Shoe sole and shoe

Abstract

To provide a sole for shoes, in particular the sole for sports shoes, and shoes having the sole.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment of the invention, a sole for shoes having a cushioning element and a protecting element, in particular the sole for sports shoes is provided. The sole includes a first part region and a second part region. The cushioning element has rigidity higher in the first part region than in the second part region. In landing on a ground surface with the sole, the protecting element has a contact area with the ground surface that is larger in the first part region than in the second part region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to shoes, in particular to soles for sports shoes, and shoes provided with such soles.

Background Art

[0002] The design of shoe soles can provide shoes with a plurality of different characteristics that can be developed to varying degrees depending on the type of shoe.

[0003] First, shoe soles typically have a protective function. The shoe sole protects the foot from injuries caused by pointed objects, for example, that the wearer may step on, due to its higher hardness compared to the shoe shaft. Further, shoe soles typically protect the shoes from excessive use due to their higher wear resistance. Further, the shoe sole enhances the grip of the shoe on each ground, thereby facilitating faster movement. These functions can be provided, for example, by an outsole.

[0004] A further function of the shoe sole can be to provide the foot with a certain degree of stability during the walking cycle. Further, the shoe sole can have a cushioning effect that absorbs the force acting, for example, during the impact of the shoe with the ground, where it is advantageous if the energy expended due to the deformation of the sole is at least partially returned to the wearer's foot and thereby not lost. These functions can be provided, for example, by a midsole.

[0005] For this purpose, for example, German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2012 206 094 A1 ​​​​​​​​​​​and European Patent Application Publication No. 2 649 896 A2 describe methods for the manufacture of shoe soles and those shoe soles are provided with randomly oriented particles of a foamed material, in particular foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), and are characterized by a specific high energy return to the wearer's foot. Further, International Publication No. 2005 / 066250 A1 describes a method for the manufacture of shoes in which the shoe shaft is adhesively connected to a sole based on foamed thermoplastic urethane.

[0006] However, a drawback of conventional soles is that they often comprise a midsole or an outsole, but are uniformly designed and do not adequately adapt to the various loads acting on the sole and the wearer's musculoskeletal system during the various stages of the walking cycle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, based on the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved shoe sole, particularly for sports shoes, which is more appropriately adapted to the loads occurring during the walking cycle and acting on the sole and the wearer's musculoskeletal system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is at least partially solved by a sole for shoes, in particular for sports shoes, comprising a cushioning element and a protection element. Here, the sole has a first partial region and a second partial region, the cushioning element has a higher rigidity in the first partial region than in the second partial region, and when the sole lands on the ground, the protection element has a larger contact area with the ground in the first partial region than in the second partial region. The various stages of the walking cycle are characterized by the various loads on the sole of the shoe, as well as on the wearer's foot and musculoskeletal system. For example, during the impact of the foot, a large impact force may act, and this impact force should be cushioned and attenuated by the sole in order to prevent overexertion of the musculoskeletal system and thus injury. On the other hand, during the step-off, the foot should be supported in such a way that the force exerted by the wearer can be transmitted directly to the ground as much as possible in order to facilitate the dynamic step-off. For this purpose, the sole should not be "too soft" in the sole area where the step-off mainly occurs, but should ensure good grip on the ground and also sufficiently stabilize the wearer's foot. This object can be achieved by the sole according to the invention by arranging a first partial region having a higher rigidity and a larger contact area with the ground in the region of the sole where the step-off mainly takes place at the end of the walking cycle, thereby facilitating the dynamic step-off. For example, by improving the contact with the ground and by the larger contact area with the ground, stability is increased. When the sole lands on the ground, the protection element has a larger contact area with the ground in the first partial region than in the second partial region.

[0010] The various stages of the walking cycle are characterized by the various loads on the sole of the shoe, as well as on the wearer's foot and musculoskeletal system. For example, during the impact of the foot, a large impact force may act, and this impact force should be cushioned and attenuated by the sole in order to prevent overexertion of the musculoskeletal system and thus injury. On the other hand, during the step-off, the foot should be supported in such a way that the force exerted by the wearer can be transmitted directly to the ground as much as possible in order to facilitate the dynamic step-off. For this purpose, the sole should not be "too soft" in the sole area where the step-off mainly occurs, but should ensure good grip on the ground and also sufficiently stabilize the wearer's foot.

