of the cushioning effect of the soft elastic material of the midsole and the effect of the channels.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least some of the channels are located in the heel area and at least some of the channels are located in the forefoot area. The channels in the heel area have a greater channel height than the channels in the forefoot area. The passive forces that occur during running and need to be dampened are typically greatest when the heel strikes the ground, so a targeted increase in the damping effect in this area by increasing the channel height is advantageous. The channel height is defined as the greatest vertical distance between the channel boundaries, in particular the channel walls, within a channel.

[0022] In further embodiments, the channels in the heel area and / or in the forefoot area and / or in the midfoot area are arranged in a single florizonal plane. Thus, in such embodiments, all channels of the sole lie, at least in the lateral area, in a single florizonal plane.

[0023] In some embodiments, the channels have a substantially hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section. Typically, at least one corner of the pentagon or flexagon is arranged longitudinally, i.e., in or against the direction of travel. For example, a corner of the pentagon or flexagon can be arranged in the direction of travel towards the toe of the sole or against the direction of travel towards the heel of the sole. Additionally, the pentagon or flexagon can exhibit asymmetry; for example, the sides of the pentagon or flexagon in the direction of travel, i.e., sides that run substantially parallel to the ground, can be longer than the other sides of the pentagon or flexagon. This gives the channels, among other things, the elongated shape according to the invention. Particularly preferably, the channels have two sides in cross-section that are substantially parallel to each other and to the ground or underside. These sides correspond to the upper and lower walls of the channel.The angular cross-sectional shape of the channels has positive effects on their deformability. The hexagonal shape is particularly well-suited for improving this deformability. Consequently, the deformability of each individual channel can be flexibly and individually adapted to its position and the specific forces acting upon it. In further embodiments, the front and rear walls of at least one channel each have a front and a rear folding edge. These front and rear folding edges are positioned in the direction of travel, towards the toe of the sole, and against the direction of travel, towards the heel edge of the sole.

[0024] 5 In some embodiments, the ratio of the channel height to the channel width in the lateral region of the midsole of each channel is in the range of 0.1 to 0.6, preferably 0.2 to 0.4. The channel width is defined by the greatest horizontal distance of the channel boundary within a channel.

[0025] Preferably, the ratio of channel height to channel width in the lateral region of the midsole of each channel is greater in the heel area than in the forefoot area. For example, the ratio in the heel area can be 0.35 to 0.4 and the ratio in the forefoot area 0.2 to 0.3.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the heel area the channel width of each channel in the lateral area, particularly in the area of ​​the lateral openings, can be 1.5 to 20 mm and the channel height of each channel in the lateral area, particularly in the area of ​​the lateral openings, can be 5 to 1.0 mm.

[0027] In further embodiments, the channel width of each channel in the forefoot area, particularly in the area of ​​the lateral openings, can be 9 to 16 mm, particularly 10 to 14 mm, and the channel height of each channel in the lateral area, particularly in the area of ​​the lateral openings, can be 1 to 5 mm, particularly 2 to 4 mm. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the channel height and width can vary depending on the shoe size.

[0028] In some embodiments, the channels taper from the lateral to the medial region of the midsole. For example, the cross-section or cross-sectional area of ​​each channel in the medial region may be 8 to 20% smaller than in the lateral region, particularly in the area of ​​the lateral openings. Thus, each channel in the area of ​​the lateral openings has a greater width and / or height in the lateral region than in the medial region. In particular, the ratio of the channel height to the channel width of each channel may be greater in the lateral region than in the medial region of the respective channel.