[0011] These requirements can be met by the sole according to the invention by arranging a first partial region having a higher rigidity and a larger contact area with the ground in the region of the sole where the step-off mainly takes place at the end of the walking cycle, thereby facilitating the dynamic step-off. For example, by improving the contact with the ground and by the larger contact area with the ground, stability is increased. ​​​​​​To achieve this, the first partial region can extend towards the medial side of the sole.

[0012] On the other hand, the second part area, which has a smaller stiffness, is the soft part where the foot mainly comes into contact with the ground during impact. The reduced stiffness can be used to reduce impact forces. For example, the second partial area can absorb or cushion at least a portion of the contact between the foot and the ground. It can extend to the lateral side of the sole where contact may occur during a crash.

[0013] According to the intended main use of the shoe, the first and second part areas and optionally It is further noted that the further sub-regions may be arranged in different ways. Therefore, by suitable arrangement of the sub-regions, the properties of the shoe and its sole can be adjusted e.g. sports-specific forces and gait characteristics typically encountered during the performance of such sports activities. can be adapted to

[0014] In this regard, during different phases of the gait cycle, the protective element may come into contact with the ground in different areas. while other areas are not in contact with the ground at a given stage, and the protective element is in contact with the ground. It should be noted that the area can "move along the sole" during the gait cycle. Therefore, when the sole strikes the ground, the first partial area is more susceptible to shock than the second partial area. When referring to a protective element that has a contact area with the ground that is larger than the , the total contact area of the sole with the ground in the first and second partial regions, respectively. Alternatively, it may be suggested that the gait may be affected at a specific point during the gait cycle, e.g., at the point of impact with the ground. At the time of take-off, or at the time of foot take-off, the sole of the foot touches the ground in the first and second partial areas, respectively. It is possible to suggest the contact area that contacts the surface.

[0015] It is mentioned again that the sole may have three or more partial regions. Between these regions, the rigidity of the buffer element protection and the contact area of the protection element are different, whereby more precise control of the characteristics of the sole may be possible. The sole comprises, for example, three such partial regions or four such partial regions, etc. Between those regions, the rigidity of the buffer element protection and the contact area of the protection element are different, whereby more precise control of the characteristics of the sole may be possible. The sole comprises, for example, three such partial regions or four such partial regions, etc. Between those regions, the rigidity of the buffer element protection and the contact area of the protection element are different, whereby more precise control of the characteristics of the sole may be possible. The sole comprises, for example, three such partial regions or four such partial regions, etc. Between those regions, the rigidity of the buffer element protection and the contact area of the protection element are different, whereby more precise control of the characteristics of the sole may be possible. The sole comprises, for example, three such partial regions or four such partial regions, etc.

[0016] In the following, further design possibilities and optional features of the sole according to the present invention are described. They can be combined by those skilled in the art as desired in order to achieve their respective desired effects with respect to the influence on the characteristics of the sole. They can be combined by those skilled in the art as desired in order to achieve their respective desired effects with respect to the influence on the characteristics of the sole.

[0017] For example, the protection element can be arranged directly under or directly on the buffer element.

[0018] On the other hand, this enables the provision of a sole that is compact and not structurally complex. Furthermore, by arranging the protection element directly on the buffer element, a particularly beneficial interaction between the buffer element and the protection element can be realized, whereby the above-mentioned desired influence on the characteristics of different partial regions of the sole can be particularly effectively exerted. On the other hand, this enables the provision of a sole that is compact and not structurally complex. Furthermore, by arranging the protection element directly on the buffer element, a particularly beneficial interaction between the buffer element and the protection element can be realized, whereby the above-mentioned desired influence on the characteristics of different partial regions of the sole can be particularly effectively exerted. On the other hand, this enables the provision of a sole that is compact and not structurally complex. Furthermore, by arranging the protection element directly on the buffer element, a particularly beneficial interaction between the buffer element and the protection element can be realized, whereby the above-mentioned desired influence on the characteristics of different partial regions of the sole can be particularly effectively exerted. On the other hand, this enables the provision of a sole that is compact and not structurally complex. Furthermore, by arranging the protection element directly on the buffer element, a particularly beneficial interaction between the buffer element and the protection element can be realized, whereby the above-mentioned desired influence on the characteristics of different partial regions of the sole can be particularly effectively exerted.

[0019] In particular, it is conceivable that the buffer element is provided as a midsole or part of a midsole. Also, the protection element can be provided as an outsole or part of an outsole. In particular, it is conceivable that the buffer element is provided as a midsole or part of a midsole. Also, the protection element can be provided as an outsole or part of an outsole. In particular, it is conceivable that the buffer element is provided as a midsole or part of a midsole. Also, the protection element can be provided as an outsole or part of an outsole.

[0020] Especially in the case of sports shoes, anyway, since the midsole and the outsole are usually designed with respect to the configuration of the sole, such an embodiment is an additional component of the sole. Especially in the case of sports shoes, anyway, since the midsole and the outsole are usually designed with respect to the configuration of the sole, such an embodiment is an additional component of the sole. It can enable implementation in a suitable manner. In particular, the buffer element forms the midsole, while it is possible for the protection element to form the outsole. In this case, furthermore, if the outsole is directly arranged under the midsole, it is particularly simple, compact, and an inexpensive sole configuration may be obtained.

[0021] However, in principle, it is also possible for the midsole and / or the outsole to comprise further components or elements. For example, the midsole can comprise a frame or a similar element at the edge of the sole.

[0022] It is further possible for the buffer element to have a greater density in a first partial region than in a second partial region.

[0023] The greater density of the buffer element in the first partial region automatically results in a greater rigidity in the first partial region, and at the same time, by, for example, the filling height of the mold used in the production in each part of the mold, or by a suitable change in the base material used in the production, it has the advantage that the density of the buffer element in each of the first and second partial regions can be controlled in a particularly simple manner during production.

[0024] In particular, it is conceivable that the buffer element is provided as one integral piece.

[0025] However, it is also conceivable that the buffer element comprises two (or more) individual partial elements, wherein the first partial element is mainly arranged within the first partial region of the sole, and the second partial element is at least mainly arranged within the second partial region of the sole.

[0026] This enables the provision of a cushioning element that can facilitate the manufacture of the cushioning element and that cannot be manufactured integrally or that can only be manufactured with very high manufacturing effort. When a first partial element is "at least mainly" arranged within a first partial region of the sole, this means, for example, that the first partial element is arranged within the first partial region over more than 50%, more than 80%, or more than 90% (relative to the total area occupied by the first partial element, for example inside the sole), although some percentage may extend into, for example, a second partial region or another (partial) region of the sole. The same applies to the second partial region. Here, the first partial element and the second partial element can be connected to each other, for example, by additional means such as adhesion, welding, fusion, or any other connecting means, for example, within the region where the first partial element and the second partial element are in contact with each other. Alternatively, the first partial element and the second partial element do not have an integral connection and are positioned relative to each other by the protection element / outsole and, optionally, a further part of the sole, such as an insole. In particular, it is possible for the cushioning element to comprise randomly oriented particles of a foam material, in particular expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU) or expanded polyether - block - amide (ePEBA). A cushioning element formed from randomly oriented particles of a foam material, in particular eTPU and / or ePEBA, which may be integrally fused at the surface, for example, is particularly suitable for the walking cycle

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The energy dissipated in deforming the sole during walking is particularly high energy return to the wearer's foot characterized by a turn, and thus, for example, the performance and endurance of the wearer can be supported.

[0030] Furthermore, the cushioning element may comprise a reinforcing element.

[0031] Such a reinforcing element can further serve the purpose of locally influencing the properties of the sole and providing additional stability to the sole, especially in individual regions. In this regard, in order to prevent over-rotation of the foot during landing and further such movements, a reinforcing element can be envisaged, especially in the ball area of the foot, especially on the central side of the ball of the foot. Such a reinforcing element can be made of a plastic material, a foil material, a textile material, a material composed of the above materials in a layered configuration, etc.