[0029] In further embodiments, the channels are fully compressible when running under a force of 1,000 N to 3,000 N, preferably 1,500 N to 2,000 N.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sole features an incompressible elastic plate, which preferably extends over the entire midsole. Such a plate can extend over the heel, midfoot, and forefoot areas. Typically, the plate is a continuous plate, meaning it has no cutouts. The plate can be arranged vertically above the soft elastic midsole, thus covering it at least partially or completely. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the channels, preferably those in the forefoot area, are bounded on one side by the elastic incompressible plate in a medial region of the midsole.Since the required cushioning effect in the forefoot area is significantly less than in the heel and midfoot areas, the overall weight of such designs can be reduced by saving midsole material without significantly impairing the cushioning effect. In general, the elastic incompressible plate has the advantage of supporting the push-off phase during running, as the plate is stretched during running and returns to its original shape during the push-off. Thus, the runner has to exert less force per push-off than without the elastic incompressible plate. In some embodiments, the midsole has a groove extending longitudinally from the heel area to at least the midfoot area. The groove can have a depth of 1 cm to 3 cm, preferably 1.8 to 2.5 cm.A person skilled in the art understands that the depth of the groove can vary depending on the shoe size. In cross-section, transverse to the sole, the groove can be V-shaped. Preferably, the cross-section has a step, with the angle between the tread and the groove being between 40° and 60° in the tread area and between 75° and 90° at the step. This prevents stones from becoming trapped in the groove. In general, the groove has the advantage of allowing for significant material savings in the midsole, essentially without compromising stability. For example, the width of the groove can be 2 to 3 cm in the tread area and narrow to 0.5 to 1.5 cm, preferably 0.7 to 0.9 cm, in the vertical direction. A person skilled in the art understands that the width of the groove can vary depending on the shoe size.In embodiments with an elastic, incompressible plate, the channel can be directly bounded by the plate. Thus, the incompressible elastic plate is directly exposed to the environment, at least in the area of ​​the channel.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a running shoe comprising a sole according to one of the embodiments described herein. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sole according to one of the embodiments described herein for the manufacture of a running shoe.

[0032] Brief explanation of the characters

[0033] Aspects of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description. The embodiments shown in the figures are not to be understood as limiting the invention described in the claims.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a view of the underside of the sole shown in Figure 1, wherein the

[0035] The sole is shown in the opposite direction;

[0036] Figure 3 shows a schematic section in the transverse direction (along AA according to the figure).

[0037] 2) according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Ways to Implement the Invention The schematic side view shown in Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sole for a running shoe with a soft, elastic midsole 1. The soft, elastic midsole is shown in an external view and has an underside 2 that comes into contact with the ground B (shown as a dashed line) during running. Furthermore, the midsole 1 comprises eight channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d extending in the transverse direction Q in a lateral region of the midsole (for clarity, not all channels of the inventive sole shown are labeled). Figure 1 shows the lateral region of the midsole in a side view. The channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are arranged in a single florizonal plane as shown.Since the sole is slightly curved upwards at the toe 7 in the vertical direction V, the first florizontal plane exhibits a slight curvature, in this case a convex curvature when viewed from the ground. The coordinate system makes it clear that the florizontal plane lies essentially, i.e., disregarding the slight vertical curvature of the midsole, in the plane of the transverse Q and longitudinal L directions of the midsole. In the embodiment shown, the channels extend over the entire length of the soft elastic midsole. Thus, a first part of the channels 3a, 3b is located in the heel area, a second part of the channels 3c in the midfoot area, and a third part of the channels 3d in the forefoot area.

[0039] Channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d each have a lateral opening in the lateral region of the midsole 1. In the operational state, the openings can be deformed by the forces generated during walking until they close. This closure can occur primarily through vertical deformation and / or also through horizontal deformation in the longitudinal direction, i.e., through shearing of the channels. Channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are also completely bounded in the lateral region of the midsole 1 by the soft elastic midsole 1. Thus, all channel walls in the lateral region are formed by the soft elastic midsole. Each of channels 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d has an anterior wall 31 and a posterior wall 32. Furthermore, the channels in the lateral region of the soft elastic midsole 1 have a hexagonal cross-section. One corner of the hexagon faces in the direction of walking, and the other corner faces in the opposite direction.Each hexagon is asymmetrically shaped, as its longitudinal sides are longer than the other sides. The channel therefore has an elongated and flat shape. Furthermore, both the front wall 31 and the rear wall 32 of the channels each have a fold edge 33. In cross-section, these fold edges correspond to the corners of the hexagon located towards the toe 7 and the heel edge 4, respectively, in the direction of travel. Figure 2 shows a view of the underside 2 of a midsole 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. It also illustrates a division of the midsole into a forefoot area (VFB), a midfoot area (MFB), and a heel area (FB). This division serves only as a guideline for those skilled in the art and is not intended to define the exact boundaries of the areas. The midsole 1 shown has a groove 6 extending from the heel area into the midfoot area. The groove faces the ground B, i.e.,h. In the view shown in Figure 2, the groove 6 is open towards the viewer and is bounded on the lateral flanks by the soft elastic midsole 1 and on the base by an elastic incompressible plate 5. It is also evident that the lateral flanks are inclined, so that the groove 6 is essentially V-shaped and open towards the viewer. In the embodiment shown, the groove 6 extends through the entire midsole 1, i.e., from the heel area FB through the midfoot area MFB to the forefoot area VFB. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a sole according to the invention for a running shoe with a soft elastic midsole 1. Figure 3 also shows a schematic division of the midsole into the lateral area LB and the medial area MB. These areas extend in the transverse and longitudinal directions as well as vertically. However, the arrows shown do not define precise boundaries between the areas.Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the midsole 1 through the channel 3b of the first horizontal plane, which is completely bounded laterally by the soft elastic midsole 1. The sole comprises the elastic incompressible plate 5, which bounds the groove 6 in the medial region and is exposed to the surrounding environment in the medial region. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that the groove has a funnel-shaped cross-section in the transverse direction and features a step. The first angle α between the underside 2 and the groove in the area of ​​the underside, or running surface, is approximately 55°. At the step, the second angle β between the underside 2 and the upper boundary of the groove is approximately 85°.