[0032] Here, the reinforcing element can extend within a first partial region of the sole and within a second partial region of the sole.

[0033] In this way, especially in the case of a cushioning element formed from individually manufactured partial elements, a bonding effect can be achieved, so that the sole provides a continuous and smooth wearing sensation during the walking cycle and does not have a step-like change in the properties of the sole that would impair the comfort.

[0034] The protective element is more difficult to deform in the first partial region than in the second partial region and may be particularly rigid against bending. Also, the extension of the cushioning element, especially the extension of the midsole, can be limited according to the desired stability for a given sole.

[0035] ​​​ In this way, the protection element can generally contribute to making the sole more stable in the first partial region, thereby complementing and supporting the design of the buffer element in this regard.

[0036] It is possible for the protection element to comprise a plurality of openings and / or regions of thinner material (e.g., compared to the thickness of the protection element in the remaining part of the second partial region) in the second partial region.

[0037] The provision of such openings and / or regions of thinner material can, by means of a simple configuration, reduce the bending stiffness in the second partial region. At the same time, weight can be reduced, and in particular when provided as an outsole, profiling of the protection element can be achieved. filing) can be achieved.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the protection element to also comprise a plurality of openings and / or regions of thinner material (e.g., compared to the thickness of the protection element in the remaining part of the first partial region) in the first partial region. On average, the openings and / or regions of thinner material in the second partial region may occupy a larger area than the openings and / or regions of thinner material in the first partial region.

[0039] For the sake of clarity, the following discussion focuses on the case of openings in the protection element in the first or second partial region, respectively. However, as far as applicable, all explanations also apply to the case of regions of thinner material in the first or second partial region, respectively.

[0040] ​​By also providing an opening in the first partial region, for example, weight reduction or profiling may be achieved even in the first partial region, where a higher bending rigidity in the first partial region is ensured by the opening in the first partial region occupying a smaller area on average than the opening in the second partial region. The average area of the openings in the first partial region and the second partial region respectively can be determined by selecting a given number of openings, such as 5 openings or 10 openings respectively in the first partial region and the second partial region, and the average area of these openings is determined. Or, for example, the areas of all the openings existing in the first partial region and the second partial region are averaged respectively. Here, it is conceivable that an individual opening in the first partial region occupies a larger area than an individual opening in the second partial region. However, since the area of the openings in the first partial region is smaller on average than the area of the openings in the second partial region, when averaged over at least the two partial regions, the protective element is more difficult to bend in the first partial region than in the second partial region. Furthermore, the protective element can comprise a plurality of first protrusions with a flattened surface in the first partial region. The flattened surface of the first protrusions can increase the contact area with the ground when landing by the sole compared to protrusions with a non-flattened surface, and thus, for example, enhance the grip of the sole in the first partial region. At the same time, especially when the protective element is provided as an outsole, the gap between the first protrusions allows for ventilation of the sole.

[0041]

[0042]

[0043] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Profiling can be achieved, thereby ensuring good grip even on, for example, wet ground.

[0044] Furthermore, the protective element has a plurality of second protrusions in the second partial region, and the protrusions penetrate at least partially into the cushioning element when the sole touches the ground.

[0045] For this purpose, the second protrusions can be provided, for example, in a generally conical or pyramidal shape, thus enabling good fixation of the sole on the ground. As described above, the second partial region of the sole is arranged, for example, in the region of the sole where foot collisions mainly occur, so that the shape of the second protrusions and the at least partial penetration into the cushioning element ensure that the wearer's foot lands firmly on the ground during a collision, thus preventing slipping and the resulting injuries. Furthermore, the penetration of the second protrusions into the material of the cushioning element in the second partial region can also serve the purpose of locally influencing the shear properties of the cushioning element. This is because the material of the cushioning element is more strongly compressed at the location where the second protrusions penetrate into the material of the cushioning element, and thus, for example, has more resistance to shear forces.

[0046] In the sole according to the invention, the first partial region can extend particularly towards the central side of the sole. Furthermore, the second partial region can extend towards the lateral side of the sole.

[0047] In most people, the foot collision during a typical walking cycle occurs in the lateral region of the heel, and the contact area of the foot with the ground moves from the midfoot region across the walking cycle to the central region of the forefoot, where ​​​​​​​​​​The foot strike is performed. Therefore, by arranging the first partial region on the central side of the sole, as described above, a dynamic strike can be facilitated, and on the other hand, by arranging the second partial region on the lateral side, at least a part of the impact force can be absorbed or mitigated during the impact in the lateral heel region.

[0048] However, other arrangements of the first and second partial regions, and possibly further partial regions are also conceivable. For example, the first partial region can constitute the forefoot region of the sole, while the second partial region can constitute the heel region of the sole. Generally, various arrangements are also conceivable on the central side or the lateral side respectively, and within the forefoot region, the midfoot region and / or the heel region of the sole.

[0049] A further aspect of the present invention is provided by shoes comprising a sole according to the present invention, in particular sports shoes. In this regard, within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily combine the above-described design options and optional features of such soles according to the present invention, and it is also conceivable to omit specific aspects if considered possible for each shoe or each sole.

[0050] The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following detailed description with reference to the following drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051]

Fig. 1a

Fig. 1b

Fig. 1c

Fig. 2

[0052] A currently preferred embodiment of the present invention is a shoe for a sports shoe, in particular a running shoe. The invention is described in detail below with reference to a fuselage. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the invention can be advantageously applied to soles for other types of shoes, in particular For example, hiking shoes, leisure shoes, street shoes, basketball shoes It can also be used in shoe soles.

[0053] It should be noted that only individual embodiments of the invention can be described in more detail below. However, those skilled in the art will recognize the features and design options described with respect to these specific embodiments. The options may be modified or combined in different ways within the scope of the present invention and in a given case It should be understood that individual features may be omitted where deemed possible. To avoid redundancy, please refer specifically to the discussion in the "Summary" section above. The same applies to the detailed description below.

[0054] 1a-c show an embodiment of a shoe sole 100 according to the present invention. can be particularly employed in sports shoes, for example running shoes. The sole 100 shown is intended for the left foot of the wearer.

[0055] The sole 100 comprises a cushioning element 110, which in this example is a midsole. 110. Furthermore, the sole 100 comprises a protective element 120, 20 is provided as an outsole 120 in this example. and / or the protective element 120 constitutes only a part of the outsole. It is also conceivable that the cushioning element 110 constitutes the entire midsole 110. The example shown here, in which the protective element 120 constitutes the entire outsole 120, is particularly compact. This allows for the provision of a sole 100 that is outsourced and easily manufactured. The sole 120 is positioned directly below the midsole 110, thereby The two elements 110 and 120 are shown to be in agreement with their respective contributions to the desired control of the sole properties. In other words, they complement each other beneficially.

[0056] To achieve this desired control, the sole 100 is made up of a first partial region 105 and a second partial region 106. With respect to the sole 100 shown here, for example, the part 108 can be seen from FIG. Thus, the first partial region 105 extends in the central part of the sole 100 and the second partial region 108 extends to the lateral portion of the sole 100 .

[0057] However, as already mentioned, in a different embodiment of the sole according to the invention (not shown), In some cases, there are three or more subregions, while in others, the subregions are arranged in different ways. It is also conceivable that this will happen.

[0058] In the first partial region 105 on the central side of the sole 100, the midsole 110 The second part region 108 at the lateral side of the roll 100 has a greater stiffness. In some examples, the midsole 110 is provided as one integral piece. The different stiffnesses of the midsole 110 in the first sub-region 105 and the second sub-region 108 are achieved by different densities of the sole 100, and / or can be adjusted by, for example, a corresponding selection of the base materials used in the manufacture of the respective sub-regions. In particular, the midsole 110 can have a greater density in the first sub-region 105 than in the second sub-region 108. The midsole 110 can in particular be produced integrally from randomly oriented particles of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), the particles being fused at their surfaces. However, for example, randomly oriented particles of expanded polyamide (ePA) and / or expanded polyether-block-amide (ePEBA) (fused at their surfaces) are also conceivable. Furthermore, for example, by adjusting the filling height of the mold used in the production of the midsole 110, the amount of heat transferred to the particles, the amount of pressure exerted on the particles in the mold, or the duration of the particle treatment in different parts of the mold corresponding to the first sub-region 105 and the second sub-region 108, the stiffness of the midsole 110 after production in the first sub-region 105 and the second sub-region 108 can be controlled.