[0040] List of reference symbols

[0041] 1 Soft elastic midsole

[0042] 2 Underside

[0043] 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d channels

[0044] 5 4 Heel edge

[0045] 5 plate

[0046] 6 gully

[0047] 7 Sole tip

[0048] 3 1 Front wall

[0049] 0 32 Rear wall

[0050] 33 Folding edge

[0051] B Floor

[0052] FB heel area

[0053] L Longitudinal direction

[0054] 5 lb lateral area

[0055] MB media area

[0056] M FB Midfoot area

[0057] Q transverse direction

[0058] V Vertical direction

[0059] 0 VFB forefoot area

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sole for a running shoe with a soft elastic midsole ( 1 ) which has an underside ( 2 ) which comes into at least partial contact with the ground during running, wherein the midsole (2 ) has several channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) extending in the transverse direction (Q), wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are arranged in a lateral The area (LB) of the midsole (1) is arranged in a horizontal plane, and wherein at least a portion of the channels (3a, 3b) is arranged in the forefoot area (VFB) and / or a portion of the channels in the midfoot area (MFB) and / or a portion of the channels in the heel area (FB) of the midsole (1), and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are each bounded longitudinally (L) by an anterior wall (31) and a posterior wall (32), wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have an elongated shape in cross-section along the running direction, and the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are deformable vertically in the longitudinal direction (L) up to the point of closure under the influence of vertically and / or longitudinally acting forces occurring during running. 2.Sole according to claim 1, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have lateral openings in the lateral region (LB) of the midsole (1), and wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are preferably deformable vertically and / or horizontally in the longitudinal direction (L) under the influence of forces acting vertically and / or in the longitudinal direction (L) during walking until the lateral openings are closed.

3. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the channels (3d) in the heel area and at least part of the channels in the forefoot area (VFB) and / or part of the channels ( 3c) in the midfoot area ( M FB) is located.

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

5. Sole according to one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, wherein the channels (3a, 3b) in the heel area ( FB) have a greater channel height than the channels (3d) in the forefoot area (VFB).

6. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are located in the heel area ( FB) and optionally the channels are located in the forefoot area (VFB) and / or in the The midfoot area (M FB) is arranged in a single florizonal plane.

7. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) have a substantially hexagonal and / or pentagonal cross-section.

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

9. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the channel height to the channel width of each channel (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) is in the range of 0.15 to 0.6, preferably 0.2 to 0.

4.

10. Sole according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channels (3a, 3b, 3c and 3d) are fully compressible when walking under a force of 1000 N to 3000 N, preferably 1500 N to 2000 N. 1 1. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole has an incompressible elastic plate ( 5) which preferably extends over the entire midsole ( 1 ). 1 2. Sole according to claim 9, wherein at least a part of the channels ( 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d), preferably the channels ( 3d) in the forefoot area (FFO), are located in a medial area (MB) of the midsole (2) is limited on one side by the elastic incompressible plate (5). 1 3. Sole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the midsole ( 1 ) has a groove (6) extending from the heel area ( FB) to at least the midfoot area ( M FB) in the longitudinal direction ( L).

14. Running shoe comprising a sole according to any of the preceding claims. 1 5. Use of a sole according to one of the preceding claims for the manufacture of a running shoe.

Images