[0059] Furthermore, the midsole 110 comprises a reinforcing element 130. In this example, the reinforcing element 130 provides stability to the sole 100 in the ball-of-foot region. The reinforcing element 130 extends within the first sub-region 105 of the sole 100 and within the second sub-region 108 of the sole 100.

[0060] It bulges. The reinforcing element 130 includes a plastic material, a textile material, a foil material, etc. There may be cases, and further, there may also be a cavity for receiving electronic components, etc. .

[0061] When the sole 100 lands on the ground, the outsole 120 is on the central side of the sole 100 In the first partial region 105, it has a contact area with the ground that is larger than that in the second partial region 108 on the lateral side of the sole 100. In this example, this is achieved by the outsole 120 having a plurality of first protrusions 145 with a flattened surface in the first partial region 105 of the sole 100 . In contrast, as can be seen particularly clearly in, for example, FIG. 1b In the second partial region 108 of the sole 100, the outsole 120 has a plurality of second protrusions 148, and the protrusions 148 provide a smaller contact area with the ground. The design of the first protrusions 145 and the second protrusions 148 regarding the contact area with the ground provided by the protrusions does not essentially change along the longitudinal axis of the sole 100, so that during at least most of the walking cycle, the sole has a contact area with the ground in the first partial region 105 that is larger than that in the second partial region 108. In any case, the total contact area of the sole 100 with the ground over the entire walking cycle is larger in the first partial region 105 than in the second partial region 108. In any case, the total contact area of the sole 100 with the ground over the entire walking cycle is larger in the first partial region 105 than in the second partial region 108. region 108.

[0062] As can be clearly seen in, for example, FIGS. 1a and 1b, in the sole 1 The contact areas with the ground provided by the first protrusions 145 and the second protrusions 148 respectively in 00 are continuously in the direction from the central side of the sole 100 to the lateral side of the sole 100 is reduced and thus a particularly gentle transition of the properties of the sole during the walking cycle can be achieved It should be further noted that

[0063] In connection with the lower stiffness of the midsole 110 in the second partial region 108 of the sole 100 the "pointed" design of the second projection 148 can have the further effect that, when the sole 100 touches down on the ground, the second projection 148 penetrates at least partially into the material of the midsole 110 This can result in a particularly good touchdown of the sole 100 on the ground, for example during a collision in the lateral heel region, thereby preventing the foot from slipping under the high collision forces during the collision with the ground

[0064] Furthermore, the penetration of the second projection 148 into the material of the midsole 110 in the second partial region 108 can also serve the purpose of locally influencing the shear capacity of the midsole 110 because in the region where the second projection 148 penetrates into the material of the midsole 110, the material of the midsole 110 is more strongly compressed and thus has, for example, a higher resistance to shear

[0065] As already mentioned several times, in order to further facilitate the interaction between the midsole 110 and the outsole 120 in the two partial regions 105 and 108 of the sole 100 the outsole 120 can be provided in the first partial region 105 to be more difficult to deform, in particular more difficult to bend, than the second partial region 108 The outsole 120 can further selectively control or limit the stretching or shearing movement inside the midsole 110 ​​​​​​​In this case, this is achieved by the outsole 120 having a plurality of openings 125 in the first partial region 105 and a plurality of openings 128 in the second partial region 108. Here as clearly seen in FIGS. 1a - c, the openings 128 in the second partial region 108 occupy an area that is larger than that of the openings 125 in the first partial region 105. The openings 125 in the first partial region 1 05 can, for example, also be omitted. Further, it is also conceivable that instead of the openings 125 or 128, a thinner material is provided there in the outsole 120 (e.g., in the remaining area, especially in the area surrounding the region of the thinner material, compared to the thickness of the outsole 120 in that area).

[0066] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the sole 200 according to the present invention, which is a modified form of the sole 100 shown in FIGS. 1a - c. More precisely, the sole 200 has a different configuration of its midsole 210 compared to the sole 100. Regarding the remaining elements and features of the sole 200, the descriptions and explanations given for the sole 100 apply equally, and thus will not be discussed again for the sake of brevity.

[0067] As can be seen from FIG. 2, for the sole 200, its midsole 210 comprises two separate sub - elements 215 and 218, where, for example, as is clear from a comparison with FIG. 1a, the first sub - element 215 is mainly arranged within the first partial region 105 of the sole 200 and the second sub - element 218 is mainly arranged within the second partial region 108 of the sole 200 (here too, the first and second partial regions of the sole 200 are the same as the first partial region 105 and the second partial region 108 of the sole 100, and thus have the same reference designations). (represented by numbers). Different rigidities of the two sub-elements 215 and 218, and thus different rigidities of the midsole 210 in the first sub-region 105 and the second sub-region 108 are achieved by the first sub-element 215 having a higher density than the second sub-element 218. Both sub-elements 215 and 218 are manufactured from randomly oriented particles of eTPU fused at the surface. However, for example, randomly oriented particles of ePA and / or ePEBA fused at the surface are also conceivable. However, for example, randomly oriented particles of ePA and / or ePEBA fused at the surface are also conceivable.

[0068] The two individual sub-elements 215 and 218 may not be integrally joined to each other. Instead, the two sub-elements 215 and 218 may be fixed in position relative to each other by the outsole 120 in the assembled state of the sole 200. However, it is also conceivable that the two sub-elements 215 and 218 are integrally joined to each other, for example, by adhesion, welding, or fusion, to improve the stability and durability of the sole 200. sub-elements 215 and 218 are integrally joined to each other, for example, by adhesion, welding, or fusion, to improve the stability and durability of the sole 200. sub-elements 215 and 218 are integrally joined to each other, for example, by adhesion, welding, or fusion, to improve the stability and durability of the sole 200.

[0069] Furthermore, the midsole 210 comprises a reinforcing element 230. The reinforcing element 230 can provide stability to the sole 200 in the area of the ball of the foot, and can also serve to join the first sub-element 2 15 and the second sub-element 218 to some extent integrally. For this purpose, the reinforcing element 230 extends into both the first sub-element 215, and thus into the first sub-region 105 of the sole 200, and into the second sub-element 218, and thus into the second sub-region 108 of the sole 200. sub-region 105 of the sole 200, and into the second sub-element 218, and thus into the second sub-region 108 of the sole 200. The present invention includes the following embodiments. [Invention 1] A sole (100; 200) for shoes, in particular sports shoes, ​​a. A buffer element (110; 210), and b. A protection element (120), c. The sole (100; 200) comprises a first partial region (105) and a second partial region (1 08), d. The buffer element (110; 210) has a higher rigidity in the first partial region (105) than in the second partial region (108), e. When the sole (100; 200) lands on the ground, the protection element (120) has a larger contact area with the ground than the second partial region (108) in the first partial region (105) described above, A sole (100; 200). [Invention 2] The sole (100; 200) according to Invention 1, wherein the protection element (120) is disposed under and directly on the buffer element (110; 210). [Invention 3] The sole (100; 200) according to Invention 1 or 2, wherein the buffer element (110; 210) is provided as a midsole (110; 210) or as part of a midsole (110; 210). [Invention 4] The sole (100; 200) according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the protection element (120) is provided as an outsole (120) or as part of an outsole (1 20). [Invention 5] The sole (100; 200) according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the buffer element (110; 210) has a higher density in the first partial region (105) than in the second partial region (108). [Invention 6] The buffer element (110; 210) is a foam material, particularly a foamed thermoplastic polyurethane or a foamed A sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 5, comprising randomly oriented particles of foam polyether-block-amide. [Invention 7] A sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 6, wherein the buffer element (110; 210) further comprises a reinforcing element (130; 230). [Invention 8] A sole (100; 200) according to invention 7, wherein the reinforcing element (130; 230) extends into both the first partial region (105) of the sole (100; 200) and the second partial region (108) of the sole (100; 200). [Invention 9] A sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 8, wherein the protection element (120) is more difficult to deform than the second partial region (108) in the first partial region (105), and is particularly rigid against bending. [Invention 10] A sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 9, wherein the protection element (120) comprises a plurality of openings (128) and / or regions of thinner material in the second partial region (108). (100; 200). [Invention 11] A sole (100; 200) according to invention 10, wherein the protection element (120) also comprises a plurality of openings (125) and / or regions of thinner material in the first partial region (105), and on average, the openings (128) and / or regions of thinner material in the second partial region (108) occupy a larger area than the openings (125) and / or regions of thinner material in the first partial region (105). 105). [Invention 12] A sole (100; 200) according to invention 10, wherein the protection element (120) has a flattened surface in the first partial region (105).​​​​​​​​​​ The sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 11, comprising a plurality of first protrusions (145). (100; 200). [Invention 13] The protection element (120) has a plurality of second protrusions (14 8) in the second partial region (108), and when the protrusion (148) touches the ground with the sole (100; 200), it at least partially penetrates into the buffer element (110; 210). The sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 12 (100; 200). [Invention 14] The first partial region (105) extends toward the center side of the sole (100; 200). The sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 13 [Invention 15] The second partial region (108) extends toward the side of the sole (100; 200). The sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 14 [Invention 16] A shoe comprising the sole (100; 200) according to any one of inventions 1 to 15 , particularly a sports shoe.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 100 Sole 105 First partial region 108 Second partial region 110 Buffer element 120 Protection element 125 Opening 128 Opening 130 Reinforcement element 200 Sole 210 Buffer element 230 Reinforcement element

Claims

1. A sole for shoes, comprising: a cushioning element provided as a midsole or as part of a midsole; and a protection element provided as an outsole or as part of an outsole, wherein the sole has a first partial region extending towards the central side of the sole and a second partial region extending towards the lateral side of the sole, wherein the cushioning element has a higher rigidity in the first partial region than in the second partial region, wherein the cushioning element comprises a first partial element arranged within the first partial region and a second partial element arranged within the second partial region, the first partial element and the second partial element being separate and not integrally joined to each other, a sole.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein when the sole lands on the ground, the protection element has a larger contact area with the ground in the first partial region than in the second partial region.

3. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protection element is arranged under and directly on the cushioning element.

4. The sole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first partial element and the second partial element are fixed in position relative to each other by the protection element in the assembled state of the sole.

5. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cushioning element has a higher density in the first partial region than in the second partial region.

6. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cushioning element comprises randomly oriented particles of a foamed material.

7. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cushioning element further comprises a reinforcing element.

8. The sole according to claim 7, wherein the reinforcing element extends into both the first partial region and the second partial region of the sole.

9. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protection element is less deformable in the first partial region than in the second partial region.

10. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protection element has a plurality of openings and / or regions of thinner material in the second partial region.

11. The sole according to claim 10, wherein the protection element also comprises a plurality of openings and / or regions of thinner material in the first partial region, and on average, the openings and / or regions of thinner material in the second partial region occupy a larger area than the openings and / or regions of thinner material in the first partial region.

12. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the protection element comprises a plurality of first protrusions having a flattened surface in the first partial region.

13. The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the protection element comprises a plurality of second protrusions in the second partial region, and when the sole lands on the ground, the plurality of second protrusions penetrate at least partially into the buffer element.

14. The protection element comprises a plurality of first protrusions having a flattened surface in the first partial region, The protection element comprises a plurality of second protrusions in the second partial region, The sole according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the contact area between the first protrusion and the ground is larger than the contact area between the second protrusion and the ground.

15. The sole according to claim 14, wherein the contact area between the first protrusion and the ground and the contact area between the second protrusion and the ground decrease from the central side to the lateral side of the sole.

16. A shoe comprising the sole according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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